I recently checked off a bucket list item – going to Italy! Since it was my first time in Europe, I made sure to be more prepared and organized versus my normal “fly by the seat of my pants” mentality. And you know what? It paid off. Not only did it take some stress off venturing into a completely different land, it also made the trip much more enjoyable.
Here are my top 6 tips for traveling to Italy:
1. Use Zicasso: Discover Your Italy
Probably due to being a control freak, I have never hired a travel agent to help plan a trip. Enter Zicasso, a free online travel service that connects you with 2-3 travel companies very specific to your needs. I’m sure there are very capable travel agents here in Dallas, but I opted for an Italian-based boutique company that specializes in crafting very individualized packages depending on clients’ budgets, interests, and needs.
Since neither of us had been to Europe, we requested private tours and English-speaking drivers for all of our excursions. I can’t imagine having to set up all of the logistics included in our 20 (yes TWENTY) page itinerary; why get exhausted with the pre-planning before you even get on the plane.
When we checked into our first hotel, we were given an Italian cell phone with local contacts on speed dial in case of emergency. Note: even with an international calling plan, this phone had much better Internet service in remote locations. THAT’s true travel concierge service!
You’ll read more details in my city guides coming soon, but if when traveling to Italy, contact Matteo and his team (Discover your Italy) for an experience of a lifetime! He’s also one of Travel + Leisure “best travel agents for Europe”! I’m so thankful that I painstakingly surrendered all travel control to the experts because without Matteo and his team, our trip wouldn’t have been perfect. And I to use the word ‘perfect’ very rarely. This one is justified!
2. Get a Global Entry Pass
This magical little card “allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States” per the US Customs and Border Protection. In my words, it’s a speed pass through customs. Instead of waiting in immigration lines, you scan fingerprints and passports at kiosks. It’s definitely the smartest $100 I’ve spent in a long time! Apply online, schedule an interview at the airport (which takes less than 10 minutes) and get approved. Bonus: you’re also automatically enrolled in the TSA pre-check Travel Program which means you can pass through shorter security lines without taking off your shoes or revealing the dirty hair underneath your hat. Apply here.
3. Buy These Mesh Laundry Bags
Photo Credit: BAGAIL
Thankfully, I discovered these before my trip, and they truly make packing a (semi) enjoyable experience. For under $10, you get 5 mesh zip bags (1 large, 2 medium, and 2 small) that help you organize outfits and minimize packing space. Saving time and space is invaluable, so I ordered 4 sets (that’s 20 bags, y’all!) and used every single one of them. I’ve done my fair share of packing, but these zipper bags are brilliant for weekend getaways, long trips, and even blog shoots!
4. Get an International Cell Phone Plan
Be sure to call your cell phone provider before crossing borders to set up an international plan to avoid outrageous roaming fees. I opted for AT&T’s $10/day unlimited data plan to make sure I didn’t run out of data when traveling to Italy – a blogger’s worst nightmare.
5. Prepare Your Credit Cards and Money
Two things I wish I’d known – Italy isn’t very AMEX friendly, and it’s kind of a hassle to get US dollars converted to euros once you’re there. We came across a lot of banks that either didn’t offer currency exchange, OR they only offered it during strange time windows. Definitely visit your bank before crossing continents, and dust off your Mastercard or Visa. There are also a lot of currency exchange kiosks inside international airport gates.
6. Rx prescriptions
Your 30-day prescription might lapse when traveling for weeks at a time, and don’t count on a CVS or Walgreens on every corner. Check with your doctor before flying with a limited prescription when traveling to Italy because most will work with you on extending your medication to cover your trip.
Leave me a comment and let me know if you’re going anywhere fun and share your travel tips so I can add them to my list!
Pam says
Good tips, but having traveled to Europe several times, it is worth noting that you should not exchange $ at the airport kiosks – horrible exchange rate. Load up with euros before you leave and use ATMs over there for the best exchange.
Hello Whitney says
Very good point! They’re certainly convenient, but come at a cost. It just depends on your priorities 😉 Thanks for your tip!
Jasmin says
Oh I would really like to visit Italy one day! It’s been on my bucket list for ages so it would be the time already, haha. These are wonderful tips!
Hello Whitney says
Oh, I know! It was on my bucket list FOREVER before I ended up making it there. It’s worth every penny!
marcela says
I didn’t know what global entery pass does. for me, italy is great to do shopping. I go a few times in year there to save some money for new outfits 🙂
i love this LAUNDRY bags and they are so AFFORDABLE!
Hello Whitney says
The global entry pass is worth looking into! I found it very helpful. And yes, Italy has the BEST shopping!
Steph says
These are great tIps for all international travel! Thank you!
Hello Whitney says
Thanks for reading, Steph! <3
Chelsea says
I have used packing cubes on my last couple backpacking trips (similar to the bags you shared) and they help SO MUCH! I feel like I can fit waaaay more in my bag this way.
Hello Whitney says
I know, right?? They’re my new favorite packing tool!
Beth says
My best friend is currently traveling through italy and i’ve been living vicariously through her instagram stories, haha! These are great tips. 🙂
Hello Whitney says
Thanks, Beth! Hope your friend is having a wonderful trip!
jessica wagner says
Italy is number one on my travel bucket list!!! these tips are so great, i didn’t know about global entry pass! sounds like an awesome time saver!! happy travels! xo
Hello Whitney says
It was #1 on my bucket list, too, and SO worth the visit! The global entry pass is excellent; such a time saver. Thanks for reading!
Nicole says
It is so important to have all of your cards in order when traveling internationally. I’ve noticed that some of my cards charge higher rates internationally than they do in the US!!
Hello Whitney says
I absolutely agree! Definitely one of the biggest things I walked away with from my trip.
Marina says
If you need anything just ask, I’m italian 😀
I’m going to Berlin this week-end, can’t really wait x
Hello Whitney says
Thanks, Marina! Enjoy your trip to Berlin; it’s on my bucket list as well!
rachel says
I remember having to exchange money a few times when I was in europe. I was jealous of the one guy who just busted out the Visa.
Hello Whitney says
Yes, same here! So glad I figured out the trick 😉
Becca Wilson says
These are some Great tips. I have mever had to travel abroad bUt definitely want to eventually.
Hello Whitney says
Thanks, Becca! I would SO recommend it; it’s absolutely worth the time/money to be immersed in another culture.
Zana says
Italy is my favorite. visit several cities and i’ve loved it there. your tips are perfectly written, with the right details. Thanks for sharing this with us. We can apply this tips to every place that we are going to visit. Great blog Whitney. 🙂
Hello Whitney says
Thanks so much, Zana! Italy’s definitely my favorite now, too!