Make The Most Of Your Italian Vacation With These Must-Know Hacks
By Nick Robertson
VACATIONS
Pack Light
Italy has a lot of hills, and carrying overstuffed luggage will leave you winded. Also, Italy's cobblestoned streets make pulling wheeled suitcases a struggle.
However, be sure to pack comfy shoes, even if they aren't your most fashionable footwear. Another must-bring item is a hat that folds to fit in a pocket or purse.
Rome
All of Italy's different regions can be easily reached by starting your journey in Rome. Fly into one of its two major air hubs and take its far-reaching rail network.
Tickets
Visiting Italy's landmark buildings isn’t as fun if you must wait in a long line for tickets. You can avoid this by buying tickets for major attractions online in advance.
Scams
A common scam at the Colosseum involves a man dressed in a gladiator costume taking photos with a family and then demanding money from the father.
If you happen to see such "gladiators" when you're there, put your camera away and don't even acknowledge them. Also avoid accepting "free" flowers or bracelets in Italy.
Pizza
Eating pizza is a highlight of visiting Italy, but it’s better from a hole-in-the-wall shop. Authentic takeout pizzerias sell it by weight, not in pre-cut triangles.
At the counter, you can choose various pizza types, using your hands to show how large you'd like each slice to be. Then, you can take these fresh slices for an impromptu picnic.