This series of posts is all about practical tips and advice that have been reaffirmed in this author's mind after her most recent trip to Tuscany. While Tuscany is beautiful and I had an incredible time, things are done rather differently to home (Ireland) and those cultural differences and confusions can lead to stress that can ruin a vacation. As I had lived in Italy before, I was prepared for much of it but there were some new things I learned, especially about travelling in a large group and with family. If you want a stress-free time in Tuscany, here are some more key tips and tricks to bear in mind!
7. Food, variation, intolerances
As I mentioned in an earlier post in this series, things are often done a little differently in Italy. Opening hours are wildly different in Tuscany compared to in Ireland and many other places I have been.
7. Food, variation, intolerances
As I mentioned in an earlier post in this series, things are often done a little differently in Italy. Opening hours are wildly different in Tuscany compared to in Ireland and many other places I have been.
This is particularly relevant when it comes to rural Tuscany but applies to some bigger towns as well. Options and variation is also often more limited in Tuscany. Many people are willing to drive for things so you will see that small towns will commonly have a small supermarket with essentials but locals will drive to other towns for bigger shops in larger supermarkets that have more options.
Similarly, when it comes to things like restaurants, you will have less options available to you in Tuscany than many will be used to. Luckily, Tuscan food is great but almost all the restaurants you will come across, certainly in smaller towns and the countryside, will serve only Italian food. You might also find that menus in these restaurants are very similar and serve examples of local cuisine. This isn't a problem per se but for those who like variety in their diet, you'll need to head to bigger towns. Food intolerances and specific diets also may be difficult to cater for in smaller towns, however, this time around in Italy, I did notice a lot more places advertising gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Keep these things in mind when choosing a location, especially if this is really important to you and your dietary needs. If it is merely a preference or love of variety thing, maybe research different kinds of restaurants and dining experiences in the area beforehand and make it a point to visit during your stay. Personally, I don't like the heavy feeling that carb-rich foods leaves me with so I sought out a Japanese restaurant during a trip to the Barberino Outlet and Pisa and we cooked at our villa for a couple of days, in order to switch it up a little during our week in Tuscany.
8. Bugs
The Tuscan countryside is beautiful and filled with natural gems but a downside to this natural bounty are pesky bugs. They are to be expected in certain amounts and while the odd ant can be irritating, mosquito bites are far worse! It's not a tropical destination requiring immunisation in advance but there are still plenty of bugs that love to bite. My father and I were eaten alive by them because we didn't think about it and prepare in advance. Don't make the same mistake and stock up on antihistamines and bug repellent the second you notice your first bite!
For more key tips to a stress-free time in Tuscany, be sure to read on to the rest of this series and keep them in mind when you find a vacation rental in Tuscany.
Similarly, when it comes to things like restaurants, you will have less options available to you in Tuscany than many will be used to. Luckily, Tuscan food is great but almost all the restaurants you will come across, certainly in smaller towns and the countryside, will serve only Italian food. You might also find that menus in these restaurants are very similar and serve examples of local cuisine. This isn't a problem per se but for those who like variety in their diet, you'll need to head to bigger towns. Food intolerances and specific diets also may be difficult to cater for in smaller towns, however, this time around in Italy, I did notice a lot more places advertising gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Keep these things in mind when choosing a location, especially if this is really important to you and your dietary needs. If it is merely a preference or love of variety thing, maybe research different kinds of restaurants and dining experiences in the area beforehand and make it a point to visit during your stay. Personally, I don't like the heavy feeling that carb-rich foods leaves me with so I sought out a Japanese restaurant during a trip to the Barberino Outlet and Pisa and we cooked at our villa for a couple of days, in order to switch it up a little during our week in Tuscany.
8. Bugs
The Tuscan countryside is beautiful and filled with natural gems but a downside to this natural bounty are pesky bugs. They are to be expected in certain amounts and while the odd ant can be irritating, mosquito bites are far worse! It's not a tropical destination requiring immunisation in advance but there are still plenty of bugs that love to bite. My father and I were eaten alive by them because we didn't think about it and prepare in advance. Don't make the same mistake and stock up on antihistamines and bug repellent the second you notice your first bite!
For more key tips to a stress-free time in Tuscany, be sure to read on to the rest of this series and keep them in mind when you find a vacation rental in Tuscany.
