The Insider's Guide to Living Like a Local in Italy

120 Pages·2008·3.89 MB·English

The Insider's Guideto

Living Like a Local

in Italy

Suzanne Pidduck

Founder of Rentvillas.com
Copyright Suzanne Pidduck, 2007
ISBN 978-1-4357-05 1 8-0
Introduction • 1

INTRODUCTION

Use this guide to enhance your rental experience!

Guidebooks are helpful, but most fall short ofthe "guidance"

you need for renting your own property. Why?

Because

living like a native is nothing like staying in a hotel! Whether

you're packing for your adventure or trying to figure out how

to grocery shop in another language, staying in your own

home-away-from-home presents a different set of challenges.

Over the years I've made many trips to Italy: first as a student,

then a single traveler, later as a mother of three, and finally

as the owner of Rentvillas.com. Part how-to, part insider's

guide, this traveler's companion is based on my experiences

as a renter. You'll find dining suggestions and recommenda­

tions for must-see sights as well as all the nuts and bolts of

traveling to Italy, such as airport arrivals and surviving on the

road. IfI've overlooked something, please drop me a line and

help me add to these words of wisdom!

Buon viaggio!

Suzanne Pidduck

Rentvillas.com Founder

[phone]

www.rentvillas.com
2 • Table ofContents
Table ofContents • 3

CONTENTS

Introduction ......................................................................... 1

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What to do from the time your trip is confirmed until

the day you get on the plane.

Arriving In Italy ................................................................ 19

Flying into Rome, Milan, Pisa, Florence, or Venice;

using the train or bus; driving.

En Route to Your Property............................................... 31

Getting cash, calling your key holder, picking up

groceries and basic supplies, Italian cuisine, and reci­

pes.

Making the Most of Your Stay .........................................41

Meeting your key holder, etiquette and attitude, bugs

and deterrents, keeping the house warm/cool, utili­

ties,

and basics ofItalian life.

Cities of Italy .....................................................................53

Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Regions of Italy.................................................................. 71

Tuscany, Umbria, Cinque Terre, Italian Lakes, Vene­

to, Amalfi Coast, and Sicily.

Useful Vocabulary ........................................................... 114

Metric Conversions ......................................................... 115

Index ................................................................................. 116
4 • BefOre You Leave Home
BefOre You Leave Home • 5

CHAPTER ONE:

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

Even after booking your rental, a good deal of planning is

needed to make your trip a success. Don't miss any essential

details! Read this section to find out what you need to do ...

. • After your trip is confirmed

Three months prior to departure . • •

One month prior to departure . • •

Two weeks prior to departure . • •

At the end of this section you will also find a packing check­

list listing all the handy little items any villa renter might

need.
6 • BefOre You Leave Home