Italy is a beautiful country, rich in diversity and culture to be experienced and observed. Italy is completely different from any other European nation, especially since it is divided into different types and styles according to geographical location: the north is completely different from the south and vice versa. 

Often a tourist might feel lost, especially in the centers of large cities where the "tourist traps" are unfortunately always lurking. For this reason we at WillAge have decided to guide the tourist in a series of precautions and particularities in order to be able to help him as much as possible. Here are the basic Travel Tips if you want to visit Italy. Our first stop will be: hotels and apartments.

 

The first thing that differentiates hotels and apartments in Italy is the need to provide a copy of your ID or passport. This is because in Italy there is a taxation system that obliges the owner of the property to provide details about the person staying in their business, and above all helps to manage the system of "tourist tax". This is the flat-rate daily payment of a fixed fee per person, and this varies from city to city. It ranges from a minimum of 1€ to a maximum of 5€ depending on the type of hotel or apartment in which you are staying.

This tax must be paid in cash. In some cases the tourist tax is included in the total payment, such as when staying at the hotel: in that case it can also be paid by credit card. Often and willingly this fee is paid on the spot, therefore also by booking on Booking.com you will then have to pay in person (unless it is explicitly stated during the finalization of the payment). In very touristy cities such as Capri, this tax may also be required for simple excursions, or through tours organized by official bodies. Regrettably, it is the norm.

Contrary to what happens abroad, in Italy you often leave your key in the reception, this to allow for example the owners (especially in the case of bnb) to be able to enter and fix the house. It seems like a big test of confidence, but it’s worth it to try a real Italian experience on the skin!

If you travel in the Summer the general advice is to bring with you a couple of extra sheets, because this season in Italy blankets are as abolished: those who are accustomed to cover themselves at night would do less to provide for this detail independently.

Another advice on hotel rooms and especially on B&Bs is to always check the presence of air conditioning. Although it may seem a basic service or in any case not excessively particular or special, the rule provides for the absence of the latter in the facilities. If we consider the fact that in some places in Italy (such as Puglia) temperatures can reach up to 50 ºC, it is advisable to see in advance whether or not there is an air conditioner.

In the same way, dryers are appliances little used in Italy. In no B&B you will find it, unlike the washing machine. Instead, there is a drying rack to use for your clothes.

If you have mobility problems, you should take a close look at the apartment you are renting. In Italy, unfortunately, there is a huge problem with accessibility for disabled people, and its structure provides numerous stairs to reach any activity. Especially in the historical and medieval centers, it is impossible to find ramps or facilitative structures to help these people. Most B&Bs are located on the upper floors of buildings without a lift, so we highly recommend asking before buying.