Hello, all!

International travel can be stressful, especially if you don't do it often. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind for an easier, safe, and fun trip!

1. Stay ahead of the game! Always plan in advance so you do not cram at the end. Preventative measures are key. Do not wait until the last minute and understand that things may not happen as you plan. Keep a healthy balance of preparedness, but no need to be anxious. You will be amongst many frequent travelers including the bride and groom.

2. Always make a conservative decision. Give yourself some time to breathe. Anticipate traffic. Get to the airport early. Have buffer time should something go unplanned.

3. Be flexible. Take a breath. It's okay. Things do not go as planned sometimes. Do not let it hinder you from getting to your destination or goal.

4. Always have important documents in a safekeeping spot and copies of them.

5. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Wear protective clothing or gear to prevent pickpockets or someone stealing your valuables.

6. Make safety a priority.

7. Research maps, towns, etc. if you are unsure of the surroundings or layouts.

8. Don't draw attention. American cultural norms can have us speaking louder than other countries. Our noise levels can make us prone to being vulnerable. Be discreet. Save your excitement once we're in a safe space.

9. A little birdy told me that bringing the flight attendants goodies on the plane may make your experience magical!

10. We always recommend traveler's insurance.

11. Think ahead! Be sure to take care of your responsibilities before time. Got a dog? Be sure you set up babysitting services beforehand. Need phone service in Italy? Be sure to call your carrier to sign up for European roaming. Do you have bills to pay? Make sure you have auto-pay set up.

12. Don't let your guard down. Always be a step or 2 ahead.

13. Time is a tool that not many have. Take advantage of it to get everything planned out.

We will be in another country! This means new experiences, customs, and culture! Be sure to read up on the customs of Italian culture before going!

Basic Etiquette

-It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender.

-Stand up out of respect when an older person enters the room.

-It is important to dress neatly and respectfully. Italians are big on first impressions and appearances.

-Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing.

-Hats should be removed indoors.

-It is impolite to remove one’s shoes in front of others.

-Punctuality is not tight in social situations. In Italy, ‘on time’ can mean 20, 30, or even 45 minutes late.

-Open doors for the elderly. Men often open doors for women.

-Stand to greet any senior person who walks into the room.

Eating

-Italians generally wait for their host to sit before they do so and wait for them to indicate it is time to eat.

-Some Italians may pray and say ‘grace’ before eating a meal.

-Guests are invited to start eating when the host or head of the table says “Buon appetito” (Enjoy your meal).

-If bread is on the table, try not to fill up on it before the main course begins. Use it to absorb the sauce at the end of the meal.

-Some meals on special occasions can take hours to finish as the conversation continues.

-Resting one’s elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners.

-Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating.

-Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.

-If someone does not want more wine, the typical custom is to leave the wine glass nearly full.

-It is generally impolite to eat whilst talking.

-Guests are not expected to help the host clean up after a meal.

-Breakfast is not a big meal in Italian culture and is sometimes skipped.

-Traditionally, Italians eat lunch together as a family. However, this is not always practiced in the fast-paced environment of the modern day.

-Outdoor (al fresco) dining is very popular in the summer months.

For more details, please visit this link.

Knowledge is power! The Italian people will be impressed with us if we study these terms!

Yes – Si – See

No – No – Noh

Please – Per favore – Pehr fah-voh-reh

Thank you – Grazie – Grah-tsee-eh

You’re welcome – Prego – Preh-goh

Cheers! (To your health) – Salute! – Sah-loo-tay

Excuse me (for attention) – Scusi – Skooh–zee

Excuse me (to pass by) – Permesso – Pehr-mehs-soh

Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? – Parh-la een-glay-zeh

I don’t understand – Non capisco – Non kah-pee-skoh

I’m sorry – Mi dispiace – Mee dees-pyah-cheh

Good morning (formal) – Buon giorno – Bwohn-johr-noh

Good afternoon (formal) – Buona sera – Bwoh-nah-seh-rah

Good night (formal) – Buona notte – Bwoh–nah–noh–teh

Hi / Bye (informal) – Ciao! – Chow

Good bye (formal) – Arrivederci – Ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee

My name is … – Mi chiamo – Mee kyah-moh

What is your name? – Come si chiama? – Koh-meh see kyah-mah?

Pleased to meet you – Piacere – Pyah-cheh-reh

How are you? (formal) – Come sta? – Koh-meh stah?

Good thank you – Bene grazie – Beh-neh grah-tsee-eh