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5 Things to Know about Low Cost Airlines and Italian Trains

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.

Getting Around Italy With Planes and Trains.

“I’m going to be in Italy but I don’t want to drive everywhere.”

“Then, take planes and trains! “

“Won’t that be too expensive?”

” Not necessarily…”

Alternative ways of Travelling

If you are planning a trip to Italy and want to explore  just a region or two then the best way is to rent s car. Especially if the countryside is what you are interested in. If you are limited on time or wanting to see a lot of the country, then maybe you should look at possible alternatives such as planes and trains.

Flight costs have come down drastically in the last decade thanks to European deregulations and competition. There are several low cost air carriers that offer not only great deals but reach many cities throughout the peninsula.

Italiabound.com travel blog Italy
Courtesy of Creative Commons

You need to be a bit pro active and plan ahead. Figure out the in and outs of these low cost air carriers because if you don’t, the costs can go up pretty fast.

Great Prices and Save Time

How cheap can you fly? Well, about Milan to Paris for 20€ or Milan to Olbia for 36€. I’ve flown from Berlin to Milan  for only 9€. That’s right, those prices are dirt cheap but they need to be booked in advance. All of your boarding passes need to be printed  in advance as well. If you don’t,  you could face fees from the airline. Checkout www.tripsavvy.com for a rude wakening on these discount airlines extra fees. If you do everything they say then you are on “easy” street… or flight. 

Often the airports that these airlines use are not the common ones that you may be familiar with. Check which airport you are actually landing in, and plan accordingly. For instance if you travel from Berlin to Milan with Ryan Air, you actually land at Bergamo airport. Although only 50 kilometres from to Milan, Bergamo is an other city entirely.

The Smaller the Airport the Better

  Sometimes it’s actually better because these airports are smaller and therefore easier to get in and out. But, for instance, Milan is your final destination, you still have some traveling to do. An other example: Easy-Jet has the whole terminal 2 to it self at Milano Malpensa. A bit tricky for your car rental return, as the drop off is at terminal 1. You need then shuttle to terminal 2 once you dropped off your rental.  Nonetheless it’s worth the hassle if you consider that it cost me only 110€ for my whole family of 5 to fly one way to Paris. Luggage fees, assigned seats, taxes included. Soon terminal 2 will have rental pick up and drop off.

Planning is Key

Discount airlines often land only in selected airports so you might need to have a strategy in place. For instance you want to visit Milan, Rome Florence and Sicily.  The airline of your choice flies from Milan to Rome but not from Rome to Sicily but it flies out of Pisa to Sicily. I, then suggest to go to Sicily first from Milan visit the island and then get on a flight to Pisa, visit Florence as it is  only 70km away and then take the train to Rome. Enjoy the capital and all its beauties and then you are off  to your next destination from one of Rome’s Airports. Of course if you have  time at your disposal you could also drive to all these places. Planning is key.

What I’ve done as well in the past, is booking far enough in advance so the costs are really inexpensive and then book two departure days from the same airport just in case I want to spend extra time there. If the price is low and sometimes it’s as low as 9 euros, I would then forfeit one ticket. That’s always less expensive than calling the airline and pay for a change in dates. You’ll know when you do your budget how much you want to spend in transportation and then make decisions  accordingly.

Easy, Relaxing Train Travel

Trains in Italy are easily available, fast and on time 86% of the time( 2016 Trenitalia statistics ). Second class is just fine and naturally less expensive. Trenitalia is the main train company and their trains hit just about every possible town.

Treni Italia Italiabound.com travel blog Italy
High speed train at Milano Centrale station
Courtesy of Daniel Case

But if you are wanting to see passes in the Dolomites, the poppy fields in Tuscany or the lakes in Veneto, then you need to add  a car to your trip. Book your train to the town closest to where you want to go and then rent a car to continue your trip. Make sure car rentals are available at those stations. Because trains are often and fast, it makes planning that much simpler.

Milano-Roma on the Frecciarossa for instance is less than 3 hours. That’s 620 km.

The great thing about train travel is that it always arrives and departs downtown. Making it  easy and inexpensive to get to the stations.

Great destinations at your finger tips

Some cities have more than one train station so check to see which works for you. In bigger centres, you can use the public transportation to get to the stations instead of taxis which are expensive and sometimes … questionable. That could be a blog all in itself. Small towns are also connected by train so it makes perfect sense if you are interested in seeing as much as the countryside as possible. Visit www.trenitalia.com and see where you would like to travel to.

Personally I always rent a car as soon as I arrive at the airport and almost alway use it to move about.

And if you do rent, read my post on driving in Italy. https://www.italiabound.com/driving-italy-autostada-toll-highways/

 I often don’t use a car if I travel between major cities especially if I’m going there for just one or two days. For instance if on one visit I want to go to Milan from my home of Novara, I would take the train. It  takes only 25 minutes to get there. Parking alone would take that long to find in Milan.

And the best part I just show up at the station as a train usually will be by every 20 minutes. If I miss it, I’ll have a caffè al bar and wait for the next one.

Buying tickets can be done online, at a kiosk in the station or airports or in biglietteria ( ticket booth) in the station.

train ticket kiosk italiabound.com travel blog Italy
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. Typical ticket kiosk at train station

In bigger centres I would avoid the latter. It can be a long wait as many foreigner flock these counters. The kiosks are fast and in any language. It makes the whole process easier.

Online is an other option but at times, I noticed that certain departure times and trains are not available for purchasing. When you purchase on line you are restricted to that particular time departure that you’ve booked. At a kiosks you have the option to get a different train that may be arriving sooner since you are already there.

Which ever choice of transportation you choose is totally based on budget, flexibility and time at your disposal.

Trains are clean well maintained, frequent and fast which makes for a better travel experience.

Till then… Buon viaggio

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.

 

13 Italian Cultural Habits…and 7 Habits Foreign Tourists Don’t Understand


 Italian Cultural Habits. Some things you just need to know.

Cultural Habits, thats right. Italians are different in that way. You are heading to Italy and are excited about the food and the wine you will enjoy.  You can’t wait to step back into time. Walk the streets that the ancient Romans walked. See the art from great artists and relive the history. You want to experience Italy through the eyes of Italians.

If that is the case, there are some things that you should know.  Just so you don’t stand out, or at least so that you can understand why Italians do the things they do.

After all when in Rome…

-I know that it’s odd, but in Italy waiters serve bread to the table without oil and balsamic and for sure they will never ever bring you butter.

Bread is essential to any dinner or lunch table. Its primary purpose is to have it with the meat dishes, secondi, or to snack on before the pasta arrives. And for a traditional scarpetta; Cleaning off the plate of the tomato sauce with a chunk of bread after finishing your pasta. Avoid eating your pasta with bread, though. That would scream horror and definitely labels you as “another tourist.”

-Italians always end their meals with a caffè espresso.  In some cases, individuals may choose an espresso corretto which means, corrected with a splash of grappa or brandy. At times, but very rarely, someone may ask for a macchiato or a drop of cold milk. Never would they have a cappuccino after a meal. You will definitely get a sarcastic comment from the waiter or at the very least an insulted look.

Cappuccino is a meal in itself for Italians as it is the choice of beverage for breakfast, by itself or with a cornetto or brioche. Sometimes they have it in the afternoon . But after a three course meal it’s a total no, no… nooooo!

Un caffe’ per favore

-Coffee in Italy is a culture and it’s enjoyed several times daily. Unlike in North America where we tend to sip a 20oz for several hours, Italians prefer to have it al banco (at the bar counter), down it and move on with their day, or at least until the next one. Because they are a sociable society they often invite someone to have a caffè with them and to share a few words before they all go their separate ways. It’s an inexpensive commodity and easily offered to friends and acquaintances. Its not just a cultural habit. It’s a daily one. Of course if coffee is not your choice there is always room for a gelato. One a day keeps the doctor away!

italiabound.com

– Avoid dining with milk. Even children do not have milk with meals. The number one choice of beverage at during a meal is… water! Still or sparkling, but definitely water. You will be charged for it, too. In a pizzeria a bibita gassata (soft drink) is sometimes enjoyed with a pizza, especially for the little guys.  At least if you do ask for a soft drink, you won’t get any weird stares.

Wine with your pizza? Really?

Wine on the other hand is not recommended with a pizza. No funny faces from the waiter if you do. Italians mostly enjoy beer with it. Order a glass of milk and you’ll never hear the end of it. Dining with a cocktail is almost as bad as ordering milk or juice. Have your Martini or Campari as an aperitivo but move on to wine as soon as you are seated.

-You will notice that at 6 or 7 in the evening, many bars are crowded with aperitivi goers. It’s sort of like happy hour if you will, but here you can have food that is all free as long as you order a drink. Here is where you would have an aperitivo, pile onto your plate a few samples of different specialties and enjoy the food and the conversation.

Maybe tomorrow

-Italians have certain habits down to an art. It’s not a coincidence that every other country in the world looks at Italians with envy when it comes to living life. They definitely have defined and perfected a few phrases. “La dolce vita” (the sweet life) and “Il dolce far niente,” (the sweetness of doing nothing at all). Two quotes that define the Italian love for life and the recognition that constant running around and being too busy is not always necessary, nor is healthy.

italiabound.com relax italian style

Many foreigners may see that as being “lazy” but, considering the country and its peoples’ achievements over the centuries, that argument hardly stands. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt for others to adopt some of these habits, particularly when traveling in Italy. But hey, why not take it home and add it to your everyday life too.

-Italians don’t like fast food restaurants as they don’t give enough time to engage in conversation and enjoy the food prepared, which also means that they prefer eating in company. It’s hard to talk about the food if you are the only one at the table or if everyone is in a rush.

Ciao come stai? Let’s go for a caffe’

– Italians put so much emphasis on  general conversation. There is nothing more rude in Italy than to cross someone on the street and say “Hi how are you!?” And then just keep on walking (as we might do in North America). If you ask, expect an answer and a long conversation. People congregate on the sidewalks, in the piazza, under the portici or at markets. They always find a subject to discuss. They may just ask about family and life in general. So slow down and do enjoy the small things in life.

Italians al bar italiabound.com travel Palermo Italy

-Family is an important aspect of their lives. In some cases, no wage increase is enough to move away from close family. As I recall, a very good friend of mine refused a substantial wage increase because the heartache of his daughter being raised too far away from the grandparents just wasn’t worth the money or the 800 kilometre move. Life is too short, simply put.

 -Kids are brought up around wine and spirits and because of that they grow up with little interest in drinking. Since they don’t drink milk, juices or soft drinks at meals, often their parents may add a drop or two of wine in the water, but mostly they drink plain water. Children are always surrounded by wine, and often snob it as they get older.

-Children are in constant contact with adults. What I mean is that children are not overlooked when adults are invited to dinners or parties. Unless otherwise stated, expect them to bring their bambini to a friend’s dinner. If they show up without their kids, the host would be surprised and question why they aren’t present.

 

3 Unique Experiences of Art and Culture in Italy

Ciao Bella. Where are you going?

-Because Italians live in the cities and in apartmentrs, they love to spend their time outside. The weather is a big help, even in the winter. Spending time outdoors regenerates their well-being. Fresh air is a luxury when you live in the city and the outdoor is precious. It’s not difficult to find kids, elders and teens congregate outside and enjoy one another’s company in parks, on boulevards or in a piazza. Sunday is a family day and short trips visiting neighbouring towns for long lunches are quintessential for their dolce far niente lifestyle.  As well evening passeggiate, strolls to the town centres.

-Dressing up is very important for Italians. I read an article years ago that Italians are the number one buyers of signature clothing and like to show them off. Signature handbags are the number one accessory amongst women and wallets for men, mostly Italian designers, but not necessarily. If they are going to buy something, it’s going to be a renowned griffe.

…And just to be fair.

Here are some things that foreigners dislike, don’t appreciate or don’t understand about Italians. And why not? After all, not everything that glitters is gold, and even a wonderful place like Italy has its faults.  

-Noise. Italians are… noisy. They are loud, they yell. And not because they are mad or upset, but simply because they believe that yelling gets the point across better. They love the horn on their car. If it’s there, use it!. They love to use hand gestures when talking. It’s nothing personal, but to them it’s not rude to talk loud and with lots of hand and finger gestures.

Lets go for lunch

– Italians hate fast food, but tourists also dislike the fact that Italians take forever to finish their meals. Since they would rather take their time to eat, Italian life in general stops around lunch. Stores close for 3 or 4 hours during the middle of the day. Banks stay closed until 4pm and even gas stations shut down for lunch. Of course restaurants are open, but only until 2:30pm. If you choose not to eat during that time, you’ll have a difficult time finding a restaurant that is open.

It’s closed? Why is it a holiday?

Tourists, especially North Americans, want everything at their finger tips. In Italy, it doesn’t work that way. Restaurants close at 2:30pm and don’t open again until 7 or 8 pm. Stores, boutiques, banks, government offices, gas stations and even factories all close down for lunch and some don’t even reopen in the afternoon.

Naturally, if you are in an area with lots of tourists, you will have everything at your fingertips.  Everyone caters to tourists and almost everything is always open, but is that really the Italy vibe that you are looking for?

Two sunny side up please. Or not!

-Foreigners dislike Italian choices for breakfast. Lunch is the biggest meal, there is no need for a massive breakfast. Unless you are staying in a franchise hotel where continental breakfasts are served, many places will offer a cappuccino with a few different white flour breads with jams, cookies or brioche and that’s it. Bars or caffè will serve pastries and maybe panini in the morning, but if you are looking for bacon and eggs, well… good luck.

-Italians are romantic people so don’t be alarmed or offended if you see couples kissing and hugging in public on their Vespa or on a park bench. When young couples are in love, well, the whole world must know about it. At the same time, going for a passeggiata  with arms linked, is normal (even for guys).

-Smoking is one of those habits that Europeans do more than North Americans. Socially it is still not seen as a bad habit nor is it rude to light up in an outdoor restaurant. As someone who also does not smoke, I find it “not to my taste” but until laws change, there too, we have to endure this cultural habit.

Il Bambino is Bravo, No?

-“Kids rule and have little respect.” That’s what a few people have said to me about Italian’s kids. Yes, to a certain extent I have to agree. Kids are raised by their parents and grandparents to be the centre of the world… well maybe the universe.

Family adore, love and spoil  their children to the point that they can do no wrong and the grown ups seem to always find an excuse to justify their behaviour.  Italian kids are the only ones that I can think of that have no problem mingling with adults and chat up a storm without any shyness nor problems.

Nonetheless, they are respectful and talk to elderly people with respect and politeness, but maybe with a loud voice.

You First?… No Me first…Ciao

-Line ups. They don’t like them. If they can sneak by you, they will. Whether it’s at the bank or at a red light.  If they are on some type of a two wheeler, then line ups don’t exist, nor traffic for that matter. Even 90 year old grandmothers, if they can sneak by, will do so.

So, now that you know a little bit more about Italians, you can head there and really enjoy the country and its people. Italy is a very friendly, hospitable and generous country with a few quirks. But then again, that’s why you are there; to enjoy and experience every aspect of Italians and Italy. And if those quarks weren’t there, well then you’d be in a different country.

‘Till then… Buon viaggio

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.

 

3 Things to Know about Gratuities in Italy… To Tip or Not To Tip

What about gratuities? Do I leave anything for the waiter?

How about gratuities? Clients often ask me that simple question. Its a cultural difference that we sometimes don’t understand.

1- Gratuities or Tips are a personal choice that are always appreciated, but never taken for granted or expected. Unlike North America, tipping is not expected and it doesn’t go towards subsidizing an income that should have been taken care of by the employer. Italians are proud people and one mustn’t confuse gratuities with a hand-out.

italiabound.com gratuities waiter

The best way to know if you should leave a gratuity or not is to ask yourself the following question: Am I tipping because he or she provided an exceptional service and went above and beyond my expectations? If the answer is yes, then a token of appreciation can be left on the table. Nonetheless, it is not mandatory. It should be out the goodness of your heart and not what people will think if you don’t.

 

 

  5 Things to Know About Dining in Italy

 

Know Who You Are Tipping

2- You never tip the owners of the business, such as in a restaurant, a salon,  or mechanic. Nor you should give gratuities because you feel bad for that individual for doing his/her job. Again, Italians are proud, and if they feel you are tipping because they think that you feel sorry for them, then they may see this as an insult and just may refuse the tip. If they do refuse it for whatever reason, please don’t feel insulted. Understand it and move on. Don’t force it.

3- Waiters have a set salary, as well  as tour guides. I would recommend a tip of appreciation for guides for showing you the sites. Taxi drivers are on salary so there is no need to tip. In any case, you just round the amount to the nearest Euro or so.

Rome italiabound.com gratuities waiter

A Gift Goes Further

Bonus- In some circumstances, it’s more appropriate and also more appreciated to give someone a gift instead of money for having gone beyond the call of duty. That would be more for owners of businesses or maybe the manager or concierge of a hotel. If you stayed several nights there and they accommodated with concert tickets, museum passes or really good recommendations for restaurants, then consider it. If you take in a cooking class for instance as a token of appreciation such as a gift, it goes further than money since in most cases it’s the owner/chef that gave the course… And if the gift is from your country… better yet. Italians appreciate when individuals go out of their way to make them feel special or appreciated and sometimes money is not the only reward.

If you know that you may possibly be running in one of these situations, you could purchase something in your country and have it ready if needed on your travels.  If someone really did something great for you,  you can always send it once you returned home.

‘Til then…Buon viaggio.

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.

 

3 Unique  Experiences of  Art and Culture in Italy

If you are in Italy and you are looking for unique art and culture, it would be impossible to miss it. Italy is a open air museum and everywhere you go the ghosts of the past are all around you enhancing your experience. One not to miss.

Lets start:

1) Architecture. Art and Culture

The essence of art and culture. It’s everywhere, but sometimes overlooked or taken for granted, even the one dating back from before Christ.

From Roman ruins to Longobards Castles to Etruschian catacombs. The visual experience is endless when you travel throughout Italy, from one part of the country to another, based on who was the ruler or the invader at that time.

Italy architecture constantly changed with unique and refreshing art and culture.

Trieste, for instance, a city reminiscing of Vienna since it was under Austrian-Hungarian control until almost the end of the  18th century, contrasts from Torino with its French influence.

Torino Mole italiabound.com
La Mole Antonelliana di Torino

Torino was seized by Napoleon until its fall, or Napoli, which was contested between  the French and Spaniards dynasties basically up until the Risorgimento or unification of Italy in 1861.

What is amazing about Italy is the uniqueness of its architecture. It is worthwhile to pay close attention to all of its beauty as you travel across the landscapes.

To me a must see is the Reggia of Caserta. Royal Palace from the 18th century and now a UNESCO Heritage Site. Once the home of  Carlo III, Duke of Bourbons and King of the Kingdom of Naples. It’s the largest Royal residence in the world. Need I say more? A must see. reggiadicaserta.beniculturali.it

2) Museums, Art Show and Galleries.

It is well obvious that Italy itself is an open air museum yet you will find something under a museum roof that will excite and inspire you to search for more unique beauties in this amazing country. Italians thirst for art and culture allows for hundreds and hundreds of museums, art galleries and theatres to instil knowledge and entertainment. The museum choices are endless, whether it’s affreschi, paintings, sculptures, modern or antique furniture, or… Yes! Even racing cars. 

Museums are everywhere. And you need not be in a big center to take in any of that.

Uffizi Florence italiabound.com
Uffizi Museums in Florence

A must is the Uffizi in Florence   . And one of my favourites, ( although it has nothing to do with Italy) is the Museo Egizio di Torino. It’s the largest Egyptian museum outside Egypt. I need to go back there again. I just love it.

3) Archeological sites

In a Country rich of past civilizations it isn’t hard to find archeological sites to explore. Naturally the ones that come to mind are Pompei,  pompei.it , Ercolano ercolano.beniculturali.it and of course Rome itself.

colosseo roma italia bound
Il Colosseo in Rome

In Tuscany or Umbria there are many  archeological sites of the mysterious Etruscan civilization. Particular the Necropolis of Cerveteri and Tarquinia  not to be mistaken for the Necropoli della Banditaccia also near Cerveteri. If you  have the time, you should see both.

Sicily, and  Calabria on the other hand are home of many Greek ruins such as  in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where The Temple of Concordia reigns over the Sicilian island. A must see.

Aquileia, founded in 181 BC, in Friuli is rich in Roman ruins, ancient crypts and most recently a newly found Roman port buried under thousand years of dirt grasses and trees. Further north, but by only 40km,  is Cividale, founded in. 53 BC by Julius Cesar.

Ponte del Diavolo in Cividale del Friuli.

You can discover the history of the Longobardi. It’s path through different civilizations. Amongst many things you must visit the 3rd Century Celtic burial crept –Ipogeo Celtico- www.cividale.com deep in the undergrounds of the town. ( get the key from the restaurant next door or at the travel information center ).

What’s is amazing is that all are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These among many others, are museum, cities and sites that I personally visited and enjoyed, but thousand more are there waiting  to be discovered by you. That is Why You Should  Go to Italy… It’s An Experience Not Just a Holiday.  And if you decide to head over to this wonderful country, I can help.

“Til then…Buon viaggio.

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.