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Italy isn't just a country, it's an
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experience. From the cobbled alleys of
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Rome to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily,
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every corner feels like a postcard
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brought to life. But with beauty comes
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popularity. And popularity brings
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crowds, confusion, and the occasional
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overpriced gelato. That's why knowing a
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few local tricks can elevate your
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Italian adventure from ordinary to
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First, let's talk transportation.
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Trains are your best friend. The
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high-speed frakurasa will whisk you from
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Rome to Florence in under two hours.
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Book online in advance for the best
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prices. But don't overlook regional
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trains either. They're slower, yes, but
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perfect for discovering charming
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countryside towns. Just don't forget to
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validate your paper ticket at the green
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machines before boarding. Now to food.
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The real reason many of us travel to
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Italy. The biggest rule. Avoid
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restaurants with inside of major tourist
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landmarks. Venture a few streets away
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and look for menus in Italian locals
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dining and no flashy tourist menu signs.
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You'll be rewarded with authentic pasta
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and prices that won't make your wallet
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cry. When in Rome or Venice, Naples, or
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Polarmo, remember that meal times are
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sacred. Lunch is usually from 12:30 to
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2:30. Dinner rarely starts before 8.
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Don't expect breakfast buffets. Italians
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prefer a quick espresso and pastry. And
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yes, tipping is modest. A euro or two is
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plenty unless service is exceptional.
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Beware of tourist traps. That free entry
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museum might actually funnel you through
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a pricey gift shop. Though, skip the
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line offers. Sometimes the line doesn't
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exist. Do your homework and book major
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attractions like the Colosseum or
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Vatican museums directly through
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In Sicily, slow down. Life moves at its
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own pace here. Eat arenchini by the sea.
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Take siesta seriously and embrace
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Sometimes the best parts of Italy are
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the ones not on your itinerary.
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Italy is more than sights. It's a
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rhythm, a flavor, a feeling. With the
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right hacks, you'll skip the stress and
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soak in La Dolce Vita. If you could eat
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just one Italian dish for the rest of
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your life, what would it be?
