Low Fares, Low Fares
1– One great thing about low cost airlines and Italian trains are their fares. Low! With the airlines on the other hand, Its important to understand their game and how they make extra money off of you if you don’t pay attention.
Don’t Get Fooled
2– Train station are the most common place to find pickpocketers so be aware of your surroundings. Gypsies and Roms often gather in groups and while one or two get your attention the others picks your wallet out of your purse or pocket.
As a precaution, don’t engage in a conversation with a stranger unless they are speaking English and or look lost. In bigger stations such as Centrale in Milan and Naples no one is allowed on the platform without a ticket so usually those people are travellers. Nonetheless “occhio“. Keep an eye open as they say in Italy and you’ll be fine.
Know Your Way Around
3– Shuttles often run from train stations to airports but you need to make sure they run when you need it. Give yourself plenty of time as traffic is pretty intense in major cities. If you are taking a taxi ask how much it’s going to cost you before you enter.Remember that they may tag on charges for luggage and after hours rates.
Effective April 2018 Uber is illegal in Italy.
If it isn’t an official taxi…walk away
4– Do not let anyone who is not an official taxi take you anywhere. These abusive drivers are all over the sidewalks as you exit the airports or train stations. Sometimes they are right at the arrival areas. Although they are a nuisance and illegal, authorities can’t really get rid of them. Stick with the original visible taxies.
Read also Getting Around Italy with Trains and Planes to get a better understanding.
Trains…the way to go
5– Trains are well maintained and comfortable. You don’t have to book a 1st class ticket. I recommend a reservation if you travel in the summer. If you do have a reservation, make sure you get on the right train car otherwise you’ll never get to your seat if the train’s hallway is congested with passengers and their luggages.
In Italy your luggage stays with you at all times, therefore travel light if you can.
Avoid reserving seats, if you don’t mind seating away from each other save your money. Most flights within Europe are for a short distance anyways..
Are you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post? Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.
‘Till then…Buon viaggio.
