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Italy Travel Checklist

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Your Italy travel checklist for summer should be more than just your passport and airlines tickets unless you are a citizen of the European Union.

Americans have found out what the Europeans have known for years. If you want to enjoy the sun and relax, Italy is the destination of choice. This is a country surrounded on three sides with the Mediterranean Sea so a place on the beach is assured.

Americans need to be better prepared than Europeans when traveling to Italy for the simple reason it is a different region of the world. Some of the basic needs and service you are used to in the US are not the same or even offered where you are going. The 24 hour Walgreens for your prescriptions is an American thing. You will not find one where you are going. The same goes for 1 hour eyeglasses, only in America. Even the names of common items are different there. If you have a head ache and need a couple of Tylenol or acetaminophen, then you will need to ask for paracetamol.

For this reason being prepared for the unexpected should be one of your top priorities. Your favorite sunscreen should be packed along with your prescription medicines. If you have allergies, the over the counter relief pills should also be brought along.

As for personal care items, the soap, shampoo and lotions should be packed in containers for use while you are there. Generally only take enough for what you will actually use there. This will free up some space for the souvenirs you plan to purchase while on vacation in Italy.

Take just enough cloths for the trip and do not plan on having any laundry service while there. This is available, but the detergents are different and some people have allergic reactions to a new soap which would decrease the enjoyment of the trip.

When it comes to electronic equipment, look at your chargers. Most of the modern equipment like laptops, cameras and iPods have chargers that can handle both 110 and 220 volts. Make sure yours do so you can use them while in Italy. Your standard 110 items like hairdryers or curling irons should just stay at home unless you purchase a 220 to 110 adaptor so you can use them. This should be done while you are still in America.

Last, you need not worry about cells phones. The charges will be very high so purchase local disposable ones for you and the members of your group. This will keep the cost down and they will work without any problems.

These are a few of the things that should be on your Italy travel checklist for summer. Just remember to travel as light as possible because you will be carrying the items you are bringing. For women this means only 3 bags and for men only 2.

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Many people have asked, what are the fun Italy tours? There is only one proper reply and that is they all are fun. The exact tour or tours that you will enjoy the most is dependent on what your interests are in. There are mountains to climb or sea side villages perched on cliffs that are stuck in time to experience. If visiting vineyards, roman baths or ruins are on your mind, all or just one can be done while you are in Italy.

Italy Fun Tours

Of all the provinces of Italy, Tuscany has been one of the most popular to visit in recent years by both Europeans and Americans alike. This province is located on the upper eastern side of Italy where the climate is tempered so year round tours are possible. There is nearly every type of experience one could ask for in this region of Italy.

Not only is Tuscany filled with rich history from before the Roman times, but also the best wine in all of Italy is grown there. Gourmet wine tours are available where you can visit small or large wineries that are producing beautiful bouquets of wine while you are there. You can see the process and taste the results. Some of the more famous vineyards are Tenuta Argentiera, Grattamacco, Sassicaia and Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia where wine, cheese and even gourmet dinner can be experienced.

If your love of art is strongest then the quarries of Carrara where Michael Angelo obtained his white marble for his famous creations should be on your list of places to visit. There are also castles in the Lunigiana valley you can explore or just eat the Panigacci from Podenzana.

To know and experience all of what Italy has to offer does truly take a guide. This would make it possible to experience fun Italy tours to be enjoyed by you and your group when you visit. The opportunities in Italy are seemingly endless.

Click this link to read more about: Easy Italy Tours: Wine, Olive Oil and Fun!

Click this link to Download the FREE Italy Day Trips Travel Guide

The current Italy travel cost for Americans is dependent on the fluctuation of the Euro against the dollar. Since the beginning of the year, this fluctuation has been between 1 Euro to 1.19 and 1.26 US Dollars. This, in essence, means for every Euro, an America needs nearly $1.25.

The overall cost of a trip will be dependent on how many services you need or desire while on your trip. A 4-star trip with outstanding accommodations that can last for 2 weeks can run a couple around $7000. For those on a tighter budget, 2-star accommodations will reduce the price to just under $3000 for the same length of time. This is without food and drinks included.

The lowest cost accommodations are the hostels. These will run from $20 to $30 a night per person. If you desire a private room in a hotel, look to the smaller towns to stay. There are many with prices as low as $60. This is comparable to the hostels in the major cities, but you will not be in Rome or Venice.

A meal will cost, on average, between 20 to 50 Euros ($30 to $75) for dinner, and 10 to 20 Euros ($15 to $30) for lunch. This is for eating out.

The place where the most money can be saved is with transportation. Public transportation is how most Europeans travel. This is because of the outrageous taxes that are placed on fuel in Europe. There are trains and buses that should be used to keep the price of your trip down to a minimum. Zone passes can be purchased if you plan to stay in a particular region of Italy, which can save you time and money.

The last of the Italy travel cost is the 20% VAT or value added tax. In Italy, it is called the Imposta di Valore Aggiunto (IVA). On all purchases over 155 Euros, this tax can be reimbursed upon leaving the country, if you have kept your receipts.

7 Recommended Day Trips in Northern Italy:

You will note that we now have a Free Italy Travel Guide available for instant download. Federica Merli has presented seven one-day trips that you may select from for the best tour value for very little cost. The fact that she is a local tour escort. and lives in the area, gives her the experience necessary to offer fun, informative and very memorable day trips, or extended vacation guided tours of Northern Italy.

Even if you are visiting Italy on some other guided tour program, do yourself a favor and take advantage of one of her discounted special guided day trips. We are convinced that once you sign up for one of her one-day trips you will be planning on coming back for more. Go ahead and download it now.

These Italy travel hints are to assist any travelers to this wonderfully romantic European country to have a more enjoyable time during their brief stay. The busy season in Italy is between June and September. For this reason if you are traveling there at this time expect crowds and some lines at the major destinations.

With all things in economics, when the demand is higher, the prices are higher. Expect a small price increase on hotels, car rentals and other amenities when there during this time of the year.

Because of the crowds, certain precautions should be taken so your vacation is not marred by an unpleasant event like the loss of money. Travelers checks can be replaced if stolen, but it would be better to just keep them.

To help do this make it difficult for pick pockets to have access to them. By either not carrying a wallet or placing it in your front pocket, chances are you will make it impossible for someone to place their hand on your money.

When packing for the trip, remember you will be making purchases of some cloths while you are there. In addition you will be carrying what you pack. Many of the hotels in the smaller cities do not have elevators and the main form of transport is trains. A back pack should be sufficient. Traveling lite will give you more energy to explore Italy.

Do a little research on the places you wish to visit before you leave. There are statues that are only visible at low tide to see if you know about them and islands with monasteries that have nightly prayer vigils. By having a good plan, more things can be seen which generally translates to a better trip.

The most important of all the Italy travel hints is to have fun and enjoy yourself while visiting this historic country. It will be a trip to remember.

The well known Italy travel highlights are pretty much a given. This includes Rome, Venice, and the Italian Riviera. With over 20 million visitors a year, more and more sites are becoming popular tourist attractions.

This is how the leaning tower of Pisa became a tourist attraction. It is unique, one of a kind and has become a World Heritage site. This tower was constructed in 1173, but there are many buildings older than this in Italy.

What most people come to see, at least on their first visit, are the old Roman ruins to give visitors a feel for how much Rome has expanded from this time. One of the oldest is the Pantheon. The construction on this temple was started in 27 BC. When it was constructed, the Pantheon was on the outskirts of Rome. Because of fires, the present day Pantheon is the third one that has been built. The present day building was rebuilt starting in 126 AD. This building has been in continuous use since it was first constructed. Since the 7th century, it has been a Roman Catholic Church that is dedicated to Saint Mary and the Martyrs.

The Roman Coliseum was constructed in 80 AD.  It too has seen the effects of fire and earthquakes that have left it in disrepair. It had been in continuous use until the early 19 century when finally, because of the numerous earthquakes and fires, it has become only a place for tourists and as a sacred place where so many Christians were sacrificed.

There are also the canals of Venice where over 400 bridges crossing the waterways can be found. Florence is in the heart of Tuscany. This is home to the renaissance period where works from Machiavelli and Michelangelo can be found.

Sorrento is the kind of Italian town that most people think of when imagining Italy. This city overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, on top of high cliffs.

These are just a few of the better known Italy travel highlights. With so much to see, it is nearly impossible to mention them all.

An Italy travel consultant can save the travelers to Europe a lot of headaches and lost enjoyment by guiding them around any problems that might be present. With the way the economies of the world are on shaky ground, having an insight to what is occurring in a country can be very beneficial.

Like most European countries, there are labor strikes in Italy. Luckily, they are mainly restricted to the larger cities like Rome. Your consultant will be aware of this and can help plan your trip around any trouble spots that might be taking place. In addition, most strikes only last a day or two so scheduling a trip when no planned strikes are going to take place is possible.

Other advantages of having a travel consultant is that they will know when the harvests of the grapes are scheduled and the releasing of new wine vintages are taking place. This way, the best possible wine tasting tour can be arranged.

With over 1000 festivals, timing your arrival during festival season can be made possible. These festivals take place year round, but a majority of them are held during the summer months. Knowing when and where to go can make your trip more enjoyable.

For those that want to avoid the crowds, timing is also important. The month of June is when most workers across Europe go on holiday and visit the beaches. With Italy being the southernmost region of Europe and having the vast area of beaches available, most Europeans on holiday venture there.

These are just  a few of the ways that your Italy travel consultant can assist you with on your travel plans that will help you get the most out of your next visit to Italy.

When packing Italy travel clothes, many would-travelers, especially women, get a little anxious at what clothes to bring. We all know that Italians are, almost to a person, a fashionable lot.  But as a tourist traveling to Italy, you do not have to spend a fortune in designer frocks either to feel like you fit in as a traveler in Italy. Do not be too overly concerned with looking “out of style.” Wearing habits are the result of culture-rooted traditions.

Check the weather forecast. Keep in mind the temperatures can vary widely from north to south of the peninsula. Look at the temperature average of the destinations you are going to visit before packing your luggage.

It is worth spending time, and money, to get the right comfortable shoes even if you just plan to walk in the cities. Consider the sidewalks and streets paved with cobblestones you have to face for your visits to museums, churches, archeological sites, and historical areas. Narrow and climbing streets are typical features of historical centers in Italy, whether in the large cities as well as in small towns. However, buy your shoes in advance and break them in before your holiday starts if you plan on bringing a new pair of shoes.

Pack tops and bottoms that you can mix and match. Keep them comfortable, loose-fitting, and easily washable. Pack short-sleeves or pretty tank tops and a couple of longer-sleeved layers. Remember that you are required to avoid shorts, tops, or similar clothing that reveal too much skin when visiting churches and monasteries. Bring a lightweight jacket for rain or chill, or a couple of long silk scarves which will add some pizzazz to a mundane look, as well as keep you cozy if the weather turns a bit chilly. Include at least one dressy outfit for a night out on the town.

Whatever your fashions sense, remember to travel light when thinking of what Italy travel clothes to pack.  We want you to enjoy whichever of the Italy Travel Tours you decide to take.

Your Italy travel checklist is a very important item that should not be discounted because it is inconvenient. It should be remembered that you are traveling to a foreign country where the laws are different, and what is readily available is not the same as in America.

Your passport will not be hard to remember but there are other items that, if forgotten, could mean more than discomfort during your trip. Any medication should be on the top of your checklist. Just in case something happens, you should take twice the amount needed and have them in two separate bags. This way you will be assured to have a readily available supply.

Another personal item that should be thought of is if you wear prescription eyeglasses. It would be a shame to be somewhere new and not be able to see it clearly. A spare pair of glasses is recommended.

Personal hygiene products vary from country to country. It would be uncomfortable to have a rash while visiting Italy. To help avoid this, you should bring your own soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Shaving products and feminine hygiene products are also advisable to bring.

Along with your passport, your driver’s license should be readily available. Most countries, including Italy, allow visitors to drive as long as they have a valid license from their home country.

The documentation of your insurance might be needed. This should be included in your belongings that travel with you. This should include both health and travel insurance.

If you want to take any electronic equipment or electrical items, keep in mind that Italy uses 220 volts. Most power converters for cell phones and computers are capable of being used there, but hair dryers and curling irons will not.

The last thing on your Italy travel checklist should be how you are leaving your home. The lights should be set on timers and have a neighbor pick up the mail and newspapers. If your home looks vacant, the chances for an intrusion are increased.

A simple check of your list will make your vacation to Italy a most pleasant memory.  Have fun!

When visiting Italy, travel tips should be known. For most visitors, this is a foreign country that most have only read about in history books, and seen in movies.

For American citizens, entry to the country of Italy is regulated under the Schengen agreement. In this document, Americans entering the country of Italy for tourism or business reasons can stay for a period of 90 days without a visa.

When traveling around Italy, you should be aware there are areas around many of the historical centers that have limited traffic. If an unauthorized vehicle crosses into one of these areas, a picture of their license plate is taken and a ticket is sent to the vehicle owner. These areas are limited to buses, police cars, and ambulances. These areas are identified with a white sign that has a red circle on it. The words “zona traffico limitato” are also present. In most cases, the hours of this limitation are stated below the sign.

The speed of a vehicle is also closely monitored by an electronic system called the Autovelox. If your vehicle exceeds the posted speed by 5%, a ticket will be issued. This system is on most major highways and many auxiliary roads.

In northern and central Italy, topless sunbathing is a common occurrence, but only on the beaches. The south is more conservative and most ladies keep their tops on, but it is not required by law.  Be sure to bring plenty of sun tan oil or sun block as the sun is very powerful on the beaches here.

Dress comfortably in light clothes but have a sweater or wind breaker handy for the evening hours.

These are just a few Italy travel tips you should be aware of when making plans to visit Italy.

For Italy travel, June is the most popular month of the year. This is when everyone seems to go to Italy for a holiday. The weather is fantastic and the towns are filled with festivals. Because of the crowds, some of the prices are higher with the airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies but that is just the old economics of supply and demand.

Besides the great sunny and warm weather, there are over 5000 festivals, historical re-enactments, and sagre or feast festivals that take place every year. The month of June has the greatest number of these celebrations, which is what attracts the big crowds.

The month of festivals starts off with the Festa della Repubblica on June 2nd. The Corpus Domini is celebrated 60 days after Easter which falls in the month of June each year. On the 24th of June, the Feast Day of San Giovanni is celebrated. All three of these festivals are celebrated in numerous towns across Italy. In Rome, the Pope leads a procession from Rome’s Cathedral to Santa Maria Maggiore.

The Sunday after Corpus Domini, there is a flower petal festival called Infiorata where art displays are exhibited to the public in many towns across Italy.

On June 16th, the Luminara of Saint Ranieri is celebrated in the town of Pisa. After night fall, the buildings along the river and the bridges are illuminated with over 70,000 lighted candles in small glass holders. The following day is the feast of Saint Ranieri which is the patron saint of the town of Pisa. Also on the 17th is the Regatta of Saint Ranieri. In this race, all four districts of Pisa are represented and it is held on the Arno River.

The last week in June, there is the International Ceramics Festival in Montelupo, Tuscany, and the Medieval Festival in Umbrian of Bevagna.

This is just a partial list of what you can expect in your Italy travel. June is the month to become an Italian for a short time and enjoy the good life.  It is not too late to contact: Tuscany with Me and take in some of these excellent festivals.