Before making your trip to Italy, there are a few things you should know. Not because Italy is such a large country, but because its rich diversity and culture can cause travelers to feel in over their heads. Take a look at these Italy travel tips!

8 of the best Italy travel tips<

1: Be prepared for public transportation.

Or, if you’re driving, get ready for Italian traffic. Each city in Italy has its own public transportation system that usually includes buses, trams or metro. It’s a good idea to read a little about how to get around the city you’re visiting if you want to depend on more than your two feet. Doing some research can also save money as many cities offer a day pass. As for the train system, it connects all the major cities and several smaller ones. The Trenitalia website should answer any questions you may have.

2: Have reasonable expectations for where you can go and what you can see.

By keeping your travel itinerary within reasonable bounds and leaving free afternoons to wander at will, you’ll find that you can prevent yourself from becoming an overwhelmed tourist. I know, there are just too many places to visit in Italy and too many interesting sites, museums, shops, and restaurants in each of these cities. But before you go, siphon off the most interesting places onto your must-see list, and in the spaces between allow yourself the luxury of discovering Italy as it comes.

3: Get off the tourist trail!

It isn’t only Florence, Rome, and Venice. Small towns throughout every region are lovely places, and a visit to them is a sure way to see what Italy is really like. Slip into any town’s main square at about 5 pm and watch the locals as they enjoy their daily passeggiata.

4: Know busy times from slow times.

Avoiding the metro at rush hour and the Colosseum on Sunday mornings is a key way to making your trip to Italy more enjoyable and less stressful! Also good to know whether the restaurant you’ve been dying to try requires reservations. Restaurants are busiest between 1 pm and 2 pm for lunch and the busiest hour for dinner is 9 pm.

5: Learn a little about Italian regions.

The regional differences between say Lazio and Campania are a joy to explore and can add depth to your trip to Italy. The best way to discover a region is to stay in an agriturismo, which is most often in the countryside. Agriturismos usually also offer regional fare produced on-site, and the owners are often happy to talk about where they live and why it is the best region in Italy.

6: Pack appropriately.

The last thing you want to do is to lug a heavy suitcase up a hundred stairs in Amalfi or over the jittering cobblestones of every Italian city. Always pack less than what you think you need, as you will probably do some shopping while you’re here! Also, watch the weather. Though the temperature remains steadily hot in summer and cool in winter, be prepared for flux if you’re coming in autumn or spring. And do know that it does get cold—shorts are impossible all year round!

7: Shop at the markets.

Italy is known for its food and part of the pride Italians have for their cuisine comes from its simple ingredients. So what better way to get to know Italian food than to be exposed to its building blocks? At the markets, great bunches of intertwining cicoria sit besides pyramids of round artichokes in winter; while in summer the glistening or marbled eggplant and the various coloured fruits will have you salivating. If you’re a real foodie, one of the best travel tips for visiting Italy is to NOT miss the markets – they are definitely the best places to visit in Italy to get a feel for how locals eat and shop (and get a snack for yourself!).

8: Pick up some Italian.

Many Italians in the large more touristy cities speak English, but a sure way to win an Italian’s favour is by speaking a few choice words in their language. Italian is a language of nuance and flourish, traits that are appreciated when foreigners try their hands at them. If you know a little French, Spanish, or Portuguese (or even better, Latin!) then you won’t have much trouble at all. A good trick is to listen to the pronunciations of the Italians around you and try to mimic it. Extra points are awarded for correct gesticulations!

Follow the Italy travel tips and you are sure to have an amazing holiday next time you visit this amazing country! And most of all – have fun traveling! Don’t let the little challenges take away from the sites, smells and sounds of the Italian culture!

These tips will help you practice yoga even when you’re on the go

Yoga helps in more ways than one. Practicing yoga is beneficial for the mind, body, and soul. One concern that may arise is maintaining consistency with your yoga regimen. Yoga must be practiced religiously for an extended duration before it starts showing its benefits to any individual. For this to happen, finding the time to be regular with it is a crucial change you need to make. It may be specifically tricky while you are travelling. So here are a few tips you can follow while travelling instead of missing a yoga session.

Tips For Maintaining Yoga Practice While On Travel

1. Carry A Yoga Mat

One thing that will absolutely make up your mind to practice yoga even on a holiday is the comfort of a yoga mat. Even if you feel like switching it with a thick carpet or a mattress, you may not feel the same discipline that you would feel with a yoga mat. You can check out yoga mats specially designed for travel to make them easy to carry.

2. Use Online Classes Or Videos

If you are a beginner at yoga or do not have a schedule, you can join online classes which will give you the flexibility to join from anywhere. You can also access the various tutorial videos available online these days if you do not want to abide by a particular schedule.

3. Practice Surya Namaskars

Surya namaskars or the sun salutations are said to affect the entire body. It is also easy to practice them anywhere, provided you find a little stretching space for yourself. Practising 10 to 12 Surya namaskars is a good practice that can keep you feeling energetic and tone your body at the same time.

4. Start Your Day Early

If you are not sure you will find time during the day to practice your daily yoga, start your day earlier than usual. When on a trip, there may definitely be an itinerary you would want to follow, so instead of skipping a yoga session, wake up early and start with at least a few practices.

5. Meditate

As mentioned earlier, yoga is all about the body, mind, and soul. So if you are too tired from traveling and do not want to practice any poses, indulge in a meditation session. By sitting in the stillness, you will be able to connect to yourself and the nature around you. This will ensure you feel better at the end of the meditation session.

So next time you make travel plans, you need not worry about losing your touch with yoga.

California’s Pacific Coast boasts 840 miles of shoreline making it the right place for a highway journey to get pleasure from its countless stretches of sand. While many individuals can identify a number of of its extra well-known seashores like Venice Beach, San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, or San Diego’s Coronado Beach, a number of the finest seashores in California should not actually recognized and due to this fact much less busy.

So, to introduce you to some locations you could not know, here’s a round-up of one of the best California Beaches that you just already know and love, and a few lesser-known gems across the state.

Best California Beaches

Beaches in California are nature’s unspoiled treasures they usually provide nice alternatives for solitude, wildlife watching, and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. We’ve lived in California for a year, so we had sufficient time to find not solely the well-known touristy locations however some hidden gems, too.

1. Venice Beach – Los Angeles

Venice Beach is situated in Los Angeles County and is a kind of locations that’s recognized extra for its bohemian really feel than for the seashore itself.

Most individuals who go to Venice Beach stroll alongside the Venice Beach Boardwalk, taking in the road performers, watching the bodybuilders carry weights, and witnessing the numerous artists plying their commerce alongside this well-known stretch.

Venice Beach itself is attractive so it’s no marvel it’s a favourite among the many locals in the realm. A number of of the issues that make it considered one of our favourite California seashores are the cool little retailers, nice cafes, and a number of the hippest espresso locations in L.A.

2. Manhattan Beach – Los Angeles

here is a purpose that Manhattan Beach is likely one of the most costly locations to reside in Los Angeles. Situated completely on the Pacific Ocean, the huge sandy seashore is tender and dotted with stunning homes, upscale eating places, stylish boutiques, and a few very costly lodges.

Weekends convey out crowds of individuals together with some fairly good seashore volleyball gamers. Manhattan Beach looks as if an odd identify for a seashore in California, but it surely was named after actual property developer Stewart Merrill who was from Manhattan New York.

It’s becoming that it’s named after a developer as a result of the actual property alongside Manhattan Beach is spectacular with residence promoting for as much as $36 million {dollars}

Being situated so near downtown LA it’s a nice add-on to your day of visiting Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, or the Sunset Strip. Manhattan Beach is certainly considered one of our favourite southern California seashores.

3. Malibu

Malibu has a number of the most stunning seashores in California. Most individuals shall be conversant in Zuma Beach, with its huge sandy seashore that stretches for two miles. Dotted with seashore volleyball nets, lifeguard stands, and plenty of amenities it’s no marvel this seashore is so standard.

Other seashores in the realm like Paradise Beach, Point Dume State Beach, and Puerco Beach are smaller and provide a extra household environment than Zuma Beach.

If you might be up for one thing distinctive, ensure to take a look at the Malibu Beach Inn which provides you the possibility to spend a night on the “Billionaires Beach” stretch of the coast. It is probably not low-cost but it surely provides you a glimpse into how the opposite half lives.

4. Huntington Beach – Orange County

Huntington State Beach has develop into fairly the vacation spot these days and for good purpose. Located in town of Huntington Beach (nicknamed Surf City) it boasts a lovely 2-mile-long sandy seashore that stretches from Beach Boulevard to the Santa Ana River Channel.

This seashore has some nice breaks for surfers. The Huntington Beach Pier is a good place for leisurely stroll in addition to to strive your hand at fishing.

Make positive to get to the top and take a look at Ruby’s Surf City Diner for some nice views and good meals.

Make positive to go to downtown which has an important choice of bars, fabulous eating places, ice cream retailers, and boutiques. Huntington Beach is a kind of locations that was made for a trip.

5. Newport Beach – Orange County

With a whopping 10 miles of shoreline, Newport Beach is situated in the well-known playground of the wealthy and delightful, Orange Country.

This southern California seashore neighborhood boasts 5 miles of golden sand reaching out from the Newport Pier.

Not solely do you have got the lengthy sandy stretch of Newport Beach, however there are additionally loads of points of interest for the entire household together with Balboa Fun Zone amusement park, Lido Marina Village buying heart, and nice browsing.

6. Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach is a spot for enjoyable in the solar. With the well-known Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park amusement park and its Ferris wheel, and historic carousel, that is a kind of seashores in California that’s enjoyable for the entire household.

This California seashore neighborhood is residence to the wealthy and well-known.

Head out to the Beach to benefit from the sand and solar, but in addition to discover the Santa Monica State Beach Park, mountain climbing trails, buying alongside the Third Beach Preomenad, or biking alongside Marvin Braude Beach Trail.

Santa Monica Beach can also be residence to wonderful browsing identical to so many seashores in California.

7. Santa Barbara

We by no means thought we’d have the chance to go to Santa Barbara however whereas working with California tourism on their advisory board, we had the possibility to spend a few days exploring the realm.

Located on the Pacific Coast, there are many seashores to discover in Santa Barbara however it’s East Beach situated proper in city that makes it particular.

Santa Barbara has many seashores. Known as The American Riviera, you’ll really feel like a millionaire strolling alongside its sandy shores as palm bushes sway in the Pacific wind.

Visit Summerland Beach for horseback using, take a crusing journey, get pleasure from some kayaking alongside its shores or take in the attractive sundown at Hendry’s Beach.

8. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur

Located alongside the Pacific Coast Highway, Pfeiffer Beach is likely one of the most stunning settings in California.

Famous for its keyhole arch situated offshore in the Pacific Ocean, Pfeiffer Beach is a lovely lengthy sandy seashore recognized for its purple sand.

It’s somewhat off the crushed path making it one of the vital secluded seashores in California. To get to Pfeiffer Beach, from Highway 1, take the second flip one mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. It shouldn’t be part of the State Park. drive down

There are tide swimming pools to be explored at low tide, excessive lookouts to view the countless ocean, and rocks and bluffs.

9. Coronado Beach – San Diego

Coronado Beach homes the Silver Strand with seven miles of glowing sandy seashore. It is situated simply throughout the bay from downtown San Diego and makes the listing as one of many high seashores in California.

The iconic Hotel Del Coronado on the beachfront of San Diego Coronado Island was the setting for the film Some Like It Hot. It’s an important place to cease for lunch if you’re not able to splurge on an evening.

This seashore is a hub for tide swimming pools the place you’ll be capable to see ocean life corresponding to starfish, crabs, and barnacles.

Swing by Del’s beachside café for fish tacos or head as much as the swank out of doors bar for sundown cocktails with a view.

10. Main Beach – Santa Cruz

Hit up Main Beach of Santa Cruz to get pleasure from this California seashore that is only one hour from San Francisco. Take a stroll alongside the mile-long Santa Cruz seashore boardwalk or go to the historic amusement park.

Santa Cruz Park is the oldest surviving amusement park in California. There are loads of seashore actions together with seashore volleyball courts, browsing, and kayaking. You’ll see sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, and even whales offshore.

There’s a thrilling sort of freedom that comes from packing up your things and jetting off on a long trip that lasts for more than a month. Whether it’s you’re going on a semester abroad, a working vacation, or a business trip, it nurtures a sense of escape that’s unlike any other. However, don’t expect to truly fulfil your Eat, Pray, Love potential without doing a little prep work first.

After all, doing long-term travel without bringing or having the right essentials can result in fairly uncomfortable situations. Fortunately, we’ve painstakingly curated a list of all the things you need to know before going on your next extended trip!

Long-term travel tips to keep in mind

1. Don’t rely on one payment method

There’s no doubt that using a credit card is one of the easiest ways to conduct your payments while travelling. However, there are instances when your credit card might fail you. Or, it could get lost. So, be sure to also bring cash and a debit card when you’re getting ready for long-term travel. You don’t want to be stuck far away from home without an alternative means of payment.

2. Free up your itinerary

It’s easy to get lost in the endless hustle and bustle of long-term travel. After all, you’ll probably encounter tons of different attractions to explore. But if you’re staying somewhere for a month, or longer than that, be sure to leave room in your itinerary to relax.

Not every day of your months-long trip needs to play out like a guided tour. Take a moment to chill, and explore your surroundings as the locals do. Sometimes, wandering around aimlessly can result in the best of surprises.

3. Look into parking options

If you (or your travel companions) are driving around in a car, it’s important to do a little bit of research on parking. Figure out the places where you can park, and where you cannot. Certain parking spots might overcharge you, so explore all your options for the best pick. Also, there are certain cities that have designated parking apps to facilitate an easier experience for the general public, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.

4. Manage your expectations

While long-term travel is generally rewarding in certain ways, don’t hype yourself up with the expectations of a life-changing experience. Most people go on a trip to escape, but it’s also important to keep your expectations realistic. Take it one day at a time, and don’t pressure yourself into anything. Rather, let the good things happen to you.

And remember, if you’re considering moving to the location that you’re travelling to, it’s better to be aware of how you function there in an everyday routine. Rose-tinted lenses and nostalgia goggles are never a good idea in the long run.

5. Make a list of places to visit

Your long-term travel plans mean that you’ll probably be either staying in one place for a long time, or bouncing across many different locations. In both cases, there’ll most likely be plenty of different attractions and new locations to check out. You might end up being a wee bit overwhelmed about where to go first, but it always helps to make a list.

That way, you’ll be able to carry on without worrying about missing any important experiences. But ticking things off that list should also never become tiresome, so don’t overstuff it with too many entries. Hence, you’ll need to decide which ones to prioritise and which ones you’re willing to forego due to time constraints.

6. Embrace the culture

Every trip comes with the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, but this is doubly true when it comes to long-term travel. Staying in a place for a month or more means you’ve got more chances to live life like a local. Learning about a new culture can be as simple as picking a few local phrases to help you communicate better.

But don’t limit yourself to that. Visit museums and ruins for a sense of history, make your way through markets, and go where the locals go. Of course, remember to stay safe at all times, and not take unnecessary risks.

7. Indulge your “inner tourist”

Attempting to go full-on native during long-term travel can occasionally result in a little bit of regret. After all, you’ll need to head back home eventually. So, don’t feel guilty about getting a little touristy towards the end of your trip. Get all those souvenirs, snacks, and gifts while you can! Take a photo in front of that all-too-famous landmark! Who cares if some might say it’s cliché?

8. Be flexible with your planning

One of the best things about long-term travel is having the time to change your plans midway through the trip. With that in mind, it’s actually better if you don’t book all your tours or activities at the very start of the trip. After all, plans tend to change, and too much pre-trip planning can be pretty restricting to your experience as a whole.

Be more flexible with your itinerary, especially since you’ll likely have more time on your hands. Try to explore your destination first, and get a feel for the surroundings. You might even find yourself discovering better deals!

9. Read reviews on accommodation

Another very important aspect of long-term travel is your accommodation. Be sure to read reviews of the hotels or Airbnbs that you’re planning to stay in. Cleanliness is one factor to look out for, but remember to also see what other guests have said about the location of your chosen accommodation.

If it’s in a spot that doesn’t have access to any cars or public transportation, then you’re probably better off staying elsewhere. Accessibility is super important when it comes to finding places to eat and going on tours.

What to pack for a long trip

10. Keep it light

A general rule of thumb for packing for a long-term travel packing list is to not overdo it. Keep in mind that you don’t have to bring along too many articles of clothing, because you’ll definitely be doing laundry as you travel. Try to have all your clothes, shoes, and other essentials fit into one suitcase if that’s possible. However, this particular notion might vary depending on the climate of your destination.

Nonetheless, be sure to bring along a good supply of lightweight clothing, as they tend to dry quickly. Make sure you’ve got a sturdy pair of walking shoes too, and pack the appropriate thermal wear if you’re going to be staying in a colder destination.

11. Have a spare copy of your passport (or visa)

There may be times during your long-term travel adventures when you might need to whip your passport for identification or verification purposes. If you don’t feel comfortable constantly carrying your original around, be sure to bring along a copy. This also applies to your visa, if you’re visiting a country that does indeed require one.

On the flip side, carrying a copy of your passport (or visa) can also be a lifesaver if you’re ever unfortunate enough to have misplaced your original one. Other documents to keep in mind are vaccination certificates and an international driver’s licence for countries where English isn’t spoken.

12. Bring an extension cord

There are plenty of long-term travel essentials to pack, many of which depend on what kind of adventures you’re planning on getting into. However, some of these are must-haves on your long-term travel packing list, no matter what. These include a first-aid kit, a sewing kit, and of course — an extension cord.

Our modern lives are pretty much fuelled and framed by the devices we carry around, and having an extension cord is a great way to keep them all charged. It’s also great when you’re travelling around in a group. Don’t forget to bring along a travel plug adaptor, too!

There you have it; everything you need to know about what it takes to thrive on a long-term trip. Being away from home for so long might seem a little scary. But if you haven’t tried long-term travel before, there’s no better time to start. Life is short, the world is wide, and you owe it to yourself to make some memories.