Travel To Rome Italy

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Italy is consistently in the top five luxury travel destinations for American Express Vacation clients. Italy is full of history, beginning with the ancient Roman Empire, to the rise of the Vatican, to the Italian renaissance. Traveling to Italy requires certain tips to make your luxury travel vacation.

Hotel Tips

Though traveling to Italy is quite safe. However, it’s advisable and useful to gather some basic Italy travel tips. There are hundreds of small luxury hotels of the world and the cities of Italy have plenty to choose from. Some Italian hotels, and nearly all hotels in Rome, have at least one staff member who speaks English. Search out this person to ask for additional tips, such as great dining spots, local sights, public transportation and shopping areas. Staying in touch with family and friends can be expensive in Italy, especially if you call from your hotel. Keep in mind that American cell phones will not work without special international services or devices. And since hotels tend to overcharge for long-distance and international calls, it is best to make such calls from public phones, using international calling cards. Staying in a luxury hotel is quite fun, but if you have already been there and done that, it’s never too late to consider booking one of the many available luxury world cruises throughout the world.

Shopping Tips

One big draw for Italian tourists on a luxury travel trip is the shopping tour. Consider booking one of these guided tours, instead of charging off on your own. These shopping tours offer travelers a more comfortable way to “shop ’til you drop.” Most of these tours include transportation to several different shopping districts and stores. Your guide will speak both English and Italian, in order to mediate your shopping experience. Yes, your major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, will work. But keep in mind that most American credit cards will charge a hefty currency fee, and use the most unattractive exchange rates. The best way to be safe and save money would be to use a combination of Euro Travelers Checks, Euros in cash and a credit card. Pick Pocketing can be an unfortunate reality of modern travel, so spreading the type of money you carry is the best choice.

Most stores and shops in Italy have operating hours that can be considered different, at least in comparison to what is expected in the United States. Normally, most Italian shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stores are usually closed between 1 and 3:30 p.m., to allow employees a chance to have a family lunch. Stores usually reopen around 3:30 or 4 p.m., and finally close around 7:30 to 8 p.m. In large cities and tourist areas, there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., with possible variations from town to town. Keep in mind that shopping etiquette in Italy is much different than in the United States. When shopping for clothing, take note that many stores will not allow shoppers to try on shirts and blouses. Also, there is a size discrepancy, so make sure that an attendant measures your body before you purchase. It is also customary to tip attendants if they are personally assisting you with fittings and selection. Whether shopping or relaxing in a small luxury hotel, a customary tip can go a long way!

Your accommodations are often considered one of the most important parts of your http://www.amtvacations.com/american-express-vacations.html, so use these tips to make the most of your upscale hotel stay. When you use these American Express Tour tips to experience the best of small luxury hotels and high class shopping, you can enjoy yourself with no strings attached!

Italy is a well known idyllic vacation destination where tourists are guaranteed a perfect holiday. However, it is always advisable to be careful and ensure a hassle free journey by considering the following tips and advice.

1 – A holidaymakers should always have a valid passport with them at all times. While a visa is not usually necessary if you have visited the country less than 3 months before, for those who do require visa it is advisable to always keep copies of your passport, visa and other important documents with you. Keep them separate from the originals.

2 – It is better to leave a copy of your trip planner with your family and close friends, so that incase of an emergency you can be contacted by them. Make sure to mention the places you intend to visit, the hotels you will be staying at and other important information.

3 – Learn some basic but important Italian phrases as English is not widely spoken in Italy. Some basic phrases are given below:

Buongiorno – Good day
Buonasera – Good evening/afternoon – it is customary to use one of these greetings when entering small shops
Arrivederci – Goodbye
Per favore – Please
Grazie – Thank you
Scusi – Excuse me
Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?
Non parlo italiano – I don’t speak Italian
Dov’è il bagno? – Where’s the bathroom?

4 – If you are planning on driving yourself around while on holiday in Italy, make sure you have a valid International Driver’s License. Also citizens from non-EU countries will require International insurance.

5 – Make sure you pack practical clothing such as comfortable shoes, light sweaters and coats for Italy always enjoys a pleasant climate. However, some places and functions may require formal attire, so make sure you take some with you as well on your trip.

6 – It is best to avoid drinking tap water while holidaying in Italy as it can be chlorinated. Stick to bottled water as a safer option.

7 – The good news is all major credit cards are acceptable in Italy such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa Card in all hotels, restaurants, shops, shopping malls etc. Be careful and mindful of your purse, handbag, knapsacks and wallets at all times and always double check that your cards are returned to you and that you have them in your possession at all times.

8 – Always make sure that you exchange your money at recognized money changing agents only. There are money changers available at the banks as well and this can be done every weekday between 8.30 am and 1.30pm.

9- Transport in Italy is quite convenient with coaches, trains, buses being the most commonly used modes. Most towns in Italy can be reached through public transport, so when traveling make sure you have enough Euros with you, so you can pay for your transport.

10 – Even if you are not carrying your laptop do not worry as you can stay connected always. There are cyber cafes all over Italy, while hotels too usually provide excellent communication services.