What not to do when visiting Italy to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Ciao, Italy — the land of pizza, pasta, wine, and all things romantic. Avoid these common vacation mistakes on your next trip to the Boot, so you can focus on enjoying la dolce vita.

1. Eating Too Much Pizza

Eat as much pizza as you want, but don’t stray too far from your dietary status quo (and don’t forget you’ll need to save room for pasta, wine, and gelato, too). Italy’s culinary delights are one of its main draws, but you’ll feel sick if you gorge yourself. Too much too fast could bring more harm than joy to your trip. Keep it balanced and incorporate lots of walking, so that you can enjoy the best of Italy’s irresistible flavors without overdoing it.

2. Neglecting to Consider the Weather

Italy in the summer is blazing hot, and many buildings in its ancient cities aren’t equipped with quite the same air-conditioning power that you may be used to at home. You don’t have to orient your trip around the weather entirely, but keep in mind that Italy has distinct seasons, which run the gamut from sweltering to downright frigid.

3. Waiting in Unnecessary Lines

Instead of waiting hours in line and paying to enter the Duomo, only to be shuffled quickly through the cathedral because it’s onto the next quota of visitors, why not attend a service? No matter your religious beliefs or background, all are welcome to attend and respectfully observe, and it’s completely free (though leaving a small offering would be a kind gesture). Plus, you get the opportunity to experience these historical buildings in action, being used in the manner they were intended, with organs playing, candles lit, incense burning, and more.

Services typically last an hour or less and you can walk right in, so it will probably take you less time than visiting via the traditional tourist route. The service will likely be in Italian, but most churches have a printed program with an English translation to help you follow along.

If you feel out of place or hesitant, spend a few minutes researching what to expect from the service, or consider arriving early and asking an usher if there are any protocols or procedures to note.

4. Not Dressing Appropriately

While Italy is not an overly religious or modest country, many of its attractions are sacred houses of worship that require respectful attire for entry. Men and women alike should carry a scarf or shawl to ensure shoulders, knees, and elbows are covered when entering houses of worship; closed-toe shoes and pants are also a good idea. You will be denied entry if you don’t adhere to the dress code. So, while cutoff jeans and a cute crop top may get you Instagram-ready, they aren’t going to fly in places like the Vatican.

5. Not Carrying Cash

Grab some euros before setting out to explore Italy. You’ll pass a lot of gelato shops, pizza joints, and street vendors with tempting wares such as luxe leather belts and bags, hand-painted art, Murano glass, and trinkets. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and strike a bargain for these items. The price you see is not necessarily the one you have to pay, but it’s a whole lot easier to negotiate when there’s cash on the table, and many do not accept cards at all.

6. Forgetting to Validate Your Train Ticket (and Other Train Mishaps)

If you’ve secured a Eurail pass for your ambles through Italy and beyond, congratulations — you’re in on one of the top travel hacks for exploring Europe. Using a Eurail pass will make your trip significantly easier, as long as you use it properly. For starters, you’ll need to validate it at a train station in order to ride. Always check the timetable, expiration date, seating class, and other details, so you don’t run into any surprises.

If you plan on exploring Italy by train, note that there are occasional rail strikes, but they are scheduled in advance, and Trenitalia, Italy’s national railway, still guarantees some service on strike days.

7. Planning to Sightsee on Sundays

Italy’s traditionally Christian roots mark Sunday as a day of rest, and accordingly, some attractions, stores, and restaurants around the country are closed or have reduced hours. While planning your itinerary, check each venue to ensure it will be open. And although many Italian cities and attractions are sleepier on Sundays, don’t let that dampen your trip. Instead, do as the Italians do and spend the day enjoying a relaxing stroll and leisurely lunch.

8. Not Buying Tickets in Advance

Many popular attractions and activities in Italy either have long lines or sell out completely, especially during peak season. If you don’t buy tickets in advance, you’re likely to miss out. You may want to travel with no agenda, and that’s a perfectly fine way to approach your trip. However, if there are any can’t-miss items on your Italy bucket list, book them as far ahead as possible. If you have any hopes of seeing St. Peter’s Basilica, for example, planning ahead is a must.

9. Only Going to Rome

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a trip to Italy is sticking solely to Rome. Sure, the Eternal City has a lot to explore — the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel, among others — and you should certainly spend time taking in these incredible landmarks.

But the heart of Italy extends far beyond Rome’s ancient borders. Drink your way through Tuscany, Italy’s world-renowned wine country; hike in Cinque Terre, home to colorful villages and crystal-clear waters; get lost amidst the cobblestone alleys of Florence; paddle the canals of Venice, led by a gondolier’s song; check another country off your list by working in a stop in San Marino, Italy’s little-known country within a country; and hit Milan, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily. It’s impossible to exaggerate all the beauty you’d miss if you only visited Rome.

10. Tipping

Unlike in America, where waiters rely on tips to supplement their wages, tipping is neither customary nor expected in Italian bars and restaurants. In many establishments, there is a service charge already factored into the price of the bill or even a cover charge for extras that are automatically brought to the table (bread, oil, and olives). Look over your receipt carefully, and leave a tip if you feel compelled to do so because the service was truly exceptional.

White-capped mountains, glistening ice lakes and snowy villages twinkling at night – the Canadian Rockies are a winter wonderland. With Alberta towns such as Banff and Jasper less crowded, the region’s ski resorts offering one of the world’s longest seasons, and activities like snow-shoeing and dog-sledding, it’s an alluring winter holiday spot.

1. You can save a bundle

Winters in the Canadian Rockies are not just spectacular, they’re cheaper. For example, you can save up to 50 per cent on full-day lift tickets (from $93 a person) to ski Marmot Basin in Jasper any day. And save up to 35 per cent on a stay at Banff, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay from around $110 a night.

2. Take the bus

If you plan to drive in the Rockies in winter, a few things need to be considered. Snow tyres or chains are required by law in many parts, such as sections of Banff and Kootenay national parks. Kevin Henderson of Tourism Jasper says you should always check the Parks Canada website for road closures and safety information. “You don’t need to venture far to be in avalanche terrain,” Henderson says. But Paula Garcia Ciurana of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism says public transport is easy and convenient. “Banff’s public transit bus system gets you just about anywhere in Banff and there are shuttles between Calgary International Airport and Banff and Lake Louise and connecting shuttles to Jasper.”

3. Take the train

The Rocky Mountaineer train may be closed over winter, but VIA Rail’s train from Vancouver to Jasper offers a front-row seat through the region, proving much in the Rockies is at its best in winter. “Winter in Jasper doesn’t just mean you can experience landmark spots with fewer crowds, it also means in some cases, you can experience them in an entirely unique way,” Henderson says. “For example, when the water that gushes through Maligne Canyon drains and freezes in the winter, ice-cleat-equipped travellers can walk along and through these channels.”

4. Save suitcase space with layers

It’s tempting to overpack for extreme winter weather, but you don’t need to take every coat you own. Instead, says Garcia Ciurana, it’s about packing smart. “Layers are essential in Banff National Park through most seasons, but particularly winter,” she says. You need thermals for a base layer, long-sleeved tops for a second layer, fleece or jumper for mid-layer and jacket or coat for outer layer.

5. Check what’s included in your rental

Much of what you need for a Canadian winter can be hired there to save money and luggage space. If you plan to drive, ensure snow tyres or chains are included in the car rental. And don’t presume your car comes with them; you have to ask and may have to pay extra. Choose guided experiences that include items like ice cleats, helmets and even proper snow boots.

With a dazzling skyline, neon-lit streets and a beautiful countryside, Hong Kong is one of the world cities that you just can not miss out on. However, these experiences come at a steep price, as Hong Kong consistently ranks as one of the top 5 expensive cities in the world. Here are 15 tips to save money on your trip to Asia’s financial capital:

1. Skip the Airport Express.

Although the Airport Express gets you to the city within 20-30 minutes, it costs a bomb. If you are not in a rush, go to the bus terminal and catch an airport bus to the city. They are custom-made for travelers carrying luggage.

2. Get an Octopus card in the arrival hall, before leaving the airport.

It is the transport card that can be used in buses, MTR (metro), and also for payment in many shops like McDonald’s. It will cost you around HK$150 with HK$100 credit. The HK$50 is a refundable deposit with a HK$7 handling fee, depending on the duration of usage. The card can be reloaded in MTR stations, 7-Eleven, and Circle-K outlets.

3. When you are in Hong Kong island, consider using the ding ding tram.

The tram is one of the cheapest ways to get around the island: not to mention that you will truly experience Hong Kong like a local when you ride it.

4. Stay in Kowloon instead of Hong Kong island.

Kowloon is located midway between Hong Kong island and the New Territories and is well connected to both. Find a guesthouse in areas like Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, or in Chungking Mansion to save money on accommodation.

5. If you are planning to stay for a while, consider Couchsurfing.

Hong Kong has an active Couchsurfing community. Attend some events and make friends. Make sure you have a complete and verified profile with positive reviews before you send requests to potential hosts.

6. Visit the Tin Tian Buddha but skip the cable car.

The Tin Tian Buddha at Ngong Ping is a famous attraction and is well worth it. Most people choose the cable car which costs between HK$145 for a single trip and HK$210 for a round trip on a standard cabin. If you are on budget, use public transportation instead. The Number 23 bus from Tung Chung Town Centre or the Number 11 from Tai O Ferry Pier will take you there.

7. Experience the great outdoors of Hong Kong.

From the famous Dragon’s Back and Tai Mo Shan to the lesser known Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark, Hong Kong offers some of the best outdoor adventures at almost no cost. If you are looking for something less hectic but equally beautiful, then consider the To Fu Shan viewing point in Tai O.

8. Avoid eating western food and eat at a Dai Pai Dong instead.

Dai Pai Dongs are Hong Kong’s street-side kitchens serving some of the most delicious meals you will ever have. Also, look out for the Michelin Star restaurants — some of them can be surprisingly budget friendly!

9. Shop in the night markets of Yau Ma Tei (Temple Street) and Mong Kok.

These night markets feature a wide range of products from suitcases and portable chargers to cute socks and trendy scarves. Walk around, bargain a lot, and soak in the crazy vibe of Mong Kok. Be sure to check out Fa Yuen Street Market, Goldfish Market, Yuen Po Bird Garden, and the Ladies Market in Mong Kok.

10. Experience Hong Kong’s buzzing nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong.

But be sure to buy your drinks from the nearby 7-Eleven!

11. Get your heart racing at the Happy Valley racecourse every Wednesday night.

Gambling is in Hong Kong’s DNA and Happy Valley is the perfect place to witness it. For an entry fee of HK$10, you can watch the horses racing in the lush green field at the backdrop of skyscrapers and thousands of people screaming their heart out!

12. Visit at least one of the numerous temples for free.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Chi Lin Nunnery, Po Lin Monastery, Tin Hau temple, Wong Tai Sin temple, and the list goes on.

13. Visit the outlying islands on a weekday or a Saturday.

From Cheung Chau, Peng Chau to Lamma Island and Stanley, Hong Kong’s outlying islands are heaven for every nature lover. They can be accessed by ferry from Central ferry pier. The prices are the highest on a Sunday and any public holiday.

14. Skip the Peak tram and the Sky Terrace 428 and instead opt for the Peak Circle Walk trail.

The Peak Tram and Sky Terrace together cost about HK$90. The Peak Circle Walk offers an almost equally stunning view of the skyline for free! You can either walk up all the way or catch the bus 15 from Central pier (HK$9.80) to reach the Peak Galleria. Besides the mall, find the narrow path and walk along it to find the vantage point. If you really want to take the Peak Tram, be sure to keep a few hours in hand to queue for the tickets, especially on weekends and public holidays.

15. Make your visit coincide with Chinese New Year.

You can be part of the massive celebrations and the joyous vibe that embraces the whole city. Watch the Chinese New Year parade and the spectacular fireworks along Tsim Tsa Shui harbor, all for free! Touch the dragon that goes along the parade for good luck and don’t forget to queue a few hours in advance near the streets for the best views.

While the winter snow is ideal for building snowmen, sledding and having snowball fights, it’s not ideal for driving. Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures result in slippery roads and poor visibility which contributes to a higher risk of losing control of your car and having an accident.

With more than 150,000 auto crashes occurring annually due to icy roads, it’s important to learn how to drive in snow. Keep reading to get essential tips on what to do before you leave and while you’re navigating the snowy roads.

Before driving in snow

Before embarking on your journey, review these tips to ensure you are well prepared for navigating the snowy roads.

1. Only drive if necessary

First and foremost, you should only drive in the snow if it’s absolutely necessary. If the weather is bad, it’s best to stay put as 17% of car accidents occur during winter weather conditions.

Even if you’re a pro at driving in the snow, other people may not be, which increases your risk of an accident even if you’re not at fault.

2. Study your route

If staying home isn’t an option, study your route before heading out on the road and give yourself enough time to reach your destination. To be prepared for any potential disruptions, check the local weather reports and traffic updates so you know what to expect while on the road.

Additionally, choose a route that uses the major roadways in your area, as these roads are more likely to be plowed or spread with grit which makes them less slippery for vehicles during icy weather.

3. Remove snow and ice

The car hood and windshield are obvious spots for removing ice and snow, but don’t forget to clear off all the snow on your car, including the roof, mirrors, lights and back windows.

In some states, it’s actually illegal to drive with snow on your car, so check your state’s regulations and stay safe by clearing off your vehicle before you start driving.

For an unobstructed view in all directions, clear the snow from all areas of your vehicle and use an ice scraper or credit card to remove any ice that may have formed on your windows and mirrors.

4. Warm up your vehicle

While many drivers are convinced that allowing your car to warm up before driving in the cold is better for the car’s engine, experts say it’s only a good idea for defogging your windshield and warming up the cabin.

This should only take about a minute, so don’t waste gas and emissions by letting your car run for 20 minutes in the driveway.

5. Get winter tires

If you live in a cold area that gets frequent amounts of snow, you should definitely invest in winter tires, also known as snow tires. Even the best set of all-season tires cannot compare to the traction that proper winter tires offer in the snow, slush and ice.

You might also consider purchasing snow chains for your tires, which can effectively dig through snow and ice. The chains can hold onto the pavement and help keep your car from slipping. Keep in mind that you cannot drive a vehicle at a high speed while it has snow chains installed.

6. Be prepared with an emergency kit

In case something does happen while you are on the road, it’s always a good idea to have a winter emergency kit stored somewhere in your vehicle. Your kit should include basic survival supplies, safety items, car maintenance tools and winter clothing.

Driving in the snow

Now that you have prepared your car for the snowy roads ahead, check out these tips on how to drive safely in the snow.

7. Drive slow and steady

Being smooth with the steering wheel, accelerator and brakes is the key to driving safely in the snow. You want to drive as if you have a hot cup of coffee in your lap that you are trying not to spill.

Every wheel turn, brake application and throttle movement must be careful, smooth and slow. Jerky motions with the controls can unstick tires that already have a fragile hold on the slick road.

Here are some tips for maintaining a consistent speed on roads that aren’t precisely straight:

• Curves: When approaching a curve, gently apply the brakes before you start turning the wheel. Try not to worry if your car starts to lose traction; the best course of action is to gradually let off on the gas and keep your wheels pointed in the direction you wish to go.
• Uphill: If going uphill, allow enough space in front of the vehicle so that you may keep a constant speed without having to shift gears or accelerate.
• Downhill: Use low gear when going downhill, and try to avoid braking unless absolutely necessary. Pump your brakes instead of slamming them, and make sure there is enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

8. Keep extra distance from other vehicles

By maintaining a greater following distance from other vehicles on the road on a snowy day, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic collision.

In order to give yourself adequate time and space to stop on icy roads if necessary, you should raise your following distance to at least 7-9 seconds on days with snow. However, this distance can increase depending on your car’s weight and length, the slope of the road, the amount of snow on the road and visibility.

9. Stay alert and focused

Beyond keeping an eye on your own vehicle, it’s crucial to pay attention to what the other cars in your vicinity are doing. Make sure you are aware of everyone else on the road, both directly in front of you and in your peripheral vision, as they might not be adhering to the same safe driving practices that you are.

You also want to minimize distractions to stay on high alert at all times. A phone call with a friend or listening to a juicy podcast isn’t worth getting too distracted and missing signs of potential hazards around you.

10. Turn on your headlights

Heavy snow conditions can impact visibility on the roads, so make sure you turn on your headlights so others can see you.

While you may want to turn on your brights or fog lights to help you see better, it can be blinding to other drivers on the road. Avoid using them unless there is actual fog.

11. Pump the brakes or equip the anti-lock braking system (ABS)

While slamming on the brakes might be your initial reaction to slipping or other hazards on the road, it’s the worst thing you can do when driving in the snow. Instead, pump the brakes where you push on the brake pedal, let up, then push it down repeatedly.

This method allows your vehicle to both steer and brake on a slick surface. Drivers use it to make an emergency stop when there is little traction to lessen the effect of sliding from road wheels locking up when using the brakes.

However, most modern cars come with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which prevent brake seizing even when you have to brake forcefully. Applying firm brake pressure is preferable when using ABS; only let up when you’ve come to a complete stop, as this will activate the ABS and prevent you from excessive slippage.

12. Keep an eye out for black ice

Black ice is a term that describes a batch of thin and slippery ice on the road. If temperatures in your area have fluctuated, this should be top of mind.

Snow and ice can thaw during the day, but if temperatures drop below freezing in the late afternoon or evening, the melted snow may turn into a thin layer of ice on the road. This is especially dangerous since black ice can be hard to spot while driving.

13. Handle skids with ease

If you do hit a patch of black ice, which can be a very scary driving situation, don’t panic. Use these steps to continue safely on down the road:

• Don’t accelerate or brake quickly because hydroplaning means you’ve lost traction with the road, and sudden speed changes could cause you to spin out.
• If you have front-wheel drive (with or without ABS and traction control) or rear-wheel drive with ABS and traction control, look for open space and plan to travel in that direction.
• Accelerate just a little and steer gently – without sudden movements – in the direction of the open space.
• If you have a rear-wheel drive without ABS or traction control, you should still head toward an open space, but instead of applying pressure to the accelerator, ease off it as you steer to the open space.

14. Never use cruise control

In the snow (or even in the rain), never use cruise control. Driving under these circumstances while using cruise control runs the risk of losing control of the car because the system might not react as quickly as you can if you sense a loss of traction.

15. Avoid tire tracks of other vehicles

Packed snow is more icy than fresh snow, so if you are on the road during snowfall, it’s best to avoid tire tracks from other vehicles. Tire tracks indicate that the snow is compressed, which means it’ll be more slippery, so drive on the fresh powder whenever possible.

Make sure you’re covered with good auto insurance

To secure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road, it’s crucial to learn how to drive in the snow. Although these tips will aid you in navigating icy roads, accidents can still occur, whether or not they were your fault.

Make sure you have proper auto insurance so you can rest assured that you have protection at all times.