Italy is the dream destination of tourists around the world. In fact, it is one of the most visited countries in Europe.

When you want to go to Italy depends on what you want to see. Generally, the best times to visit Italy are spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). The temperature is most favorable, the days are warm and long and scenery is at its best. During the peak season, obviously, the air fares and hotels are priced on the higher side.

July and August are hot and humid. Those of you who want to shop till you drop will have to hit the streets in July when sales are rampant. But Italians are known for their laid-back attitude. So dont be surprised if you find a shop closed for lunch for extended hours during peak business time.

Italians take their annual holiday during August, and you may find most shops and businesses closed during this time. All the beaches are overcrowded, but cities like Rome and Florence would be relatively free of traffic with minimum parking problems. Nightlife is at full swing in cities when the evenings have cooled down. But canals in Venice stink during peak summer.

June and September are most ideal to visit the seaside; April, May and October are conducive for visiting both the countryside and the cities. The period from November to March is nothing but cold and rain. However, this is the best time to visit Northern Italy if you are interested in skiing. Also, this is the ideal period if all you are looking for is cheap air prices.

You can book a holiday package for a guided tour. You can take a luxury package, or a budget or off-season package, according to your convenience. You can take one either from home, or arrive in Italy and check out what the local packages are offering.

If you dont believe in organized trips and want to explore new places all by yourself you should try vacation rentals that offer great flexibility and privacy. You can rent a car and plan the visits according to your convenience and priority. But do some homework about competitive holiday rentals and the places you plan to visit. Carrying a travel guide might prove quite handy, should you require some help with restaurants, route maps etc.

Not many people can speak English in small towns. But Italians are a very friendly lot and youll find the locals only too eager to help despite the language barrier. However, it would be a good idea to take an English-to-Italian dictionary that gives basic conversation help. Vacanza felice! Happy vacation!