Episode #332: Countdown to Italy - What to Do and Check Before Your Trip

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Counting down to your long-awaited Italian adventure? Discover the essential tips for the final weeks before departure, from booking must-see attractions and perfecting your Italian greetings to smart packing strategies – ensuring you're organised, excited, and ready to make the most of your trip.

Contents

Summary

With your flights and accommodation booked, the final weeks before your Italy trip are all about the finishing touches. In this episode, host Katy is joined by Monica Cazzamani Bona, a proud Piedmontese living in Australia and founder of language school Su Misura Italy, to share practical tips on bookings, Italian language, packing and travel essentials to help you arrive prepared and confident.

PLAN AHEAD: Explore our Pre-Departure Checklist and browse our recommendations for eating, shopping, sights and more in the Untold Italy app for Italy's regions, cities and towns.

What you'll learn in this episode

Learn what needs to be booked before you leave, including popular attractions, restaurants, accommodation and train tickets, why advance planning has become increasingly important in Italy, and how local festivals and events can affect availability
Discover practical advice for preparing for your arrival, from passport validity and international driving permits to travel insurance, mobile connectivity, airport transfers and understanding local rules such as Venice's access fee
Find out why learning a few Italian phrases before your trip can make a big difference, from ordering coffee and reading menus to explaining dietary requirements, asking for help and showing courtesy in everyday interactions
Get tips on dressing for Italy's weather, packing comfortable yet stylish clothing, leaving room for shopping, travelling with children, and understanding Italian customs around air conditioning and staying comfortable during the hotter months
Hear expert advice from Italian language teacher Monica on reducing pre-trip stress, embracing local culture, planning family travel and making simple preparations that will help you feel more confident and enjoy your Italian adventure from the moment you arrive

Want to feel more confident speaking Italian on your trip? Su Misura Italy’s 4 Weeks to Italy Course helps you learn practical Italian for real travel situations. Add two extra private sessions and use code “UNTOLDITALY” to have them included at no additional cost.

Timeline Overview

08:39 Preparing for your Italy trip, with the essential planning steps to take before you leave, from timing your bookings to getting organised for a smoother holiday
18:32 Booking trains and getting around Italy. Tips for reserving intercity trains, navigating transport, and arriving in Italy with confidence.
23:37 Why learning a few Italian phrases, ordering coffee correctly, and understanding dining customs can enhance your experience
34:39 Travel essentials and packing smart – the importance of travel insurance, travelling with kids, packing stylishly, and making the most of shopping in Italy
52:20 Final preparations before departure – a recap of the key things to check before you fly so you're ready to enjoy your Italian adventure from day one

About our guest – Monica Cazzamani Bona from Su Misura Italy

Monica Cazzamani Bona brings a passion for Italian culture and language to her business Su Misura Italy. Born in Govone, Piemonte (Piedmont), Monica learned the essence of Italian hospitality from her grandparents’ grocery store. With a background in Architecture from Turin, Monica’s heart remains tied to the Langhe & Roero hills. Su Misura Italy was founded in 2018 to share Italian culture and language in a personalized way. Monica’s teaching vision focuses on making learning relaxed and enjoyable, with customized attention for each student.

Su Misura Italy offers bespoke Italian language lessons tailored to your needs and goals, since 2018. One-on-one sessions are conducted on Zoom for flexibility and convenience. They specialize in helping adults navigate their unique journey to fluency and provide an alternative to standard group classes, catering to individual learning styles and preferences. Monica and her team work with students all over the world.

Book a free meet and greet with Monica to discuss your language goals and preferences here. The meet and greet helps Monica match you with the best teacher from her team and create a customized lesson plan tailored to you.

Follow Monica here

Website
4 Weeks to Italy Course (Add the two extra private sessions and use code “UNTOLDITALY” to have them included at no additional cost)
Instagram
Facebook
Email

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

Umbria – picturesque region in central Italy, famous for its medieval towns, rolling hills, and olive oil
Milan – vibrant northern city recognized for fashion, the Last Supper, and as a major transport hub
Florence – Renaissance city in Tuscany, celebrated for its art, architecture, and easy train connections
Venice – romantic “floating city” in northeast Italy famous for canals, art, and a new day visitors’ tax
Turin (Torino) – elegant city in Piemonte, famous for chocolate, historic cafes, and baroque architecture
Piedmont/Piemonte – region in northwest Italy, bordering France, well-known for wine, truffles, and local cuisine
Bra – town in Piemonte, notable for cheese shops and being a hub of the Slow Food movement
Alba – charming town in Piemonte, renowned for gastronomy, truffles, and charm
Piazza Duomo – acclaimed three-star Michelin restaurant in Alba, offering a unique kitchen table dining experience
Govone – small town in Piemonte, comes alive during festivals like the local sagra (festival) and Monica's home town
Sardinia – large Mediterranean island, lauded for its beaches, unique culture, and local cuisine
Puglia – sun-soaked region in southern Italy, famed for its whitewashed towns and traditional fare
Liguria – coastal region in northwest Italy, celebrated for its dramatic coastlines and seafood dishes
Bergamo – hilltop city in Lombardy, boasting medieval walls and a rich culinary scene
Parma – city in Emilia-Romagna, world-famous for Parma ham and Parmagiano Reggio cheese
Parma Rotta – restaurant in Parma, known for whipping ice cream tableside at the end of a meal
Urbino – Renaissance hill town in Le Marche, known for its artistic heritage and ceramics
Rome – Italy’s bustling capital, home to iconic sites like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery
Roscioli Salumeria – beloved Roman deli and restaurant, famous for cured meats, cheeses, and a lively dining atmosphere
Piazza Navona – lively baroque square in Rome, perfect for early morning walks
Borghese Gallery – a celebrated art gallery in Rome with limited daily visitors, emphasizing the need for advance booking
The Last Supper – Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic mural painting in Milan, requiring advance ticket reservations due to limited access
Vatican Museums – major museums in Vatican City, often requiring reservations to avoid missing out

Words / Concepts

Untold Italy's Umbria Tour – a guided tour organized by Untold Italy immersing guests in the region of Umbria, including meeting locals and discovering artisans
Su Misura Italy – Italian language school founded by Monica Cazzamani Bona specializing in tailored Italian lessons for adults, travelers, and those reconnecting with Italian roots; ‘su misura’ means ‘tailor-made’
Colpo d'aria – an Italian cultural belief that translates to “hit of air.” It refers to the idea that sudden exposure to cold air, wind, or a draft can cause ailments such as stiff necks, sore throats, muscle aches, or colds. Deeply rooted in everyday Italian life, it's one reason you'll often see locals wrapping up with a scarf or avoiding drafts, even in mild weather
Ask Zia – Untold Italy's AI app helper. A digital assistant feature on our site and in the Untold Italy app to answer traveler questions
Enrico Crippa – the acclaimed chef at Piazza Duomo in Alba
sagra – an Italian village festival, which can cause local accommodations to sell out
WhatsApp bookings – noted as a culturally specific and effective way to reserve tables or communicate in Italy
Welcome Pickups – pick up service available across Italy
Bella Figura – an Italian concept meaning to make a good impression or present oneself well, especially with regard to clothing and appearance
Sudoku packing method – a minimalist packing method referenced for maximizing outfit combinations from a small wardrobe
Medi-vac – costs for emergency medical evacuation, which can be extremely high if not insured
eSIM – a digital SIM card solution recommended for easy mobile data access in Italy without needing a physical SIM card – Airalo is a great option
Lonely Planet – famous travel guidebooks, referenced for their phrasebooks that help travelers learn essential foreign language phrases
Venice Tourist Tax – a new requirement for day visitors to Venice, necessitating a prepaid fee or exemption application depending on accommodation
International Driver’s Permit – necessary documentation for renting and driving a car in Italy if coming from outside Europe

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untold italy founder katy clarke and olivia windsor in piazza navona rome

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Episode #332: Countdown to Italy – What to Do and Check Before Your Trip