Italian Travel Tips

You've heard the old saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." This old adage is as true today as it was when it was coined (not in the exact words) by St. Ambrose in 387 A.D. The saying is true no matter what country you're in. Following are tips that will help you navigate Italy without a lot of unpleasant surprises:

• Never wear short shorts or beach attire around town.
  
• Although Italy is known for fashion, you'll be surprised at just how subdued Italian dress is. Dark colors are worn by almost everyone in fall and winter. Lighter versions of these colors are worn in spring and summer. If you want to stand out among Italians, wear bright colors. You'll be screaming, "I'm a tourist," to every Italian, including thieves and con artists.
  
• Don't be surprised if museums and certain religious venues do not allow photographs to be taken. Flash photography especially is considered disruptive.
  
• Most stores will not allow you to try on shirts and blouses.
  
• Returning an item that you purchase is almost never done in Italy.
  
• Most of Italy is NOT wheel-chair friendly. Wheel-chair access to restaurant bathrooms is almost non-existent, and buses are not wheel-chair compatible.
  
• European DVD and VCR players have different formats than America. Ours won't work there and theirs won't work here.
  
• In an emergency, the equivalent of 911 in America is 113 in Italy.
  
• Don't wear a fanny pack on your fanny or a backpack that is too easily accessible. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are rampant in Italy's major cities and can make off with your valuables without your feeling a thing.
  
• Italians drink mineral water at most restaurants, either with gas (bubbly) or without (natural). Bottled water is suggested for everyday drinking.
  
• Breakfast in Italy is a cappucino or espresso and a sweet roll (dolce). If you want an American-style breakfast, better head for McDonald's.
  
• On a menu, what you see is what you get. Italians rarely make special requests.
  
• Be prepared for a gelato (Italian ice cream) break two or three times a day.
  
• There is no such thing as a "kid's menu." You will have to ask up front for a half portion if your child can't eat a full portion.
  
• You will more than likely have to ask for your check at a trattoria or ristorante.
  
• Restaurant checks typically include a charge for a tip, but if the service is above average, an additional token of your appreciation is always appreciated. Pay this in cash.
  
• It is difficult anymore to find some place to cash Traveler's Checks except banks and currency exchanges. ATM's are the new cash machines and they can be found in all but the most remote parts of the country. So leave everything but your Visa card and your bank card at home.
  
• If you plan to drive in Italy, don't even bother to navigate the large cities like Rome, Milan, Naples or Florence. You'll get a ticket, get in an accident, get lost, get arrested or all four. Leave the car on the outskirts or in a small suburb and take a train, bus or cab into city center.
  
• Parking spaces in Italy are at a premium, and fines for violations are high and rigidly enforced. Don't be surprised if you find that your car has been towed if you flagrantly violate a parking law.
  
• Talking or texting on a cell phone while driving is illegal. You must use your headlights at all times while driving on roads outside city limits. Children's car seats and seat belts are mandatory.
  
• Never vacation in Italy (or for that matter, anywhere in Europe) in August. Nearly everyone is on vacation during this month.
  
• Be prepared for transit strikes. Italians have been known to call a bus or train strike in the morning and return to work in the afternoon, or it can last a few days.
  
• Italians are a leisurely sort. They enjoy their coffee breaks. They love to eat. Go with the flow and slow down as much as you can to enjoy the ambiance of Italy.