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I'm traveling to Europe for the first time, and considering that the only time I've really left the country previously was as a small child, I could use some advice xD I'd love to hear any tips or things to remember for international flights/customs, being out and about, food, frequently overlooked technology issues, etc. <33 - for reference I am from the U.S. 🦅 xD |
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Oooo yay!! Which country(s) are you going to? |
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Gem said:
Oooo yay!! Which country(s) are you going to?
I'm planning on being all over Italy, and maybe some of the surrounding countries if I have time! :D |
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That sounds amazing, I absolutely loved Italy!!! I mean basic technology thing, their outlets are a different shape than in the US so I would definitely recommend a converter of some sort. In terms of customs, everyone makes a really big deal out of it but when I went last year, it was honestly no problem at all. Just don't have any prohibited items coming home and you'll be totally fine. . When you're out and about, the best way to not seem like a foreigner is to not lean on things (ie, have good posture, stand up straight) 😂 Apparently constantly leaning on things is a very American thing lol. Also, absolutely do not accept flowers/bracelets from anyone on the street. Very common scam because then they will demand money. And like any big city, keep an eye on your bag/purse. Hold it in front of you if possible with the strap over your head, not just on your shoulder. I didn't encounter any issues with pickpocketing thankfully but it's just something to watch out for 😊 . If you can, take the time to learn a little bit of Italian. Even just please/thank you/bathroom and your coffee order is very helpful. On that note! Public bathrooms are not free! Take a few euros with you if trying to go to the bathroom in a public space. This was learned the hard way in Assisi loll . The biggest issue I ran into on my trip was getting around Rome. In my experience, the buses were unreliable and I ended up in a semi unsafe situation (bus stopped somewhere random and the driver left, strange men circling the bus.... late at night... not super fun LOL). So definitely have the Uber app if you need to go anywhere you can't walk to and take the usual precautions there (checking name, license plate, vehicle model...).
. I absolutely LOVED Italian food!! I had gelato pretty much every day. As you'll read everywhere, look for naturally colored gelato (nothing super bright or artificial looking) that isn't super tall (whipped up with air). And if the location has 30+ flavors or whatever, they're likely not made in house and therefore less authentic. I wish I had more tips for food but I stayed with a host family for most of my trip so I ate homemade meals primarily.
. My favorite part of the trip was Florence. The main market is a must-see and the architecture is to die for. Plus some incredible art museums if you get the chance. There's also a super insane perfume boutique in Florence that's crazy old. According to Apple Photos, it's called Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella 😁 . I hope this helps a little and have the most amazing trip!!!! |
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Gem said:
That sounds amazing, I absolutely loved Italy!!! I mean basic technology thing, their outlets are a different shape than in the US so I would definitely recommend a converter of some sort. In terms of customs, everyone makes a really big deal out of it but when I went last year, it was honestly no problem at all. Just don't have any prohibited items coming home and you'll be totally fine. . When you're out and about, the best way to not seem like a foreigner is to not lean on things (ie, have good posture, stand up straight) 😂 Apparently constantly leaning on things is a very American thing lol. Also, absolutely do not accept flowers/bracelets from anyone on the street. Very common scam because then they will demand money. And like any big city, keep an eye on your bag/purse. Hold it in front of you if possible with the strap over your head, not just on your shoulder. I didn't encounter any issues with pickpocketing thankfully but it's just something to watch out for 😊 . If you can, take the time to learn a little bit of Italian. Even just please/thank you/bathroom and your coffee order is very helpful. On that note! Public bathrooms are not free! Take a few euros with you if trying to go to the bathroom in a public space. This was learned the hard way in Assisi loll . The biggest issue I ran into on my trip was getting around Rome. In my experience, the buses were unreliable and I ended up in a semi unsafe situation (bus stopped somewhere random and the driver left, strange men circling the bus.... late at night... not super fun LOL). So definitely have the Uber app if you need to go anywhere you can't walk to and take the usual precautions there (checking name, license plate, vehicle model...).
. I absolutely LOVED Italian food!! I had gelato pretty much every day. As you'll read everywhere, look for naturally colored gelato (nothing super bright or artificial looking) that isn't super tall (whipped up with air). And if the location has 30+ flavors or whatever, they're likely not made in house and therefore less authentic. I wish I had more tips for food but I stayed with a host family for most of my trip so I ate homemade meals primarily.
. My favorite part of the trip was Florence. The main market is a must-see and the architecture is to die for. Plus some incredible art museums if you get the chance. There's also a super insane perfume boutique in Florence that's crazy old. According to Apple Photos, it's called Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella 😁 . I hope this helps a little and have the most amazing trip!!!!
Ooo that makes me feel a lot better lol, I know lots of people make it sound like this never-ending horrific thing >.< had no idea that leaning on things was more of an american thing XD That's so funny! - Oh yes I've heard a ton about pickpocketting and purse snatching, so i'll definitely be taking a cross body then! I never knew about the flowers/bracelet/etc. scam, but it honestly reminds me of the times square and vegas characters who will jump in your picture and do the same thing, i'll make sure to avoid it! - Thank you so much TOT i was not aware of that at all! apparently i've been pampered with free bathrooms xD any idea how much they tend to charge? And Oooo that must've been horrible to find out the hard way they aren't free >.> I'm so glad you mentioned that because i would've suffered the same fate lol! - Oh my gosh that is terrifying!! I'm so glad you were able to get out of there safely, that sounded like a disaster waiting to happen >.< Uber for sure then! - That's super interesting! I'd heard about the natural color aspect, but never the whipped up with air thing, that's going to be a huge help because i'll likely do the same and get it every day XD - That sounds amazing!! *0* I love all things architecture, and I'll totally be vistiting the market and museums 👀 I just googled the perfume boutique and it looks (and must smell) amazing!! I'll totally be squeezing that in if i can :D - I seriously appreciate all the help! It really is great to have some extra info and not be going in nearly blind xD And thank you!! I'm super excited and I honestly can't wait to get there <33 |
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Hi, good choice Italy is just full of wonder. My advice is less is more. Pick no more than 3 cities and really absorb everything. As European travelers we just don't get why Americans are constantly waiting in bus stations or airports instead of sitting in the beautiful surroundings eating gelato. I mean which would you choose to do? *Get to grips with 24 hour clock, all the world except the US uses this for travel. 13:00 = 1pm in the afternoon. If you are a computer user I am sure you are ok with this. Italian food is generally very good value outside the top touristic spots. Walk one street to the side of the square and the prices are 1/4. However good Italian fashion, bags, jewelery is astronomical in price. If it is cheap it is tat. Me and my husband spent a week in Rome. A wirlwind of sites, we were stagered. We spent a week in Milan; fabulous and good tours around the lakes (Isola Bella on lake Maggiore is truly a wonderful fantasy) and astonishing frescoes all around. Went to Venice for a week and that does exactly what it says on the tin. Every angle gives you another fabulous view. *Research your main sites, if they are world UNESCO sites there are limitations on visitor numbers. You have to book well in advance and turn up on time, booking is all usually on line. We are thinking of doing Florence next year for our 40th anniversary (how did that happen?). Start practising basic italian questions now. Where are the toilets? What price is this? I have gluten allergy. Where is the pharmacy? Etc. It will start you off with greater confidence. You are going to enjoy every second of your trip. |
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ZeroZero said:
Hi, good choice Italy is just full of wonder. My advice is less is more. Pick no more than 3 cities and really absorb everything. As European travelers we just don't get why Americans are constantly waiting in bus stations or airports instead of sitting in the beautiful surroundings eating gelato. I mean which would you choose to do? *Get to grips with 24 hour clock, all the world except the US uses this for travel. 13:00 = 1pm in the afternoon. If you are a computer user I am sure you are ok with this. Italian food is generally very good value outside the top touristic spots. Walk one street to the side of the square and the prices are 1/4. However good Italian fashion, bags, jewelery is astronomical in price. If it is cheap it is tat. Me and my husband spent a week in Rome. A wirlwind of sites, we were stagered. We spent a week in Milan; fabulous and good tours around the lakes (Isola Bella on lake Maggiore is truly a wonderful fantasy) and astonishing frescoes all around. Went to Venice for a week and that does exactly what it says on the tin. Every angle gives you another fabulous view. *Research your main sites, if they are world UNESCO sites there are limitations on visitor numbers. You have to book well in advance and turn up on time, booking is all usually on line. We are thinking of doing Florence next year for our 40th anniversary (how did that happen?). Start practising basic italian questions now. Where are the toilets? What price is this? I have gluten allergy. Where is the pharmacy? Etc. It will start you off with greater confidence. You are going to enjoy every second of your trip.
Thank you so much!! That's actually super helpful to know, I'm definitely not used to the 24hr clock or the better deals on side streets! I'll totally take my time around the cities and enjoy it then, Also it's so great to know about the limited UNESCO sites, I'll have to check all my plans lol! (And learn some more Italian phrases xD) Either way, I'll totally be writing down all this! |
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Bright Sunshine with a few High Clouds
