Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Time Florence & Tuscany
For more information, see
Survival Guide
Top Tips for Your Trip
Checklist
»
Always carry some cash. Unattended gas stations
don't always accept foreign credit cards, and some
restaurants and hotels operate on a cash-only basis.
»
Check the validity of your passport
»
Check if you need a visa
»
Organise a youth, student or teacher
card if applicable
»
Don't rely solely on a GPS - it's always safest to
cross-check your route on a printed road map.
»
Book ahead for accommodation and
major sights
»
You will often find that there is free wi-fi access in
or around
palazzi comunale
(town halls) and tourist
offices.
»
Book ahead to attend music and
cultural events
»
Organise international roaming on
your phone if needed
»
Foodies should consider purchasing a copy of the
Osterie d'Italia
Slow Food guide or the Gambero
Rosso
Ristoranti d'Italia
or
Bar d'Italia
guides;
available in bookshops throughout the region (Italian
only).
»
Organise travel insurance
What to Pack
»
Driving map and GPS for the car
(the latter can be rented with car hire)
What to Wear
A sense of style is vital to Tuscans, who take great
pride in their dress and appearance. Here, maintaining
la bella figura
(ie making a good impression) is ex-
tremely important. Steer clear of shorts and flip-flops
unless you're at the beach and always dress up, not
down, at restaurants, clubs and bars. Smart-casual
outfits will cover you in most situations; trainers and
jeans are frowned upon for evening wear.
Cover yourself when entering a church (no shorts,
short skirts or sleeveless or off-the-shoulder tops) and
note that topless and nude bathing are unacceptable at
most beaches.
»
Travel plug (adaptor)
»
Sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses -
it can get hot under the Tuscan sun!
»
Umbrella and/or raincoa t - except
in high summer
»
Corkscrew - Italian winemakers
don't approve of screw-tops
»
Sturdy walking shoes - cobbled
streets and uneven country paths
abound
