Some Of The Top Reasons To Go To Italy

Italy is arguably one of the most memorable places to visit, and curiously, most visitors who come home very satisfied from a very memorable trip to Italy have different stories to tell.Here are some of the top reasons to go to Italy.

Image source: youramazingplaces.com

1. Italy is a haven for food lovers.  All of the pizza and the pasta that one has ever tried in the past essentially trace their roots back to Italy, and such foods are a staple in Italian cuisine.  However, they have always said that nothing beats food served in its original place, and this is quite true.Italian food is popular because of the variety of fresh ingredients that grow on fertile Italian soil.


2. Outside of America, Italy is probably the place that appears the most in Hollywood movies.  This is because Italy is the home to some of the most authentic destinations in the world.Rome is a favorite bucket list item for the history buff.  Venice is a place quite unlike any other, with its eccentric waterways.

Image source: youramazingplaces.com

3. There is nothing as culturally enriching as the Italian coast.  A lot of coastal communities in the Italian peninsula have evolved cultures of their own.  These people have their own renditions of interesting foods and crystal clear waters.  Also, the best experience of merriment happens along the coastline,where one is sure to experience Italian hospitality at its finest.


Richard Ohlhaber is a huge fan of golf and boating.  His dream place of residence is Italy.Learn more about his other interests in this blog.

The Italian Way: Social Etiquette Tourists Should Know

Tourists arrive in Italy by the hundreds daily. However, not all are aware of the social practices that are highly valued by the Italians. To avoid being a clueless visitor in the foreign country, here are some notes on Italian etiquette:

 Image source: Themisanthropesjournal.blogspot.com

Shake hands with everyone.

Yes, everyone in the group you’re with. It is polite to shake not just the hands of your host. When attending a social gathering, it is common practice to greet everyone with a handshake. Or if a friendly relationship has been established, you can greet by kissing both cheeks.

 Image source: Travelpod.com

Open gifts in front of the giver.

In some cultures, it is okay to open a gift when the giver is out of sight. Not so for Italians. Upon receiving a gift, open it and politely thank the giver. This will assure him or her that the gift has been well received. Another tip: it is considered a good gesture to give little treats to children especially those of an Italian host.

Stand when an older person enters the room.

Especially when invited to a home or a social event. This is to pay respect to the elderly.

Small talk before shop talk.

It is okay to engage in small talk as it is great in calming the nerves especially when the next topics would be about more serious matters like business. However, when engaging in small talk with an Italian, it is good to keep away from asking personal questions.

When traveling abroad, it is wise to look up social customs and etiquette in order to please the locals. Especially in a country that values friendship and loyalty like Italy, keeping up with their practices might make a tourist’s stay more memorable.

Richard Ohlhaber lives in Texas but grew up in Chicago. The wind stayed with him, though, as he remains a Chicago Bulls and Bears fan through and through. If he could live anywhere in the world, he would choose Italy. For more sports and travel entries, visit this page.