Italy Travel 101: How to Conduct Yourself in Italy, & Other Unsolicited Advice From Your Friendly American Traveler.
Welcome to class girls, gays, & some of the boys.
Class is in session!
Syllabus for Basics in Italian 101 as follows:
Section 1: Learn the local lingo: Learning a few key phrases can come in handy
Section 2: Get Cultured: Coffee Etiquette, Cappuccino Crimes, and Meal Rituals
Section 3: Fashion Do’s, Don’ts, and Big No-No’s
Learn the local lingo: Learning a few key phrases can come in handy
Knowing a few key phrases helps you navigate smaller, more intimate villages, and get the best out of your experience. For real, download one of the many free versions of a language learning app and learn a few key phrases like:
Ciao - Hello / Bye
Buongiorno - [Hello] Good Day!
Grazie - Thank You
Prego - You’re Welcome
Keep these key phrases in your back pocket so that you don’t end up looking like a stunad! In my experience, Italians love it when visitors attempt to speak their language — they find it very endearing — or so I’ve heard.
Get Cultured: Coffee Etiquette, Cappuccino Crimes, and Meal Rituals
First things first: American Coffee ≠ Espresso! 🤌
What we think of coffee in America is actually a much more watered-down version of espresso or “un caffè” in Italian. The first time I ever tried a caffè at a Tabacchi (an Italian cafe-ish), I was a mere 19 and studying abroad in Florence. I was morified at the shot of strong bitter liquid, and worse, the water shot they gave me as a chaser was in fact sparkling water that almost sent me into a carbonated choking frenzy. However, I felt I had to finish it as to not insult the barista who made it!
Italians have plenty of rituals around coffee, food culture, and communal meals, so let’s break down a few of these common “rules”:
The cappuccino is, of course, an Italian favorite, but only in the morning. After 1 p.m., Italians drink shots of espresso only. Technically, you can still order a cappuccino, you may just get a few side eyes from locals! (…I’ve done it before 👀)
Sit down to eat and take your time, eat slowly. Eating is an intimate time meant to be cherished — when someone eats while walking or multitasking, it is looked down upon as disrespecting food. This mentality extends to coffee on the go as well! No such thing as a “working lunch” in Italy! (sorry corperate girlies & finance bros 💔)
Understand the European meal schedule. Italians eat dinner much later, around ~8 pm, and oftentimes dine slowly, enjoying many courses for several hours. Following dinner, a bottle(sss) of wine is shared outdoors among family or friends sitting outside at the bar or in the piazza (Italian Plaza). You can find Italians of all ages strolling home arm in arm like they’re in a rom-com. Wholesome 🥹
It is to your benefit to embrace these cultural differences, please. Well, you are immersing yourself in a new culture, truly stepping into the way that locals have resided for years, traditions passed down generation to generation — some traditions longer than my home country of America has been established.
Fashion Do’s, Don’ts, and Big No-No’s
Listen up because I’ll say this once: Bring versatile basic clothing & leave your heels at home, fashionistas!
Trust me when I say bring versatile basic clothing. What this means is bring your favorite basic pieces and then elect for fun accessories like earrings, scarves, and bracelets. Italians always look polished because they wear high-quality basic pieces with fun elements.
Fashion Do’s, think:
a crisp button-up with red lipstick and some fun earrings
sleek pants with chunky bracelets or a fun stack of rings
blazer with a colored tank and a simple leather bag or tote
etc., etc., you get my point…
Basically, we are trying to channel effortlessly chic without trying too hard.
Show up to a family dinner in a skin-tight number and heels? Big No-No, and you’ll surely meet a few Hail Marys. Look for clothing with materials that are structured fabrics and high in quality. For example, Italians love linen (me too!), which is a great material to keep cool. If it has worked for Italians for hundreds and hundreds of years, then it will work for you while exploring a new Italian destination.
Alrighty, moving right along now. Secondly, leave the stilettos at home, girls, gays, & theys. Most streets and sidewalks are made up of long-worn cobblestone, which is a real ankle-killer…ask me how I know 😔. Instead, opt for a comfortable and sensible, sleek tennis shoe that can handle uneven terrain and is versatile enough to fit your wardrobe.
In the event you ignore this advice, and have sweat streaming down your buttcrack in polyester leggings, I will pray for you…
💅🏼👚👖🧣
Remember, at the end of the day, you wear your clothing, your clothing does not wear you! So make sure you are packing items that you feel comfortable and confident in to enhance your trip experience. Remember to leave a little room for souvenirs, especially locally thrifted or vintage market finds!
Be kind. Be curious. Be respectful. You’re a guest when you travel — act like one.
