Italy Trip Things to Never Do When Planning, Tips From Expert

One mistake I often see travelers make is not researching transportation options ahead of time.

For example, renting a car may seem convenient, but in some cities, finding parking can be tricky. This is because some areas have “limited traffic zones,” where driving is limited to authorized vehicles only.

In my experience, Uber isn’t widely available in many parts of Italy, either. And although a train between two cities can sound practical, it sometimes ends up taking much longer than expected. Sometimes, a flight can be quicker.

Overall, not planning transportation ahead of time can create a more stressful and tiring trip. I recommend spending some time researching how to get around, so most of your time is spent enjoying each destination, not stuck in transit.

Italy is world-renowned for its food, but it can be tricky to recognize which restaurants are authentic and which are tourist traps.

However, in my experience, it’s not always possible to walk into an excellent, authentic restaurant for dinner without a reservation.

Those who try to wing it or skip booking ahead may end up at places geared toward tourists. Typically, the red flags to avoid include staff outside trying to lure you in, lots of open tables during peak hours, and overly extensive menus.

Tourists who don’t book tickets to major sites, like the Vatican or the Colosseum, in advance may find themselves waiting in long lines for tickets. However, savvy travelers can often walk right past with online tickets in hand.

That’s why I always recommend booking online in advance through official ticketing sites.

Over the years, I’ve found that packing light can make traveling feel easier and more enjoyable.

I’ve witnessed travelers break luggage wheels on Rome’s cobblestone streets, struggle to get multiple bags onto trains, or carry overweight suitcases over some of Venice’s many bridges to reach their hotel.

My rule of thumb for first-timers: pack what seems necessary, then take out at least 50% of it. And, if nothing else, pack layers (unless visiting in the peak summer), and the most comfortable, walkable shoes you own.

In my opinion, Italy’s summer heat seems to hit differently. From late June through early September, cities like Rome and Florence can feel incredibly hot, often soaking up the sun with little reprieve — and air conditioning isn’t always standard.

I don’t necessarily recommend traveling during peak summer months, but if that’s the only time visitors have, I suggest wearing light-colored fabrics like linen and cotton and bringing plenty of sun protection.

Also, keep in mind that August is the traditional month for Italians to take “ferie” (vacation). So, it’s not unusual for some shops and restaurants to be closed for a few weeks during this time.

I get it — the must-dos in Italy can feel endless. Visitors might be tempted to schedule every day to the max and to make the most of every moment by filling it with activities.

But with only a week or two in Italy, you don’t want to see every place possible; you want to experience each place fully.

There are also logistical nightmares of moving too much, and much of the time can be spent repacking or in transit rather than actually experiencing the trip.

I think that to truly experience the country, you need to allow room for spontaneity — stumbling down a quiet alley in Venice, sitting in a café in a local piazza in Rome, or savoring a spritz while simply watching the world go by.

This relaxed nature is known as “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) and is the heart and soul of Italy.

In my opinion, it’s always better to miss seeing something in Italy than to miss soaking in its very essence.