Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including EUR) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

When you’re in the towns themselves — Sorrento, Capri and any of the Amalfi Coast villages — your best bet is to explore on foot. Expect traditional cobblestone streets and lots (we mean, lots) of stairs, so comfy shoes are a must. You can use public buses or hire a car to get from Sorrento to the towns along the Amalfi Coast but be warned that traffic and parking can be a nightmare in the peak months and the roads are very windy. If you’re confident, a scooter is a more convenient (and festive!) option. And Capri, of course, is accessible by ferry — just be sure to pre-book tickets.

We have this region to thank for one of the best contributions to bar carts around the world: limoncello. The lemons grown on the Sorrentine Peninsula are known for their thick, aromatic skins that are ideal for making this traditional Italian liqueur, best enjoyed as an ice-cold digestif. You’ll hear differing theories of limoncello’s origins in these parts — the towns of Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri all lay claim. And it doesn’t really matter which is correct. What does matter is that you should expect to sample plenty of it during your time here, and purchase a bottle or two as a souvenir.

Sure, you’ve heard of Capri but there are two other inhabited islands in the Bay of Naples worth visiting. The first is Procida, a tiny island filled with colourful houses, which you may recognise from The Talented Mr Ripley. The other is Ischia, known for its historic thermal baths and outdoor pools, and the medieval Aragonese Castle. Ferries to both Procida and Ischia depart daily from Sorrento and each takes about an hour.