Visa: Do it yourself if you can—don’t use a travel agency. Many visa rejections I saw online were from applications handled by agencies. The Italian visa isn’t difficult; it just requires a lot of documents, but none are particularly demanding, and not everything needs to be translated.
BUT!!!! Leave plenty of time for processing, especially in the Guangzhou consular district. I booked my appointment on August 2, submitted my application on September 4, and received my visa on September 24—nearly two months total.
Car Rental: You MUST bring your original driver’s license. This was my biggest lesson learned. Stick with major rental companies—even if they’re more expensive. When you’re traveling abroad, your time and peace of mind matter most. Arguing with a rental agent over issues when there’s a language barrier really ruins your mood. Avoid Sixt.
Pre-trip Preparation: From a sightseeing perspective, one of Italy’s greatest draws is its rich history and Renaissance artistic heritage. Doing some homework beforehand greatly enhances your experience and helps you avoid just rushing through sites. I recommend the HBO series Rome (available on Penguin Video). Also, learn a bit about Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci—their lives and major works—because you’ll encounter them repeatedly in museums.
Ticket Reservations: I pre-booked tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museums. Strongly recommend doing the same—you’ll skip the lines entirely. I arrived right at my scheduled entry time and walked straight in with zero waiting. While planning, I noticed that one of our days in Rome fell on the first Sunday of October, when many attractions offer free admission. But I still chose to visit the next day and pay, because travel time is precious—I didn’t want to waste hours queuing.
Theft Prevention: I lost a credit card. It happened at a restaurant—I forgot my bag when leaving, realized it at the door, and went back immediately. The waiter was already clearing the table. I suspect he took the card from my bag during that brief moment it was out of my sight. That same night at the hotel, I discovered the card was missing and quickly froze it. We didn’t experience any other theft or robbery, but everyone in Italy stays highly alert—people always carry their bags in front of them.
What to Pack:
Documents are the most important—double-check everything before you go.
If you like spicy food, bring small jars of chili sauce, instant noodles, and dried fish snacks. We brought 10 packs of instant noodles and finished them all (don’t forget a bowl and chopsticks). Most hotels have electric kettles, but if you’re unsure, bring a foldable one.
The Sam’s Club foldable stool (RMB 99 for three) is super light—highly recommended. Use it to prop up your feet on the plane or sit while waiting in lines.
Cash: I’d read that you barely need cash, but I found it quite handy. Some places even offer discounts for cash payments. We used up all our cash and had to exchange more later. Bring around €300.
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