Consigli di Viaggio/Travel Tips
Packing for Shoulder Season
Late October travel in Europe can prove a little challenging for packing. You never know what weather you will experience once in your travel destination. While the forecast predicted cool temperatures and rain a week before my departure, the temperatures were unseasonably hot and humid for the first 2 days of my trip. As the lovely woman cleaning the hotel rooms noted, "Fa molto, molto caldo!" (It is very, very hot!). I was glad I packed in layers like una cipolla (an onion)!
I wanted to only pack a small European-sized carry-on suitcase and ultra-lightweight backpack (fits nicely under and airplane seat, but be careful carrying one on your back in Italy as it is a target for pickpockets). Carrying heaving suitcases up multiple flights of stairs or dragging them along cobblestone streets is not appealing to most travelers. Many European hotels do not have elevators and the carry-on weight limits resulted in purchasing a luggage scale to ensure I packed lightly. If I needed something, I could easily purchase it in Italy just as I would in the US. Plus, you never have to worry about your luggage being lost on the way to your tour. This happened on my last tour; the luggage caught up with the couple 5 days into the tour. Can you imagine how much stress they could have avoided by packing lightly in a carry-on bag?
I snuck in a few things I would consider luxury items like a mirrorless camera and rechargeable electric toothbrush. Pack in layers and wear comfortable, broken-in shoes with a solid sole; cobblestones are rough on thin-soled shoes. Contrary to what many websites say, you will see plenty of people in sneakers like Hokas (my choice on this trip); I brought along a pair of lightweight hiking boots as well and did not regret it in Cinque Terre! I focused on materials that could be worn in multiple weather conditions from the heat of the first day I few into Rome to the coolness of night in Cinque Terre like thinner merino wool shirts/dresses and cashmere. Even though I would have had to wash other shirts, I wore each of the wool shirts multiple times and did not need to wash them due to its moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties.
I recommend watching packing guides like these or these including a packing demonstration that went viral from former Rick Steves tour guide Sarah Murdoch.
Some additional tips: I used packing cubes, though they are not for everyone. I also planned on washing my clothes and drying them along the way (though did bring some old clothing items to throw away throughout the trip to make room for souvenirs). I recommend purchasing laundry detergent sheets for washing any clothes as they are lightweight and compact. Socks and underwear were easily washed in a few bathroom trashcans when sinks were unavailable; don't be shy about making use of a travel clothesline that come with Velcro loops on the ends to save yourself some weight and space in that suitcase!
What am I glad I packed? Laundry detergent sheets, Italian style clip-on sunglasses for my prescription eyeglasses, only the pages from the tour book that I needed on the trip (saved over a pound of weight that I carried around for 12 days!), an anti-theft purse that provided great peace of mind (and did deter a pickpocket!), a sheet mask, collapsible water bottles (I like the Vapur brand; stick with the 500ml size as the Uffizi did not allow anything larger than that), compression socks, clothes that are minimal weight but versatile for the weather, a rechargeable toothbrush that uses a USB-C connection, motion sickness patches, a plug convertor that had 4 slots for USB plugs (no need to bring all of those adapters!), and a ultrawide angle lens to get those wide shots of the Colosseum, Duomo, and other large structures.
What did I bring that I will not pack next time? An umbrella, a travel tripod (will pack a much, much smaller version, if at all), and a third camera lens that I added last minute...I only used the one predominantly and wished I had faster glass for places like the Pantheon. I'll be keeping the ultrawide angle lens and will take one that will handle darker places better in the future.
What do I wish I had brought? Hair conditioner as the ones available in the pharmacies in Italy were not nearly as deep conditioning as I was used to and I found my scalp a bit dry as a result (maybe an olive oil on my scalp as a treatment next time I am in Italy?). This was not a problem in Ireland (a previous Rick Steves trip), but it was in Italy. I also forgot to write down my new debit card's PIN, which led to some restricted buying the second half of my trip as I was unable to withdraw any funds from an ATM.
What did I not pack and was glad I didn't? Sunscreen as it was available in every neighborhood pharmacy on the trip, an extra scarf (they make for lovely souvenirs that are also practical...I picked one up at the Borghese Gallery), clothing that weighed a good deal, and a large suitcase.
Planning Ahead
If you can, I highly recommend arriving at least 2 days before the tour starts. Not only does this allow you to enjoy your trip with minimal or no jetlag, I would not have had time for a few other things like extra sightseeing or any delayed /cancelled flights. I arrived 2 days early and enjoyed things I would have never had I arrived the day of: a Hauser concert (of 2Cellos fame), an opera, a visit to the Borghese, and even balsamic vinegar tasting in Campo de Fiori.
Before You Go: Planning Ahead & Advice from Others
Advice from Seasoned Travelers: Free to everyone regardless if they are signed up for one of Rick's tours, the Rick Steves' Europe Travel Forum is a wealth of travel information, even for trips in countries the tours do not cover (I even found some solid advice about African safaris the other day). You can also post questions that often generate multiple answers or search those that have already been asked. I would also recommend watching his full-length specials, which are not only all available on his website, but also free!
Book Your Tour Early: This tour fills up quickly! Sign up for Rick's free monthly email to receive word on when the purchasing window opens. This is especially true if you want to secure a single room, which I highly recommend for solo traveler if you need some time alone at the end of the day or are a light sleeper. You can research your ahead of time so you are ready when the tours are available for purchase here.
Cell Phones: Check with your provider about charges. Some people prefer to purchase a separate cell phone to use in Europe while others simply use wifi when they can find it. As a solo traveler, I opted to use my carrier's hefty daily fee for the sake of safety and peace of mind; I did not regret it.
Download Guides Before You Go!: You can download free audio guides ahead of time to listed to in various locations with Rick's free Audio Europe app. I also recommend downloading the hotel and tour agenda from your Rick Steves Tour Account portal, taking pictures of important documents in case if they are stolen or lost, and having the peace of mind that you prepared well.
Hotel Reservations for Extra Days: If possible, arrive 2 days early to give yourself not only a buffer in case if your travel is more adventurous than anticipated (delays, cancelled flights, etc.), but also to give yourself time to adjust to the new time zone. This will mean reserving extra nights at your hotel (and at the final one if you are staying an extra day or two after the tour). You can contact the hotels with the email address found in the the tour portal. Each hotel has staff that know English and can assist you in making these arrangements without incurring the cost of a long-distance phone call. Often times, you will be provided a quote and a link to pay for your room. It couldn't be easier!
Learn the Language (or at least key phrases): This will take you far in Italy. You may receive better service, a friendly smile, and more patience than if you expect someone to speak your language in their country. I used Duolingo, though there are clearly many options out there. I will say I did not think my 8 months of lessons on an app would cultivate in me using most of the words they taught me, but I used even the phrase "la strada sono molto roto perche i cavalli?" (the roads are very rough because of the horses?) with an ease that surprised both myself and a taxi driver. This was in reference to his comments that the roads were much better in NYC, which caused me to laugh as the cause of both roads being uneven was the same: saturated ground. In NYC, it is because you are on an island; in Rome, historic hundred and thousand year floods where cobblestone were displaced as horses walked along them while they dried.
There are a few phrases I found particularly helpful and taught others on the trip:
Allora: Loosely translated as well, so, or then; this is often used as a filler word
Buongiorno: Good morning (used until 4 PM)
Buonasera: Good evening (used after 4 PM)
Buona notte: Good night
Come stai?: How are you?
Dov'è il bagno: Where is the bathroom?
Grazie (mille): Thank you (very much)
Mi scussi: Excuse me; you can also simply use the less formal scussi
Mi dispiace: I am sorry
Per favore: Please; as in un cappuccino, per favore
Prego: You are welcome
Ragazzi: Guys (gender neutral as well)
Salute: Cheers!
Photos of You: While unable to include photos taken by others in this scrapbook, I have more pictures of me than on any other trip that were taken by other tourists and tour group members. Why not offer to take a photo of others? They almost always reciprocate and if they do not, simply ask! I have a picture in every location I wanted and others I did not anticipate. If you need to use a timer like I did in some of the photos, make sure you have someone nearby you trust to watch your camera or phone. It would be a pity for someone to walk off with your expensive device! I found it made for quick friends with others and nobody was resentful at any point as everyone wanted a picture either of themselves (solo travelers) or as a couple.
Purchasing Tickets for Optional Activities: If you wish to visit a number of sites outside of the tour schedule, plan on purchasing tickets ahead of time. Many are not posted until 30 days before the date you wish, but some are earlier. There are issues with bots purchasing tickets for 3rd party tour companies, so do not be surprised if this happens for tours inside of the Colosseum. Some tips for purchasing tickets ahead of time in Florence can be found here.
Solo Traveling for Women: I have appreciated a few resources providing tips, forums, etc. In particular, I do enjoy the advice given in this Facebook group, which was developed specifically for solo female travelers. They gave me fantastic feedback about my capsule wardrobe as well as what to do during an 18 hour layover on my way back from my 2024 Rick Steves' Best of Poland tour.
Weigh Your Bag: There are plenty of inexpensive luggage scales on the market. You attach the bag to the scale and lift it using the scale to obtain a measurement. You can also use your bathroom scale (be sure to step on with it and then subtract your weight for more accuracy). Some airlines are weighing carryon bags at check-in and I have even heard of this happening again at the gate depending on the airline. It would be a pity to put all that effort into packing lightly only to have to check your bag unexpectedly! An airline I will be flying later this year has a weight limit of 17 pounds, which includes the weight of my suitcase. Most European sized carry-ons weigh around 6-8 lbs like this 6.5 lb Rick Steves' bag that I have extensively used for a number of years and across not only the US but also three international trips and is still in great condition! Whether or not you want to bring a spinner suitcase is personal preference, but I found a two wheel one nice given all of the hill towns I was in. Some of the others had runaway 4-wheeled suitcases outside of hotels situated on hills.
Traveling
Flexibility: Part of travel is the adventure of getting to and from your destination. Plan on being flexible and pivoting when needed. You might find yourself enjoying aspects of the trip you never anticipated. Plan on only taking a carryon bag and personal item like a backpack or purse with you so you can adjust without the worry of whether you have your prescription medications or a pair of clean underwear if your flight plans change mid-trip. I found myself not worrying like others on my flights about whether my luggage would make it to my destination with me.
Global Entry: Consider purchasing the Global Entry program to speed along any entry back into the USA through customs. I always find this part a breeze and it takes far, far less time to come back into the country than it does for those who opt to not utilize this trusted traveler program. The fee covers 5 years, so if you plan on traveling more than once internationally, it may be worth looking into this option!
Jetlag: I had an easier time with jetlag this trip more than any other overseas traveling to date. I suspect it had to do with timing of flights (I made sure to leave and arrive earlier in the day on both ends), melatonin mid-way through my flights (be sure to clear this with your medical provider as I did). and a nap once I arrived at the hotel followed by a walk around the city and an espresso. I also always am thinking about what time it is in my current time zone, not home. One last thing: I asked my acupuncturist about a few acupressure points to use for jetlag; they were very helpful!
Arriving in Rome
Hotel: If arriving early, you can email the hotel (contact information provided by Rick Steves in your Tour Portal) to arrange for extra days; the same can be said for staying after in the final hotel. Make use of the staff at the front desk as they love to highlight their hometown and can point you in the direction of authentic experiences.
Public Transportation: 1) Check before you leave to ensure there are no public transportation or taxi union strikes. One was scheduled for the day I arrived and did not end until midnight. It did create unnecessary stress when trying to go back home from the Hauser concert. 2) The buses allow you to pay for tickets with a credit card. If you get stuck, make use of this. Keep in mind, you have to verify your ticket at a machine that will be halfway back in the bus to avoid a fine (something a couple on my trip failed to do and were fined a good amount on the spot!). 3) Hold those bags close as this is a prime place for pickpocketing! 4) There is Uber in Italy, but just know you will be paying for the premium experience. It is often less expensive to use a taxi. 5) For tipping at the taxi, ask them to round up to the next euro if using a card, though they definitely prefer cash!
Souvenirs: I like to take a collapsible tote that zips into a pouch for souvenirs I may not want to ship back to the US (though I have shipped back heavy items in the past...your back will thank you!); on the way back, simply check your bag though be sure to keep necessary items with you like any prescription medications or a change of underwear in case of flight delays or cancellations. I also highly recommend getting things that you will enjoy around the home or use like pieces of artwork, olive wood spoons for the kitchen, or a scarf. You will fondly remember your trip each time you see or use one of these!
Transportation to/from the Hotel: I would also recommend asking the hotel to arrange for your transportation from the airport to the hotel in Rome. The airport is about 30-40 minutes away from most hotels in the city center where Rick loves to have us stay. It is the middle of most things that will be of interest, but it does sometimes mean there are no train or bus stations nearby. This also prevents you from being pickpocketed on the way to the hotel when you are likely jetlagged and not as alert!
Pre-Tour Activities
Concerts: I discovered the Hauser concert as well as Handel's Julius Caesar (very apropos for an Italian vacation!) by searching for event tickets on Italian event, opera house, and tourism websites. A word to the wise: Italian opera houses do not have their boxes angled for better views, so know that you may not see up to a third of the stage if you choose a seat with "partial obstruction." Keep in mind that most of the time, tickets will not be available until a few months beforehand for each concert, though some can certainly be purchased earlier. If you do not see something of interest far ahead of your trip, try again a bit closer to your departure date.
La Galleria Borghese: The Borghese is well worth the trip for the sculpture alone. It is a beautiful gallery with breathtaking masterpieces everywhere you look. It would be worth learning about Bernini and Caravaggio if you are not already familiar with them. The tours are well worth the extra few dollars if you can snag one of the English tours. If not, you can rent a handheld device that will guide you through many of the highlights or use the Rick Steves free app (be sure to download any recordings ahead of time!). While most of the time the gallery's main official website is down for maintenance during the US daytime hours, you can purchase tickets at their website devoted to just ticket purchases here.
People Watching: Plan on settling into the new time zone with people watching. This is as much of the experience as is going to the Colosseum or museums. Why not enjoy an aperitivo at an outside table or have your coffee standing at the bar like the locals? It is all about embracing the experience and immersing yourself as much as possible in the things you cannot experience back home.
Sports Games: In Italy, soccer is called calcio (not to be confused with cacio, which is a cheese) and I am told you can hear the fans taunt one another by changing lyrics to famous operas as well. These tickets are typically not available until about a month before each game, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to partake in this national pastime!