Italy
This country is extremely special to me. Italy has everything and Italy is everything. From wine, pasta, cheese, pizza and gelato to everything in between, this culinary powerhouse leaves you begging for more with its cuisine alone. Add in a history buff and art enthusiast’s dream; breathtaking landscapes of mountains, lakes, seaside villages and bustling cities and what is widely considered the most beautiful language in the world and you’ve got yourself heaven on earth. But beyond all of that, my absolute favorite part is the culture and the people. The passion and exuberance for life and the world around them is a well known characteristic of Italians from around the globe. It is assured you will leave here with a fuller mind, stomach and heart.
Basic Info
Drinking water: Safe to drink from the tap
Plugs: Type C and F (See photo below)
Covid Updates
This will depend on a few different factors, based on a tiered system based on where you’ve been in the last 14 days. Most fully vaccinated travelers or those with a negative PCR can forgo quarantine, but check the link below for which applies to you. Some will have to undergo a 5 day quarantine.
**Make sure to triple check entry requirements well before departure as protocols are constantly changing**
Money
Official currency: € Euro
Budget: Accommodation is on par with the rest of Western Europe. Food is fairly inexpensive, especially if you’re eating at the delicious mom and pop restaurants. Activities can add up as there are a lot of museums and excursions – that will all contribute to the daily budget. Backpackers should expect to pay around €60 per day while mid range is around €120.
Credit cards: Common
Tipping: Not expected but appreciated
Visas
Schengen state. 62 countries can enter for 90 days within 180 visa free.
**Always check with your government for the most up to date information on visa requirements.**
Vaccinations
None
**Assuming you are current on routine vaccinations. Always check with your government for the most accurate and up to date information on required vaccinations specific to your home country**
Safety
Exercise Normal Precautions
**Always check with your government for the most accurate and up to date information on safety**
Language
Official Languages: Italian
Hello: Ciao Goodbye: Ciao
Thank-you: Grazie
Yes: Si No: No
Beer: Birra Water: Acqua
When to go
From April – early June and September – October you will enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds than the height of summer. Mid June – August the temps, crowds and prices are at their peak. Beware of cities in August as Italians get time off and many places are shut down as they head to the beaches or the mountains.
Winters aren’t particularly harsh anywhere in the country but the mountains have some nice skiing and snowboarding.
Responsible Travel
Hire local guides
Eat, stay and shop local
Always be environmentally conscious
Get away from the tourist traps and into the lesser known parts
