Those who do not eat meat will find Italy a wonderland of easy menu choices. As meat does not play a prominent role, for the most part, in Italian cuisine, there are always plenty of alternatives to choose from. Stir-fry vegetarians will have to adjust to olive oil, but the traditional tastes are compensatory.

Having said that, it should be pointed out that salads are, on the other hand, a frequent disappointment. This is primarily due to the fact that you are most likely going to be served a modest dinner salad or crudités accompanied by a condiment set stocked with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper from which to mix your own dressing.

It may be the most boring salad dressing you've ever had, but mastering the art of the dressing itself will give you some European flair to take home. Don't look to the waiter for help, just stir together bit of salt and vinegar in your spoon, sprinkle it over the salad, and top it off with a fine thread of olive oil and toss.

This will hardly do as a dip for the carrot sticks and bits of celery, but forewarned is forearmed. Stick with the cooked vegetables or Caprese (tomato and mozzarella salad with basil). A good Niçoise, found nearly anywhere, offers more taste and more varied ingredients.