July is too hot to visit and Italians hate AC.
This really applies to more than just Italy but the heatwaves that hit Italy in July will ruin your vacation. They are intense and Italy’s infrastructure is not prepared to handle that type of heat. Your accommodations might have AC but most of the public buildings and restaurants will not. And, even when they do, Italians do not like AC and they certainly do not like AC as cold as Americans do, so you won’t find all that much relief stepping from the outside into an air-conditioned building or train. I’ve also heard horror stories of AC units not keeping up or even being locked so that you are not able to set them to cooler temperatures.
2025 is the year of the Jubilee and will be absolute madness.
Unless you have religious reasons for coming to Italy in 2025, don’t do it. It is the year of the Jubilee and will be packed with Catholics coming from all around to see it. I know Italians who are starting to prepare by buying Airbnbs now so that they can reap the rewards in 2025 when there are throngs of people in Italy. Go next year or wait until 2026.
Cab drivers are worse than pickpockets.
Number of times I’ve been pick pocked in Italy: 0
Number of times a taxi driver has attempted to scam me: 6
They are ruthless and unapologetic about it so here are a few things you should know to prevent it:
There is a flat rate from FCO to Rome. Get in the taxi line and DO NOT let anyone pull you out of the line.
Use the app Freenow and do not listen when they try to get more cash from you at the end of the ride or try and tell you the payment didn’t go through. It did. Just insist you paid in the app and leave.
If the app Freenow doesn’t work in your area, ask them if they use credit cards. If they don’t, don’t get in. If they do, this will force them to use the meter and not just make up a price at the end of the ride.
If arranging a ride directly with a driver, always ask the price of the ride before you confirm it and definitely before you get in.
Don’t be afraid to argue or get mad. In my experience, they are looking for an easy, gullible mark and they usually won’t stick around to harass and pressure you.
The three magic words to end any financial scam situation in Italy are, “Guardia di Finanza.”
Italy is magical and you often won’t hear about the downsides from content created by Travel Agents and influencers.
Maybe I’m crazy, but I think it’s much better to go and have fun without heat exhaustion, impossible crowds and ridiculous scams.
And listen, if you know anyone else planning to heading to Italy soon, do them a solid and share this article.
Buon Viaggio!
Great tips!