Mom in Italy - Italy Travel Ideas, Tips & Advice

10/06/2026

You don't need to learn Italian before coming to Italy, although it's certainly nice to whip out a 'buongiorno' or 'arrivederci' and to receive the accompanying smile from an Italian.

However, there are a few really important phrases to know, and one of them is in the photo below: ALLERTA CALDO, CODICE ROSSO. That translates to 'Heat Alert, Code Red.'

This means the Italian government is putting out an alert to warn people of especially high temperatures. The focus is on the elderly, children, and other people sensitive to extreme heat.

As a visitor, the CODICE ROSSO also applies to you! Please take these alerts seriously and try to spend time indoors in a/c (if possible), staying in the shade, making sure you stay hydrated, etc. This isn't the moment to traipse around Rome at noon or do that epic hike along the Amalfi Coast.

Stay safe - and cool!

Oh, and if you do want to learn a few words and phrases, here you go: https://mominitaly.com/useful-italian-travel-phrases/

PHOTO: From Florence, a couple of weeks ago.

08/05/2026

Have you rented a car in Italy? If so, please feel free to share your experience with the group in the comments below.

I get a lot of questions about road signs. Some look similar to signs you're used to at home and others... not so much.

Here's my guide to Italian Road Signs (plus a printable if you want to bring it with you):

You've booked your rental car and gotten your international driving permit - now what? These are the most important Italian road signs.

30/03/2026

If there's anywhere in Italy (outside of major cities) I'd recommend visiting without a car, it's the Dolomites.

The area's public transport is organized, on-time, and pleasant to use. While we do take our own car sometimes, we also travel to and around the Dolomites using public transport.

Here's some more info so you can decide if visiting the Dolomites without a car is the right choice for you:

A mom in Italy with over two decades of visits to the Dolomites (with and without a car) helps you decide if exploring the area without a car is a good choice for you.

04/03/2026

Want to try a Michelin-star restaurant while you're in Italy but don't want to commit hours or €€€?

Try a lunchtime meal!

My mom and I tried the worker's lunch at Saporium Firenze.

It's a multi-course Michelin meal served with a glass of wine. We loved trying the creative dishes and while we enjoyed spying on the multi-course meal at another table, we were happy to walk out within 1.5 hours. And, I only needed to undo one button of my pants!

Pictured: The 11-table dining room with open kitchen and the lemon risotto with dill sauce, herbs, and shrimp.

Buon appetito!

27/02/2026

Paying for tolls at the Autostrada (our toll roads in Italy) continues to get easier!

As I'm driving around I see more and more toll booths have contactless payment. So you just insert your toll ticket (that you got at the booth when you entered the Autostrada), then tap your card... and on you go!

If you want to get a receipt, be sure to push the button for 'ricevuta' after you tap your card.

And, more and more toll booths are putting in digital payment screens, which include options for English language. Just tap on the British flag to get the screen in English.

Safe driving in your FIAT 500 or Ferrari!

Photo: My boys, enjoying gelato and admiring this Ferrari at the beach in Puglia.

29/01/2026

Heading to the Dolomites but have zero interest in skiing? Don't worry, there's plenty more to do! And, this year, as a bonus, you can even watch the Winter Olympics!

https://mominitaly.com/dolomites-in-the-winter-7-for-non-skiers/

Heads Up: The Christmas markets are over until next holiday season, but the rest of the list is applicable to the early months of 2026.

Is your ski-crazy family visiting the Dolomites... but you have zero interest in hitting the slopes? Have no fear - there's plenty to do in the Dolomites without skiing!

06/10/2025

Evening stroll near Panzano in Chianti. October 2025.

The grape harvest is just finishing up, but we're also looking forward to the upcoming olive harvest!

05/09/2025

It's almost autumn in Tuscany... the perfect time to be out exploring Tuscan countryside villages.

Montichiello, in southern Tuscany, is certainly worth a stop on a Tuscan road trip!

Come along with me (a Tuscan local) as I show you the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in quiet, charming, authentic Monticchiello in Tuscany!

20/07/2025

I once spent a week in Costa Rica asking my local co-workers where I could find the 'food' to set out for cycling and hiking snacks.

At the end of the week, I learned that I'd been asking them each morning for the 'baby goat.'

Turns out you can't just pronounce 'cibo' (Italian for 'food') in Spanish and expect it to translate (it came out as 'chivo,' baby goat).

I don't want you to spend your time in Italy asking for baby goats or anything similar.

So, check out these 100+ Useful Travel Phrases. You don't need to memorize them all (but it certainly wouldn't hurt to pick out a few words or phrases).

It also includes a free, printable cheat sheet.

Buon viaggio!

Learn the most useful Italian travel phrases for your trip to Italy. With these, you'll be able to communicate about directions, dining, transport, and more!

22/06/2025

We're road-tripping in Puglia and I had something happen again and it's worth mentioning...

We pulled up to a gas station during the midday break so I needed to use the self-service machine (like the one in the photo).

It only accepted cash or credit cards with a pin. My credit cards don't have a pin, so they don't work. I also didn't have enough cash on me.

Luckily, we still had plenty of gas. Still, I wanted to send a reminder to always have enough cash for gas stations, just in case!