ITALY REGRETS: Top 7 Travel Mistakes From A Local

[@GregorBrown]

Avoid These Tourist Scams in Italy! 🚫🇮🇹 Watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paXNg6WNg9hlo8k

[@user-sandralynn]

Hi, Am going to Florence in April for 10 days...part of that time is on art course. So excited 😊

[@GregorBrown]

lorence is amazing! I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time on your art course. Enjoy every moment! 🇮🇹🎨 And if you see me, say hello!

[@andrewbrand200]

Gregor, I've recommended your channel to many of my friends. You helped me so much when I was preparing my trip to Europe (Italy, Greece, Spain, and France) in May, 2022 when there were still some Covid restrictions (vaccine card, etc.). I always appreciate your help. Wish you all the best. You and your family have a wonderful Christmas and new year!

[@GregorBrown]

Ah, thank you so much. And your words mean a lot. And also I hope others read this as well. And take that first step and make the trip over to Europe or anywhere in the world and experience new cultures. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas.

[@carenbelli531]

Heading to Sardinia in early May before the throng takes over

[@SC_Jolly]

I lived in Bardolino (Lago di Garda) for 6 months in 1980 and have always wanted to go back. Your channel has inspired me to plan a trip. Grazie mille!

[@GregorBrown]

Bardolino sounds beautiful! I'm so glad my channel inspired you to plan your trip. Grazie a te! Let me know if you have any questions about the area. 🇮🇹✈️

[@tsmiles_]

Just book an 11 day rail tour for the beginning of April. Multiple nights in just a few cities to really be immersed. Felt like the trains seem so great in Italy why not use that instead of buses for a tour. *Its just my mother and I going and she really wanted a guided tour no matter how much I said we could do it ourselves- but this one allows for a lot of free time too so it should be a good compromise between our travel styles. Loving your videos!

[@peterjones7673]

Great advice again Gregor, we are starting to visit Rome in November, we were there at the start of this November and it was perfect. We use the trains often as they are fast and comfortable and the service is always great. We try to find a nice restaurant away from the popular places. We usually find a restaurant down a side street a lot cheaper, The food is excellent especially if locals eat there. Try to have a few phrases in Italian it goes a long way and locals appreciate you trying their language and you never know you might get a little extra.

[@GregorBrown]

That's great advice, buddy. If you can find those perfect times of year and the off-the-beaten-path areas where you're not going to the same tourist areas as everyone else, it can really change the whole experience. And, as you say, a few words or italian phrases go a long way. I appreciate your comments and sharing those thoughts with others.

[@christinefuntas9051]

Another fabulous video. My biggest regret, not being there right now!😢

[@GregorBrown]

Yeah. It's a great place to vacation 😎😎

[@NoelMonteserrato]

I am in Firenze right now and the crowds are small-barely anyone visiting David. Been in Torino, Vicenza, and Venice so far and haven’t had to deal with crowds yet.

[@GregorBrown]

That's perfect, and it sounds like you found a great time to visit. And also, it's important to explore side streets and off beaten path places, because you'll find just as an authentic experience

[@GlamorousHabits]

We went to Florence in November, it was ideal, not many long lineups and things moved quickly. Thanks for all your tips!

[@GregorBrown]

You are so welcome!

[@mattyjproductions6257]

Your videos are so well made and informative. It's a shame you don't have a lot more subscribers than 60K.

[@GregorBrown]

I appreciate that! Working on it! I'm trying to put out more content and reach a wider audience. Hopefully, the subscriber count will keep growing! 🎥📈

[@loripenzato5247]

My next trip to Italy will involve more trains and smaller towns!!! I was in Florence and Rome for 12 days in October. It was a great time to go !! Next time will have to check out Northern Italy and will have to go to Florence again!! It was so much fun walking and soaking in all the charm!!

[@GregorBrown]

Florence is so charming! I'm glad you had a great time. Maybe we'll cross paths! 🇮🇹👋

[@bobyjonhson3665]

best food ever-back alley restaurants

[@GregorBrown]

Back-alley restaurants are the best! You can find the most authentic and delicious food there. 😋🇮🇹

[@stevedimartino683]

Good job Gregor. You really explained perfectly.

[@itsmetaran]

Awesome video!

[@GregorBrown]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GoodJuJuTravels]

Agreed 💯 I love the rustic less traveled port towns like Camogli and Chiavari myself

[@GregorBrown]

Agreed! I love the rustic charm of those towns. They offer a more authentic Italian experience. 🇮🇹⚓️

[@texasburbs4380]

Will be there in January for 3 weeks...SO excited! Your videos have been so helpful.

[@GregorBrown]

You're in for a treat! January is a great time to visit Italy. Let me know if you have any questions about your trip. I'm happy to help! 🇮🇹🤗

[@R.DavidCooper]

Always love your videos, they were a big help on out trip in October! Did you do a review of the Galleria Restaurant in Milan, or did I dream that?

[@GregorBrown]

I think u are dreaming. I am in your dreams 😄😄😎😎

[@DonaldHammond-w8d]

Thanks

[@GregorBrown]

Welcome

[@supersonique001]

Piano, piano! when you get there you crazy americanos!

[@bobcahoon1397]

Do the trains have handicap Accessible

[@GregorBrown]

I think so, but I can't say for sure

[@sandragregg9079]

Went to italy in Sept for 2 weeks. Sicily was amazing. Food and wine tour for 8 days touring small towns. Then 6 days in tauromina. What a breathtaking holiday. We spent 1 day in palermo because airport. Didn't like palermo dirty, food horrible and scary.

[@GregorBrown]

Sounds like an amazing trip! Sicily is definitely on my bucket list. Food and wine tours are the best! Have you tried the Arancini?🍊🍷

[@lyndalombardi6473]

Gregor you nailed it again. I have been to Italy 4 times for various lengths of time. My most recent trip was a very rushed 2 weeks trying to show my friends who had never been to Florence or Venice the top tourist spots and areas not so crowded. 5 days in each place, (last few days in Venice on my own) spending too much time in the very crowded tourist areas. My trip in 2022 I spent 2 weeks in Florence and a month in Venice. Having seen the very touristy sites in previous trips, I just enjoyed be there on my own and living like a local. My only regret from that trip is not taking the train or a Tuscan Countryside tour to smaller cities or towns like Siena or Arezzo. On another note, the street you are walking along in this video is where we stayed on this last trip, it was a great location, near Santa Croce and we enjoyed our rental through Mamo Florence. I am guessing that because you are in a T-shirt this video was not made recently. We were there the last week of September, it was very crowded in the touristy areas, we found early mornings the best time to get out. Salute 🥂🍾

[@GregorBrown]

You’ve really seen Italy in such depth - four trips and even time living like a local! It’s true, those smaller Tuscan towns like Siena and Arezzo often hold some of the best memories away from the crowds. And you’re spot on about early mornings - that’s the golden hour in those tourist-heavy spots like Florence and Venice. 🕊️ Sounds like you made the most of it, and I love hearing about your travels. Salute to the next trip! 🍷

[@lyndalombardi6473]

@@GregorBrown Now in my mid 70's I am finding traveling, especially from the west coast of Canada to Italy, the flights there and back are grueling, the last was a 27 hour day of travel. Hopefully there will be another trip but it will have to be at lease a month to 6 weeks(the dream is to stay a full year) with plenty of time to live like a local and hop on the train to visit those other amazing cities without having to rush anywhere. Until then I will have to just keep watching your videos and the live webcam "I Love You Venice" that offers a glimpse in real time. It would be great if there was a site like that to see various locations in Florence. Salute 🍷

[@nkw3157]

Arrive in Rome early April for five days, train to Florence for five days. Then off to Vienna. We tried to give ourselves enough time in each city to enjoy and not rush.

[@GregorBrown]

I'm happy to hear and please report back on how your travels go

[@edcap6017]

We are considering going to Florence (1 week including various day trips) and tropea (maybe 6 nights?). Thoughts?

[@Beartooth.RandyMiles]

Would you do some Italian and Sicilian beaches videos?

[@GregorBrown]

Great idea! I'll add some Italian and Sicilian beach videos to my list. Stay tuned! 🇮🇹🏖️

[@linamb6804]

I'm planning to travel in February, spending 3 days in Florence (including a half-day trip to Pisa) and 4 days in Rome. Will the weather be too cold? Will there be enough sun during this time? Is this plan sufficient or does it feel rushed?

[@GregorBrown]

That trip sounds perfect

[@jennifersenner4007]

I actually live here now, in Napoli. And watch your channel all the time to give me the hidden gems. I'll go, then tell the people I work with, then they go, and always get good feedback.

[@khusbuasy8164]

How is it in the month of February?

[@GregorBrown]

Cold. But in the south, it would be fun even with the cooler days and shorter daylight hours. 🥶☀️😎

[@stefano986]

Hi, be careful, you talked about drinking wine and driving a motorbike or car, the police carry out checks and issue very expensive fines!

[@gmnewlook]

For mistake no 1, we have no choice but to travel during the summer, my wife is a school teacher and that's when her vacation is, from the Friday before St-Jean-Baptiste Day (stat holiday here in Québec) to 3rd week of August. We'll have more flexibility once she retires in 8-10 years. 2. We'll be in Italy for 14 days, so for us it'll be 5 nights in Rome, 5 in Salerno to visit Naples, Pompei and the Amalfi coast, 3 in Termoli so we're close to Larino, where my nonno was born and our last night in Fiumicino. And during that time, we'll try and have a light schedule. Visit early in the morning, go back to the Airbnb for lunch, take it easy in the afternoon (I might go out and do some transit photography) while the cruise passengers run amok in the city, and visit some more when they're back on their ships. As for cash, when we went to Paris in 2007 and last summer, we both always had between €30-50 on us for small purchases. Regarding trains and cars, going from Salerno or Rome to Termoli or Larino takes about 6.5 hours with 3 trains and sometimes a bus (if they're on time), and driving there takes 2.5-3 hours. But we'll be taking the Italo from Termini to Salerno. Also the car will be practical because I spotted a vineyard between Larino and Termoli and I want to bring back some wine from the Molise region, which is hard to find here in Quebec at the SAQ. I've been looking for restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias that are a few blocks from the major attractions on our itinerary to get the authentic feel of Italian cuisine. We did the same on both trips to Paris and we were not disappointed. Sorry for the long rant, love your videos, Gregor! Keep em coming!

[@GregorBrown]

What an incredible itinerary! Sounds like you’ve planned a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and relaxation-Rome, Salerno, Termoli, and a vineyard stop in Molise? Amazing! 🍷 It's great that you're embracing early starts and quieter afternoons; avoiding the cruise crowds is such a smart move. And I love your approach to seeking out authentic cuisine a bit off the beaten path-it’s always where the best surprises are. Molise wine is such a treat, and I hope you find some gems to bring back home. Thanks so much for sharing, and I hope this trip is everything you’re dreaming of. Keep me posted on how it goes! 🇮🇹✨

[@gmnewlook]

@GregorBrown thanks, and will do about the updates!

[@RedProg]

As always great advice. Our last trip to Italy we spent 5 days in Rome then 7 in Florence and the countryside 😄

[@GregorBrown]

Amazing! That's a good mix of days and in locations.

[@marcphil808]

@@RedProg I’m playing Florence, Rome, and Naples each 3 days. Do you think that’s a good time frame?

[@milhouse7145]

Great tips, but the cash one I don't understand. I spent 2 weeks in Italy with 150 euros and left with 40 after forcing myself to spend cash on everything the last 2 days. Not sure what I would do with 500 euros. EDIT: also reduces the risk in case you get pickpocketed which unfortunately is a real risk

[@GregorBrown]

I just always find it good to have cash on hand because when you are in a bind, it's good to have a yes, beware of pickpockets

[@DDTSB2525]

Planning our June 2025 trip right now, your guide is so helpful!

[@GregorBrown]

I'm so glad my guide is helpful! I hope you have an unforgettable trip in June. 🇮🇹🎉

[@fernweh3726]

Didn't you visit Le Marche yet?

[@GregorBrown]

Le Marche is definitely on my list to go back. I've been there many times but never made a video there! It's an amazing region. I'm hoping to get there soon. 🇮🇹

[@Chris-e3y]

I believe Puglia will be ruined soon. Supposedly there will be direct flights from New York to Bari that are coming soon. My great-grandparents were all from Bari. When I used to mention this city to people, nobody knew about it. Now, everyone knows what it is because Instagram has ruined everything and Sylvester Stallone traveled there on his reality show to meet his family (it's a great episode actually). Don't be surprised when all of these Italian cities become a haven for the rich. I'm hearing Florence is now getting super expensive as well. 15 or 20 years ago, barely any Americans travelled to Italy. Now, it's the only place they visit when travelling overseas. I'm 45, and when I was growing up, there was maybe one family who travelled to Sicily. Nobody even knew where it was on a map.

[@GregorBrown]

You make a great point about the impact of tourism. It's important to be mindful and respectful of the places we visit. I try to highlight local businesses and off-the-beaten-path spots in my videos. 🇮🇹🙏

[@Chris-e3y]

@@GregorBrown That's why your channel is great. You are more in tune with supporting locals and you always give great info.

[@jd3422]

I've been to Italy four times. I have NEVER needed to drive. Don't take your USA driving mindset and think you have to drive there to enjoy it.

[@GregorBrown]

Well said!