What are common mistakes American tourists make when traveling by rail in Italy?
Buying a ticket isn’t enough. You need to validate it in one of the yellow machines in the station (the larger the station, the more there are). If you fail to validate the ticket, an unpleasant conductor can fine you for not having bought a ticket at all. Also, avoid purchasing tickets on the train. They can run as much as 20 percent more. In many major stations, such as in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice, there are no automated ticket machines with touch screens in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. They’re logical and easy to use, if they work, of course. Finally, if you intend to purchase a ticket in line at a major station, give yourself at least one hour before the departure time. In high season, the lines (such as they are) can be long, and line-cutting is common. Do you have advice about picking an Italian culinary vacation? These kinds of vacations are like picking a personal physician. They won’t work without some kind of personalized, intimate contact. Since you can’t
