Table Of Contents

1. What to Pack
   • A good Coin Purse
   • Slip-on Shoes
   • Covid Masks
   • Download Offline Maps
2. Preparing for your Flight
   • Packing Your Carry-On
   • Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row
   • Skip the Middle Seat
   • Ensuring a Good Night's Sleep
     • Lavender
     • Melatonin
3. Use the In-Flight Time Wisely
4. Arrival & Immigration
5. Using Data/Wifi in Japan
   • eSIM
   • Wifi-Hotspot
6. Get some Cash
7. Transportation from the Airport
   • Public Transportation
   • Airport Limousine Bus
8. Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine
   • Reading the Vending Machines
9. Checking into your Accommodation
   • Capsule Hotels / Hostel
   • Ryokans
   • Japanese Hotels
10. Go for a Walk
11. Get Something to Eat
    • Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants
12. Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card
13. Visit an Arcade
14. Purikura
15. Find some Gachapon
16. Grab Breakfast at the Conbini
17. Customs to Keep in Mind
    • Don’t Tip
    • Be ready to bow
    • Don't Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag
    • Learn to Line Up
    • Slurping is Key
    • Ladies only subway cars
    • Pay your bus fare when you get off
    • Don't be scared of the mouth masks
      • Happy Travels Adventurers

What to Pack

For the most part, travelling to Japan requires some same things you pack for any other trip. But there are a few items I wished I had had with me the first time I arrive. And was sure to pack these the next time I travelled to Japan. So I wanted to make sure to share a few of them!

A good Coin Purse

I’m not much of a purse person, to begin with. I travel everywhere with a backpack and wallet. But in Japan, you’ll need so many coins at all times! You’ll need coins for vending machines, some restaurants, temple donations, arcade games and more! Fumbling through your wallet or bag to find the exact change can be painful. With the addition of a small coin purse, I could easily find the right amount I needed at a moment’s notice.

Slip-on Shoes

Make sure you pack a good pair of slip-on walking shoes. Many restaurants and hotels require you to remove your shoes when you enter. Anything with complicated laces will slow this process and become quite irritating when you’re still tired from the long flight. And make sure these aren’t cheap shoes either. You will be walking a lot in Japan so you definitely should invest in a very comfortable pair.

Covid Masks

Although Japan has finally reopened its borders to international travellers, they still have stringent rules around wearing masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Masks are required indoors unless you are not talking and are more than two meters apart. When you are in restaurants, you are requested to wear your mask when you are not eating or drinking.

You do not need to wear a mask outdoors, but if you are in close contact with someone outside, it is recommended to wear a mask. You will still see lots of people wearing their masks outside. I would always lean on the side of being considerate and follow the locals to see what they are doing and do the same. While there are plenty of places to buy masks all over Japan you never want to be caught without one. So be sure to pack a few and carry them with you at all time.

Download Offline Maps

Downloading some offline maps will definitely help you with navigating your way around the notoriously complex street systems in Japan. Even if you have access to wifi/data on your trip, maps often load slowly. Plus they tend to use a lot of data. Downloading offline maps before you leave for the various cities you’re visiting will save you a ton of data and time. Also, be sure to download the Navitime app which will give you transit directions in English for any train and metro journeys you might take while in Japan.

Preparing for your Flight

Packing Your Carry-On

These days, checking your luggage has become a thing of the past. Not only is it almost always an extra few hundred dollars, but the amount of times flights have lost my luggage is climbing up into the double digits. This has resulted in packing a carry-on bag, more and more important, in ensuring everything you brought with you makes it to your destination. For tips on how to pack the perfect carry-on for a long-haul flight, read this post!

Pick the Right Seat & Upgrade to Exit Row

Depending on where you’re setting off from, you’re most likely looking at a 13-hour flight to Japan. If you don’t have the cash to splurge for first class (and let’s face it, whoever does,) see if you can upgrade your seats to the exit row. For my last flight, it was an extra $150 to book the exit row. And it was some of the best money I ever spent.

Exit row gives you ample legroom, lots of space to get up and stretch. Plus. there is no one in front of you to recline their seat down on top of your head. The exit rows tend to be a little colder, as your seated beside the door, so always pack a light scarf with you. And you can always use your coat as a blanket. Some airlines even provide blankets free of charge on long-haul flights, so never be shy to ask for an extra one if you need it. Be kind and make friends with the flight staff, and you’ll have all the more of an enjoyable flight.

Skip the Middle Seat

If you’re travelling with two people, another money savings hack that will work every so often is booking the window and the aisle seat. Instead of booking the middle seat and aisle/window. When other people are booking their seats, they will almost always skip choosing between two people. So if your flight isn’t 100% full often, you’ll find the seat will be free, and you’ll be able to spread out. And if someone does show up and you want to sit beside your flying partner, everyone will jump at the chance to switch from the middle to the aisle or the window. This won’t work every time, but trying is never harmful.

Ensuring a Good Night’s Sleep

If you’re planning on getting any sleep on the plane (which hopefully you are), there are a few essential items to bring. These will ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting some shuteye. The flights usually are good about turning off the lights when it’s time to readjust your sleep schedule. But if the person next to you is reading and has the lights, it’s important to ensure you have a good eye mask. That way you can shut out the light and try to adjust to a new time-zone.

Lavender

Another thing I do to lull myself to sleep is to bring a travel-sized bottle of lavender spray. I just transferred this Lush Twilight spray to a tiny travel perfume spray atomizer. Before getting on the flight I spray a little on my neck pillow and scarf. This soothing scent helps calm me down during any turbulence and puts me to sleep once I’m nice and relaxed.

Melatonin

If you need an extra bit of help getting to sleep, you can take a small dose of melatonin. While I don’t recommend this for the long term, it is a great way to help readjust your sleep pattern temporarily.

Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones are a great way to ensure any noise will be blocked out and you can simply sink into a good night’s sleep.

Use the In-Flight Time Wisely

When you aren’t sleeping, spend this time reviewing your Japanese phrase book. About a month before your trip I would recommend downloading apps like Duolingo, to help learn some key phrases. But during the long flights, it’s a great time to have a little crash course in the language.

Japanese is such a beautiful language; I only grazed on the surface. But it’s important to at least try to learn “please,” “thank you,” “hello” and “goodbye.” I was thrilled with how much I could retain and even how even speaking a few words would bring huge smiles to people’s faces. It was definitely worth the time I put into it.

Arrival & Immigration

Before you land, you’ll be given an incoming passenger card to complete and give to the immigration officer. It’s a simple card with how long you’ll be there and where you’ll stay. Make sure you have the addresses of your accommodations written down or screenshotted on your phone as you won’t have wifi in the air.

Once you land in Japan, you’ll most likely be a bit jet-lagged and tired despite your best efforts to get some sleep. But luckily for you, Japanese airports have some of the best signage in the world and making your way to immigration and baggage claim a seamless process. Signage from the plane to get to immigration is all in Japanese and English.

Once you arrive at the immigration desk, they’ll check your card (make sure you didn’t miss any information), take your picture, and index your fingerprints. Don’t worry; this happens with everyone; you’re not being singled out. And that’s all. You’re ready to head into the city!

Using Data/Wifi in Japan

Japan can be pretty daunting for new or first-time travellers. And having access to the internet for directions, translations, and more can be key for your comfort. But roaming with most phone plans is extremely expensive. Luckily, there are many other options to ensure you have the internet at your fingertips.

eSIM

My newest favourite option for international travel are eSIMs. Most new phones will have both a physical sim and what’s called an “eSIM.” Before eSIM, most people would buy a physical sim, but this was often time-consuming and much more difficult to set up.

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card stored on your device rather than in a physical card form. An eSIM allows you to activate and manage your mobile service directly on your device without needing a physical SIM card.

To set up an eSIM, you will also need an active mobile plan from a carrier that supports eSIM. I use Nomad as my provide. They make setup super easy, and their rates are excellent. 20 GB will cost only $34 USD, which is tons of data. Most likely, you won’t need that much. You can use my code: LAUR66NY, to get $3 off your next eSIM purchase. You will need to turn off your physical SIM and phone number associated when you activate your eSIM, so be sure you download an app like Whatsapp to keep in touch with your contacts. Since Whatsapp will still work with your new eSIM.

Wifi-Hotspot

Another option is to use what’s called “pocket wifi.” Pocket wifi devices are portable internet you can pick up or purchase in Japan. They are just like a mobile hotspot. Ninja Wifi was my favourite provider as their speed was excellent, and it costs about $30 US for five days. The more time you rent the device, the cheaper it gets daily. I would never travel to Japan without one of these since free wifi is really hard to come by in Japan. Definitely don’t rely on that as your main internet access method. When you’re done using it, they come with a pre-paid envelope to mail them back to the company. So just place it inside and find the nearest mailbox to throw it into.

Get some Cash

If you didn’t go to your bank before leaving to get some local currency, you’ll want to hit up the ATM in the airport. Despite Japan being considered a modern country, there are different ways in which it feels much more old-fashioned. One of these ways is that most places only accept cash. Credit cards are only generally accepted for large purchases.

All those little ramen shops you are dying to visit won’t know what to do with your credit card. Cash is king in Japan. And you always want to ensure you don’t run out! You don’t want to miss out on a unique street snack that’s only available seasonally at this one location, and you find yourself out of cash! If you’re worried about carrying around so much cash for fear of being robbed, don’t be. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.

Transportation from the Airport

Public Transportation

Transportation to and from the airport in Japan is very convenient. Although your first thought might be to grab a taxi, these are generally the most expensive method of transportation. In big cities like Tokyo, and Osaka, you’ll be able to take the train directly from the airport and get to the city’s centre in no time.

Airport Limousine Bus

If you’re looking for a more direct route into the city my favourite method is taking the Airport Limousine Bus. The Airport Limousine Bus service takes passengers from the arrivals terminal to hundreds of drop-off locations around Tokyo. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll find a drop-off location minutes away. I like the bus service better than the trains from the airport because it’s a lot less stressful. The train system in Japan can be overwhelming at the best of times, and post-long-haul flight, the airport limousine bus is a breeze! You just go up to any of the orange kiosks in the arrivals terminal and select your destination. It’s good to research their site in advance since there are many options for destinations.

Tickets cost around ¥1000 ($10 US) and maybe a little more or less depending on the distance from the airport. The airport limousine buses have free wifi on board, and I loved getting a good first look at the city as we drove in. The underground trains don’t give you this amazing viewpoint as you enter the city.

Grab a Drink from a Japanese Vending Machine

While waiting for your bus or train to arrive at the airport, pass the time by exploring the Japanese vending machines! As soon as you step off the plane you’ll see them everywhere. It might seem silly, especially to Japanese people for whom these are ubiquitous, but I’m obsessed with these. Japan is the mecca of vending machines. I am fascinated with the way they work, the way they look, and especially the unique treats inside. Old, new, big and small and full of all sorts of goodies.

The vending machines we found at the airport were relatively standard compared to those in the city’s hub. However, seeing drinks I’d never even heard of was still exciting. Mostly, you can surmise what kind of drink it is from the images on the packaging. But you’d be amazed at how many different flavours and varieties there are!

Reading the Vending Machines

The colour of the buttons on the vending machine denotes whether the drink is hot or cold. Red for hot, blue for cold. That’s right, hot beverages like tea and coffee come right out of a vending machine! Grab yourself a warm can of coffee and give that a try for the first time. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious these are. Coffee is just the thing to keep you from crashing on your way to your hotel. And staying awake a little bit longer is key to preventing jet lag. The worst thing you can do is fall asleep as soon as you see that bed and find yourself wide away at 2 am.

Checking into your Accommodation

There are multiple options for accommodation in Japan. 

Capsule Hotels / Hostel

Capsule hotels are no doubt the most trendy option. These are very inexpensive and a one-of-a-kind experience. Capsule hotels are small, modular structures that contain individual capsules stacked one on top of another. Each capsule is a tiny room that provides just enough space for a person to sleep, typically with a bed, reading light, and power outlet. Some capsule hotels also have communal areas such as showers, toilets, and lounges. They are great for solo travellers or anyone wanting to save as much yen as possible.

Ryokans

Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns with rooms that offer guests tatami mats, futons for sleeping, and communal hot springs or onsens. They often have a minimalist design and are meant to provide guests with a serene and peaceful environment. Ryokans are known for their hospitality and attention to detail, with staff often going out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. These often come with luxurious dining experiences often served in your room. They are pretty pricey so maybe someplace you want to splurge on for a single night.

Japanese Hotels

My recommendation for first-timers is a hotel. While perhaps that might sound a little boring, hotels are often a great place to stay that’s both slightly familiar and a new experience. The staff in many of these hotels don’t speak much English. But are all incredibly helpful with the use of a little bit of non-verbal communication. 

Prepare yourself in advance for the size of a Japanese hotel room. The rumours are true, and most hotel rooms are shockingly tiny in big cities like Tokyo. There is often not even room for your luggage without it being in the middle of the room. Be sure when booking your hotel room you ask for a “western style bed” since traditional Japanese beds are hard as a rock. Also, if you book a room with a “double bed,” expect it to be tiny. All the bed sizing in Japan is smaller than in North America, so it’s always advisable to size up. The best option for the price is to book a room with two singles and push them together! This is actually what most Japanese travellers do.

Despite how comfy your room might look, drop your bags and head out the door right away, don’t give yourself a chance to get comfy and lulled into sleep.

Go for a Walk

One of the best things to wake you up and keep that jet lag at bay is a walk around the bright neon lights and visual sensations that is Japan. By this time of the day, most businesses will be closed. The sidewalks are clamouring with young teens playing arcade games, giggling nervously at the women dressed in maid costumes advertising their maid cafes. Dozens of Salarymen in white button-ups and black slacks are just getting their night started and gregariously piling themselves into bars, singing along loudly to whatever K-Pop is blaring on the radio inside.

There is nothing like your first time walking down the streets of Tokyo, especially in a busy neighbourhood. Soak it all in but don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed. That’s natural, particularly if this is your first time in a huge city. If you’re looking for a break from the crowd, duck down a small side street or alley. You’ll be immediately met with peace and quiet, as even the loudest Japanese partier is also always very respectful of their residential neighbours.

Get Something to Eat

You’ll undoubtedly be excited to dive into Japanese cuisine after a long day and nothing but airline food. My advice for the perfect first-time meal is a bowl of ramen. Ramen shops are all over the place, and there is no such thing as a bad bowl of ramen. So you don’t need to worry about researching where to do it; just find a shop that catches your eye and head inside.

Vending Machine-Operated Restaurants

Most small ramen shops operate with a vending machine kiosk. At the front of the restaurant, you’ll see a huge vending machine with different coloured buttons, each with pictures of ramen and perhaps a few side dishes. The buttons will also display the price of the meal. Put your money into the slot at the top and press the button of the meal item that catches your fancy. Out of a small slot at the base of the vending machine comes a little paper ticket with your order printed on it, in Japanese, of course, and any change from the bill you put it. If there is a line, get in the queue to wait your turn to be seated. If there’s no line, head right inside and take a seat.

Then all you need to do is give your ticket to the chef, who will prepare the meal as indicated. This might seem strange, but it’s an ingenious way to cut down on staff and allow the chefs, who also act as the waiter and server, to get your order without ever having to touch dirty money. One of the best parts of a ramen shop is sitting at the counter and watching the cooks at work. They effortlessly perform this dance, filling bowl after bowl with hot broth and whipping around the bar, grabbing stacks of toppings with deft movements to create your food fantasy!

Buy your Suica or Pasmo Card

After filling up some food, head to the closest train station to grab your Suica or Pasmo Card; a Suica or Pasmo card is a metro pass that you load up with the money to use on the train. You can simply swipe your card when entering and exiting any train station. Your fare will automatically be calculated and deducted from your card. This makes it so simple to travel on the metro since the Japanese subway system requires you to pay different fares for different distances.

If you don’t have a Suica or Pasmo card, you’ll have to figure out which fare you’ll need to pay for every trip you take based on the distance. Armed with these cards, you’ll be ready to hop on the metro the next day without fighting the morning crush of people. Just check the balance frequently to ensure you have enough money on the card. To purchase a new card, you just head to any machine in the station with the words “buy a new card” on it. The signage is in English and Japanese, and the machines themselves have English menus making it easy to buy or refill your card.

Visit an Arcade

After picking up your Suica cards, seek out an arcade! These behemoth arcade buildings are sometimes up to six floors of fun, each offering something different. Taito and Sega are reliably the best options for arcades. The first floor of most consists of UFO catcher machines, while the upper floors each have different sets of video games to play with friends or on your own. Some levels felt more like casinos, full of smokers playing digital slots or the Japanese gambling obsession Pachinko. The machines all cost a few hundred yen to play, and you can either pay with coins or tap your Suica card to have the money deducted from there!

Purikura

In the basement of these arcades, you’ll find dozens of these Purikura photo cubicles, each from a different company offering a unique experience. Purikura is where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos, add text and stickers, and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Once you drop the coins inside the payment machine, the screen will direct you to your starting photo booth. Unlike photo booths in North America, where you step in and just take your picture, these use a green screen. The camera will direct you (almost always in English and Japanese) to pose and take pictures. The camera moves around, so you get different options from portrait mode to full body and sometimes animated GIFs.

Once you finish your photoshoot, you’ll be directed into another booth where you’ll get to decorate, alter, and add filters and text to all the photos you took. Often this process is timed, so keep an eye on the clock. Afterwards, your photos will be arranged into a collage (often picked by you) and printed out at the station where you initially put your coins. It was great fun trying out different poses and spending as much time as we were allowed decorating the photos into something absolutely ridiculous. Trust me, this will make for an incredible first Instagram of your trip!

Find some Gachapon

Gachapon refers to little vending machine capsule toys. The word ‘Gachapon’ is onomatopoeia for the sound the crank makes when you use the machine. These devices each contain different sets of toys, and you never know which item from the set you will receive. It’s totally random. Most sets include some rare items which become sought-after collector treasures. The toy sets change frequently, so there’s always something new to buy. My inner child (and let us face it, current adult) was immediately drawn to all the ‘Sailor Moon’ sets.

I decided to go for the most expensive machine, where you could get one of 5 different Sailor scout wands. I got Sailor Jupiter’s – my favourite Sailor Scout – and had a lot of fun back at the hotel putting the wand display together. There were toy sets of little cats sitting on rice cookers, tiny replicas of vintage buckets, Pokemon cookie toys and lots of Japanese characters often themed along with the next holiday. These make for small, cheap souvenirs to bring home for friends and family, as they are wonderfully weird and always unexpected.

Grab Breakfast at the Conbini

By this time of night, if you’ve managed to stay awake, it’s time to head back to the hotel. But before you do, stop into a ‘conbini’ (Japanese convenience store) to grab a few items for breakfast. 7-Eleven, Circle K, Lawsons and FamilyMart are the most common stores you’ll find on every corner in Japan. Breakfast in Japan is taken on the go, so you won’t find many restaurants open early in the morning. Picking up some items for a little in-hotel picnic is a great idea to help take it easy on your first morning.

My favourite treats to buy for the morning are an egg salad sandwich (honestly one of the best things you can eat in Japan, sounds weird, but TRUST ME), a baked sweet treat filled with matcha, a can of coffee or latte to crack open in the morning for instant caffeine, and a ball of onigiri. This array of treats is sure to give you a reason to get up in the morning, no matter how tired you feel.

And with that, your first day in Japan comes to a close. Hopefully, with all these tips, you’ll have an incredible first few hours that will result in minimal jet lag and leave you excited for the rest of your time in Japan! Below I’ve listed a few important customs to keep in mind which might surprise you as you experience Japan for the first time. Culture shock is part of travel, but don’t let it overtake you. Embrace it and even try to see if you can follow along with the culture and customs while visiting this incredible country!

Customs to Keep in Mind

Don’t Tip

Tipping isn’t something that is part of Japan’s consumer culture. They believe good service should be something you always should be provided and not something that is earned through money. If you leave money on the table, don’t be surprised if the waiter takes you down the street thinking you might have left it there accidentally. A great way to show your appreciation for excellent service is to learn a few Japanese phrases to tell your waiter, chef or receptionist how much you appreciate their service.

Be ready to bow

Bowing is a sign of respect in Japan, so don’t be surprised to have people bow to you at your hotel, coming onto the bus or even just on the street if you’ve had a particularly lovely interaction. Can foreigners bow, you ask? Most Japanese people don’t expect foreigners to bow, but I found them whenever I simply mimicked exactly what their bow was like; they seemed to respond very positively and loved I made an effort.

Don’t Forget to Bring a Plastic Bag

Garbage cans are one of the most challenging things to find in Japan. The only public place where you can reliably find these is outside of convenience stores. But don’t let that make you think they’ll be garbage all over the place. No, Japan is the cleanest country I’ve ever visited. Locals carry their trash with them until they can find a trash can or often until they get home so they can adequately sort it. Play with the locals and ensure you have a plastic bag to carry your garage and that you’re not ruining their clean streets.

Learn to Line Up

Lineups in Japan are a way the city manages its deluge of people. Everyone is very respectful of the line. There are never any budding or large random groups, everyone takes the idea of lining up seriously, and you should too. Large masses of people taking the subway daily are efficiently organized into two or three lines making even the busiest commute very coordinated. Keep your eye out for lines as they often signify something popular that you wanna jump into. Most often, it is related to food, and you’ll never be disappointed.

Slurping is Key

In North America, slurping might sound rude or low-class, but in Japan, it is a sign of your appreciation for the food. Slurp loud enough that the chef in the back can hear you are going at it!

Ladies only subway cars

During certain times of the day, there are designated carriages for women on the subway. This is to keep them safe in full vehicles. The signs identifying these cars are in pink paint on the floors of the metro, so keep your eye out if you’re a male traveller and don’t want to get on these by accident, an embarrassing affair which we might have experienced once or twice.

Pay your bus fare when you get off

Japan is one of the only places I’ve visited where you have to pay for your bus far when you get off, not when you get on. When you get on the bus, you’ll enter through the back doors, and when you get off, you’ll exit through the front, where you can either pay the ash fare or swipe your Suica or pasmo card.

Don’t be scared of the mouth masks

If you see people wearing mouth masks, don’t be scared. They’re not an Ebola patient or a hypochondriac. These masks are worn to prevent other people from getting sick if you’re coming down with a cold, flu, or even allergies. Even if you’re the slightest bit under the weather, the Japanese plop one of these masks on, more for your protection and out of respect for others. They sell these everywhere, so if you feel like you’re getting sick, you should also don one.

Have you travelled to Japan before? How did you manage your first few hours in the country? Did jet lag get the better of you? Leave your experiences in the comments, or let me know if you’re planning to visit Japan and what other tips and tricks you’d like to learn!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post First Time Travelling to Japan? Here’s our Ultimate Guide for Your First Day in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Don't Ride the Gondolas
2. Don't Limit Yourself to Just the Island of Venice
3. Don't Expect (free) Public Washrooms
4. Don't Bring Heavy Luggage
5. Don't Stress About Getting Lost
6. Don't Visit on the Weekends or in Summer
7. Don't Eat in St. Mark's Square
8. Don't Dine using a 'Tourist Menu'
9. Don't Take a "Free Glass Factory Tour" in Murano
10. Don't Miss the BIG Attractions By Forgetting to Plan in Advance

Don’t Ride the Gondolas

Gondolas are one of the most iconic images of Venice, and watching the black and white striped Gondoliers cruise up and down the canals inside their red velvet-lined boats is not to be missed. What you can miss is riding inside of them. While the dream of riding inside a gondola might seem the ultimate Venetian bucket list experience, the reality is much less dreamy. Gondolas cost at least €80 ($90 USD) for 30 minutes, and the price only goes up after 7 pm. Sure, you can cram up to five or six people inside the gondolas to try to split it with another two couples on the search for romance in Venice, but trust me, the awkward 30 minutes jammed inside a small gondola with strangers isn’t as romantic as you think.

And it costs even more if you want a gondolier who will do all that beautiful singing you’ve heard so much about. Ultimately, those euros could be spent much better on a romantic dinner along a quaint canal. If you place yourself anywhere near these secluded canals, you still get to enjoy all that beautiful singing for yourself without paying a dime.

Instead: Jump on one of the local vaporettos

If you’re dead-set on stepping into a gondola to check it off your bucket list, try a ‘traghetto‘ instead. A ‘Traghetto‘ is Italian for ‘ferry,‘ and these small, black gondolas ferry passengers across the Grand Canal at seven different points. Just from one side to the other. These were used for generations before the construction of the Grand Canal bridges. They cost only €2 and are still used by locals who don’t want to waste their time walking all the way to a bridge to get across. Although the ride might be short, it’s a great way to experience riding inside a gondola without the enormous price tag. The boats are almost exactly the same as the private gondolas, just maybe missing the frills.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Just the Island of Venice

Many people arrive by cruise ship onto the island of Venice and never leave its shores. More people pour in from the train station and don’t think of heading outside the Grand Canal once they arrive. While there are many beautiful things to do in Venice, it’s a great shame to make it down here and not visit at least one other of the surrounding islands.

Instead: Explore the islands of Burano and Murano

Burano and Murano are accessible by a 45-minute ride across the water on one of the public vaporetto boats. Visiting the island is a treat, and the journey out there is a great way to experience the beautiful ocean and surrounding scenery. The islands are crucial to Venice’s art, food, history and culture. Each has its distinctive flair and feeling, vastly different from the glamour and grandiosity of central Venice. You trip won’t be the same without making it out to experience these amazing spots.

Don’t Expect (free) Public Washrooms

Public washrooms aren’t a thing in Venice. The city, now one of Europe’s most popular tourist spots, wasn’t built to be one. And as such, there is a significant shortage of public washrooms. The only truly “public” washrooms aren’t free of charge. Sometimes, they can cost up to €2. And while you can usually spare this the odd time, these costs can add up.

Instead: Find a local coffee or gelato shop

Head into a local coffee or gelato shop and spend that €2 on getting a delicious espresso or refreshing gelato. After making your purchase, ask to use their restroom, and they’ll be more than accommodating since you’ve already purchased something. Visiting these local restaurants is a much better use of your money than just flushing it down the toilet.

Don’t Bring Heavy Luggage

Many travellers will repeatedly be told not to bring roller bags or heavy luggage to small European towns. But this advice is never more valid than in Venice. Packing those heavy, rolling suitcases will be a nightmare here. There are no cars which you can throw your bags into to make their way to your hotel quickly. Walking down cobblestone streets with a rolling suitcase makes enormous noise. Which the locals are not a fan of. Even if you can get a private water taxi, unless your hotel is right on the Grand Canal, you’ll still have to walk a fair way from the nearest boat dock to your accommodation. And these private water taxis cost €13 upfront, plus another €1.80 for each minute of travel. Less reputable boat drivers will often charge you per piece of luggage. 

Instead: Travel Light or Store Your Luggage

Now I’m not a light packer by any means, but I know when it needs to be done! And choosing to pack light made all the difference in the world when visiting Venice. But there is another solution for those who are excited to bring back boatloads of souvenirs but don’t want to be limited to a small backpack. You can always store your large suitcase in the luggage lockers at the Venice train station when you arrive. And transfer the essentials into a small carrying bag and you’ll be on your way! This will allow you to shop to your heart’s desire but will give you the freedom of getting to and from your destinations without any stress or struggle.

Don’t Stress About Getting Lost

Following maps on paper or via google maps is very difficult in a city like Venice. Sometimes the pathways are quite literally underwater. During the wet season in Venice, vast portions of the city get flooded, and raised paths are used to get around safely. But not everywhere has these raised walkways, so often streets will simply shut down, and you must take complicated detours. Venice’s streets will notoriously change their name halfway along, sending tourists into a tizzy. But don’t stress. Venice is a small island. Walking from one end to the other only takes about an hour, so you’re never that far away from where you want to end up.

Instead: Embrace the Wander

Keep in mind if you’re headed in the right general direction, you’ll eventually make it there. Learn to love exploring and find little treasures along hidden passageways. These are the fantastic discoveries about Venice which make it so unique. I would even challenge you to spend an entire day without your phone guiding you. Use that simple paper map you get at tourist information and see how far that gets you. When you get “lost,” just ask a local for directions. While you’re at it, ask them for a dinner or food recommendation and see if you can start a conversation. Locals might bristle at tourists initially (they are, after all, overrun with them) but they LOVE their city. And are incredibly giving and kind when they see someone genuinely trying to engage.

Don’t Visit on the Weekends or in Summer

If you have the option of when you can visit Venice, try not to visit on the weekends. This is not only because there will be a massive influx of tourists but because many of the main tourist sights (like churches and cathedrals) are closed for local services. Hotels will also be much more expensive during the weekends as even Italians travel on these days a weekend mini-breaks.

If you want to enhance your experience, avoid travelling during the summer. Summers in Venice are incredibly muggy as it’s so close to the seaside. The crowds make the temperatures seem ten times hotter than it is really is. Cruise ships are in and out of the ports, and the weight of these daytrippers can be felt not only on the ground but in the local’s attitudes.

One of the comments I always hear about Venice is that it smells. And yes, those old swampy canals can smell in the summer heat. But that’s just like any other large city in the summer. New York’s piled-up garbage is no picnic in 40-degree weather, either. Don’t blame the city, blame the sun.

Instead: Visit Venice in its offseason

Pack warmly and visit Venice in the winter. You’ll be shocked to see how different the city is compared to the stories of those who came in the summer. Winter in Venice is a strangely magical place. The city’s locals seem to come alive, despite the colder weather. The silent side canals and ancient architecture shuddering in the brisk wind are hauntingly beautiful and well worth checking out. The spring and fall are equally stunning, but you’re better off coming in the fall when you can avoid flooding that plagues the springtime.

Don’t Eat in St. Mark’s Square

Restaurants in any big city, especially near those HUGE tourist attractions, are rife with scams. And many overcharge customers to a staggering degree. Those beautiful cafes in St. Mark’s square, which make for lovely photographs, should be avoided at all costs. Mainly due to those costs. These cafes are overpriced and tack on a “sitting” surcharge simply because of the location.

Anytime you enter a cafe, ask if there is a “cover charge.” If you ask, they must fess up to this, so never be embarrassed. If the cover charge isn’t too bad and you feel like the overpriced drinks are worth the view, then absolutely go right ahead. But to save yourself a surprisingly large bill, always check before sitting down.

Instead: Head down any small side street adjacent to St. Mark’s

It’s always incredible to me the fantastic places you can find just steps away from the crowded tourist traps. Look for locals migrating, and you’re heading in the right direction.

If you’re insistent on eating at one of those picturesque restaurants, ask for their “al banco” or bar menu. This menu is often a completely different price point compared to their “al tavolo” or table menu. The only caveat is you’ll have to sit or stand at the bar. But sometimes I find this the best seat in the house as you get to watch the cooks or bar tenders at work and decipher the most popular dishes you yourself might want to try.

Don’t Dine using a ‘Tourist Menu’

Venice was perhaps the city in Europe where I saw the most prominent use of “tourist menus.” It is no secret that Venice isn’t the place to come for the best Italian cuisine, but there are incredible meals. If you know where to look. But Tourist menus are truly the worst ways to experience Venetian cuisine. They are built up of easy-to-please, faux-Italian meals. It’s watered-down cooking and mediocre at best. Avoid menus printed in various languages; although this is very inclusive, it often denotes that it’s not a traditional or local restaurant.

Also, be wary of anything that comes for “free.” Venice has been notorious for putting platters of oysters down in front of customers who didn’t order any without saying a thing. Assuming it’s perhaps a free entree, tourists gobble them up. Then at the end of the meal, you get an unexpected bill. If anything arrives at your table that you didn’t order, question it immediately. If they bring up some unspecific cost, say, “no, thank you,” and send it back!

Instead: Look for Handwritten Italian menus

The key to finding a good restaurant in Venice is looking for one without a paper menu at all. Just a chalkboard where they write their daily specials, using only the fresh catch of the day. Even if you don’t speak Italian, there are always a few words you can learn to identify what different dishes contain. As you tour around Venice, check out what the locals are eating and be sure to order that. A few local specialties in Venice are deeply rooted in their proximity to the ocean. Try any seafood-based risotto like moleche (small green crabs), which are popular in the springtime. Or creamed dried cod spread across fresh bread. And ‘Bigoli in salsa‘ is an appetizer pasta made using only three ingredients; onion, anchovies and white wine. Simple and delicious!

Don’t Take a “Free Glass Factory Tour” in Murano

Venetian glass is renowned all over the world. But with popularity comes those trying to take advantage of just that. Throughout San Marco, you’ll see hawkers advertising “free trips” to Murano to visit glass factories. Remember: nothing in this world is free. These dodgy companies will take you to some less-than-reputable glass factories in Murano. Once you arrive, the salespeople will put immense pressure on you to purchase some of their glass. Often guilting you into it since they provided you with a 45-minute trip to Murano for “free.”

This is not only really stressful but also prevents you from buying a piece of glasswork you genuinely fall in love with. These places are also known for purchasing much of their glasswork from China, and the artisans you see working in the factory are often just there for show. The best way to be sure what you’re buying is real is to check the price; too good to be true is often just that.

Instead: Take the public ferry to Murano and explore for yourself

The public vaporetto from Venice to Murano costs around €10. Sure, it’s not a “free” trip, but you’ll definitely feel free by being able to explore this gorgeous island on your own. There are dozens and dozens of authentic glass shops in Murano. Each artisan has their own unique style and heritage. Many artists have had the trade passed down from generation to generation.

And not all glass from Murano has to be prohibitively expensive. Sure, there are chandeliers which cost upwards of $100,000, but there are also gorgeous glass earrings which cost less than €10. I bought a few pairs, which are my favourite souvenir of the trip. I even picked the colours and watched the artist make the earrings right before my eyes. A real memory to bring back with me!

Don’t Miss the BIG Attractions By Forgetting to Plan in Advance

Venice is a small but busy city. Tourism is booming in this historical hub, and no matter when you arrive, there will always be tons of people. If there are one or two attractions you have your heart set on, don’t be shy about booking these tickets in advance. St. Mark’s Basilica ticket MUST be booked in advance. And even advance bookings get sold out sooner than you’d think. Some of the more popular museums often face the same issue during peak season.

Instead: Book your tickets online in advance

Despite the city feeling trapped in the past, the Venetian tourism industry is smack dab in the 21st century. And all the big attractions and museums offer advanced ticket purchases online from anywhere in the world. This will not only secure the fact you’ll be able to visit a particular place when in town, but also means you’ll be able to bypass the huge lines. Yes, you can always wake up early in the morning to be the first ones at the gate, but it’s your vacation, and you deserve to sleep in and relax! I’d recommend booking these at least two months in advance just to ensure you aren’t disappointed, especially in the summer.

Venice is a city that demands careful planning and thoughtful exploration. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes and embracing the alternative activities suggested, you’ll be well on your way to having an unforgettable experience in this unique and magical city. Remember to take your time, soak in the beauty of your surroundings, and explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots to truly get a sense of what Venice has to offer. By doing so, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this incredible destination, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready for an adventure that you’ll never forget!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes In Venice And Discover These Ultimate Activities Instead! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.