I’ve always had an innate sense of direction and an abundant level of courage when traveling in Italy. At times, my level of curiosity creates the ability to wander down a number of unbeaten paths. With that being said, over the years my husband and different travel companions have given me the nickname, “The Human GPS." I am typically the primary driver, guide, and facilitator, so the infamous title came after we picked up our rental car on our first trip to Italy. The built-in GPS system was programmed in Italian. I'm sure it was a very simple change in "device settings” however neither of us were successful at figuring out how to change the language setting to english. So, for the first two very long days of our 16-day journey by car, we were at a great disavantage. Fortunately, in preparation for our first trip to Italy years ago, my husband had learned some simple words and phrases in Italian, which fortunately included destra (right) and sinistra (left). These are two very important words to know, especially when you don’t know how to switch a GPS system over to English!

Planes...
We live in Atlanta, Ga., a city with the largest international airport in the world, which provides a multitude of options when traveling to Italy. Delta Airlines has daily direct flights to (FCO) Rome. We typically travel with Delta using the Rome airport, because we prefer nonstop direct flights. Rome is also pretty central for traveling north or south. It also tends to be a less expensive non-stop option from Atlanta. We choose this option for lots of reasons. First, many airlines have very restrictive luggage weight requirements. When traveling with Delta, be aware of baggage weight restrictions and fees that are associated with flying Economy versus Business or First Class. For example, When flying business class with Delta, you are allowed two free checked bags, with a maximum weight of 70lbs each. When flying Delta Economy class, your first checked bag is free, and has weight restrictions 50lbs. The second bag is $75.00 with a 50lb. maximum weight.  

We have also traveled out of the (JFK) John F. Kennedy International Airport on Alitalia Airlines. Believe it or not, we have found fares to be very different between Delta Airlines and Alitalia Airlines, so really do your due-diligence. Being a creative and flexible traveler can sometimes have great benefits.  ​
  • Tip: We have used Skymiles to fly from Atlanta to JFK, and then traveled from (JFK) on Alitalia to Rome (FCO). This can be a substantial savings.
  • Tip: We do like to book our flights directly through “an” individual carrier, rather than purchasing through consolidators. We’ve found that booking directly provides us more control of our itinerary. We also prefer direct flights from Atlanta instead of traveling multi-city itineraries when possible. It is a personal choice.
Airlines:
www.Delta.com     Delta Airlines
www.alitalia.com  Alitalia Airlines

Trains (Treni)...

When traveling Italy and most of Europe, trains can sometimes be a great option to consider. While our family prefers driving via rental cars, trains are certainly a viable alternative option.  So here are a few tips for train traveling:

www.trenitalia.com

  • At the (FCO) Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino airport, there is a train called The Leonardo Express. After clearing customs, follow the signs for Trains (Treni). The Leonardo Express takes approximately 40 minutes, leaving every half hour from FCO to one of two stations. There are two trains that leave from the Airport; one goes to Termini, which is the main station in the center (Centro) of Rome. The second train goes to Tibertina, which is just outside of the central area of Rome. If you are traveling by train to connect with a bus route to Siena, you will want to take the Tibertina train. 
  • There is a validation system that must be followed when traveling by train to avoid paying fines. Look for the yellow machines to validate your ticket BEFORE getting on the train. If you accidentally by-pass this step, sometimes you can find the Conductor (controllore) and kindly request your ticket be hand stamped for validation.
  • Be mindful not to use adjacent seats for propping feet. This is conveyed as rude and inconsiderate.
  • While reservations are not required, it is highly recommended, especially for popular transit routes.  
  • Many, but not all, train stations throughout Italy now have ticket machines with English instructions.  These machines except cash or credit cards. Schedules are also available from these automated machines. Prior reservations and or the use of the available automated machines will reduce waiting times at a traditional ticket counter.
  • Trains come into and go out of the stations pretty quickly, try positioning yourself midway on the platform, enter the train and then move to your ticketed car (first class or economy). This can make the difference in catching or missing your train. 
 
 
 
 

Important lingo....
Here are some key words or phrases to know while traveling Italy.

​Right (Destra)
Left (Sinestra)
Plane (Aerei)
Trains (Treni)
Motorcycle (Moto)
Automobile|Car (Auto/Macchina)
Bus (Pullman)
Reservation (Prenotazioni)
Check (Conto)
Ticket (Biglietteria)
Where is the bathroom? (Dov'è il bagno)
Highway (Autostrada)
Police (Polizia)
Conductor (Controllore)
Center (Centro)

When traveling by car...
Driving in Italy can actually be fun and will give you the ability and freedom to wander off of the beaten path. Being the driver and predominant guide all of the years we've traveled throughout Italy, I have found these helpful tips:
  • When traveling by car, make sure you are traveling with euros, both bills and coins. 
  • Most of the highways (autostrade) are toll roads. Typically when you enter, you will go through a controlled area, where you will either pick up a ticket, or pay a set toll fee to travel a particular stretch of highway.
Picture
Entering the highway (toll stand).
  • Keep the retrieved ticket (biglietto) close. You will need to produce this same ticket when exiting the highway at your desired exit.
  • As you approach the toll stand after exiting the highway, you will see an option with a sign displaying a "hand holding euros/coins". This is the best option, because it typically means there is a human who will advise the toll charge for the miles you have traveled and can also produce change, if you do not have the exact toll amount.
Picture
Exiting the highway (autostrade) toll stand.
Automobiles (automobili): Travel Tips
  • Car rentals are primarily manual shift for fuel conservation. If you can’t drive a stick shift, there are few automatic rentals, however these rental rates can come at a preimum.
  • All rental car agencies require that the “named” reservation holder be present at the time of pick up of rental with valid passport|driver's license identification. 
  • While an International drivers license is not required by most rental car agencies, it is helpful for driving in Italy. If you are stopped by the Polizia Stradale (police that take care of crimes and traffic offenses on the motorway) and are involved in an accident or sited with a moving violation, the driver may be asked for an International Drivers License. An International Drivers License is very helpful, should you need to communicate with foreign authorities. This recognizable form of identification can help you get on your way quickly.  
  • International Drivers Licenses can be purchased through AAA for a nominal fee and are valid for one year from issuance. 
  • When reserving car rentals, reserve your GPS early, during high season supplies are limited.
  • Before beginning your journey from the rental car destination, check to make sure the language settings on your GPS is set for your desired language. If it isn’t, have the rental agent adjust the settings to your desired language. (Very helpful.) 
  • For a minimal investment, you can purchase a portable Garmen GPS system for use in Europe. It is small and compact, easy to carry, and can be used in the U.S. as well, when you return. Some available Garmen models are equipped with the European chip, while other models, the chip can be purchased separately.
  • My favorite and most inexpensive GPS option is my T-Mobile cell phone! I use the Waze app., as it provides GPS, and real time traffic information, as well as radar machines, which can be hidden. T-Mobile's services are superior while traveling throughout Italy. Most plans include unlimited data, unlimited texting and only .20 cents per minute for international calls. AT&T requires the pre-purchase of very limited data plans for International travel that are extremely costly. This is advise from a seasoned traveler who used AT&T and suffered costs that exceeded $12,000.00 over a course of 10 years.
  • We used to prefer Hertz Car Rental when flying into Rome, however, we've found Avis Car Rental to be way more economical with larger vehicles, such as the 9 passenger vans|automobiles. 
  • When traveling into the countryside of Central Italy, many of the roads and driveways are gravel or dirt, consider the type of rental you choose, taking into consideration low profile or high performance cars will have the potential of scraping bottom.  Also, when traveling with parties larger than 2, consider luggage space needs, as many European cars are built with an economy mindset.
Car Rental Companies:  
  • Be very careful to watch signs for electronic speed detection when driving the autostrade.
  • I never drive in the centers (centro) of major cities, such as Rome, Florence, Milan, etc. There are many areas within the larger cities that require knowledge and understanding of signage, as to permitted driving, etc. We either hire a car service to drive us into these cities or use taxis.
​
Buses (Pullman):

The Intercity buses...
  • The buses for the Florence and Siena area are called SITA.  There is also RAPIDA that travels between both cities. 
The website: www.sitabus.it

  • There is a bus that travels between Rome and Siena.  The travel time is approximately three hours and is non-stop.  This bus stops in one of two places.  The center of town, or the train station in Siena.  In Rome, the bus stops at Tiburtina, just outside of the city.  This is a great connection between Rome (FCO) Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicini and Siena.  Here is the website for fares and schedules between Rome and Siena: www.sena.it 
  • If you are traveling from the Florence airport, there is a fairly regular scheduled shuttle called Volainbus that travels to the center of Florence.  Tickets can be purchased on board and are €4.00
ATMS (Bancomat): 
 
  • I highly recommend using this as your source of cash and replenishment of funds, rather than traveler’s checks. Bancomat’s will give you the best “real time” exchange rate and you won’t have to wait in line at Banks. If you do need to exchange for Euros, most Banks require your Passport to do so.
 
Credit Cards (Carte di credito):
 
  • Credit cards are a wonderful way of taking advantage of the “real-time” exchange rate, however it is strongly advisable to review your credit card agreement to understand possible hidden fees that your bank could potentially charge for European purchases. Typically by calling the 1-800 number found on the back of your credit card, you can learn about possible fees. 
  • Prior to leaving your homeland, it is strongly advised to contact each of the credit card company’s that you plan on using while in Italy and inform them of your travel dates, including ATM cards.  This will help to alleviate credit card charge holds while traveling abroad. When you go out of the country and use your credit card, the company may think someone else is fraudulently using your card. This may cause them to put it on hold, which is great if your card is actually fraudulently being used, but it is a hassle when you are trying to enjoy your vacation.  
  • Helpful Tip:  Prior to traveling overseas, we make color photocopies of the front and backs of all credit cards, driver’s licenses, passports and all other important or official documents that we are traveling with. We fold those photocopies, sealing them in an envelope and hide them in a carry on bag for back up, in the event that the real documents are misplaced, lost, or stolen. We typically lock this envelope in our hotel room safe or ask the hotel to hold such documents in their safe.
 
Cell Phones (Cellulare):

  • Never travel without a cell phone in Italy. Check with your local cell phone carrier and understand international rates, as they pertain to your personal cellular plan before leaving your homeland. Coverage can be limited in certain rural areas of Italy, and data rates are extraordinarily expensive, especially with At&T! For example, With AT&T, an International plan can be added for a significant charge to reduce costly data per GB and can reduce cellular phone charges, however we've never purchased one that lasted more than a couple of days, before being warned by AT&T that we were beyond that plan.
  • T-Mobile's services are superior while traveling throughout Italy. Most plans include unlimited data, unlimited texting and only .20 cents per minute for international calls. AT&T requires the pre-purchase of very limited data plans for International travel that are extremely costly. This is advise from a very seasoned traveler. Trust me, over the course of 10 years, we've been charged in access of $10,000 in data charges. Since switching to T-Mobile, our cell bill essentially doesn't change while traveling abroad.