In fact, many people don’t even think of some of the items that they’ll have to bring along.
For example, don’t know Italian? You might be able to get away with speaking another language in Rome or Naples, but if you go to the “heel of the boot,” or Puglia, you’ll want to bring a voice translation app with you.
If you’re planning to travel to Italy, don’t forget to bring along the following items to make your travels more enjoyable:
1. Electric Adapter and Converter
Italy has three main plug types: C, F and L. If you’re from different parts of the world, your plug likely won’t work in Italy. You’ll also find that the voltage is 230V and 50Hz. What does this mean?
You may need both an adapter and a converter.
The adapter will allow you to use your traditional plug in Italy. A converter is even more important because it is responsible for converting the energy from the outlet into the voltage your devices need to run properly.
If you don’t use a converter, chances are, your electronics will completely short out. So, if you have the latest and greatest phone or laptop, you can say “goodbye” to it unless you use a converter.
2. Euros
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll likely need to take a taxi to get to your hotel room. While more businesses are accepting credit cards, there are a lot that do not. Italians don’t like to pay the extra fees for accepting cards.
You’ll want to exchange your currency for a few euros prior to your first steps in Italy.
ATM machines will often take your debit card and allow you to withdraw some of your balance in euros. You’ll want to be sure to notify the bank prior to going to Italy so that they don’t view your withdrawals as suspicious and put a hold on your account.
3. Voice Translation App
Italians speak Italian. You’ll be able to get away with using a tour guide and staying in hotels where the staff speak Italian, but if you explore outside of these areas, you should use a translation app.
Vocre is a translation app that’s available on Google Play and the App Store.
And since you don’t speak Italian, you’ll speak your native language into the app for instant voice translation. The app will say what you said in your native language back in Italian or any of the 59 languages that can be easily translated to using Vocre.
If you see a sign or need help reading a menu, there’s also a text translation option available. You don’t even need an Internet connection with the app’s subscription service.
4. Dress Clothes – Your Best
If you don’t live in Italy, you might assume that you can get by in your day-to-day clothes. You can, but you’ll also look out of place. Whether you’re going out for an aperitivo (drink) or to eat, you’ll find that even in a trattoria (inexpensive restaurant), people dress extremely well.
Be sure to bring a nice pair of dress shoes, pants and a button-down shirt at the very least if you don’t want to look like you rolled out of bed and decided to go out to dinner.
5. Comfortable Shoes
Walking is a part of Italian travel, whether you plan to walk a lot or not. Traditionally, tourists will wake up, grab something to eat and be on their way to visit sights. And with a country filled with history, one historical location seems to meld into another and you’ll find yourself walking a lot.
If you want to explore markets, you’ll be walking again.
Bring a pair of comfortable shoes or sneakers that you won’t mind wearing for hours on end. Trust me, your feet will thank you if you have a good pair of walking shoes with you,
The next time you travel to Italy, follow this list and you’ll have a much better time during your vacation.
