I go to Italy almost every year. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I see first-time visitors make — and how to avoid them.

I've seen a lot of first-time visitors to Italy make common mistakes that I myself have made.

Jenna DeLaurentis

• I go to Italy almost every year, and I always see first-time visitors making the same mistakes.
• First-timers often build their itinerary around popular cities while ignoring Italy's hidden gems.
• It's wise to avoid eating at restaurants close to popular attractions or bringing a large suitcase.

Even after visiting over 40 countries, Italy remains one of my favorites.