PHLondoner

Me and my family have had a long-standing trip (since we booked it in the *fall of 2019*) coming up for the first few weeks in August in Lake Como. We have everything in order from a travel document standpoint - so i'm not really too concerned about any of that.

Really, just want to hear from any folks who have visited, are visiting, or who live in Italy what the vibe is like - especially in Lombardy which was hit incredibly hard - and if it's really worth visiting at this point in time. Obviously it's a decent time and financial investment and you don't want to feel like the experience is wasted.

So, can we have anything bordering on a normal Italian get-away? I know everything is now in the White Zone and shops/cafes are open - but, is it, for a lack of a better term, weird? Uncomfortable?

Or, is it like it is in most places back here in the States where it, in many ways, feels like COVID never happened?

13901

It's quite back to normal, with some significant exceptions:

1. You must wear a mask indoors or on public transport. End of. No "I'm vaccinated it doesn't apply", "I've got asthma", whatever. There might be cases where people don't wear one, or wears it badly, but by far and large the requirement is to wear it. Of course while you eat you don't have to, but it's still a requirement. And people in Italy are pretty vocal about it, so you will get challenged if you don't. If that's a show stopper for you, I'd recommend going somewhere else because it'll be a problem.
2. Though gone now, there's still a tendency to wear masks outside when in crowded places.
3. There's still some social distancing, e.g. concerts don't allow standing attendance and no mosh pit... which is sad.

Apart from that, there's some talks about introducing a covid-pass like they did in France but right now it's mostly just talk. It'll take a while for it to get hold.

annaschummi

I would say that it depends on the personal attitude to masks and social distancing.
Masks: it is a continious put it on - take if off. If you are used to not wearing it, it will be disturbing. If you are used to keep it always, it won't be a problem. But the tempatures are high in Italy right now.
Social distancing: if you pretend that everybody in the queue or on a bus will respect 1m distance - it does not happen. Nobody enforces it, even in the queue in the vaccine hub (yesterday's experience).

Another incognito is what will happen with an extended green pass following France example.
Personally for me: we are all vaccinated, our vacation does not include concerts, discos or any crowded places. Beach, restaurant, nature sightseeing, walking in the mountains. Mask wearing does not disturb me. So I am looking forward to my holidays.

PHLondoner

Thanks for the responses. That makes me feel a bit better. We're traveling with relatively young kids so no discos or concerts lol - mostly just town and lake exploration during the day, finding a spot for dinner, and then enjoying the lake views at night. Nothing crazy. We're also very comfortable with mask wearing.

In terms of mask wearing *outdoors* is it something most people are still doing - or is it just an indoor thing entirely now?

annaschummi

Indoor is compulsory, while outdoor in crowded places only. What does a crowded place mean? Everybody has their own definition, so wearing masks while walking is not enforced.

steamboater

Just got back from Milan/Como and felt pretty normal to me. Masks are worn more than US but nothing too wild as far people yelling at you if didnt have on for a brief period. Obviously less tourists from US which was a plus also.

annaschummi

Following France rules, here Italy comes up with an extended green pass as well. For those who are vaccinated, nothing changes, they will just need to show QR code where requited (restaurants for inside sitting, museums). Not extended yet to public transportation, shopping malls and hotels.

SanDiego1K

Does anyone know if it is possible to use the California QR vaccination code to get an Italian green card?

13901

Doubt it. I tried with my UK one but unfortunately, although I have my Italian 'NHS' card and number, it wouldn't work. Have you tried the French vaccination app? it's discussed here: FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Vaccine passports for UK citizens for international travel

dhuey

Several times in Venice and in the Alps, an Italian would tell me that I was the first American they'd seen in over a year. That was kinda cool. Nothing was crowded anywhere I went. Right now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Italy in the summer without large crowds of tourists.

yngdiego

I downloaded the Italian COVID verification app, and it would NOT authenticate my California COVID QR code.

dhuey

I'd be surprised if the California code gets integrated with any other U.S. state's system, much less another nation's.

annaschummi

Well, the crowds are not that large as we are missing US, Chinese and Russian tourists. However, it's not as empty as it might be. Italians also take advantage of this situation and travel around Italy. Personally I've been to Venice, Rome and 5Terre where I have not been for years. I think Costiera Amalfitana and Rome are pretty full right now as if there were no Covid.

Seph87

Great to hear. I am visiting Lake Como in two weeks and I was worried it would be mobbed, but it sounds like that won't be the case.

dhuey

My train from Tirano to Milano went along the east side of Lake Como for a long stretch. It was a beautiful summer day, but it didn't look crowded at all on the beaches or in the towns.