A step-by-step guide on how to plan the perfect trip (any trip) to Italy

A step-by-step guide on how to plan the perfect trip (any trip) to Italy

by Vanya Mavrodieva, Design Your Italy

A trip to Italy is a dream for everyone, but when it comes to organising the perfect one, suddenly it becomes difficult. Delectable cuisine, history, architecture, beautiful beaches and enchanting scenery -- Italy has it all, but planning the perfect trip is not that easy. The first mistake of a lot of visitors is marking several cities and places to see based on beautiful photos or family and friends’ recommendations, without considering some very important things.

Here is the ultimate step-by-step guide to help you organise any trip to Italy, whether you are a first-time visitor or have already been to the country.

What is the best time to visit Italy?

Italy is an all year-round destination, and when to go is one of the first questions to answer. It depends on your budget and, of course, you should consider what best suits your needs, but most look at the tourist season. The tourist season is not the calendar season we all know; it refers to the flow of visitors in certain periods. In Italy, there is a high season, a low season and shoulders, or off-seasons, in between.

As you may assume, the high season between May and September is when most tourists visit the country, making the most popular attractions crowded and the prices higher. To avoid this, chose to travel in the low season between November and February or the shoulders.

Keep in mind major events when planning your trip. Festivals and carnivals are scheduled around the country, as well as national holidays. Be aware of them. The dates are not the same each year, but they usually are published in advance and in these periods as well as the high season, you'll find the cities crowded with prices increased. When deciding the best time to go to Italy, always verify this information.

It will help you make wiser decisions.

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How to create the perfect itinerary?

The first task is to find a good map of Italy. Perhaps you are wondering why you need one. Sometimes what you have in mind as a possible itinerary might change when a visual map of Italy is in front of you. It will help you find perfect locations for your trip that are different from the well-known sites. It will also give you geographic information about the distances between cities and how best to move around the country. You can start choosing the locations to include in your itinerary.

Most probably, you will have to make tough decisions later as which to keep and which to put on your bucket list, but a visual idea of how to structure your perfect itinerary is a good start.

How to move around Italy?

Once you have a first draft of the locations to visit, you can start organising your transportation between the selected cities. At this stage, you don't have to book any train tickets or rent a car.

However, you do have to research the time you will need to move from one place to another, including train changes, if necessary. Be aware that some locations that look close together may require a longer train trip, because there may be no good connections or high-speed trains. If you decide on a rental car, besides driving time, it will be useful to know the estimated cost of gas and tolls. Always keep in mind that your vacation time is precious, so doing this research is a wise investment. It will optimise your time and help you chose what is worth keeping in the itinerary so you can get the most out of your Italian trip.

Where to stay in Italy?

This is another question closely related to your budget. There isn't a correct or wrong answer. Italy is a tourist destination that offers anything from budget-friendly accommodations to uber-luxury ones. To find the perfect place, have a clear idea of what kind of accommodations you need for your trip. Another tip that will help you make a good decision is to ask yourself some questions. What kind of services would you like to have during your stay? Are you travelling by car or will you be moving around by public transport? Do you prefer to pay more and stay in a central zone or spend more time in reaching points of interest while paying less for accommodations? Once you answer these questions, it will be easier to find the perfect accommodations that suit your unique needs.

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What to do and see in Italy?

Here comes another mistake made by a lot of visitors. When planning an itinerary, they chose many places to see and things to do in each city, but most often, there is not enough time to accomplish them all. It is important to understand that it is impossible to see everything in one trip to Italy. Try to pick only those activities that best suit your interests.

Start by making a list and give choice each a priority. It is helpful to know how much time you will need for each visit or activity. During the high season, long queues may kill your precious time. Always consider the local weather conditions so you plan your outdoor and indoor activities on the best days. Last but not least, organise each day wisely, considering time for dining and rest.

Once you have finished the prep-work, you can move forward and start booking what your trip to Italy.

Create a template or use a calendar grid and write down the day-by-day information, including all booking confirmations and additional notes you might later need to ensure a hassle-free trip. If you need help with organising the perfect Italian trip, you can always contact a professional travel designer who will do the work or you.

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