A Quick Update & Travel TipZ Reminders from…

Your Boots on the Ground in the Boot!

I know it’s been a while but YOUR Boots on the Ground has been covering a lot of ground and, honestly, I can hardly believe it’s June already?!

Summer is around the corner…so what’s happening here?

Tourism has returned and…with a vengeance!

The numbers started ramping up in April (around Easter) and there’s been no looking back! 
There is no “off-season”. There is no “shoulder season”. 
We are already in a very “high season” and there’s no end in sight for 2023.

♦ My Advice & Observations:

•  If you are “thinking” about coming to Italy in 2023, you had better think and plan/book fast. (Better yet, start thinking about spring 2024!
)•  Popular destinations (and we all know what they are) are booking and filling into November. Yes, November!
•  Apparently, airline woes and inflation haven’t stopped a lot of people from planning their vacations and they are here in droves.
•  I’m still amazed, and sometimes even amused, that people arrive without pre-booking reservations for popular sites and expect to be able to get tickets and entry.
•  And even more amazed that they’re willing to spend their vacation time standing in line for virtually hours to get tickets!? And now…there is even concern among guides that some museums are too crowded (e.g., the very popular Uffizi Gallery).

One example is the line to visit the Duomo – Santa Maria del Fiore (which is free but there are no reservations) – the lines literally wind around the entire length of the cathedral translating into HOURS of waiting… when in fact just across from the Duomo is one of the most remarkable  (and never crowded!) museums, the Museo Opera del Duomo (opera means “works”)…

Here you will find all of the original works of the Duomo facade and some interior as well as a magnificent collection beautifully curated! The original Baptistery doors, works of Donatello, Pisano, Michelangelo, della Robbia and so much more! (Check out my blog post!)

And there are MANY more world class museums you can visit! Palazzo Pitti, The Bargello, Medici Chapels, Palazzo Davanzati to name a few (Click here for more!) not to mention the works residing in the cathedrals of basilicas (e.g., Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, Santa Trinita, Santissimi Annunciata, San Miniato and more!). And just walking around Florence is nothing short of breathtaking…

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Those of you who have read my book, read my travel tips (links below) or planned your trips with me know that I always always advise that you book in advance.

♦ And…I Repeat!

•  YES, have euros when you land!
•  Book any organized tours! And book on the “official sites”!!
•  Download any/all APPS you will need and become familiar before you leave i.e., WhatsApp and train apps (Italo and Trenitalia).

•  Put all of your travel contacts in your smartphone Contacts (remember the country code for Italy is +39) WhatsApp is widely used in Italy.
•  Check with bank(s) and credit card(s) if they charge foreign transaction fees/ATM fees.
•  Check your passport expiration date way in advance! It must be valid 6 months after your departure date at END OF YOUR VACATION! (US State Dept. is backed up~ don’t wait!)
•  Luggage! – DON’T OVERPACK! Bring only carry on if you can. Your biggest bag should be no taller than your KNEE! Yes, I mean it! I’ve been on a lot of trains lately and I just can’t believe what people drag around! Trust me, you simply will not need as much as you think you will! (And there are STAIRS in Italy! Lots of stairs…in train stations and in many hotels/accommodations that have no elevator!).

There is limited space for luggage on trains…and there are stairs…lots of stairs!

♦ In Case You Wondered:
• Masks? Not required at this time but it’s at your discretion.
• COVID? No restrictions in place at this time although I am hearing about mild cases here and in the US.
• Strikes? Yes, there are strikes (Sciopiero!). They are typically announced in advance. Sometimes they are a few hours, sometimes 24 hours. Usually they fall on a Friday but not always (there is a strike today June 4th on a holiday weekend affecting flights.)  Of course, some strikes are called by different airlines – ground crew, pilots, etc. – and they can/do affect flight cancellations and delays.
What can you do? Stay informed and updated. Stay in touch with your travel advisor/airline or whoever booked your flights. Travel midweek (I avoid Fridays), be flexible (don’t overbook yourself), take a deep breath and stay calm.

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Summer is around the corner and everyone here is working so hard after a difficult few years…and despite the massive crowds, being understaffed and other challenges, I’m constantly amazed and touched by their resilience and work ethic… so please please please be a good guest in this beautiful country!

And most important: Pack your patience and your sense of humor!

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As Your Boots on the Ground here in the Boot: Please remember that I am an independent Italy trip designer/planner and my time/services are my livelihood.
I start with a complimentary 15-minute consult (via Facetime or WhatsApp). Then, once we agree to work together, as you would with any professional for a consultation/services, I charge a fee for my mine, which starts at $50/hour with a one-hour minimum.

♦ Learn more here about my Italy Trip Design Services !

⇒ Questions? Contact me!

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MORE TipZ!

♦ A Dozen Travel Planning Mistakes I See…Over and Over!

Packing TipZ You Will Thank Me For!

♦ Italy Travel TipZ (including Fast Train Travel, Taking a Taxi, Tipping in Italy and more!)

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