Italy Essentials
Things You Really Ought To Do Before You Start Your Trip

We know how hectic it can be to plan a trip, and we know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the 4000+ pages of our site. What's our solution? Why, to create yet another page, of course!

Seriously, we hope you will have time to browse the pages we've listed below. Better yet, print them and take them along in a binder. They are loaded with practical information that will save you time, frustration and unhappiness and let you concentrate on having fun once you're in Italy.

Formalities

• US Passport Information
  Here's a helpful tip: make several copies of your passport, leave one at home and take the rest with you. If possible, try to give your hotels a copy instead of the original
• Visa Information
  Citizens of some countries (NOT the USA or Canada or Australia or the UK!) need visas to travel to Italy.
• American Citizen Services Abroad
  The US State Department's information for travelers.
• Flights to Italy
• A Detailed Map of Italy
• The Weather in Italy
• Travel Advisory
• Travelers Insurance
• Time and Date
  Local times for the world, based on your home location.
• Italian Tourist Board Addresses
• Major Holidays

Planning Your Trip

• Trains, Planes, Ferries, Buses and Cars in Italy
• RoadNews
  How to use your laptop and other electronic gadgets abroad.
• Driving in Italy
• Guidebooks
• Folding Maps
  If you're going to rent a car or walk around in a city, you'll need a map.
• Cell Phones
  Thanks to free incoming calls, these are much cheaper to use in Italy, and the coverage is excellent.
• Pocket Translators
  If you're nervous about communicating, these small gadgets can be a life saver.
• Advance Museum Reservations
• Airport & Cruise Shuttles in Rome & Milan
• Private Car Transfers Throughout Europe
• Advance Booking for Private City Walks & Day Trips
• Book a Daily Cooking Lesson
• Travelite
  A whole site dedicated to packing light!
• RoadNews
  How to use your laptop and other electronic gadgets abroad.

Once You're There

• Italy, Instructions For Use
• Make the Most of Your Money
• Using the Post Office
• Using the Telephone
• ATM Locator
  On MasterCard's site, select the item "Come e dove prelevare," then simply choose the city and click.
• ATM Locator
  Visa's site is a little more complicated, but if you know the address you're looking for, you'll get a more precise answer here.
• Cybercafes (Select the city or region by using the pull-down next to the map)
• Shopping Guide
• Cultural Events
• Local Festivals & Pageants
• Outdoor Food & Antique Markets
• Camping Sites

Make sure your documents have not expired! Americans, remember that heightened security has made the passport issue process considerably slower, so allow plenty of time. And when you have some spare time, we really suggest you read some of the many interesting articles about the regions you plan to visit. Click here for our online newsletters.