Bonjour,
Je rêve depuis longtemps d'aller en Italie mais ce qui m'a toujours freiné, c'est que je ne parle pas la langue. Moi qui aime beaucoup échanger avec les autochtones, j'ai peur d'être frustrée à cause de ça.
Sachant que je ne pars jamais en voyage organisé et que j'ai l'habitude de me débrouiller sur place (plusieurs expériences dans des pays hispanophones), pensez-vous que je puisse m'en sortir en pratiquant "seulement" la langue française, anglaise et espagnole ?
Merci de vos réponses
Dans les endroits touristiques, on trouve des gens qui parlent anglais ou français.
L'Espagnol aide à comprendre l'Italien, il y a des ressemblances entre les deux langues.
Les jeunes parlent davantage les langues étrangères que les aînés, et les gens d'un certain niveau d'instruction aussi.
Mais "beaucoup échanger" avec les Italiens "de base", dans la rue, si on ne parle pas leur langue, ce n'est pas évident, à mon avis et d'après mon expérience.
et leur difficulté à parler l'anglais m'a beacoup surpris
Même dans les endroits très touristiques, les stations de trains, on arrive à peine à dire "yes" et "no". Même chez les plus jeunes
Bien sûr on arrive toujours à se faire comprendre, même avec un minium d'anglais. Mais si le but est d'engager un conversation plus approfondi...vous risquez en effet d'être frustrée à quelques reprises
Bref...pour visiter le pays, pas de problème. Mais pour "échanger" avec les autochtones, ce sera plus difficle
Je crois qu'on parle mieux le français que l'anglais en Italie. DU moins...selon mon expérience
Cela dit, j'ai rencontré des italiens qui parlaient bien anglais ou français, mais de façon général, les langues étrangères ne sont pas leur point fort 😉
On va toujours trop loin pour ceux qui ne vont nulle part (Pierre Flardeau)
Bonjour, l'Italien est très proche du francais, j'ai toujours rencontré un Italien qui parlait francais ou dans le pire des cas j'ai toujours réussi a comprendre leur italien et eux mon francais. Tu peux y aller sans crainte.
Bonjour, l'Italien est très proche du francais, j'ai toujours rencontré un Italien qui parlait francais ou dans le pire des cas j'ai toujours réussi a comprendre leur italien et eux mon francais. Tu peux y aller sans crainte.
l'italien ressemble au français, c'est vrai
Dans mon cas par contre, s'il est vrai que pour la lecture on peut arriver à comprendre les grandes lignes, lorsqu'un Italien se met à parler...c'est une autre histoire
C'est comme pour l'espagnol, les mots se ressemblent, mais une fois ces même mots dans la bouche d'un espagnol ou d'un italien...je ne pige plus rien 🤪. Et je crois que c'est le cas de pas mal toutes les personnes qui n'ont aucune base dans la langue en question, à moins que son interlocuteur parle très lentement
On va toujours trop loin pour ceux qui ne vont nulle part (Pierre Flardeau)
Bonjour, oui bien sur il faut faire l'effort de parler lentement, mais il y a aussi un problème d'accent, je pense que c'est plus difficile pour un Quebecois
que pour un Francais. J'ai par exemple un associé anglais qui parle parfaitement le francais mais quand il est a Marseille il a beaucoup de difficultés
a comprendre, té peuchère avé l'assent!
Si tu rêves de l'Italie, vas-y !
Je parles couramment français et anglais, et je me débrouille bien en espagnol, mais je ne parle pas un mot d'italien.
Grace au français et à l'espagnol, tu arriveras dans l'ensemble à comprendre ce qu'on te dit, et également à répondre en faisant un mélange de ces 2 langues, si ton interlocuteur ne parle pas anglais. Cette methode m'a permi de discutter avec des italiens ne parlant que italien.
Et en plus, prend avec toi un dictionnaire de poche pour pouvoir si besoin montrer le mot que tu veux dire, et pour que ton interlocuteur puisse en retour montrer sa réponse si vous ne vous comprenez pas.
J'avais en plus le guide de poche Harrap's de conversation "parler italien en voyage", ça aide pour les situations de base, et ça permet d'apprendre un peu la langue avant le départ.
Et puis, si tu rêves tant que ça de l'italie, pourquoi ne pas te mettre à l'italien (avec une méthode assimil ou autre)
Commentaire d'un Francais qui vit en Italie:
En Italie, c'est comme en France, on apprend les langues à l'école parce qu'il faut! Mais souvent on ne pratique pas et donc tres vite on oublie! Ou alors on est pas sur de soi et on n'ose pas. Mais si on pousse un peu, ils repondent! L'anglais est plus enseigné que le français desormais. Le français, c'est la langue "chic", et l'anglais est celle "utile". Mais dans les deux cas, elle s'use si on ne s'en sert pas (ce n'est pas comme les fameuses piles!).
Cela dit, dans les lieus touristiques, les villes etc, on trouve toujours quelqu'un pour s'expliquer. Et puis les mains font aussi parti des moyens de communiquer!
Si tu sais bien l'espagnol, pas de probleme, parle en espagnol et ils comprendont plus de la moitié de ce que tu dis. Et vice versa.
Et l'Italie c'est le pays du "systeme debrouille"! C'est celui qui marche le mieux! Tu trouveras toujours quelqu'un pour aider!
Ma femme et moi sommes de retour d'un voyage d'un mois en Italie en auto. J'avais personnellement pris quelques heures de cours d'Italien mais ce n'est pas nécessaire. Le "basic" est suivant tel les nombres, les journées et les paroles d'approches. Partout vous pourrez vous débrouiller en Anglais (surtout) et en Français. Bon voyage.
Buon giorno!
Non è difficile imparare a parlare la lingua italiana, mà communicare con la gente è piu difficile perché parla veloce e la lingua è molta diversa a seconda la personna o la regione!! 😉
Un peu d'humour pour dire qu'il n'est pas difficile d'apprendre à parler l'italien, mais que de communiquer avec les gens est plus difficile parce qu'ils parlent rapidement et que la langue varie selon la personne ou la région! Les commentaires qui vous ont été transmis sont à peu près tous vrais. Après avoir visiter l'Italie dans les grandes villes et petits villages, du nord au presque sud, d'ouest en est, je résumerais en disant:Si vous désirez y aller, ne laisser pas la langue vous intimider.
Après quelques jours, vous aurez déjà appris quelques mots ou phrases essentielles et plus de temps vous y passerez, plus ce sera facile.Allez-y sans crainte?! Non, préparez-vous un peu!Oui, les endroits plus touristiques ont des employés qui parlent d'autres langues dont l'anglais, mais pas tous.Oui, le gestuel est un language international, mais un petit lexique ou dictionnaire français/italien/franâis vous aidera à vous préparer pour demander l'essentiel, lire les menus, demander des directions ou ce que vous recherchez.Oui, les racines latines permettent de faire des rapprochements entre les certains mots en français, espagnol et italien.Si vous parlez lentement, on vous répondra aussi plus lentement.Si vous posez facilement la question, attendez-vous à ce que la réponse soit plus difficile à comprendre. 🙂Attention, l'Italien qui "baragouine" dans le nord de l'Italie est très différent de celui qui "baragouine" dans le sud de l'Italie.
Il n'est pas vrai que certains italiens parlent plus anglais que français ou l'inverse. Tout dépend à quoi on a été exposé.
Ceux qui ont vécu ou ont de la parenté en Suisse, France ou Belgique parlent un peu plus français. Les plus jeunes sont plus exposés à l'anglais sans toutefois bien le parler.
Dans le nord de l'Italie, la langue est plus germanique et le "Ladin" existe encore. Dans le Frioul, la langue est plus slovane.
Le napolitain, campobasso etc...sont un peu plus difficile à comprendre...etc...etc...Les Italiens apprécient qu'on parle leur langue et vos échanges avec eux en seront d'autant plus agréables s'ils reconnaissent que vous avez fait un effort pour en apprendre quelques mots. Plus mon vocabulaire s'est amélioré, plus j'ai fait de rencontre et plus les échanges ont été chaleureux!Je vous souhaite ce voyage!
Je suis d'origine italienne, "ma" langue est le français et je suis bilingue espagnol.
La similitude des trois langues te permettra de passer la barrière de la langue sans trop de difficultés.
Il y a dans ce pays, bien plus de différence entre le nord et le sud que chez nous, l'italien parlé au nord et celui pratiqué au sud, sont assez "différents", bien plus qu'en France ou c'est essentiellement, surtout, une question d'accent entre nordistes et sudistes.
Et puis, si les mots n'arrivent pas, n'oublie pas que l'italien est une "chanson de geste", laisse alors tes mains prendre le relais, celà se fera naturellement et ne perd pas de vue celle de ton interlocuteur... surtout s'il s'agit d'UN interlocuteur d'ailleurs 😏
Hi there, a friend will be visiting Great Britain in August and would like to explore some representative spots in Denmark before heading back to Canada.
What affordable activities could you recommend to him?
He’d really appreciate it, as he has a deep appreciation for Nordic countries—probably because of his own Nordic roots.
Thanks
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,
and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May...
To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
