Some of the greatest moments in travel come from an unexpected surprise: you discover a fantastic restaurant by wandering down a strange alley, or you meet a new friend at the cheese shop who invites you on a hike with some of the best views you’ve ever seen.

Some of the more unpleasant moments during travel can also come from an unexpected surprise: you arrive in Venice, but everything’s closed due to a local religious festival; or you’ve gone for a beach holiday but didn’t realize how chilly the Amalfi Coast is this time of year.

There are lots of ways to save money when on vacation. Taking the train is a great, inexpensive and quick way to travel, especially in Italy. For example, did you know you can get from Rome-Fiumicino Airport to the center in just 32 minutes by train? But what about when it comes to hotels and accommodations in Italy? Let’s explore your options for staying in Italy on a budget! 

A vacation in  Italy is a grand adventure for anyone — whether you’re 5 or 85 years old. Travelling in Italy with kids brings its own opportunities, and challenges. Not all kids will be content to wander through museums or enjoy a multi-course Italian meal. However, Italy offers so much more…. Including beaches, snow-capped mountains and historic ruins to captivate kids of all ages.

Whether it’s a sweet spoonful in the evening as the weather cools or a refreshing cornetto in the hot midday sun, there’s nothing like tucking into a bright tasty cup of Italian gelato. Every September, the Festival del Gelato celebrates this sublime Florence food that has went on to become the pride of Italy, popular the country over.

Pompeii is one of the must-sees of Italy for a reason: when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the bustling Roman city was quickly buried under ash and pumice, a terrible tragedy where most of the inhabitants did not escape. However, the ash preserved the city, providing us with an excellent snapshot of what Roman life was like at the time.

While Pompeii is a must-see, or maybe because of it, it’s also one of the most popular sites to visit in Italy. Read on for our expert Italy travel tips for what to bring, where to go and how to beat the crowds during your a Pompeii day trip.

In a city famous for its seven hills, you’re never short of lofty vantage points affording you splendid views when you visit Rome. The Eternal City has had its highs and lows: the ancient empire rose and made its presence felt across a huge swath of the globe and then declined and finally fell; from its ashes sprang the Holy Roman Empire with its own golden ages and eventual demise. 

Whether you’re all booked or just beginning to plan your trip to Italy, reading the right books before you go is a great way to begin discovering Italy long before you board your flight.

We recommend you go beyond reading an Italy guide book, and take in a variety of different books that can help you better understand and anticipate your journey. Read on for six books about Italy that will get you primed for your journey.

Fiction: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

In 2019 Lonely Planet named Piedmont, Italy the world’s top region to visit in 2019. This is high praise from one of the travel industry’s leading authorities. Read on to find out what makes Piedmont this year’s big destination. 

What kind of traveler are you? Do you buy your train tickets before you leave home? Enjoy an already curated schedule? Do you need a quiet room with its own bathroom? Or do you prefer to save money and share space with other travelers? Are you solo, with a spouse, traveling as group?