Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Time
For more information, see
Survival Guide
Top Tips for Your Trip
»
The best time to be out and about is between 5pm
and 9pm, when northern Italians take to the piazze for
the
passeggiata
,
spritz
and
aperitivo
. Join the throng
and save some money on dining out.
Checklist
»
Inform your debit-/credit-card company
that you'll be visiting Italy
»
Organise appropriate travel insurance,
especially for activity holidays
»
Northern Italians are fairly formal. Make eye con-
tact and say
buongiorno
/
buonasera
(good morning/
evening) and
piacere
(pleased to meet you) when
greeting people.
»
Download the Milan transport app at
»
Get off the main roads - not only will you avoid
paying tolls, but you'll enjoy the region's best
scenery, photo ops and villages.
What to Pack
»
Good walking shoes for lakeside walk-
ing
»
Bear in mind the mountainous terrain surrounding
the lakes. Fast motorways link the lakes at the north-
ern and southern ends, otherwise you're in for a lot of
zigzagging north/south.
»
A corkscrew for picnicking
»
Mosquito repellent - a must in summer
»
Warm clothes for cool evenings in the
mountains
»
Swimming costume and towel
What to Wear
In northern Italy, especially Milan, maintaining
la
bella figura
(ie making a good impression) is ex-
tremely important. It's all very well being a nice soul, but northern Italians expect a well-
cut suit, shiny shoes and neatly coiffed hair to boot. In general, T-shirts, shorts and flip-
flops don't cut it unless you're on the beach, and topless sunbathing is a no-no around the
family-friendly lakes. Smart-casual dress should cover most situations; trainers, short-
sleeved shirts and light blue jeans are frowned upon for evening wear.
»
Sunglasses and sunscreen
»
Travel plug (adaptor)
Sleeping
