What do you do when you're missing Italy? For me, it's going back through some of my favorite pictures, like this one from Rome.
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Editorial Director, Wanderer at Heart
Heather Hurd Founding Member
I'm a mom, a professional writer and editor, and a 2021 immigrant to the Netherlands from the US. I have been to Italy twice, both times as part of art history/archaeology work trips, and it was Italy that kicked off my love of travel and my determination to live in Europe. Now in NL with my husband and kiddo, we're looking forward to traveling Europe with abandon!
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Some friends who backpacked across Europe a few years ago shared some tips I thought might be of interest to anyone in the group looking for a more adventurous way to experience Italy. I'm not sure how backpacking might be impacted by COVID restrictions, but thought these were worth sharing regardless:
1. Plan your itinerary in advance - know what cities you plan to visit and how you'll get from one to the next.
2. Have a list of your "must-do" items in each destination, but be careful not to over-plan. Seasoned travelers know that the best laid plans don't always happen, and you may miss out on some unexpected gems if you're scheduled down to the minute. Leave yourself downtime for naps, jet lag, idly wandering the town, and unexpected changes to your carefully made plans.
3. Related to #2, don't be afraid to check out the big touristy spots. They're well-known for a reason. But also make sure you plan for at least a few lesser known places to explore. (Don't forget the often overlooked eastern parts of Italy.)
4. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Do your research on average temperatures before you travel, and pack accordingly.
5. If hotels are out of your budget and hostels give you the creeps, consider camping. There are a lot of great campsites around the country that can be a great way to travel safely and on a budget.
6. Save money by buying bottles of wine to drink wherever you're staying instead of buying by the glass in restaurants. Cook your own food when you can to cut down on eating out, and skip the pricey bars and clubs.
7. Do not forget a reusable water bottle. Most of Italy has very accessible, very clean drinking water and you should absolutely take advantage of it.
8. Use public transportation to get around. Sure, you can get a taxi, but at least in the larger cities, buses and subway systems will save you money and get you to your destination easily.
9. Explore free options! The Guardian put together a great list of free things in Rome (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/may/06/top-10-free-things-to-do-rome-italy) and there are a million bloggers out there who've made great lists of free options, great things to do with kids, etc.
1. Plan your itinerary in advance - know what cities you plan to visit and how you'll get from one to the next.
2. Have a list of your "must-do" items in each destination, but be careful not to over-plan. Seasoned travelers know that the best laid plans don't always happen, and you may miss out on some unexpected gems if you're scheduled down to the minute. Leave yourself downtime for naps, jet lag, idly wandering the town, and unexpected changes to your carefully made plans.
3. Related to #2, don't be afraid to check out the big touristy spots. They're well-known for a reason. But also make sure you plan for at least a few lesser known places to explore. (Don't forget the often overlooked eastern parts of Italy.)
4. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Do your research on average temperatures before you travel, and pack accordingly.
5. If hotels are out of your budget and hostels give you the creeps, consider camping. There are a lot of great campsites around the country that can be a great way to travel safely and on a budget.
6. Save money by buying bottles of wine to drink wherever you're staying instead of buying by the glass in restaurants. Cook your own food when you can to cut down on eating out, and skip the pricey bars and clubs.
7. Do not forget a reusable water bottle. Most of Italy has very accessible, very clean drinking water and you should absolutely take advantage of it.
8. Use public transportation to get around. Sure, you can get a taxi, but at least in the larger cities, buses and subway systems will save you money and get you to your destination easily.
9. Explore free options! The Guardian put together a great list of free things in Rome (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/may/06/top-10-free-things-to-do-rome-italy) and there are a million bloggers out there who've made great lists of free options, great things to do with kids, etc.
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CovidLooks like the Italian government has fixed the price for FFP2 masks, so be on the lookout: https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/covid-italy-sets-fixed-price-for-ffp2-masks.html
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Just wanted to send a big GRAZIE to Shelley Ruelle for fielding all of these travel/COVID/holiday questions. Hope everyone in the group had a lovely and low-stress holiday season!
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Since fall is absolutely my favorite season, I found (and wanted to share) some articles about awesome fall things in Italy. What are your favorite fall destinations, events, and activities in Italy?
https://www.viaggidigusto.com/blog/2017/3/26/the-12-best-fall-festivals-in-italy
https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/things-to-do/8-ways-enjoy-autumn-in-italy
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/italy-autumn-holiday-destinations/
https://www.viaggidigusto.com/blog/2017/3/26/the-12-best-fall-festivals-in-italy
https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/things-to-do/8-ways-enjoy-autumn-in-italy
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/italy-autumn-holiday-destinations/
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Trip PlanningWe're starting to seriously consider a Christmas trip to Rome. How cold does it get? Should we be prepared for snow?
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When I last went to Italy, I'd been regularly studying Italian and spoke it pretty well. Now it's been years and I remember very little. Outside of the major cities, like Rome, how hard will it be to get around and shop/eat/travel without Italian?
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Get Started HereHi everyone - happy to be here. I've been to Italy twice, both times based in Rome for several weeks doing art history/archaeology work ... but it's been probably fifteen years since I've been to Italy.
Now we're looking at coming back around Christmas to go to Rome, and making trips to Florence, Venice and Naples later in 2022. I'm just excited to be here, see what everyone else has going on, and get/give advice along the way!
Now we're looking at coming back around Christmas to go to Rome, and making trips to Florence, Venice and Naples later in 2022. I'm just excited to be here, see what everyone else has going on, and get/give advice along the way!
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