|
Mary’s Travel Guide With Mary Dunn |
|
As
I thought about this months travel chronicle, I had many ideas and just
didn’t know where to go. The world has
much to offer any vacationer, but really, where to visit if the opportunity
came along to have an unforgettable experience. I decided to take a poll and ask some
friends. It was a tough call, because
I received many great vacation ideas, but it seems that Italy was on the top of
the list. Although many suggested
vacations from New York to Iceland, the majority wanted to know about my
ancestors home, Italy. Whether you are
of Italian decent or you have a different heritage, Italy will bring you an
experience of a lifetime and leave you with an amazing knowledge of early
lifestyles and its turnover to modern day living. Not
only does Italy offer a wonderful vacation spot, it also is a vast array of
architecture and art, as well as the opportunity to experience another
culture. Because it is surrounded by
other European countries such as France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia,
you can really, if you have several weeks to spend, enjoy the other
countries. However, for this vacation
experience, we are going to stop at several Italian areas. To
begin our trip, don’t forget to plan early and get that passport. A visa is not required for a U.S. or
Canadian citizen holding a valid passport, however, if planning to stay
longer than 90 days, a visa is required.
In the event, that you absolutely fall in love with Italy, and decide
to stay longer than a few weeks, you can apply for a visa, once only, at any
police station (questura) for an extension
If you apply for the visa, you will be asked to prove adequate means
of support. Usually, the visa is
granted immediately. Non-American citizens should check current visa requirements
with the nearest Italian Consulate before departure. In terms of time change, Italy is
six hours ahead Eastern Standard Time.
Daylight savings time in Italy goes into effect at the end of March
and remains until October. If you plan
to shop, and who doesn’t, stores are not open on Sundays. However, during major tourist season you
will be able to shop on Sundays.
National holidays include the following list. |
|
JANUARY 1 |
New Year's Day |
|
|
JANUARY 6 |
Epiphany |
|
|
|
Easter Sunday |
|
|
|
Easter Monday |
|
|
APRIL 25 |
Liberation Day |
|
|
MAY 1 |
Labor Day |
|
|
AUGUST 15 |
Assumption of the Virgin |
|
|
NOVEMBER 1 |
All Saints Day |
|
|
DECEMBER 8 |
Day of Immaculate Conception |
|
|
DECEMBER 25 |
Christmas Day |
|
As part of Italy’s ongoing
effort, safety and security of travelers is of utmost importance, and the
Italian government strongly recommends that tourists do not, under any
circumstances, attempt to purchase any counterfeit items, as this may end up
costing them well more than an authentic product. “As of May 2005 a new legislation was
implemented (which carries fines of up to 10,000 Euros for people caught
purchasing counterfeit products, and criminal charges for anyone caught
selling counterfeit goods.) It aims at a national wide crackdown on the
sellers and buyers of counterfeit items, i.e. purses, sunglasses, watches,
belts, etc bearing luxury labels such as Prada, Gucci, and Fendi”
(http://www.italiantourism.com). Always
carry your purse or wallet in an area that would not provide a person from
taken those possessions. It has been
reported that the bicyclers are to be watched as they will come by and more
often take your possessions without you realizing it as gone. Caution is always good advice wherever you
travel. |