Some Travel Tips to Italy

Italy is one of the best countries in Europe to visit and explore. This country is known for its churches and other places of interest that are visited by millions of tourists every year. There are a number of museums that are situated all along the country and are known for their collection of the art and other works that belonged to the pre Renaissance era. So, if you are planning a vacation to Italy then here we give you some of the tips that you can so that your trip is memorable and hassle free.

1. The best time to visit Italy is during the months of June to September. You should book your tickets at least two to three months before your travel. Besides this, there are a number of hotels in the country that provide you budget accommodation options that you can book.

2. Also have travel insurance as the possibility of luggage getting lost on the foreign trips is much more. If you are travelling to Italy with your family then it won't hurt having a travel insurance policy. Don't forget to take an international calling card so that you can remain in contact with your loved ones in your country. If that is not possible then do maintain contact through the emails or via Facebook.

3. Travel light on your trip to Italy because most of the railway stations in Italy do not have any trolleys or porters who can carry your luggage. You have to carry your own luggage yourself.

4. If you don't know Italian then it won't be a problem for you as most of the population of Italy is well versed with English. Almost all the hotel staffs know English and thus you won't face any problem communicating with them. The deeper you go in Italy; you would find a number of dialects and other regional languages that are being spoken. Also don't hesitate to use the sign language as many tourists use this to communicate with the other people.

5. Trains are the best way to move from one place to other in the Italy. This is one of the effective way through which you can manage your transportation costs effectively. Opt for the private taxis and other private transport only if it is necessary.

6. The currency of Italy is Euro and is accepted by the 13 countries of Europe. So you won't face any problem of currency conversion and other issues even if you are travelling to one of those countries from Italy.

Trainline is one of the leading travel agents in UK. Know more about about how to book the Cheap Train Tickets from here.

33 Travel Safety Tips

Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can bring to you the sort of troubles you do not want to experience while on the road namely: robbery, rape, or murder. Tourists often fall prey to perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before embarking on a trip. Let's examine some things you should do to prevent your travels from becoming a tragedy:

1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company's address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.

2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.

3. Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver's license and credit cards.

4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you'll suddenly be "in the dark" and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.

5. Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. In some countries certain prescription medicines are forbidden.

6. Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet: leave your jewelry at home.

7. If possible travel with only one or two credit cards.

8. Women particularly should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.

9. Vary your schedule; try not to come and go at the same time everyday.

10. Only stay in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber stop under it.

11. Stay in a room near a stairwell. Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Always stay in a hotel where the doors enter the hallway and not directly from the outside.

12. Do not wear name tags in public.

13. Do not use unmarked taxi cabs.

14. Sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he cannot see you.

15. Pay the driver upon arriving at your destination and while you are still sitting in the vehicle.

16. If you must rent a car, rent only from a reputable company. Any operating problems that occur could signal sabotage.

17. Be aware of 'staged' car accidents meant to catch you off card.

18. Back into your parking spaces to facilitate a quick exit.

19. Park only in well lit and well traveled areas.

20. If your cell phone does not work outside of the country, consider renting one that does for the duration of your trip.

21. If detained for whatever reason by an official, ask for identification. If in doubt, tell them that you want to see his superior. Keep your emotions in check.

22. If traveling with children, bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you become separated from them.

23. Write your child's name and your hotel number on each card; include a close friend's or relative's contact information on the card. Give a card to each child which they will carry with them as long as you are away. Destroy once home.

24. Discuss with your family what they would do in event of an emergency while away from home, e.g. whom to call, how to contact emergency personnel, etc.

25. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.

26. Bring along a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, alcohol packets, dramamine, pepto bismol, diarrhea medicine, etc.

27. Familiarize yourself with train and bus schedules before traveling. Have an alternate plan in place in the event your transportation plans change.

28. Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents to officials only.

29. Consider purchasing portable alarms that emit a loud sound.

30. Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets.

31. Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.

32. Have tips ready in advance for service personnel.

33. Consider renting an escort [security] service if traveling in areas where crime is high.

The key to safe traveling in any area is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation.