ciao bella!
Guide to Italy
I'm often asked if I could only pick one country to visit, which I would choose and my answer is always Italy. I'm partially biased after spending five months studying abroad in Florence, Italy but it's the rich culture, diversity, history, and of course the incredible cuisine that allows me to confidently answer each time.
Italy truly has it all from the vast mountain regions of The Dolomites to the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast, to the bustling cities.
You could spend a full year in Italy and still not put a dent in all it has to offer! I suggest starting with three of Italy’s most well-loved cities— Venice, Florence, and Rome. Each of these destinations is packed with its own unique charm. Plus, they are just a short train ride from one another.
Whether you're wanting to eat your body weight in pasta, see Michelangelo’s David in real life, or make a wish in the Trevi Fountain there's truly never a bad time to start planning your dream trip to Italy.
Destinations
MY FAVORITE PART
WHERE I WENT
making a wish
in the Trevi Fountain
& eating my weight
in pasta
Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Pisa, Venice, Cinque Terre, Pompeii, Positano, Sienna
ROME
FLORENCE
VENICE
cinque terre
milan
amalfi coast
What I Packed for Italy:
LIGHTWEIGHT LINENS: Beat the Italian heat with lightweight linens! Maxi dresses are my fav.
MODEST PIECES: Many churches and museum visits require your knees and shoulders to be covered. I suggest packing a few modest pieces if you plan on visiting any!
COMFY SHOES: Regardless of what city you're visiting you'll be on your feet all day. Most roads are all cobblestone so a flat sandal & and a supportive sneaker are both must-haves.
Italian style pizza has a thick crust & soggy center
sipping wine in the Tuscan countryside doesn't get old!
McKenz's
TIPS & TRICKS
What to Expect
LANGUAGE:
The official language of Italy is Italian though you might run into locals speaking Sicilian or Tuscan depending on the location.
SAFETY:
Generally, Italy is a very safe country to travel as a solo female traveler. However, pickpockets and tourist scams are heavy in the city centers. Keep an eye on your belongings.
CREDIT CARDS/ATMS:
Cards are widely accepted in Italy, many areas accepting Apple Pay as well. *Discover is not accepted in most European countries, VISA is typically the best option. It's a good idea to have cash on hand for taxis and small local markets, especially in the quainter coastal villages. ATMs are available and easy to find although they do charge foreign transaction fees.
SEASONALITY:
High Season: May-August
Low Season: December-February
Italy's tourism booms in the summer however the best time to visit is in May or September during their "shoulder season". You beat the huge tourist rush while still enjoying gorgeous weather. If you're planning on visiting any of the coastal towns temperatures will still be warm enough to dip in the water and bask in the sun! There is no air conditioning in Italy so an "off season" trip is often more enjoyable.
All Things Italy
