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MORE Timely Travel TipZ from YOUR Boots on the Ground in the Boot!
Stay current and up-to-date with what is happening NOW here in Italy! Relevant, factual and timely – in time for you to (hopefully!) plan YOUR first or next fabulous trip to Italy!
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♦ DINING: If you’re in a hurry for a quick caffé or snack, go to a BAR and enjoy at the counter! Remember: if you sit down (1) you will have to wait and (2) it will cost more.
When you want to dine: WAIT TO BE SEATED – even if there is outdoor/patio seating, and you see an empty table, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is available – there could be a reservation or others waiting.
AND…if you make a lunch or dinner reservation, PLEASE honor it and show up! IF you need to cancel, be considerate and contact them to cancel so they can book another client!
♦ BOOK DIRECT! PLEASE book museums and historical sites on their OFFICIAL BOOKING Page – avoid consolidators (e.g., Viator, Get Your Guide) to avoid disappointment.
→ Check out my recent blog post with news/updates about the museums in Florence!
♦ TIPPING is so controversial – read my more in my TipZ and Italy Tipping Tipz but: In general, it IS NOT expected but IT IS APPRECIATED.And it does not have to be the 15-20% which is customary in the States. Also, note that it is typically NOT an option to add a tip onto a credit card check – be prepared with cash.
♦ CURRENCY: The exchange rate (USD to EUROS) is not great right now. Have some cash when you arrive. and always carry some coin. Check with your credit card company for foreign exchange rate fees both for ATM’s and credit card charges.
Tip: Budget in euros!
♦ ATTIRE! The cities are not “resorts”!! Beach wear belongs at the beach & gym clothes belong at the gym! I see tourists in beachy shorts – trunks? & literally workout togs, flip flops & revealing cover ups – NO! Dress for warm/hot weather but dress appropriately – if you’re in a city, do NOT dress for the beach resort or the gym! (And yes, churches and places of worship have strict guidelines – be be prepared and be respectful.)
♦ PAY ATTENTION! Be aware and considerate of where you are, where you’re walking and your surroundings. Remember: people live here and they are trying to live their daily lives.
Don’t hog/block sidewalks. Learn how to shop/pay for goods (especially at markets).
The cities are not amusement parks! Don’t stroll around with a glass of wine or a spritz. And please put your TRASH in a trash bin!
♦ STRIKES are BACK! Transportation strikes are prohibited in August BUT September is around the corner and they’re baaaaaccck!
The strike schedule is announced the month prior so the September strikes have been publicized. You will find it on multiple Italy sites.
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♦ Going UP & Some New Rules! ♦
♦ Pantheon Entrance Fee -Rome: Increasing as of 7/1 from 5 to 7 euros (for
adults over 25). And still such a value!!
♦ Venice Day Tripping Fees: The price of the entry tax to Venice in 2026: The amount of tax to enter Venice has been set at 5 euros by anyone over the age of 14, provided you pay the tax before the fourth day of your arrival, after which the rate rises to 10 euros.
For for exact dates and schedule visit: https://www.visit-venice-italy.com/venice-paid-access-tax-for-tourists-regulations-terms-price-exemptions.html
♦ Trevi Fountain in Rome: Free from afar but if you want to get closer (to toss in that coin!) there is a 2 euro entrance fee.
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Over tourism and Over Crowding: More & more popular destinations are putting restrictions in place due to OVER tourism and OVER crowding (e.g., Capri and Sardinia)- and in my opinion, from what I see, it’s not just the numbers but the lack of consideration or respect for the place or those that live there.
Just because you are “on vacation”, it does not entitle you to anything – remember that you are a GUEST and behave as you would want a guest to behave in your home/city!
♦ Push back on AirBnB: Italy, Spain and France are both imposing limitations on AirBnB and rightfully so. PLEASE book boutique Bed & Breakfasts/Hotels instead (and BOOK DIRECT)!
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Timely Travel TipZ for Italy & MORE… that You Will Thank Me For!
My recently published blog post is a composite of MANY of the travel tipZ I have written about and shared over the years!
→ Please CLICK HERE for MORE!
♥ And YOUR Boots on the Ground in the Boot is here to advise, assist and help YOU plan and realize YOUR Italy dream vacation! ♥
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