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| Photo by Flo P on Unsplash |
{This post is written in collaboration with Emily Jones}
Even
though there is a lot of uncertainty due to COVID-19 right now, one can still
plan and dream. It’s actually fun and refreshing to talk about going somewhere
with your family, even if it may not be for a bit. One wonderful destination to
go to is Italy, especially with kids. The food is incredible, the locals are
friendly, the natural landscapes are stunning, there is so much history and
culture here, and there is something for everyone.
So if
you are looking to go to Italy for the first time, here’s your guide to
visiting Italy in the summer!
Travel tips for Italy in the
summer
Plan ahead
You
know how important planning is to me and with so much to see and
do in Italy, it is crucial to make a list of ‘must-see’ spots before you go.
Especially when you are travelling as a family, you want to see the beautiful
sites, visit some museums, and also experience life around the places you
visit. Plus, while you are in Italy. you don’t want to be planning what next,
you just want to make the most of your time there!
Book in advance
While
it can be fun to stay as you go, when you are travelling as a family there is a lot to be said for knowing where you are sleeping and where you are going. Book
museum visits, hotels, activities, and restaurants ahead of time if possible to
skip lines.
Pack light
Italy
is well known for its fashion and delicacies such as food and high-end goods, so
save some space in your suitcase for things you might want to pick up along the
way. You want enough for hot summer weather, but if you pack items that wash
well and don’t wrinkle too much you can re-wear a lot of items. This will make
trekking through the airport and getting to your accommodation a lot easier, as
well.
Plugs
It is
highly recommended to buy a universal adapter (with surge protection) as well
as a converter for your hair appliances. You'll want to look your best after all!
Learn some basic phrases in Italian
While
English is widely spoken in Italy in tourist areas, the main language spoken is
Italian. Learn some basic phrases and words before you so you feel more
comfortable and confident getting around as well as interacting with locals!
You can learn Italian for free by using apps like Babbel
for example and dedicating time to learn a set number of phrases every week
before your trip! This way, you can have fun with ordering your coffee, gelato,
and delicious food in Italian.
Safety
Italy
is generally a safe country to travel in. However, pickpocketing is something
to look out for. Keep your bag zipped, wear it cross-bodied, and keep a hand on
it, especially when walking through crowded places. If you use a backpack, opt
for an anti-theft backpack.
Where to go in Italy
While
there are so many beautiful places to see in Italy, but some of the “classic”
summer destinations are Amalfi, Dolomites, Sardinia and Sicily.
Amalfi
Amalfi
is a town along the Amalfi coast that is well worth a visit. With incredible
views, the beautiful sea right there, delicious seafood, and coastal way of
living, Amalfi is a must. It is also much more comfortable to be at the seaside rather than in the big cities during the summer heat.
Dolomites
Located
in northern Italy, the Dolomites are set in the South Tyrol region. It is cool
here in the summer as you get further into the mountains, making it a
comfortable and adventurous destination for families. You can go hiking, visit
the Lago di Braies, visit castles, and see some quaint villages along the way. The
city of Bolzano is a great starting off point or somewhere you can stay and explore
from.
Sardinia
While
Sardinia is not one of the most popular destinations to go to for first-timers’
to Italy, it is gorgeous with its white sand beaches and it is a popular spot
for holiday packages. If you want to spend your time on an island where you can
relax and enjoy being at the sea with your family, this is a beautiful spot to
go to.
Sicily
Sicily
is an island located in the Mediterranean that is Italian but also has a mix of
cultural influences due to its history. Popular things to do and see here as a
family are: visit Mount Etna (an active volcano), explore the food markets in
Palermo, visit Taormina and explore the islands.
Have you ever been to any of these
places? If so, what was your experience like?
