When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The first time I went to Italy, I spent the entire trip saying ‘scusa’ (excuse you) instead of ‘scusi’ (excuse me). I did not realize my rude translation mistake until I was on the flight home and let’s just say I was mortified.
Traveling as an American can feel daunting – you don’t want to be that traveler who fumbles the local customs. And you definitely don’t want to be the rude tourist saying, ‘EXCUSE YOU!’ when you’re trying to be polite. Yikes.
Whether it’s your first time in Italy or your tenth, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes, embrace the culture and make the most of your trip. It’s important to consider who you are going with, ensure you blend in, embrace the cultural differences, have the right tips and know the logistics. And then there’s the whole reverse cultural shock thing… It seems like a lot, but that’s what I’m here for.
Should I go to Italy solo or with a group?
I wondered the same thing.
I thought traveling solo was the best way to see Italy – until I did it. Now that I’ve dabbled in both solo traveling and group trips, I recommend traveling with a small group and a local – the local part is the real game changer.
Anyone can go to Rome and visit the Colosseum but not everyone can go to Rome and eat a home-cooked meal in a local’s home away from the chaos of the city. Culturally rich adventure is where it’s at and that’s what you get on a trip with Intrepid.
Traveling alone can be liberating, but let’s be real – it’s also exhausting. Constantly planning where to eat, what to do, how to get around, what’s culturally appropriate, what to see, how to get it all done in one trip – it’s a mental marathon just to survive the day. The decision fatigue is real.
With Intrepid, you get:
- The expertise of a local
- The camaraderie of a group
- Plenty of free time to explore at your own pace
There’s a difference between just visiting a place and actually experiencing the daily life and customs of the locals. Traveling with a local leader gives you a deeper understanding and a more immersive experience you just can’t have on your own (I tried).
Think: wine tasting in rural villages, lunch with a Roman nobleman in his home and fishing in a traditional Messina boat in Sicily. Now that’s how to take on Italy.
Travel like a local
How to blend in (and not scream ‘tourist’)
My biggest fear for my trip was looking like an ignorant American. You know the stereotype – loud, clueless, doing everything wrong.
To ease your mind, Italians are friendly and patient with foreigners. That said, every culture has its way of doing things and knowing a few customs will help you look like you belong rather than just visiting.
Here’s what I’ve learned – both from experience (re: mistakes) and from locals themselves:
- Seat yourself at a restaurant. Don’t awkwardly wait for a host. I learned this the hard way, standing outside for way too long while everyone just sat there staring at me.
- Avoid restaurants with someone outside beckoning you in. This puts the trap in tourist trap – odds are, you’ll pay more and for less quality than a local gem.
- Expect a ‘coperto’ charge. This is a small per-person fee (1-2 euro) for using the restaurant’s services. Tipping isn’t expected but leaving a couple of euros for good service is always appreciated.
- It’s a different type of service. Meals in Italy are meant to be enjoyed. If you want the check, you’ll have to ask for it – otherwise, you’ll be sitting there forever.
Daily life and culture:
- Siesta (riposo) is real. In smaller towns, businesses typically shut down between 1-4pm so people can go home, eat with family and rest. You won’t find this as much in larger cities.
- Family > work. Italians prioritize time with loved ones over hustle culture. It’s a whole different mindset.
- Dinner is late. Think 8pm on the early side. And yes, Italians casually sip espresso at 11pm. Just roll with it.
Social norms and behavior:
- People stare. It’s not rude and you shouldn’t take it personally.
- Italians are more reserved. You don’t realize how loud Americans are until you go to a different country and notice a whole different vibe. Just read the room, observe and be respectful. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Differences between the US and Italy that you’ll love
Okay, so you want to live out your Eat, Pray, Love fantasy. Me too. I fell in love with the lifestyle of Italians, from the slower pace to the way people prioritize connection over convenience. Here are a few things that make Italy feel like a dream, especially for Americans:
- Italians don’t rush. They take their time, enjoy long conversations and actually rest. Life here is about slow sips and slow strolls – no one speed-walking to work rattled with a to-go coffee.
- The idea of working to live and not living to work has stuck with me since my first visit. Once you experience a lifestyle different from what we are used to, you realize how our priorities at home are skewed.
- It’s the way each meal is an experience, not just a means to an end. In America, our meals feel like an inconvenience; they’re rushed, they’re expensive and a lot of the time, they’re eaten alone. Not in Italy.
- Everywhere you turn, history is woven into the buildings, the streets and piazzas. Your local leader can show you the hidden and medieval architectural gems of Spello, Ragusa and Noto.
Public transportation & walkability
- I am deeply passionate about this one. They actually have a robust train system, walkable cities catered to pedestrians and you do not need a car to live out daily life.
- The thin, cobbled streets, people riding bikes with their little baskets, cafes, bars and ristorantes on every corner – it’s what Americans dream of when they think of a walkable city. This is my Roman Empire (pun intended).
Collectivism and connection
- There is a genuine sense of community where people take care of each other. I don’t always feel this way in America where there’s such a high emphasis on individualism. This cultural difference is a breath of fresh air and one to take home and share with others.
Tips for an authentic (and smooth) trip to Italy
Before my first trip to Italy, I was overwhelmed – worried about language barriers, public transportation, currency, cultural norms. I overthought everything.
If you’re feeling any pre-trip anxiety, here are some tips to make your experience smoother and as authentic as possible. Pair these tips with what you’ve learned so far and you’ll be golden.
- Avoid peak tourist crowds and visit during the shoulder months (April-May and September-October). The weather is still warm and you’ll be surrounded by more locals, less tourists and few queues.
- Don’t write off December just because it’s chilly – Italy’s Christmas markets are magical and mulled wine on a cold evening is chef’s kiss.
Eating like a local
- Ask your waiter for recommendations. Each region has its specialties and trying them is the best way to experience Italy through food.
- Don’t try to order chicken parm or fettuccini alfredo. These are Americanized versions of Italian food and if you do find them, they’re just catering to tourists. Stick to the real stuff.
What to eat and where:
Branch away from the touristy spots
Yes, you should visit classic sites like Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast—they are popular with tourists for good reason! But most importantly, you should explore the secret nooks and crannies tucked away.
Your local Intrepid leader will steer you away from the main areas so you can experience authentic Italy, from traditional cooking classes, forgotten towns and local homes. (They’ll also be there to let you know 10 euros is way too much for an Aperol Spritz.)
Packing essentials
As far as packing goes, you can check out Intrepid’s ultimate packing list to get a good idea of what to bring. But some must-haves for Italy are:
- Good, comfortable walking shoes. You’re going to walk a lot and on uneven ground. Don’t even get me started on the stairs.
- Over-the-shoulder bag. Pickpocketing happens everywhere in the world but tends to happen more in touristy areas, so just be aware of your surroundings.
- No rolling suitcases. Trust me, dragging a wheeled suitcase through narrow streets, stairs and cobblestone alleyways is a nightmare. Opt for a backpack if you can.
Basic phrases that will get you by in Italy
A lot of people speak English in Italy but you should try to speak phrases in Italian – it’s appreciated by the locals and makes people happy. It’s easier to bond and make a connection and is way better than just waltzing up to someone and immediately speaking English.
Learn or write down these phrases and you should be good:
- Ciao – Hi
- Come stai? – How are you?
- Mi chiamo – My name is…
- Grazie mille – Thank you very much
- Prego – You’re welcome
- Salute – Cheers
- Mi dispace, non parlo(a) italiano – Sorry, I don’t speak Italian
- Parlo (a) ingelese? – Do you speak English?
- Per favore – Please
- Scusi – Excuse me
Remember… ScuSI not scuSA… *insert face palm Emoji*
Let’s talk logistics: Know before you go
Visa: US Citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. Just make sure your passport is valid six months prior to traveling.
Wi-fi is widely accessible so unless you want to pay for data, you could go off the grid and connect at hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc.
Getting around: This isn’t America – Italy actually has reliable public transportation. Download the Trenitalia app and you can easily get from point A to point B by train.
That said, trains will be delayed occasionally – it’s just part of the adventure. It happens, and sometimes there’s a strike, but hey, you’re in Italy. Embrace the pace, pivot when needed and enjoy the ride.
Pro tip: Validate your train or bus ticket before boarding or risk getting fined (and publicly shamed). Been there, done that.
Public toilets: You’ll often have to pay for public restrooms – usually between .50-1 euro, so keep some coins handy.
Booking attractions: If you plan on visiting major attractions like the Sistine Chapel or Colosseum, book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines or, worse, missing out entirely.
If you’re travelling with Intrepid, check your itinerary – some big attractions might already be included in your trip, which means the tickets are already handled for you. If it’s listed as an ‘optional’ activity, your leader can give you recommendations and help you book ahead.
Reverse culture shock
Culture shock isn’t just about adjusting to a new place – it’s also about adjusting back to your old one. After experiencing slow, people-centered life in Italy, coming back home to the fast-paced, efficiency-obsessed culture of America can feel off.
The constant rush, the go-go-go mentality, lack of leisurely meals and unhurried quality time – it all starts to hit differently. You might find yourself wondering why grabbing a coffee has to be so transactional and why no one just sits and enjoys their surroundings anymore.
If you experience this, know that these feelings are normal. But how do you cope? Well, bring those Italian habits home with you! Slow down, make meals an event, take walks without a destination and prioritize connection over convenience.
And the best way to handle it? Plan your next trip. And by ‘plan’, I mean just pick the dates and book – Intrepid’s got the rest covered.
