Italy Tips for the First Time Traveler

Italy has always been one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Here are some quick how to tips for Italy

Italy Travel Hints

• Try to not arrive when everyone else does: June thru September. Instead aim for the shoulder season where the crowds will less, the prices lower and the queues shorter.
• Pack light - you won't regret it. One small bag that you can easy carry yourself on and off planes, trains and up and down stairs will give you a lot more freedom. Don't expect every hotel to have an elevator - they don't.
• The majority of long-distance fights arrive either in Roma or Milano: you will get the best priced airfare to these airports. You may get a better over-all cost looking for a cheap flight into London or Amsterdam and then connecting on to Italy using a local European budget airline such as EasyJet or Ryan Air.
• If you do use a low cost airline check how far out of town the airport they are using is and how much it will cost you to get back into town. Few of the cheaper airports will be as convenient as Rome's Fumcino airport where you can catch the Leonardo Express train to Rome's Termini Station for Euro11
• Don't worry about not speaking Italian - if you speak French or Spanish you won't have a lot of problem. Even if you don't patience, acting, sign language and a sense of humor will get you a long way.
• Train Travel. If you are going to use the Eurail pass for discounted train travel within Europe you need to purchase your pass before leaving home. Do you figures carefully though, many of the passes are not good value unless you are traveling from one end of Europe to the other. Also if you are over 26 you will have to travel first class on an Eurail pass while second class is comfortable and available for tickets bought in Italy.
• Italy has a fairly low rate of crime. Be careful of pickpockets in major cities but there is probably less violent crime than in your home town. Be aware of your surroundings in large train stations and popular tourist sites. The Romans never carry a bag slung over a shoulder but hung diagonally across the body - and you should too.

Enjoy your Italian vacation: hopefully these Italy vacation hints have helped