THE CLIMATE OF ITALY

Italy�s climate transforms over the course of the year, so it�s best to research on the climate changes in the region you are going to, lest you find yourself caught with the wrong clothes. Climate awareness can also help you decide what time of the year to visit a certain place. You may be disappointed that the beautiful villa that you rented gets soggy during the rainy season, or that the overcast skies make swimming in your beach resort near impossible.

Most people say that Italy is at its best during Spring. This normally occurs during April and May. However prices are higher and it may be hard to find a good hotel without spending a fortune, especially in tourist areas.

You can also schedule your trip during October to December, considered to be the Italian autumn. Many visitors fall in love with the country at this time, since the temperature is very comfortable. The heat is much lower and the breeze is refreshingly cool. But once again, be prepared for the costs: this is the peak tourist season. If you are looking for bargains you may have a hard time negotiating for lower rates when the hotels are packed! Either reserve earlier or look for package deals through your travel agency.

Generally the easiest time to get discounts is during the summer months of July and August. But this is only if you go the city proper. Since this is the time the locals take their vacation the coastal resorts are quite full. It�s also SALE season, and all those Italian designer boutiques are slashing their prices.

If you wish to go to the beach, the best months for tourists are April, May and November.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TRIP TO ITALY

It�s tempting to squeeze as much as you can into your trip, but overbooking will turn your vacation into a nightmare. You�ll be too exhausted and stressed to have fun, and will definitely derive no pleasure from your trip.

The most relaxing thing to do is to book just two major destinations per day, and then have one other destination within the same area just in case you end your tour early. Some places deserve a lot of time, such as art museums. You won�t really have fun if you rush through it. In fact many experienced travelers will recommend that you spend an entire day looking at the Vatican and Vatican Museum. A light itinerary will give you plenty of time to enjoy a lovely authentic Italian lunch, take plenty of pictures, and drop by shops.

Instead of cramming your itinerary, extend your stay. Book an inexpensive hotel or look for travel packages on the Internet. By comparing rates and negotiating for discounts you won�t have to spend that much on an extra day or two. You can also scrimp by eating some of your meals at the local restaurants or buying a sandwich from a deli.

A large chunk of your vacation budget will go to hotel fees. And If you�re trying cut costs, you definitely shouldn�t be staying at a five star hotel. One night at the finest hotels can pay for three nights in more affordable accommodations. That�s more time to see the sights, more money for souvenirs or tours.

Budget hotels may seem like a more logical alternative for wise travelers who�d rather spend on tours than Egyptian cotton bedsheets. Granted, you�ll be giving up on some luxuries�like a hot tub big enough for two�but as long as the rooms are well maintained and clean, then you�ll be fine. Especially when you know that the money you save can go to things that really matter to you, including the opportunity to extend your vacation and visit more of Italy.

You can also save a lot of money by staying at a tourist apartment. Log on the internet to find private vacation homes�their owners usually lease it when they�re not in the country�or inquire at professional vacation property companies who may rent out anything from condos to medieval villas. These accommodations are cheaper in the long run since you can share the cost of several rooms with other people. Travel in a group and share costs with your friends and family. You can also save a lot on meals by cooking your own in the kitchen. The advantage of these places is that you don�t have to worry about curfew, which can be a problem at hostels.

For those on a really really tight budget, you can stay at hostels. These are really the cheapest possible accommodations but you will have to make certain sacrifices. Though you will be given a bed, it is possible that you will have a communal bathroom. Many hostels are clean and the beds are relatively comfortable. You can ask the front desk to keep your valuables in a safety deposit box.

You can also get discounts by booking your vacation during the off season, where you can get plane tickets for lower prices. Many hotels also offer discount packages at this time.

Another way of saving a lot of money is to schedule your trip during the off season, when many hotels offer bargains and discount rates: hotel in Rome.

Travel in Comfort

It’s best to avoid the hottest months of the year, since the heat can make it very uncomfortable to stay outside for long periods. It is worth the extra money to go in Italy during Spring or Autumn. If you do go during August (the hottest month of the year) it will be near impossible to get hotels in the resorts since this is the time the locals take their own vacation. You will get good rates at the cities, though.

A Healthy Traveler is a Happy Traveler

Before your trip, update your vaccines and get two copies of prescriptions for the drugs you typically take (keep them in different bags in case one gets lost). You should see your doctor and your dentist. It may seem like a lot of bother but do remember that it can be very expensive to get medical treatment abroad.

Protect yourself against theft

When you bring money around, be sure that what you have in your pocket can only last about two days. Leave the rest in a safety deposit box in the hotel. You can also use the ATM to withdraw money in case you need more. You should also divide the money you’re carrying among different bags or pockets, for example your partner can carry 50% while you carry 25% in your wallet and another 25% in the zippered pocket of your cargo pants. Sadly pickpockets can spot a tourist a mile away and will take advantage of you in crowded areas.

But the best protection against theft is to avoid bringing anything of great value. Leave your heirloom jewelry at home and bring simple gold earrings or costume jewelry instead. At least you won’t feel bad if it gets lost!

Credit Card Safety and use

Most stores in Italy will accept Visa, although a few accept Mastercard. You should have a photocopy of your credit cards in your bag and carry around the number of the customer service department.

Dress Codes

Italy is famous for its churches and museums, and they should be part of any traveler’s itinerary. However, many of them have strict dress codes and do not permit shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops. If it’s too hot to walk around in long sleeved clothes always carry long sleeved blouse or light sweater with you to use if needed