So many of us dream of a vacation in Italy. We imagine the beautiful landscape, the incredible food, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere. But Italy is a very diverse country, and that means that making a trip there requires plenty of planning. So, where to start?
Pick Your Cities
Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice—where do you want to go? You might want to see all of them and more. And to ensure you get to see all the cities you want to see, you need to formulate a plan.
Start North and Work Your Way Down
The best way to see all you wish to see is to start at the top of the country and work your way down. Italy, like most countries in Europe, has an excellent transportation system, which means you will not struggle to make your way through the country.
Pick Your Dates
While Italy is beautiful all year long, it is recommended that you avoid traveling there in August. This is the month most locals take their vacations, which means the prices are higher and many shops are closed, giving you less to do and a less authentic experience.
Pick Your Stays
While you can wing it and find accommodations as you go, that can be pretty risky. There are plenty of hotels for every budget that you can book in advance and ensure you always have a place to rest your head. And why not take advantage of the opportunity to read reviews and avoid your own little European horror story?
But Don’t Plan Your Restaurants
Italy has its fair share of world-famous chefs and restaurants. However, the best food in the country will be found in small eateries that aren’t on your English-language review sites. Walk around, explore, and follow your nose; it will surely lead you to some of the best bites in the country.
You can also get some great tips on the Italy Tourism website!
Have you taken a trip to Italy? Share your planning strategy with us!
This looks like a wonderful place to visit. Italy has been at the top of my bucket list.
I would love to take a trip to Italy. That would definitely be a dream come true.
I have always wanted to visit Italy. I hear that it is absolutely beautiful.
Great tips. Planning trip that big can be a daunting task, indeed. I know. I’ve done it!
I tried planning a trip to Europe once without help. I tried it ONCE. Thanks for these great tips. We’re trying to get a trip to Italy together.
Italy is definitely high on my bucket list and I see us taking a trip sometime within the next ten years. The traditional cities of Rome and Venice are both a must see for sure!
Never been to italy myself, but would love to some time. It looks amazing, and like a trip worth taking! Thanks for the tips!
I’d love to make it back to Italy sometime. I’ll have to consider making my way south like you suggested!
I love the idea of picking a restaurant on a whim. While planning is good, some of the best things (like food!) come as a complete surprise!
I would love to make it to Italy! Experience the culture, the architecture, the history!
Italy was one of mu bucket list and i would to go there someday
This is really helpful! We’ve been planning to visit Italy in the near future! I think planning early is the key! 😀
Just like in any other trip, research is key! I love that you included everything that’s essential to plan a trip. These are on point and very helpful!
I would love to take a trip to Italy. I have a few places I would really like to visit and this is one of those places. I would probably gain 20lbs while I am there.
This post could not come at a better time! We are actually thinking of planning a trip to Italy and thanks to all your advice we know where and how to get started!
Italy was #1 on my bucket list and I would love to have a trip there someday
What a wonderful place to visit. I need to go there!
There are so many cities there that I would love to see. I have only been to one, but it was so beautiful I long to see more.
Visiting Italy is on my bucket list. These are great tips because I don’t know where I would start!
That info about small eateries is oh-so true. When I went to Italy I had the mistake of having reservations at some of the famous restaurants. I enjoyed the casual, unplanned trips to some of the small ones instead!