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How to Travel to Italy

How to Travel to Italy

Ai@ce: Flickr.com

Most people travel to Italy to visit the many museums and ruins, but few recognize Italy's natural beauty. Whether squeezing a hike in between museum visits, taking a grand tour of Tuscany on a bicycle, or trekking through the Dolomites--Italy has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast.

To get started in planning your trip to Italy you need to consider how you will get there and around, the sights and places you would like to see, and the types of accommodations you would like to stay in.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Getting There and Around Italy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Italy guidebook Map of Italy Notebook Timetables of bus and train schedules Computer
  • Italy guidebook
  • Map of Italy
  • Notebook
  • Timetables of bus and train schedules
  • Computer
Step 1
Book a flight. International airlines service Rome and Milan and round-trip fares to Italy are highest during the peak travel months of June through September.
Step 2
Travel around Italy by bus and train. For budget travelers, trains and buses are a cheap and efficient way to travel around the country. Almost all destinations in Italy can be reached by bus or train service.
Step 3
Travel around Italy by car or motorcycle. Renting a car is a more convenient way of touring Italy. It may also be cheaper than train fare if you are traveling with a group. You must be 25 or older to rent a car in Italy. Motorcycle touring is also popular in Italy and a great way to see the countryside. Rentals are reasonable and agencies typically rent to individuals older than 18.

Things to Do in Italy

Step 1
Get an excellent, up-to-date guidebook for Italy. The "Let's Go" series is a favorite for independent travelers on a budget and the "Lonely Planet" guide is popular for travelers of all budgets. Browse the guidebook for things you would like to see and do in Italy and bookmark for future reference.
Step 2
Decide where to go and plan your itinerary. Italy is a land of immense natural beauty and architectural wonder. Decide if you want to visit the mountains, the beaches, the museums, the ruins, the vineyards or all of the above.
Step 3
Discover Italy's outdoor recreation potential. Italy is a great destination for hiking, cycling, rock climbing and even windsurfing. Hike through Italy's Alps, the Dolomites, climb limestone pitches outside of Sicily, cycle through the gentle hills of Umbria or snorkel in the Tremiti Islands.

Accommodations in Italy

Step 1
Choose accommodations for your visit to Italy. Italy has a huge range of lodging options from luxury hotels and high-end bed and breakfasts, to hostels and camping options. Choose accommodations based on your budget and level of comfort desired.
Step 2
Stay in hotels or pensions. Italy offers a wide variety of hotel options. Lower-end hotels typically have a shared bathroom while higher-end hotels have all the amenities and more. Smaller pensions are typically a cheaper option than hotels.
Step 3
Stay in hostels. Popular with backpackers and budget travelers, hostels are the cheapest accommodations and a great place to meet fellow travelers from around the world.

Tips & Warnings

 
Travel to Italy in May or September to avoid the crowds. Join your country's Hostelling International Association to get discounts on hostels in Italy
 
Travel to Italy in May or September to avoid the crowds.
 
Join your country's Hostelling International Association to get discounts on hostels in Italy

Resources

Article Written By Wren Mcilroy

Based out of Salt Lake City, Wren Mcilroy has been writing outdoor recreation and travel-related articles for 3 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and biology from Winona State University in Minnesota.

Write for Trails.com

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