Like anywhere else you’ll travel, Italy certainly has times and seasons that are better for visiting than others. And perhaps surprisingly, late spring and early fall are typically thought of as the ideal. This is because both April to June and mid-September to the end of October are incredibly mild temperature-wise, welcome relatively reasonable crowds compared to the usual summer hordes, and lend to the surrounding areas’ beauty.

Truly – there are few better sights out there than Italy’s city centers full of blooming flowers or its rural landscapes painted in the vivid shades of autumn.

 Truly – there are few better sights out there than Italy’s city centers full of blooming flowers or its rural landscapes painted in the vivid shades of autumn.

You might want to brush up on your Italian. Those of us in the English-speaking world tend to get cocky, believing that we’ll be able to easily communicate anywhere we travel. The reality of it is a little different. While it’s true that English is a major language known far and wide (and even required in many schools around the globe these days), you still shouldn’t assume everyone around you knows how to speak it. Current figures still peg that only about a third of Italians can speak English fluently, meaning you could be in trouble relying on your native tongue. So, don’t cut corners. Try to at least learn some basic Italian before setting off on your grand adventure. Also, honestly try and listen whenever someone’s speaking to or around you. You’ll be surprised how much you pick up on by simply paying attention. 

Pickpockets can be a problem. One of the biggest concerns that folks have when traveling to a new location is whether it’s safe or not. For those stepping foot onto Italian soil for the first time, you’ll be pleased to know that Italy ranks pretty low on the danger scale. 

People traveling both solo and in a group don’t have to worry as much here as in some other countries as violence is far reduced from what we see right here in the US, and foreigners are generally treated pretty well. Do stay vigilant for pickpocketers, though. Petty theft in crowded areas does happen and isn’t terribly unusual. Thus, you should keep your valuables locked up wherever you’re staying or securely on your person in an anti-theft bag. 

It’s better to simply ditch the car. Italians are great at many things. They make fantastic food, know how to truly relax, dress way better than the average Joe, and are some of the most passionate soccer fans in the world. But let’s just say that driving works a little differently over there. 

Compared to what you’re likely used to, the traffic is super packed, roads and signs can get confusing fast, and their driving can be more on the aggressive side. Not the greatest environment if you want to travel by car. Our suggestion, then? Just ditch it. You’re better off taking a train anyways. Speedy, convenient, and offering fantastic Italian countryside views, it’s by far the superior transportation method. 

You should have no trouble using cards. Debit and credit cards have been around for a good long while now. It’s honestly shocking to eat out or visit a shop that doesn’t take major offerings like Mastercard or Visa. But when traveling, it’s not the same. There are still several places where cash is still king, especially without crazy amounts of planning and forethought. Not encouraging for those of us who prefer to ditch the bulky bills and pay for everything with plastic. 

However, we bring good news, and it’s that you shouldn’t have any serious problems using your card in Italy. Businesses in cities and small towns alike usually take foreign credit cards, and ATMS that accept them are equally plentiful. It’s recommended to keep a little cash on hand for small purchases like gelato or train tickets, but otherwise, you’re largely free to use whatever payment method works best for you.

Be prepared to take your time. You know that old saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do?” It’s a smart attitude to have when traveling throughout all of Italy. When in doubt, do as the locals. And you know what that means – expect to take your sweet, sweet time. Italians love to rest and relax (in fact, their famous phrase “dolce far niente” roughly translates to “the art of doing nothing”) and luxuriate in the day. 

Follow their example! Enjoy a ridiculously long lunch, and don’t forget to indulge in that extra glass or two of wine. Sightsee on your own schedule and people watch whenever you can. Leave plenty of open areas in your itinerary and allow yourself the option to do whatever you want. Wander around Italy’s little side streets and see what all you find. Just whatever you do, don’t rush. Visiting Italy is a whole experience all itself. Embrace it. …And maybe a trusty map while you’re at it. Regardless of whether you take your time or not, you’ll probably get lost a few times without some clear help to steer you right. 

• Indulge in the typical touristy stuff, including riding a gondola in Venice, visiting all the ancient Roman sites, touring Pompeii, and doing a wine tasting at local vineyards.
• For the outdoorsy types: hike the Cinque Terre. Just be sure you’ve got plenty of stamina, are well-prepared, and not afraid of heights, because it’s not leisurely by any means!
• Eat the food – all of it. However, don’t give in and merely gobble up everything in one spot. Each of Italy’s 20 regions has a specialty. For example, pizza’s good everywhere but most authentic in Naples. Meanwhile, risotto is best in Lombardy, and Rome is the home of fantastic carbonara. 
• Swim in Capri’s Blue Grotto. The blue light that reflects off of the seawater into the cavern is beyond gorgeous. Give yourself the opportunity to see it in person. Trust us.
• Go and watch an opera performance at Teatro Massimo. Even if opera isn’t usually your thing, it’s an experience anyone visiting Italy should experience at least once. And who knows, you might actually find yourself enjoying it. Between the incredible singing talent required, amazing opera house architecture, and the novelty of it all, the odds are you’ll have a fantastic time if you let yourself. 
• Take a bike tour through Tuscany. So many of us adults put down our bikes and left them in our childhood, but it’s time to break it out. Why? Because Tuscany indeed calls for it. There are tons of bike tours available, allowing you to get some exercise, enjoy the perfect weather, and see spectacular views all at once. 

The country of good food, close family, and awe-inspiring art/architecture loans itself to leisure. The Italian people see life as something to enjoy, and fully expect travelers to follow suit. But where do you even start? Amongst centuries of culture and seemingly limitless activities, how do you pick what to do?