When to travel
Italy is known for its warm weather and Mediterranean climes
throughout the year. In summer, head to the Tuscan hills, the
shores of the great lakes or the beaches of the Italian Riviera,
where fresh breezes help to keep things cool. Spring and autumn are
best for visiting the big cities when the crowds are smaller, and
the famous art galleries and museums aren't so busy. In winter, the
Dolomites and Alps provide a wintry backdrop to some of the
country's chicest resorts.
What to pack
What to pack depends largely on where you go and when. If you're
travelling at the hottest time of year (June-August), you'll want
to make sure you've got plenty of loose, preferably linen, clothes
as well as suncream, sunglasses and a hat. If you're visiting
places of worship, make sure not to wear shorts (men and women),
while ladies will need to ensure they have something that can cover
their shoulders. A waterproof in case of inclement weather and a
light jacket or two for cooler evenings are also recommended; don't
forget your swimsuit if you want to cool off with a swim! If you're
travelling in the shoulder months, then layers are a good idea as
they leave you prepared for whatever the weather has to throw at
you, and a sturdy pair of water-resistant shoes will keep you
comfortable on excursion days.
Local customs and cultures
Religion, food and family are some of the most important
traditions across Italy. The country is predominantly Catholic and
modest dress is required for men and women when you visit any of
its places of worship. While eating out, don't expect the high
turnover of tables that you see in many restaurants in the UK;
meals here are meant to be savoured, with adults and children alike
choosing from the same menu. While there are a few exceptions, even
in the big cities, most eateries focus on traditional Italian food,
so if you feel like you need a carb break, it's worth doing a bit
of research about the different cuisines available in the
destinations you'll be visiting. This will also help you ensure you
try the specialities of each region you travel through. Coffee
drinking has some fundamental rules in Italy, with lattes,
cappuccinos and any other milky coffee reserved for breakfast time
only, espressos, however, are acceptable any time of day, or night!
You'll have no problem being understood speaking English pretty
much anywhere you go in Italy, but like most countries, they do
appreciate a little bit of the local lingo, so be sure to brush up
on the basics before you go.
