Ciaowdy!
We leave for Italy in 13 days. That’s crazy! To prepare for our trip, I have compiled a list of things I would’ve found helpful to know before visiting the country. I’ve broken them down into three categories.
Food/Drink
- No cappuccinos after 11 am. I mean, unless you want to look like a tourist.
- Never order pineapple on pizza. That’s just considered inedible.
- You can drink the tap water!
Clothing/Things to bring
- Dress code: We’re going to be visiting some incredible, gorgeous basilicas. However, there’s a dress code for church. This should be easier to follow now that we’re going in the spring instead of the winter, but general guidelines for girls are: Shorts, miniskirts, strappy sundresses are not considered respectable clothing. Bring a scarf or a shawl. Guys: jacket and pants/long trousers!
- Weather: Speaking of colder weather, the temperatures will be 50-60 ˚F during the day and 35-45 ˚F during the night, so dress warmly.
- Adapter/Converter for technology: you’ll need both for your tech. Here’s a link to something I found on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/adapteritaly)!
- Shoes: bring shoes you can walk around in comfortably! You’ll be walking a lot
- Phones: Figure out your cell phone plan before you go so you don’t end up with roaming charges!
Money
- For cash: I find it helpful to get some cash before you even go so you don’t always have to use the ATM (there’ll be a fee for exchanging every time you exchange!). Especially when you’re buying more inexpensive items, small bills are often more commonly used than card.
- For debit/credit: Make sure your bank and/or your credit card knows that you’re traveling outside of the country, or else they may decline your purchases and your cards will be frozen.
- Be careful: Don’t get bamboozled into buying a fake LV belt. Also, don’t get pickpocketed. (Don’t look like you have a ton of money on you.)
- Coins for restrooms: Sometimes using the restroom is not free, so save your change/small coins so that you have them available for public restrooms (when you gotta go you gotta go). Alternatively, always use the restroom in restaurants because you’ve already paid.
- Don’t tip at restaurants: The tip is already included, often in something called a coperto, so don’t tip like you would in the US!
If you think of any questions you have, ask the student leaders!
Ciao for now,
Elsbeth (your favorite student leader)