Puglia, Italy
Download offline maps for Ostuni and the surrounding region; this assists with navigation even without an internet connection.
Download the offline Italian language pack. This app holds significant utility for translating signs, menus, and communicating with locals.
Useful for making restaurant reservations and finding dining options in Ostuni and nearby towns.
The official app for booking train tickets in Italy. Helpful if you plan to use trains for intercity travel.
Widely used in Italy for messaging and calls. Many B&B hosts and local businesses use it for communication.
An app to assist with paying for parking in blue-lined paid parking zones, if you plan to rent a car.
Viaggiareinpuglia.it - Includes broad information on attractions, events, and experiences throughout Puglia.
Trenitalia.com - For official train schedules and ticket booking.
Consult this official government website for the most current visa and entry requirements for Italy.
Sites like TripAdvisor and others present reviews for accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, offering insights from other travelers.
Seek reputable guidebooks covering Puglia or Southern Italy from publishers like Fodor's, Frommer's, or Michelin; these present detailed information on sights, dining, and local culture. Local tourist maps are frequently available for free at the tourist information office in Ostuni. For self-drivers, a Michelin Italy Puglia Road Map offers useful detail for navigating the region's roads.
"Extra Virgin" by Annie Hawes: A charming memoir about an Englishwoman's experiences living in rural Puglia, offering humorous and insightful observations on local life. "Eating My Way Through Italy" by Elizabeth Bard: This book covers Italian food culture, including experiences in Puglia, offering a culinary perspective on the region.
Check for local free newspapers or event listings (often found at tourist offices, cafes, or hotels) upon arrival. These share current information on events, festivals, and temporary exhibitions.
Inform a trusted person of your detailed itinerary.
Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and plant watering.
Secure your home, lock windows and doors, and set up any security systems.
For large group bookings or during peak travel seasons, making reservations far in advance is highly recommended to secure desired options.
Acquaint yourself with Puglian culture, history, and cuisine.
Familiarize yourself with fundamental Italian phrases to enhance interactions.
Download offline maps and translation apps to your phone for uninterrupted use.
Ensure digital copies of all essential documents exist, stored securely in a cloud service or email.
Inform a trusted person of your detailed itinerary.
Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and plant watering.
Secure your home, lock windows and doors, and set up any security systems.
Create a shared document (e.g., Google Doc) for your itinerary, booking confirmations, and important contact numbers. Share it with your travel companions and a trusted person back home.