Archive for 'Local Customs'

This series of posts is all about practical tips and advice that have been reaffirmed in this author's mind after her most recent trip to Tuscany. While Tuscany is beautiful and I had an incredible time, things are done rather differently to home (Ireland) and those cultural differences and confusions can lead to stress that can ruin a vacation. As I had lived in Italy before, I was prepared for much of it but there were some new things I learned, especially about travelling in a large group and with family. If you want a stress-free time in Tuscany, here are some more key tips and tricks to bear in mind!

7. Food, variation, intolerances

As I mentioned in an earlier post in this series, things are often done a little differently in Italy. Opening hours are wildly different in Tuscany compared to in Ireland and many other places I have been.     Read More

Continuing in this series, I am recounting episodes from my most recent trip to Tuscany and the refresher I got in tips and tricks for making your holiday as peaceful as possible. Cultural differences and confusion can lead to unnecessary stress when all you want is to relax during your vacation, so here are some key things to know, avoid and do in order to have the most pleasant possible trip!

5. Driving

Continuing with the theme of transport that we covered in the last post in this series, we come to driving: a car is essential for getting around Tuscany!

Okay, you could probably survive well enough without a car. If you are staying in a big city, for example, you can rely on public transport, taxis and walking alone. Likewise, if you are staying in a town and only plan to stay there or occasionally spend a day visiting other towns, you could likely get by with buses and trains. However, if you are staying out in the countryside or want to go see lots of attractions and attractions located in remote spots, in particular, your life will be very difficult.     Read More

In this series, this author is sharing some of her recently reaffirmed thoughts and tips, gleaned from a week in Tuscany in 2017. Holidays should be all about fun and relaxation but cultural differences and unexpected surprises can ruin your vacation. To help you have a stress-free holiday in Tuscany, here are some more of my must-have tips and tricks for navigating a vacation in this beautiful region.

3. Double-check everything! Ask if you have questions!

We were in Florence, my mother (who is of ailing health) and sister (who is of little patience), were tired from the 3 hours we had made them spend in the Uffizi and my brother, father, sister's boyfriend and I were exhausted from listening to the whining: we just wanted to get on our train and go back to our villa. We missed our first train by a minute and waited a half hour for the next. Having checked the platform online, my father and I went to confirm it was correct at the ticket office.     Read More

Having just returned from a week with the family in Tuscany, I've refreshed my thoughts on travelling around Italy and compiled some tips and tricks for ensuring a pleasant trip. Holidays in Tuscany can be beautiful, relaxing things but, if you're not prepared and informed, there are differences in culture, bureaucracy and pace of life that can cause stress and, potentially, ruin your vacation. In order to have the best possible time, bear these things in mind!

1. Language

Speaking Italian really helps. Of course, not everyone speaks Italian but I've found that knowing even a little bit will make locals act friendlier and more helpful towards you.     Read More