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Italian Transport Network – Endless Ways to Visit and Explore

December 5, 2014

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Italian Transport Network – Endless Ways to Visit and Explore

I love traveling around Italy with a backpack. It’s exciting, it’s real, it’s pretty easy, fun, and always some place to go just a bus or train ride away.

Italy is not a huge country, and its major cities are all very well-connected creating the Italian Transport Network. Using: motorways, buses, railway networks and national flights. Driving in Italy can take a little getting used to since the roadways are different and so is the driving methods. But once you’ve got it, it’s like being on a grand prix!

Here’s a breakdown of the normal methods for getting around the Italian Transport Network:

Trains

The top mode of the Italian transport network would be the train. Especially in the north of the country, generally eliminates any need to travel by bus or air.

All of the major cities are connected by high-speed train which is fast, reliable and affordable. Italian trains have a reputation for almost always being on time. There are occasional 10 – 20 minute delays on the longer distance trains, and the night trains can frequently be delayed by up to an hour.

But generally speaking, regional and national train services do run more or less on time. You can check www.viaggiatreno.it for up to date information on train scheduling.

High Speed Train Network

There are two high-speed rail lines in Italy which connect all of the major cities in the country and are part of the Italian transport network.

One line runs from Milan to Salerno, and calls at Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples along the way. The other line connects Turin and Venice and also stops at Milan along the way, although part of this line is still under construction.

This high-speed railway is designed to withstand speeds of up to 190 miles per hour. At this speed it is possible to travel the 360 mile journey from Milan to Rome in just under 3 hours. This journey would typically cost you about $80.

InterRail Pass

If you are planning to visit a few different cities within Italy it may be worth your while buying an InterRail pass. This pass will give you unlimited train travel on either 3, 4, 6 or 8 days within a month.

It can work out much cheaper than the cost of all of the train tickets between cities added together. Be aware that in order to travel on night trains or on the high-speed trains you may have to reserve a seat which could come at an additional cost; this has caught me out in the past. However, these passes are of great value and certainly part of the Italian transport network.

The InterRail pass also gives you flexibility; you don’t have to book a specific day on which to travel so if you fall in love with Naples or Milan, you can stay a few extra days without losing out.

Buses

The bus will work out to be the cheapest way to travel between Italian cities. However, the services are not at all frequent and the journeys often take twice the time and are half as comfortable as traveling by train.

There are quite a few companies which offer bus travel between cities but there is no one website which will compare all of the times and prices for you, so it can be a fairly long process of comparing them all. If you are traveling on a budget, though, it will be worth the effort as you are guaranteed to save money.

The main bus companies are Sais, Interbus, Sita, Autostradale and Baltour, all of which have websites which clearly list their timetables, routes and prices.

Personally, I’ve always enjoyed this part of the Italian transport network, especially inner-city buses. They’re lively, fun, meeting interesting people, and see the cities up close.

Driving in Italy

Italy has one of the highest ratios of vehicles to people of any country in the world making it a must part of the Italian transport network. The motorways are called Autostrade in Italian. Driving from one city to another can be a relatively stress-free experience.

The motorways connect all of the major cities and tourist destinations in the country and you will be able to find a car hire company office extremely easily, wherever you are. However, driving within the cities is a nightmare! You have been warned!

In Rome, no matter what the time of day, a chorus of car horns can be heard constantly. There are often gridlocks in the town centers and tons of traffic elsewhere. But the experience driving outside of the cities and across the country are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Taxis

If you do need to travel by car, taking a taxi is probably the best bet for short distances and in integral part of the Italian transport network. You should still leave plenty of time if you have an appointment to get to, as traffic jams in Italy are a constant issue and seem to arise from nowhere. There are a few things which you should know before taking a taxi in Italy.

If you call a cab from a company it will cost you a bit more as the drivers start the meter from the minute they receive the call, not from when you get in. This is not the driver attempting to make a couple of extra euros from the tourists; it is just the way the system works. This is especially important if you’re staying in a hotel in a remote part of town and the hotel must call a taxi for you.

It is also common in cities across Italy for Taxi’s to only pick up at marked locations. First time I was in Milan, I flagged down at least 10 taxi’s and didn’t understand why none would stop for me. I was eventually led to an area down the road where people were waiting for a taxi.

However, I did notice a few times that some taxi drives will pull the stunt “I don’t have enough change” routine. Trust me, they always do, they just want a few more euro’s. Stick to your guns and pay the meter. If he can’t break your bills, you’re in the right.

Metro

7 of Italy’s major cities have their own metro systems making it one of the most convenient of the Italian transport networks.

These cities are Brescia, Catania, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Rome and Turin. Rome has the busiest metro network in Italy. It currently has 2 lines, but a third is under construction and there are plans to build a fourth as well. The Metro is the fastest and the easiest way to get around Rome if your hotel is not directly in the center.

The stations are easy to find and well-connected and there are information desks which are usually manned by English-speaking staff to help you should you have any questions.

All of the cities in Italy are well-connected to one another creating an exceptional Italian Transport Network. They are not too far apart so journeys by road and rail are perfectly feasible. I would really recommend using the trains over hiring a car simply due to the traffic. But driving the country is breathtaking.

Enjoy!

Business Travelers in Rome – Accommodations to Food

November 7, 2014

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Business Travelers in Rome – Accommodations to Food

For business travelers in Rome, or anyone visiting at all, it is easy to be sidetracked by the architecture and history of the city. If you have never been to Rome before, take a couple extra days, if you can, and visit the parts of the city that interest you most. In this way, you can be completely attentive to business when the time comes.

Business Travelers in Rome: Accommodations

Many hotels in Rome are suitable for the business traveler. You can book your hotel on your mobile device, and it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance of your trip, since this is such a popular tourist destination.

Business hotels are a good choice over traditional hotels. Business hotels are designed with you in mind. They have good Wi-Fi signal and provide quiet areas where you and your associates can take on the task ahead of you without being disturbed. You will find 24-hour business centers in business hotels. They are valuable for photocopying, printing and faxing. Take advantage of the free coffee available at most business hotels in Rome to keep you alert for meetings.

Video conferencing will allow you to remain in close contact with your company back in the United States. Meeting rooms are available, if you are negotiating at your hotel. Whether you are traveling alone or with co-workers, there is plenty of space to accommodate your needs.

Business Travelers in Rome: Getting from Place to Place

You can easily book your transport from the airports in Rome to any business or hotel destination. Choose a transport company that offers prices that are all inclusive, and fixed. Drivers who speak English make it easier to get around the city, especially if they have experience in and around Rome.

Rental car companies offer you large fleets of the best names in car manufacturing. Their English-speaking representatives have experience, and they will take your reservation and hold a suitable car for you. Drivers and guides take you to and from airports, stations and destinations in and out of Rome.

Airport shuttles offer you speedy transport from the airports to your hotel or business venue. Most cars used for this service are air-conditioned. Cabbies in Rome often speak good English, since they serve the tourism industry, as well as business travelers. Many offer door-to-door services not just to hotels, but from airports to residences, too.

If you have negotiated a deal and want to have a celebratory dinner, there are limousine services available for your needs. They include service to airports, hotels and meeting places. Larger coaches are available for groups.

Business Travelers in Rome: Dining

Roma Sparita

This restaurant is tucked into a beautiful piazza in Trastevere, where you are surrounded by terracotta and fading ochre buildings. It is a wonderful choice in an area where exceptional restaurants are difficult to find. In good weather, business dinners can be held in the piazza, where it’s easy to relax with wine and some of the simple dishes.

Vascello

Located high in Rome’s Monteverde area, this restaurant is managed by two Sardinian couples. The outdoor tables in summer are in a breezy area, which helps in escaping the heat. They serve a variety of tasty foods and you will be pleased to dine here with your co-workers, after a negotiation has been successfully concluded.

Business travelers in Rome can be sure to expect some of the best services in the world, from transportation to accommodation. There is a feeling of pride when traveling in Rome and it is very common for restaurants to cater specifically to clientele there on business.

Enjoy!

Business in Italy: Learn a Few Choice Phrases

November 4, 2014

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Business in Italy: Learn a Few Choice Phrases

The ethos of Italian business is family-focused. Management structures are usually hierarchical, and most decisions are made at levels above middle management. Take time to find out at an early stage in your business relationship where the real decisions will be made. This is easier to accomplish if you can understand and utilize a few Italian phrases, spoken in their tongue.

Business Dealings in Italy

Traveling to foreign countries to conduct business is often daunting. This is especially true when you don’t speak the language. Italians are warm and accommodating, and they welcome foreigners (stranieri) openly. They will welcome your attempts to speak to them in their native tongue, and business will be conducted more easily if you understand and use a few business phrases in Italian.

Business in Italy – Phrases to Know:

Scusi, un informazione, per favore.

Excuse me; I need some information, please.

In any language, business negotiations must be fully understood by all the parties involved. If you don’t have sufficient information with which to make a decision, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for more.

If you do not have all the facts you need before making a decision, you may end up making an unwise business decision. This would not bode well for your future dealings with your employer.

siete aperti a qualche tipo di contrattazione?

Are you open to negotiation?

This may be used early or later in a negotiation. Sometimes, Italians like to throw a virtual curve ball at the last minute, to test your commitment. It is important to find out ahead of time how open your Italian colleagues are to negotiation.

Può l’ufficio commerciale occuparsi della pubblicità?

Can we have marketing create the ad?

This is a straightforward request, but it will mean more if you speak it in the language of your host.

Ottimo! Salute allora, al nostro nuovo progetto!

Excellent! Cheers then, to our new project!

This is used after the negotiations are complete, and the project is a “go” from both sides. Practice it a bit, so it will sound natural when you use it.

Using the Right Gestures and Language

For Business in Italy, using the proper gestures and language in communication is quite important.

Do not move away from advances; they may consider you unfriendly. Trust is important to establish a good working relationship.

Deals are made slowly, so avoid showing a sense of urgency. This is seen as a weakness in Italy. If your hosts are making small talk, then allow that. Make small talk with them, covering topics like art, food, sports or fashion. Do not introduce Italian politics or religion into the conversations.

Communicating Face to Face

Eye contact is important in Italy. It shows frankness, interest and openness. Looking away should be avoided, since it sends negative signals to your hosts.

English is used most commonly in business, along with Italian and some French and German.

Business in Italy: Meeting Agendas

Agendas in business meetings are quite flexible in Italy. All meeting members may take an active role and interrupt the flow of conversation. There are frequent side conversations, as well. During a meeting, it is not unusual for some delegates to leave while new ones arrive to join into the conversations with gusto. Use the Italian phrases you know well and for other comments, stick to English.

And for the language? Well, this was a big problem for me, and who knows, maybe it is a problem for you? I know I wanted my best to try to solve it and that is when I found this amazing software, and they even have a free trial! I’d check it out if you have time. Italian is such a beautiful language, steeped in the history of Italy.

I remember once I had to travel to Milan to meet a business partner, someone whom I consider a close friend. We were working on a large printout for a brand we both work with. We were sitting in a beautiful cafe outside of the Duomo having an espresso and a croissant, really just chatting about families.

Then someone started walking over, impeccable suit, like cut out of a magazine, and totally embraced my friend like they’ve been friends for 30 years! They started talking in rapid Italian, no way I could catch a single word. It felt like minutes before I was even acknowdlged (which made them feel very bad).

Turns out that this “new” person to our snack was just a friend who happened to be in Milan and had just decided to go out for a walk! But having just a little understanding of Italian customs goes a long way.

Business in Italy can be a lot of fun too and it definitely helps knowing some important phrases!

Enjoy!

Italian Business Meals – What to Expect

October 31, 2014

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Italian Business Meals – What to Expect

Ah! Magnificent! What a great experience this can be, Italian Business Meals! After your successful business meeting, it is very common to go out for a meal. A little forewarning though, it can last a long time, be full on the stomach, but completely enjoyable!

If you are traveling for business to Italy, you may well make a friend for your career life, or just life in general. Cultivating friendships is an important part of business etiquette in Italy. Be patient and genuine, and learn a bit of Italian, so that you will appear gracious. Oh, thins one was a problem for me as I had been wanting to learn Italian for so long. I can’t say that I’m very good, but it was a problem for me, and maybe it’s a problem or desire for you, too? This solution worked really well for me and I’d totally recommend checking it out: learn Italian.

Italians prize education, intelligence, imagination and inventiveness. They maintain personal relations scrupulously, with an especially high value placed on loyalty. This is especially true in families. The most important affiliation for Italians is the family.

Meeting and Greeting

When you are introduced for Italian business meals, shake hands with everyone, including children.

You will also shake hands before you leave. Ladies extend their hands to men, first. Friends may be greeted with kisses on both cheeks.

Use business associates’ last names and proper titles until your host or the colleagues themselves invite you to use their first names.

Maintain strict eye contact when you are speaking with potential business associates. Otherwise, your hosts may feel that you are trying to hide something from them. Italians use body language a great deal, probably more than most other Europeans.

Italian Business Meals – The Discussions

Business conversation is avoided at breakfast, but brought up at lunch, in Italy. Guests should not pour wine – this is for the hosts to do. Dinners are opportunities for social networking. If you invite your Italian business counterparts for lunch or dinner, be expected to pay.

The beginning of the meal is reserved for chit chat and catch up. Business talk is reserved until later.

Early dinner conversation consists of small talk, about sports, culture, wine and food. Business entertainment usually takes place in a restaurant, at dinner or lunch. Dinner entertainment is usually more social than business-related. But, be prepared, dinners can start early and end very late, with course after course of food being served.

Cocktails are not often seen in Italy. Eating almost always accompanies drinking. It is not normal nor appreciated to drink heavily. Even a mild case of intoxication is considered to be ill mannered.

Dressing for Success

Conservative business suits work exceptionally well in Italy. Choose sedate colors for your suits, ties or dresses. Even casual dress should be well fitting and sharp. As you enter a building, remove your head coverings.

Old-Fashioned Niceties

In Italy, it’s common to practice niceties that Americans would consider old-fashioned. Stand up for elders and avoid asking questions that are personal. Be prepared for gifts by bringing something for your hosts. Corporate gifts, music and wine are acceptable gifts.

Large lunches or dinner parties begin often with an aperitif (campari, vermouth, cinzano, etc.). They will end with the hosts’ after dinner drinks, like sambuca or grappa (prepare for an intense rush from that!).

As mentioned above business meal in Italy may start early and end late!

But that’s because of all the courses, great food, and conversation. There generally is an order that’s followed and normally goes like this:

Antipasto – This includes appetizers, such as pates and fruit or prosciutto.
Antipasta – Tomaten Mozzarella
Soup
Minestrone, italian vegetable soup with pasta
Pasta
Carbonara Spaghetti
The Main Dish
Salad
Cheese
Dessert
Cannoli
Fruit
After-dinner drinks and espresso.
cafè espresso

Etiquette for Business during Dining

Much depends on how developed a relationship you have with your Italian colleagues. As a rule, business decisions are not made during meals. Take your cues from the Italians at the table.

Corporate Culture

English is a commonly used language in business in Italy, but always be sure whether you will need an interpreter or not. It is polite to interject Italian phrases when you are speaking with your hosts, as long as your pronunciation is acceptable. However, the meals are also supposed to be “fun,” a time away from the office. Don’t be shy in trying out a few Italian words and never fear in asking for help. Italians love to help when it comes to there language and if they laugh, it’s because they’re enjoying the moment.

Italians love to show off their homes, so if an invitation is extended during a business meal, oblige them by visiting their home.

Without question Italian business meals is a social event, used to get out of the office, get away from the scene and an opportunity to build that relationship. Take the lead from your host, they’ll be open about asking you what is appropriate or not to discuss at the table. Family is important to Italians so they may want to ask how your family is.

While American’s tend to keep personal and work topics separate, sometimes the lines are blurred. And when the meal is wrapping up and you’ve downed your grappa, make sure to have an espresso, it’ll help make sure you get back to your room that night.

Enjoy!

Italian Business Etiquette – The Essentials

October 28, 2014

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Italian Business Etiquette – The Essentials

The first time I had to fly to Italy on business I had completely lost track of time (enjoying the sites) and ended up being over 30 minutes late! Being an American I was so worried, that my business deal wasn’t going to go through or all the work we started on would have to start over. Fortunately, when I arrived, no one seemed overly alarmed! I was certainly taken by surprise.

Every country has its own set of customs and etiquette that may leave visitors taken aback. If you are traveling to Italy on business, you will need to be sure you’re not feeling over-sensitive. Don’t take everything too personally, and you should be fine. I know from personal recommendations that this language software was insanely helpful for friends of mine when they needed to learn Italian.

There are still things to watch out for, to make sure you make the best professional impression. Here is a list of Italian business etiquettes that can certainly come in handy when having a business meeting.

Doing Business – Italian Etiquette

Courtesy and good manners are much prized in Italy. Be polite and formal when introducing yourself and shaking hands is considered courteous.

Your conduct when doing business in Italy should be polished. Being considerate will win you points even if you are not familiar with all the behaviors of their business people.

When you meet and depart, shake hands. This is as applicable for individuals as it is for groups. If you have built a business relationship with an Italian, don’t be shocked if you are embraced when met. This is a good sign, and means that your relationship is at a level that is more intimate.

Italians do not leave much personal space between people when they interact. They are tactile, so do not insult them by keeping your distance or moving away. This will not make a good impression on your Italian hosts.

If you happen to know some Italian, even a little bit, before a relationship is fully established, use the polite ‘lei’ form. Then once the relationship has been built, feel free use the more informal ‘tu’ form.

Addressing people by there titles is well regarded in Italy. When addressing people, use ‘Signor’ (m) or ‘Signora’ (f) followed by their surname. ‘Dottore’ (m) or ‘Dottoressa’ (f) is used for those who have graduated.

Italian Business Etiquette – Hospitality

Hospitality is important in the business culture of Italy. Expect to be invited to lunch or dinner when you do business there. Small and exclusive groups are usually present. Each person attending has an interest in the reason for your visit. If you want to host a business meal, check with the most senior Italian contact to find out who should be invited.

Dining has its protocol when you are in Italy. However, you can worry so much about it that you don’t have a chance to enjoy the meal. Honored guests sit near the center of the table, and the host will always pay. You should not answer cell phone calls while you are eating with business associates.

Dress to Impress in Italy

Do the names Prada, Gucci and Versace sound familiar to you? It should come as no surprise that one dresses properly in Italy for business meetings and meals. Make an impression with your clothing, and be sure it’s a good impression – not a humorous one. The clothes you wear in Italy speak much about what type of person you are.

Italian Business Etiquette – Punctuality

Some business sites will tell you that Italians are very punctual, while others state that they are not as concerned about punctuality as people in other European countries. If you are consistently late, it is considered rude. There’s nothing wrong with being early and having to wait. It will make a better impression.

As my story above, I was very fortunate that my business partners were willing to forgive and it didn’t happen again. If you are late, but sure to give the real reason and almost ways your Italian counterparts will understand.

Meetings and Negotiations

Use networks and contacts to introduce yourself to the business people with whom you will be working. Italians would rather do business with people they know.

Negotiations in Italy can be quite slow. Do not show urgency, as we frequently do in the United States. It works well here, but is seen as being too rushed in Italy and can potentially backfire all your hard work. Avoid business talk when the meeting first starts, and begin with small talk. Safe topics include culture, wine and soccer (remember, they call it football).

Italian business people take proposals away and analyze them well. Give them as much information as you can. Stay firm in any area of business that is important to you. Italians sometimes like to make dramatic demand changes late in negotiations to test you.

These are some good guidelines to help understand Italian business etiquette. Italians love to learn about you, they can show a great interest in your own interests, so don’t be afraid to share or ask. And remember, you’re in Italy! There is great food, culture, history, and sites! Here’s a list of top 5 things to do if you’re short on time in Rome.

Enjoy!

Italian Health Service – Understanding the Basics

October 25, 2014

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Italian Health Service – Understanding the Basics

I remember the first time my girlfriend and I traveled to Europe together. She was still a Mainland Chinese citizen at the time and as part of her requirements when applying for a visa was medical coverage, but it had to meet a certain list of criteria, such as a dollar amount of expenses covered and repatriation to your home country. This was the first time I had to research about these Italian Health Service requirements for my girlfriend and I kept a list of some of the top things I learned:

Italian Health Service: Socialized Medicine

While Americans are accustomed to their health insurance paying for some services, they often owe expenses out of pocket. These are not always collected at the time of service, but they will come due, after insurance pays their share.

Some tourists have been to the hospital in Italy numerous times, and the most paperwork they have filled out is a one-page form where they simply list their name and “tourist” as the reason for their visit.

Serious Medical Issues Are Different

In case you have a health problem that requires more intense hospital care, travel insurance is a wise investment. Some personal or group health insurance plans in the United States will pay for injuries or illnesses overseas, but many will not.

wwFor hospital stays in Italy, some care centers will give you a bill and then allow you and your insurance company to settle the costs. One notable exception is Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They do not normally cover illness or injury overseas.

Purchasing Medical Travel Insurance

Since most American insurance carriers will not extend their coverage internationally, you should purchase medical travel insurance before you depart for Italy. Having this coverage offers you protection if you have a medical emergency away from the United States.

Before you purchase travel insurance, get in touch with your current health insurance company to see if they have any coverage for you when you are traveling to Italy. If you are in Rome and do not have travel medical insurance, you may not receive a bill from the hospital or physician, or you might be responsible for all medical expenses yourself.

Also be sure to check to see if there are any requirements from the local consulate of the country you’re going to be visiting, they may request medical insurance from a particular provider.

My wife always uses Insure My Trip. They have many selections of specific types of policies you can purchase, even ones called “Shenghen” which is most of the European Union.

Speak to Human Resources, if You Are Employed

Speak with the human resources department of your employer to see if they have suggestions for companies who sell travel medical insurance. You can also use the website of the U.S. State Department to find a list of companies that sell medical insurance for people traveling overseas.

Compare Available Policies

Compare the policies available side by side. Consider the medical and accident coverage in each policy. Look to see what the minimum deductibles are, and whether the policy covers 24-hour emergencies and emergency evacuation.

Italian health clinics are available in all major cities that will offer you quality care without the same coverage you might need if you were travelling to a rural region or a developing nation.

Get a Quote from the Best Companies

Obtain quotes from the companies offering the coverage you seek. You can visit their website or speak to a representative by phone. The company representative will need to know your destination, travel dates and age.

Purchase a Travel Medical Policy before You Travel

Be sure that you purchase your policy before you leave on your trip. Your policy may also include coverage for trip cancellation and other types of travel coverage, in addition to your medical coverage. Make sure you have taken care of your insurance needs before you head off for Italy or other tourist destinations in Europe.

These were some of the best things I had learned when researching about Italian health service coverage for my girlfriend. Definitely check with your current medical policy if they extend coverage for outside of the US. If you need a visa, most consulate websites list the requirements needed. It’s just one of those small but securing feelings to have when traveling.

Enjoy!