For me, one of the most enjoyable road trip destinations is Italy. From the rustic rolling hills of Tuscany all the way to the chic Amalfi Coast in the South, it’s a paradise for travellers who like to explore a country from behind the wheel. What’s more, because a lot of the must-see cities in Italy are located very close to one another, it’s perfect if you want cram as much as possible into a short journey.
The summer is nearly here, and if you are thinking about a road trip this year, I would recommend choosing Italy as your destination. Here are my dos and don’t for an epic journey in one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world.
Do get a car with air conditioning.
The weather in Italy is hot, hot, hot during the summer months, especially in the south. You will be very uncomfortable without air conditioning, and it could ruin your trip. So consider this an essential when choosing your vehicle.
Don’t forget a mix tape.
There is only so much cheesy Italian pop and disco one person can stomach during a road trip in this country. So that you are not relying entirely on the radio, I’d advise creating a playlist with all your favorite tunes to keep you sane.
Do travel in the north of the country if your road trip will be short.
There are many must-see towns and cities in proximity in northern Italy. In a short amount of time, you can realistically see Venice, Verona, Genoa, Parma, Bologna, Pisa and Florence. From this list, I would especially recommend spending a few days in Verona. The setting of many of Shakespeare’s plays, Verona is a beautiful city that is steeped in history. Do a Venere hotels search for accommodation options in this area. You’ll see the city also has some fantastic accommodation options.
Don’t avoid speaking the language.
It is widely believed that Italian is one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. I felt that I learnt a lot in a very short amount of time in this country. Although in the big cities like Rome and Florence the locals speak good English, in the villages between these metropolises you will need to know a little Italian to get by. Pick up a phrase book before you go and try to learn a few basics.
Do use public transport in bigger cities.
The most popular destinations in Italy are extremely busy during the vacation season. Driving around an unfamiliar city in the blistering heat and hustle and bustle is an inevitable nightmare. I would recommend parking your car on the outskirts of these cities and using the train, bus or tram to get in and around. This will make your trip a whole lot more relaxing and enjoyable