 If you are traveling to Europe this year, you may encounter new border procedures when you arrive. Europe has introduced a digital Entry/Exit System, and another travel authorization requirement is expected later in 2026. These changes may sound complicated, but a little preparation can help you travel with confidence. Here is what you need to know before leaving home. Europe’s New Entry/Exit System The European Union’s Entry/Exit System, known as EES, is an automated system that electronically records non-European travelers entering and departing 29 participating European countries. EES became fully operational on April 10, 2026, replacing traditional passport stamping at participating borders. It generally applies to American and other non-EU travelers visiting for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. When you arrive, border officials may electronically collect:
Children under age 12 are generally exempt from fingerprinting, although a facial image may still be collected. You do not need to register for EES online or complete an application before traveling. Your registration takes place at the border when you enter a participating European country. During your first EES registration, you may be directed to a self-service kiosk or border-control counter. Follow the signs and instructions provided at the airport or other point of entry. Because the initial registration process may take longer than traditional passport control, allow extra time—especially when arriving during the busy summer travel season. Once your information has been recorded, future border crossings may be quicker, although procedures can vary by country and airport. For current information, visit the European Union’s official Entry/Exit System website. What About ETIAS?
EES should not be confused with ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. These are two different programs. EES electronically records when travelers enter and leave participating European countries. ETIAS will be an advance travel authorization for visitors from countries that do not normally require a visa for short European stays, including the United States. As of July 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational. The European Union expects the program to begin during the last quarter of 2026. If you are traveling now, you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Once the program officially begins, eligible travelers will be required to apply online before departure. Until then, be cautious of unofficial websites claiming they can issue an ETIAS authorization. No legitimate ETIAS authorization can be issued before the official system opens. You can monitor developments through the official European Union ETIAS website. Enroll Your Trip in STEP Before traveling, consider enrolling in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, commonly called STEP. STEP is a free service available to U.S. citizens and nationals traveling or living abroad. It connects your trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and allows you to receive important information about your destination. These notifications may include:
You can enroll directly through the official Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website. Because the registration requires personal and itinerary information, each traveler should complete their own enrollment. You should also review current travel advisories and country-specific information through the U.S. Department of State’s international travel website. Your Europe Predeparture Checklist Before leaving for Europe:
Travel Prepared and Confidently Travel procedures may change, but they should not take away from the excitement of your European vacation. Knowing what to expect will help you move through border control more confidently and begin your trip with fewer surprises.
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 After many trips to Italy, I’ve noticed something that always makes me smile: I can eat the pasta, order the gelato, enjoy the wine—and somehow come home feeling like I haven’t completely overdone it.
How does that happen? Let me be clear: I do not travel to Italy to count calories. I’m not flying across the Atlantic to stare longingly at a plate of cacio e pepe and order a salad instead. If I’m in Sicily, I’m having the cannoli. If I’m in Bologna, I’m eating the pasta. If I’m in Puglia, there will be focaccia. And if I walk past a gelateria that looks particularly inviting...well, sometimes gelato happens twice in one day. It’s Italy. These things happen. But after traveling throughout Italy many times, I’ve realized there is something different about the rhythm of everyday life there. You move more. You linger longer. You eat differently. And perhaps most importantly, you slow down enough to actually enjoy it all. It’s something I tell my LagoBlu Travel clients to keep in mind when preparing for an Italian vacation: Eat the pasta. Then take the walk. In Italy, You Walk. A Lot. Walking in Italy isn’t really a scheduled activity. It just happens. You walk from your hotel to the piazza. You wander down a cobblestone street because you spotted something interesting around the corner. You climb a hill you weren’t expecting. You stroll to dinner. You walk to the train station. And occasionally, you discover your train is leaving from Platform 12 when you’re standing at Platform 2. Suddenly, you’re not strolling anymore. You might walk along the canals of Venice, through the historic streets of Rome, up and down the hills of Tuscany, or along the waterfront in Sicily. You may start out thinking you’re just going to find a café and somehow end up three neighborhoods away because every little street looked more interesting than the last. And then there is la passeggiata, the traditional Italian evening stroll. In towns and cities throughout Italy, locals head out in the late afternoon or early evening to walk, socialize, catch up with friends, and simply enjoy being together. There is no 10,000 step challenge here. No one is power-walking around the piazza yelling, “Only 2,000 more steps!” The passeggiata isn’t about exercise. It’s about connection, community, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being exactly where you are. It’s one of my favorite Italian traditions and something I encourage my clients to experience. After a busy day of sightseeing, resist the temptation to immediately head back to your hotel. Wander through the piazza. Browse the shops. Stop for an aperitivo. People-watch. Enjoy the energy of the town as everyone comes together at the end of the day. For a little while, simply be part of the rhythm of Italian life. There’s actually a scientific term for the energy we burn through everyday movement: non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT. Personally, while traveling in Italy, I prefer to call it the calories burned while searching for the perfect aperitivo spot. It sounds much more Italian. Eat the Pasta—Just Notice the Portion. In Italy, pasta is traditionally a primo—a first course—not necessarily the enormous bowl of pasta we might be accustomed to seeing at home. An Italian meal may have several courses, but that doesn’t mean every course needs to arrive on a platter large enough to feed the entire table. You might begin with an antipasto, followed by pasta or risotto, perhaps a secondo of meat or fish with vegetables, and then something sweet. And yes, I am always willing to investigate the dessert menu. Purely for research purposes, of course. The experience is about enjoying different flavors and courses rather than rushing through one enormous plate of food. Meals Are Meant to Be Enjoyed—Not Rushed Dining in Italy can be an event in itself. Dinner may unfold slowly over a couple of hours, with plenty of conversation between courses. The check isn’t dropped on your table while you’re still chewing, and there often isn’t a feeling that you need to hurry so someone else can have your table. At first, some American travelers wonder, “Where is our waiter?” My advice? Relax. Your waiter hasn’t forgotten about you. You’re simply being given time to enjoy your evening. Talk. Laugh. Have a little wine. Look around. Enjoy the people you’re traveling with. There’s something wonderful about actually being present for a meal instead of racing through dinner to get to the next thing on the itinerary. Because in Italy, sometimes dinner is the thing. The Food Often Feels Simpler One of the things I love most about Italian food is that the best dishes are often surprisingly simple. Fresh tomatoes. Local olive oil. Seasonal vegetables. Beautiful cheeses. Fresh seafood. Handmade pasta. Recipes that have been prepared in families and regions for generations. When I’m traveling in Italy, I naturally find myself choosing fresh, local foods—not because I’m trying to be “good,” but because those are the foods I traveled to Italy to experience. And one of the most important things to understand about Italian cuisine is that food in Italy is regional. What you should eat in Bologna is different from what you should order in Puglia. Sicily has its own flavors and traditions. Tuscany has its specialties. And Naples has pizza that deserves an entire vacation built around it. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. Maybe. The Real Italian Travel Secret? Slow Down. Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned from traveling throughout Italy has nothing to do with pasta, calories, or walking. It’s about slowing down. Linger over your morning cappuccino. Sit in a piazza without feeling like you need to accomplish anything. Take the long way back to your hotel. Walk down the street that looks interesting simply because you want to see where it leads. And order the gelato because you walked past the shop and it looked good. So, is there some magical Italian secret that allows us to eat pasta, drink wine, and enjoy gelato without consequences? Probably not. But I do think there’s something we can learn from the Italian lifestyle. Walk more. Eat slowly. Enjoy smaller portions. Choose fresh foods. Drink plenty of water. Sleep well. Stress less. And truly enjoy what you’re eating. When you travel to Italy, don’t spend your vacation worrying about every bite. Order the pasta. Try the gelato. Have the tiramisu. Sip the wine. Then take the long way back to your hotel. You never know what beautiful little piazza, hidden shop, neighborhood trattoria, or unforgettable Italian moment you might discover along the way. And from my own travels, I can tell you: sometimes that unplanned walk becomes one of the best memories of the entire trip. Experience Italy Your Way with LagoBlu Travel At LagoBlu Travel, I believe the best Italian vacations are about more than checking famous landmarks off a list. They’re about experiencing the places, flavors, traditions, and everyday moments that make Italy unforgettable. Whether you dream of wandering through Tuscany, tasting your way through Bologna, exploring Puglia, discovering Sicily, or returning to experience a region you haven't visited yet, I can help create a personalized Italy itinerary designed around how you want to travel. So pack comfortable shoes, bring your appetite, and come ready to slow down. Italy is waiting. Let LagoBlu Travel help you experience it—one region, one meal, and one unforgettable walk at a time.  While researching beautiful, cultural, and historic places to visit on vacation, you may have come across the phrase “UNESCO World Heritage Site” more than once. But what exactly is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and why are those sites supposedly worth visiting? UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. It is an organization that was founded in 1945 after the official end of the Second World War. Their mission is to build international security and encourage world peace through continuous education of the arts, sciences, and cultures. UNESCO seeks to preserve the beauty and history of certain locations by denoting them as “World Heritage Sites”. World Heritage Sites are determined by their “outstanding universal value to humanity”. Not entirely surprising given Italy’s long and rich history, Italy is home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are 58 sites throughout the country, many of which are easily accessible from the most popular destination sites for international travelers. We at LagoBlu Travel are happy to help plan a trip to see any Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site that piques your interest. Sites near Rome, Lazio; Did you know that the city of Rome itself is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Within the boundaries of the World Heritage site in the historic city center are the Roman Forums, the Mausoleums of Augustus and Hadrian, the majestic Pantheon, Trajan’s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, and all of the properties that make up the extraterritorial Vatican City. This entire site is enclosed by the ancient city walls of Rome. The capital city of Rome has a diverse history that dates back to antiquity. For this reason, some of the greatest historic ruins, preserved artworks, and treasured architectural achievements are located in this city. Other Must-See Sites in the Region: the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, Villa d’Este, and Villa Adriana. Sites near Venice, Veneto; The city of Venice and its lagoon also make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a conglomerate of 118 small islands, connected by waterways and crossable with waterbuses and beautiful walking bridges. Venice is celebrated by UNESCO for its innovative foundation, architectural developments, and the great artistic works on display in nearly every single building. Some of the greatest architectural works in the city are found in just one piazza, the Piazza San Marco. On the piazza lies the basilica of San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, and Museo Correr Procuratie Vecchie. Other Must-See Sites in the Region: the City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto, and Padua’s 14th century fresco cycles. Sites near Florence, Tuscany; Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is also a World Heritage Site. The historic city center is easily walkable due to its small size. Famed artworks by the greatest artists of the Renaissance are on display in its two world-renowned art museums: the Uffizi Galleries and the Accademia Gallery. Here you can view live and in person the massive statue, David, by Michelangelo, and the beautiful Birth of Venus painting by Botticelli. Throughout the city you can find architectural masterpieces by Giotto and Brunelleschi, most notably, their additions to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Other Must-See Sites in the Region: the Medici Villas and Gardens, the Historic Centre of San Gimignano, the Historic Center of Siena, and the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa – which includes its legendarily leaning tower. Sites near Naples, Campania; Naples and the nearby Amalfi coast are popular destinations. Both destinations are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The historic city center of Naples was originally founded by the Greeks, giving it a unique history in comparison to other Italian cities. Nearby, the Amalfi Coast has also been denoted as a World Heritage Site. This beautiful coastline features steep hillsides and stunning sea views. The region is speckled with quaint paesini (small towns) and examples of agriturismo (agriculture-based tourist destinations). Other Must-See Sites in the Region: the Archeological Areas of Pompeii (which is also perfectly located for a visit to the source of Pompeii’s doom: Mount Vesuvius) and the 18th Century Royal Palace at Caserta. Other Favorite UNESCO World Heritage Sites; As early as the Paleolithic period, there has been proof of inhabitation in the park of Sassi di Matera. This web of buildings, including homes and churches alike, were built out of naturally occurring caves. The legendary masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, is housed on the wall of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Both the painting and the church can be dated back to the mid- to late-1400s. The royal Duke of Savoy built his command center in Turin during his time of reign. He and his successors erected and utilized 22 different buildings for the purpose of commanding and residing within the city of Turin and the surrounding countryside. The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy are luxurious pieces of culture and prime examples of the greatest architecture at the time of construction. Within the city of Bologna, there are covered sidewalks. The famous Porticoes of Bologna lend to a unique walking path as you stroll through the city center. The porticoes are not only architecturally beautiful, but also allow visitors to walk in the shade and under cover from rain. Italy has five listed natural World Heritage sites, meaning they are denoted a site because they are precious aspects of nature. Two of Italy’s must-see natural beauties include the Dolomites, the grand mountain range to the north, and Mount Etna, the famous volcano in Sicily. LagoBlu Travel is ready to plan an exciting trip for you and your travel companions to see the greatest sites Italy has to offer. We sincerely hope you are excited to visit some of the country’s cultural, historical, and natural treasures.  Unique by Region: Italian Food Culture For being such a small country, the 20 regions of Italy are surprisingly diverse. The culture is entirely different between the northern regions and the southern regions – and that includes the cuisine. If you are traveling to Italy with the main goal of eating the most authentic cannoli of your life, you don’t want to spend your vacation in Venice. Venice has its own delicious food culture, but cannoli are not authentically part of it. It’s important to understand that part of the beauty of Italy lies in its diversity within the country. Every region is magnificently unique and each city is distinctive in its own right. Let’s dive into the beautiful differences that exist in il Bel Paese. Locally Grown The regional cuisine is, for obvious reasons, influenced by the landscape and the ingredients available there. Coastal regions, or even just the cities nearest the coast, will favor cooking seafood over farm animals. Up in the hills and mountains, you will find more red meats from pigs, goats, lambs, and even rabbits! Similarly, the vegetables, spices, and herbs most commonly used are determined by what is grown in the region. The south has more spicy spices, like pepperoncini, while the central and northern regions prefer truffles to add a little flair to a dish. Even the bases of dishes are determined by location. Northern regions are more likely to serve rice (like in risotto) or polenta, while southern regions are more likely to use chickpeas as a meal base. Northerners like cooking with butter, but central and southern Italians prefer oil. Neighborhood Influences Up north, high up in the Alps and the Dolomites, you will not find the stereotypical pastas and pizzas that you imagine when you think of Italy. Instead, you will find a healthy mix of Italian pastas with northern European cuisine. Due to the close proximity to France, Switzerland, and Austria, these regions’ food cultures have been influenced by their neighbors. Here you will find a lot of creamy fondue, cheeses, and hearty meat dishes. Coastal port cities, however, like Venice, are even more diverse. They have a lot of influence from distant cultures. Near the old ports, you will find evidence of influence from Arabic, Greek, and north African cultures that crossed the Mediterranean Sea long ago for trade. Regional Divides Dishes are extremely regional. That carbonara you love so much will only be found in traditional Italian restaurants in south-central regions. If you find it anywhere else, you are at a restaurant that is specifically serving dishes from a different region, or you are in a restaurant that caters mainly to international tourists (read as: overpriced and low quality). Dishes are so extremely regional, that some dishes are specifically city dishes. There are some dishes that are amazing and delicious, but you will only find them in that one particular city. Then, there are some dishes that are so good that they have surpassed the one city it originated in, but have kept the name. That’s why you have dishes like Risotto alla Milanese (literally “risotto made in the style from the city of Milan”) and Ragù alla Bolognese (“ragù sauce made in the style from the city of Bologna”). Coffee Breaks First and foremost, let’s clarify one important fact. Italian caffè does not taste like Starbucks. In fact, a menu at an Italian bar (quick café) looks nothing like Starbuck’s menu. Sure, some of the names are the same, like espresso and cappuccino, but they are served quite differently. You won’t see a long line of flavor syrups next to the espresso machine, and you probably won’t find a lot of cozy seats to sip your coffee on (unless the shop is known for serving delicious pastries). Italians don’t sip their coffee slowly. An espresso is typically drank standing up at the bar in a few quick sips. A cappuccino doesn’t come in a take-away cup. And you will never find a macchiato served in a regular-sized coffee mug. The differences between how Italians take their coffee is not huge from the north to the south. The biggest difference stems from which coffee brand or bean is the favorite. Northerners tend to prefer a mild medium roast coffee, especially made from Arabica beans. Southerners, on the other hand, like their coffee extremely hot and strong. Delicacies foodies absolutely have to try, per region: Val D’Aosta – Polenta with fontina cheese Piedmont – any dish spruced up with locally-sourced White Truffles Lombardy – Risotto alla Milanese Trentino-South Tyrol – Speck Veneto – Baccalà (try to open up your appetite with a Spritz drink with Aperol, Campari, or Select beforehand) Friuli-Venezia Giulia – Prosciutto San Daniele Liguria – any dish with Pesto Genovese Emilia-Romagna – Ragù alla Bolognese (pro tip: try it with some Parmigiano Reggiano) Tuscany – Bistecca alla Fiorentina (and be sure to try some of the salt-less Bread) Umbria – Pasta alla Norcina Marche – Brodetto di Pesce di Ancona Lazio – Spaghetti alla Carbonara Abruzzo – Arrosticini Abruzzesi Molise – Cavatelli pasta Campania – Pizza Margherita (then wash it all down afterwards with some Limoncello) Apulia – Friselle Basilicata – any secondo dish with Angello (“lamb”) Calabria – Soffritto di Maiale Sicily – Cannoli Sardinia – Porcheddu Mangiamo! |