Know before you go, ITALY edition🇮🇹

•Water is NOT free in many European restaurants, but Italian restaurants especially. You will be expected to pay for water when dining, so be prepared for this.

•Rome is one of the few cities that has clean public water fountains. Bring your own water bottle to refill at these stations!

•Beware of scammers!! One of the most common scams in Italy is the bracelet scam. This often happens outside of large tourist attractions such as the Duomo in Milan, or the Colosseum in Rome. So what is the scam and how can you avoid it? Usually, a male or group of males will come up to you. They will be incredibly friendly, and often ask if you’re from a country in Africa. Regardless of your answer, they will compliment you, and place a bracelet on your wrist simultaneously. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO DO THIS. They will tell you repeatedly that the bracelet is free, but as soon as it is on your wrist they will give you a tragic story on why they desperately need money from you, or even try to force you to give it to them. The best course of action is to ignore these men. Keep walking past them and pay them no attention. You may find ticket scalpers on the street who try to pull this same scam as well.

•Look out for Pick Pocketing & theft. This is largely present in train stations and on public transportation. In Italy, the main culprits of this are children. YES, children. Usually gipsies. They can seem so innocent and harmless but they are skilled at stealing and will be able to accomplish it without you even noticing. Always keep your valuable items in a crossbody bag, small purse, fanny pack, or front pockets. Keep this bag in front of you and keep your hands on it (even more so covering the zippers/pockets) at all times so that no one can reach in.

•Bathrooms! They may be much smaller than what you are accustomed to. Please also note that they may not always have toilet paper. Remember, Italy is a very old and historic country, meaning all of their facilities are fairly old as well.

•Transportation: Italy has an extensive public transportation system, including trains, buses, and metros. Familiarize yourself with the options available in the cities you plan to visit, and consider purchasing tickets in advance or using mobile apps for easier travel.

•Local Customs and Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with some Italian customs and etiquette. Italians value politeness and appreciate simple greetings like "buongiorno" (good morning) or "buonasera" (good evening). Remember to follow dress codes, especially in religious sites, and be mindful of local customs and traditions.

•Tipping: It is not mandatory to tip, but always appreciated if you receive exception service or want to show appreciation! This is usually a few euros, or rounding up the bill. In most restaurants, a service charge is often included in the bill. It's best to check the bill or ask the staff if a service charge has already been included before deciding to tip.

•Cultural Sites: Italy is home to numerous historical and cultural sites. Some popular attractions, like the Colosseum in Rome or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, can have long queues. Consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets, booking with a tour guide, or at the very least booking in advance to save time.

•Weather: Northern Italy tends to be the coolest, and the country’s climate increasing gets hotter the further south you go (in most cases). Summer months can bring intense heat waves, while the Winter months can be fairly cold. Always be sure to check the exact location you’re traveling to and pack accordingly. It’s best to bring layers so that you can adjust accordingly during your trip (especially if you’re going to multiple cities).