MileHacker Logo
Resources & References

Resources & References

Umbria And Le Marche, Italy

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps:

    A versatile app for navigation; download offline maps for uninterrupted use.

  • Google Translate:

    Overcomes language barriers; offline mode and camera translation are available.

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used in Italy for communication with locals and hosts.

  • Trainline EU / Trenitalia:

    Important for checking train schedules and booking tickets throughout Italy.

  • Busitalia Umbria:

    Provides local bus schedules and route information for Perugia and Umbria.

Accommodation & Dietary Apps

  • Booking.com / Airbnb:

    Helpful for finding and managing accommodation reservations.

  • HappyCow:

    Finds suitable restaurants for specific dietary needs, like vegetarian or vegan.

  • Useful Websites:

    Perugia Tourism, Umbria Tourism, Trenitalia.com, ItaloTreno.it, Busitalia Umbria, Perugina.com.

  • Social Media:

    Follow official tourism accounts for inspiring photos, event updates, and travel tips.

  • Podcasts & Digital Content:

    Search for "Perugia travel podcast" for insights into the region's history and culture.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Consider a comprehensive Italy or Central Italy guidebook from a reputable publisher (Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Rick Steves).

City Maps

A detailed city map of Perugia helps navigation through the old town's winding streets.

Books about the Destination

Reading about Umbrian history and culture deepens your appreciation. Look for contemporary non-fiction works or novels set in Umbria.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Unified Emergency Number (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 (universal European number).
  • Medical Emergency (Ambulance): 118.
  • Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia (main public hospital): Piazzale Menghini, 1.
  • Embassy and consulate information for consular assistance (e.g., lost passports).

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Report loss/theft to local police immediately for a police report.
  • Credit Cards: Call your bank/credit card company immediately to report loss/theft and cancel cards.
  • Natural Disaster Protocols: Follow local authority instructions; seek open ground away from buildings.
  • Pay attention to official civil protection guidance through local media.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Search streaming services for documentaries on Umbria or Italian history.
  • Films set in Italy offer a visual appreciation of the landscape and culture.
  • Explore content relevant to Perugia's art movements.
  • Visual content deepens understanding.

Music and Art

  • Listen to Italian jazz, especially if visiting during Umbria Jazz.
  • Research Renaissance painters like Perugino and Pinturicchio.
  • Familiarity with their styles elevates museum visits.
  • Art and music create a cultural connection.

Online Communities & Language Learning

  • Join online travel communities or forums.
  • Platforms like TripAdvisor or specific Facebook groups are useful.
  • Consider language learning apps like Babbel, Duolingo, or Memrise.
  • Even a small effort with Italian is appreciated by locals.

Pre-Trip Checklist

A well-structured pre-trip checklist removes stress. This chronological guide aids task management, creating a smoother journey to Perugia.

Essential Preparations Timeline

+ Months Before Departure

  • Confirm Passport Validity:

    Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area (six months for ease of travel).

  • Book International Flights:

    Booking international flights well in advance often yields better fares and preferred routes, especially during high season.

  • Research & Book Accommodation:

    Once travel dates are firm, book your main accommodation in Perugia, especially for peak times.

Month Before Departure

  • Book Internal Travel:

    Book internal flights, high-speed train tickets, or long-distance bus tickets if onward travel within Italy is planned.

  • Arrange Tours/Classes:

    Book any private tours, cooking classes, or unique experiences that typically have limited availability.

  • Notify Banks:

    Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to avoid fraud alerts.

Week Before Departure

Confirm All Bookings

Double-check all flight, accommodation, and tour bookings. Print or download digital copies of all confirmations for easy access.

Pack Essential Items

Pack climate-appropriate clothing and all necessary documents, medications, and technology items. Utilize your packing list.

Prepare Digital Tools

Download and familiarize yourself with essential travel apps, including Google Maps offline maps and Google Translate offline mode.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

City Dynamics

  • Familiarize yourself with Perugia's hilly terrain and the MiniMetro system.
  • Review Italy's ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) rules if driving.
  • Understand legal parking outside ZTLs.

Health & Security

  • Consult your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations or health precautions.
  • Ensure routine vaccinations are current.
  • Obtain a small amount of Euros for immediate expenses.
  • Create digital and physical copies of important documents.

Home Preparation

Securing Your Home

  • Lock all doors and windows securely.
  • Arrange for pet care if needed.
  • Organize plant watering.
  • Put mail delivery on hold for extended periods.

Financial & Communication

  • Pay any upcoming bills to avoid late fees.
  • Store digital copies of important documents in cloud storage.
  • Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.
  • Pack all prescription medications in original labeled containers.

Pre-Trip Organization

A well-organized pre-trip checklist removes stress. This chronological guide aids task management, creating a smoother journey.