The Blonde Abroad

Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Follow Kiersten on her adventures!

Destination

Italy Travel Guide

Italy is a must-visit country and is one of the most-traveled destinations in Europe. There are so many highlights in this beautiful country — from the canals of Venice to the Tuscan wine lands to the cobblestone streets of Rome to the Arno river running through Florence to the cliffs of Positano… and beyond.

Florence was one of my favorite cities because of the architecture and natural beauty— the sun setting over the Arno River is something you can’t soon forget.

And of course, Rome, one of the most iconic and most traveled cities in Europe. You could easily spend days getting lost in this magnificent destination, eating all the delicious Italian food. The most picturesque spots in Italy might just be Cinque Terre and all the stops along the Amalfi Coast. Positano is the gem of the Amalfi Coast and is arguably the most picturesque and most romantic town in the whole of Italy—here are the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast!

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Best Time To Visit

The cheapest time of year to visit Italy is in the winter. From December to March, the colder weather keeps most travelers at bay, and you can explore the country’s incredible museums and galleries to your heart’s content. You’ll also be in time for all the Christmas Markets and have an easier time finding cheap flights to Italy.

Another affordable period is between April and May, before the summer crowds arrive, and the countryside is covered in a blanket of blossoming flowers!

However, there really is no place like Italy in the summer. Even if it’s crowded, it’s-ah amazing!

Check out The Best Time to Travel to Italy for complete details!

What To Expect

Language: The main language spoken in Italy is Italian.

Currency: The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Credit Cards and ATMs: In major cities, you’ll find that contactless payment (tap to pay) is accepted just about everywhere, so be sure to add those credit cards to your digital wallet! Throughout Italy, you won’t have any problems finding ATMs, and most shops, restaurants, and tour operators will also accept credit cards. I always recommend having some cash on you for small purchases.

Plugs: The plugs in Italy are Type C, F, and L. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: While Italy is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers, the one thing you need to watch out for is pickpockets. Always keep your eyes on your belongings.

Getting Around: I loved traveling through Italy by train—you can sit back and relax as you cross the beautiful countryside, plus they’re efficient and offer many high-speed routes.

Family Travel: If you’re visiting Italy with a baby, check out my top tips before your trip!

Get Unlimited Data in Europe!

You’ll use a lot of data daily when traveling Italy, whether navigating on Google Maps, posting to social media, using a translator app, or reading my blog 😉 To avoid excessive roaming charges or relying solely on Wi-Fi, consider getting a Travel eSIM. My recommended option for unlimited data in Italy is Holafly! You can check more about my experience with them here. Their eSIMs are easy to install, reliable, and have great speeds. The best part? If you’re traveling to multiple countries within Europe, they also have a Europe eSIM. Use my code Theblondeabroad and get a 5% discount!

TRAVEL TIPS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Madelaine So Far So Great Blog
My Experience as an Asian Traveler in Italy

I’m an Asian-American living in Italy and locals have overall been nice towards me. But I’ve experienced people staring as they nudge their companions and point my direction. Someone even argued with me recently in Rome that I was from China. While I haven’t been refused services, I sometimes feel unwelcome in Italy as xenophobia increases. My tips are to stay calm, be kind, set boundaries, and educate.

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Italy

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Pompeii
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Italy

Venice
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Positano
5

Sardinia

Sailing Trip
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Italy

Leaning Tower of Pisa

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Florence
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Cinque Terre
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Verona

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The most luxurious family-friendly stay at Four Seasons Boston @fsboston 🏢
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If you’ve been following along, you know we recently took a trip through New England for leaf-peeing and sightseeing amidst the crisp, Autumn foliage.

We concluded our 10-day roadtrip at the amazing Four Seasons property in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts.

Four Seasons is known for their luxury and incredible service, but they really kick things up a notch for families here:

🧸 The Mystery Toy Closet: As part of the VIK experience (aka Very Important Kid Experience), guests are given a large golden key that grants access to an AMAZING toy closet behind the front desk. Filled with trinkets like rubber ducks, slinkys, coloring books, and–Ollie’s favorite–wiggly frogs, this was SUCH an amazing and one-of-a-kind treat to experience.

🍭 The Vault: One of the newer features to the Four Seasons Boston: a small room on each guest floor filled with complimentary snacks, candy, and beverages to grab-and-go!

🛎️ Amenities: Once again, Four Seasons has outdone itself with its amazing service. This city retreat offers a complimentary coffee bar for guests (and hot chocolate for the little ones), 24-hour gym, a pool with a fantastic view, a world-class spa, and even a morning run club to get your Boston marathon fix in!

🦞 The Food: Whether it’s in-room dining you’re after, quaint tea service in-between sight-seeing, or you want to experience New England’s famous seafood, Four Seasons treats your tastebuds with exquisite table-side service at their restaurant, Coterie.

This was truly such a luxurious end to our trip, I wish we could have extended it just so we could enjoy more time at this fantastic property.

A huge thank you to @fsboston for hosting us on our dream trip to New England and concluding our stay with memories that will last a LIFETIME!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#fourseasons #boston #familytravel #newengland

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The most luxurious family-friendly stay at Four Seasons Boston @fsboston 🏢 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• If you’ve been following along, you know we recently took a trip through New England for leaf-peeing and sightseeing amidst the crisp, Autumn foliage. We concluded our 10-day roadtrip at the amazing Four Seasons property in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts. Four Seasons is known for their luxury and incredible service, but they really kick things up a notch for families here: 🧸 The Mystery Toy Closet: As part of the VIK experience (aka Very Important Kid Experience), guests are given a large golden key that grants access to an AMAZING toy closet behind the front desk. Filled with trinkets like rubber ducks, slinkys, coloring books, and–Ollie’s favorite–wiggly frogs, this was SUCH an amazing and one-of-a-kind treat to experience. 🍭 The Vault: One of the newer features to the Four Seasons Boston: a small room on each guest floor filled with complimentary snacks, candy, and beverages to grab-and-go! 🛎️ Amenities: Once again, Four Seasons has outdone itself with its amazing service. This city retreat offers a complimentary coffee bar for guests (and hot chocolate for the little ones), 24-hour gym, a pool with a fantastic view, a world-class spa, and even a morning run club to get your Boston marathon fix in! 🦞 The Food: Whether it’s in-room dining you’re after, quaint tea service in-between sight-seeing, or you want to experience New England’s famous seafood, Four Seasons treats your tastebuds with exquisite table-side service at their restaurant, Coterie. This was truly such a luxurious end to our trip, I wish we could have extended it just so we could enjoy more time at this fantastic property. A huge thank you to @fsboston for hosting us on our dream trip to New England and concluding our stay with memories that will last a LIFETIME! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #fourseasons #boston #familytravel #newengland

✨ Escape to luxury without the overnight price tag! ✨

Did you know you can enjoy five-star resort amenities without staying the night? Thanks to @ResortPass, I booked a dreamy daycation at a local luxury hotel in San Diego.

From poolside lounging to world-class spa facilities (hello, dry sauna and cold plunge 🧖‍♀️), I had a self-care day to remember—for a fraction of the price.

Whether you’re upgrading a layover, planning a day out on your next trip, or just treating yourself, ResortPass makes it easy to get more vacation for less starting at just $10/person.

Use my code RPKIKI50 for $50 off $200+ before 12/3! #ad

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✨ Escape to luxury without the overnight price tag! ✨ Did you know you can enjoy five-star resort amenities without staying the night? Thanks to @ResortPass, I booked a dreamy daycation at a local luxury hotel in San Diego. From poolside lounging to world-class spa facilities (hello, dry sauna and cold plunge 🧖‍♀️), I had a self-care day to remember—for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re upgrading a layover, planning a day out on your next trip, or just treating yourself, ResortPass makes it easy to get more vacation for less starting at just $10/person. Use my code RPKIKI50 for $50 off $200+ before 12/3! #ad

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! You can save 30% or MORE on select hotels—read below! #ExpediaAmbassador 🚨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
@Expedia is having a crazy Black Friday sale you HAVE to jump on!

If you sign up for One Key, you can save 30% or MORE on select hotels when you book from November 22nd to December 4, 2024 (so long as you travel before December 15, 2025).”

You know I LOVE a good hotel and have been using Expedia for years to get great deals on some of the best luxury stays around the world.

New Year’s is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your dream trip — Expedia’s black Friday sale includes hotels all over the world.

For some of my favorite properties, check out the link in my bio for a collection of my bucket list luxury properties that are currently on sale!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
If you’re planning an epic trip in 2025, do not walk, FLY to this Black Friday Sale.

Disclaimer: Book by 12/4/24 11:59pm in hotel property local time. Stay between 11/21-12/15/25. Prices are available to Expedia app users and One Key members. Limited availability, blackout periods may apply.

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BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! You can save 30% or MORE on select hotels—read below! #ExpediaAmbassador 🚨 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @Expedia is having a crazy Black Friday sale you HAVE to jump on! If you sign up for One Key, you can save 30% or MORE on select hotels when you book from November 22nd to December 4, 2024 (so long as you travel before December 15, 2025).” You know I LOVE a good hotel and have been using Expedia for years to get great deals on some of the best luxury stays around the world. New Year’s is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your dream trip — Expedia’s black Friday sale includes hotels all over the world. For some of my favorite properties, check out the link in my bio for a collection of my bucket list luxury properties that are currently on sale! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• If you’re planning an epic trip in 2025, do not walk, FLY to this Black Friday Sale. Disclaimer: Book by 12/4/24 11:59pm in hotel property local time. Stay between 11/21-12/15/25. Prices are available to Expedia app users and One Key members. Limited availability, blackout periods may apply.