La scrittrice offre un elenco esteso di idee per migliorare il prossimo viaggio di qualcuno quest’anno. Lei descrive l’importanza di rispettare la storia, il cibo e la cultura locale dovunque vada. Lei suggerisce che provino a usare un pezzetto di pane per fare la scarpetta dopo aver mangiato, oppure di non ordinare un cappuccino dopo mezzogiorno. Lei raccomanda anche di restare vigile nelle folle e di seguire le regole che le chiese possono avere per l’ingresso con i vestiti. La cosa più importante è rispettare la cultura e invitare a esplorare e ad avere un’avventura oltre i posti turistici.

Soon, many will be heading to Italy for the 2026 travel season, ready for an unforgettable experience filled with rich history, amazing food and warm, welcoming people. Hopefully, they will dive into the vibrant local culture in every town they visit, not just skim the tourist highlights. Along the way, there are plenty of do’s and don’ts, and helpful suggestions I have found that made my travels easier and helped me feel more confident and comfortable.

I recently came across a list by “Messenger Guides” that will help you blend in, show respect, and make the most of your trip. A little cultural awareness goes a long way in turning a great vacation into a truly authentic Italian experience.

1. Bread. Don’t expect a bowl of olive oil and vinegar for dipping when you dine out. The bright flavor of the olive oil is considered to be overpowered by the sharp flavor of vinegar; some even see it as a “peccado” (sin). Instead, bread is traditionally used as a “scarpetta” (shoe) to mop up whatever is left on your plate. They also prefer that guests not fill up on bread before the meal arrives, so save your appetite for the main courses.

2. False friends. Asking for pepperoni on your pizza will get you peppers, not the American-style topping you are expecting. Instead, ask for salami. And if you request a “latte” at a cafe, don’t be surprised when you are given a simple glass of milk. There are so many coffee and espresso options that it is worth skimming the menu before you order, think “caffe latte”, “latte macchiato”, “Americano”, just to name a few.

3. Restaurant selection. In general, restaurants near major tourist attractions that post tourist menus and have someone standing out front calling people in may serve lower- quality food. This does not apply to historical restaurants such as the Caffe Florian in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square. If you are going to restaurants with thousands of reviews, you can expect long wait times.
The local trattorias may have fewer reviews overall, but they are typically very positive and you can generally expect better food and service.

4. Overplan. Don’t be too rigid with your itinerary. Go with the flow, explore, get lost, and discover. It helps to be flexible and ready to adapt to changes in the weather or unexpected transportation strikes that may be called at the last minute.

5. Math not included. When dining, expect one bill per table regardless of the number of guests in your party. Do not expect separate checks; it is up to your group to divide the amount as you see fit once the bill is paid.

6.” Al banco o al tavolo”. Dining at the counter or at the table makes a quick difference in price. In a hurry? Stand at the counter to enjoy your food and drink and pay less. Prefer to sit back and relax? Take a seat at a table, and a waiter will serve you. Just expect to pay a bit more for the added service.

7. Tap water. Don’t expect a free bottle of tap water at your table. Instead, simply order bottled water and ask for “frizzante” (sparkling) or “naturale”(still).

8. Dress code. Dress appropriately for the venue. Save flip-flops and shorts for the beach. Dining at a “trattoria” is usually more casual than at a formal “ristorante”, but neat attire is still appreciated. When visiting churches, modest dress is expected, shoulders and knees should typically be covered. Signs are often posted to indicate what is required or acceptable.

9. BYOB. You cannot buy a bottle of wine at one establishment and bring the unfinished bottle to another restaurant where you have dinner reservations.

10. BYOG. Bring your own gelato! Don’t buy food or dessert at one establishment and then sit at a table at another. This occurs more often than you would expect and is embarrassing when you are asked to leave to make room for their patrons.

11. Eating in crowds. Walking while eating in crowded areas can leave you vulnerable to pickpockets. When your hands are busy holding food, you can be distracted, which makes you an easy target.

12. Disrespect ‘il caffe’. Italian espresso is dark and bitter – you either love it or you don’t. It is part of a long-standing coffee tradition in Italy, and it is not to be complained about. If it is not to your taste, simply order something else or adjust it to your liking. You can add cream, sugar, a shot of liqueur, or even a scoop of gelato. There are plenty of options.

13. Spritz and food. Unless you are having an “aperitivo” with finger food, avoid drinking an Aperol Spritz with your meal since the strong flavor of a cocktail can clash with a main course. Have some wine instead, which will not interfere with the flavors of the food but will actually enhance them.

14. Cappuccino in the afternoon. Generally, it is not taken after 11 a.m. This custom comes from the long-held belief that drinking milk later in the day, especially after meals, can interfere with digestion. For the same reason, coffee is not served during dinner, as it is thought to overpower the flavors of the food. Italians usually opt for an after-dinner drink such as an “amaro” or an espresso to aid digestion.

15. Pineapple on pizza. Probably the most debated pizza topping for Italians. You won’t find it on a menu in a pizzeria in Italy. I have heard, however, that somewhere there is a pizza topped with French fries and hot dogs. Oh my…hopefully, that is a joke.

16. Travel without traveling. Engage with the local culture as opposed to just checking off things on your itinerary list. Do not overlook all the regional differences. You will discover so many things and truly make this a memorable trip. Buon Viaggio!!