Advice for Italy?

Question

I am taking some high school students to Florence, Assisi, Rome, Pompeii and Sorrento/Capri..... what advice do you have? I am taking 12 girls and 6 males, ages 16-20.

Some of them have never traveled before, but they live in a large city (Houston).

Answer 1

nothing particular... beware of politicians within this season, they are particularly hungry and they would give a very close look to your wallet

Answer 2

what my school did was they got a deal from a cell phone provider that allowed us to rent cell phones to bring to italy for a discounted price....that way, we (the students) could call home (w/o it being too expensive), and that way all of the students would have each other's numbers, as well as the teachers, and the teacher could have everyone else's numbers....since some of them are under age, i suggest that you dont let them go on their own all the time....make sure that they check in w/ u often.....and u call them often (if u use the cell phone rental thing)

Answer 3

Let them have fun and enjoy our culture first hand. Give them time at night so they can go out... meet people etc. Give them time to shop, EXPLAIN TO THEM not to expect american LAWS, sizes and way of thinking!... thats the best advise....

enjoy .. what you see!

Ci vediammo!

Answer 4

OHH. i been to italy twice. once with family and once with my highschool. i had a blast! .sightseeing is a must. but i would def allow them to wonder off but not to far and have a certain meeting time. let them explore the small markets and shops and food places so they can get a feel of what its like to be in another country ;]

Answer 5

Language translator. Passport ( of course) and learning a little of the history, culture, time zones and currency.

They have books and tapes, about touring Italy, at your local library.

Answer 6

Italy is relatively safe like others have said, as far a violence is concerned. But in big cities you have to watch out for other dangerous such as pick-pocketing. Keep all valuables safe and hidden, there are a lot of people and you never know what could be stolen. Sorrento and Capri are very beautiful but VERY crowded, be careful.

If they dont already have passports, get them NOW. Theres room for error and long waits and you want to make sure you have them.

Have money BEFORE you get to the airport. Exchanging currency there is WAY WAY more expensive than it would be at a bank, do not get stuck doing that at an airport.

I'd suggest phrase books, but really, how much of it are they going to learn? I suppose its wise to keep one handy, but most Italians in large cities will know enough english to converse.

Read up on the culture. Simple things we may do here could offend people there. They are very polite people. I've been in a restaurant and a couple sat behind me and the woman said something which was the equivalence of apologizing for sitting so close with her back to me. Make sure they are mindful of their manners.

anddddd HAVE FUN.

Answer 7

well make sure they sleep on the plane because jet lag can ruin trips.

give them a wee bit of free time every day.

rome is very tourist friendly and everyone speaks English.

have fun and enjoy the food!

Answer 8

i can give you suggestions about tuscany, during the time you will be in the florence area, why don't you take the group for some days in a villa in the countryside, tuscan hills, and organzie for them something very special such as cooking classes, wine tasting, visito to farms, visit to medieval villages and castles, painting courses...tours on a quad etc...? i suggest you to look at  www.ariannandfriends.com  I'm sure you'll find many ideas. they can help you in organizing these kind of activities. enjoy it

Answer 9

tell them to keep both hands on their cash. Pickpocketting is a national sport.

Answer 10

Hi, Italy is relatively safe, but like most places in the world, you have to keep your witts about you!  Compared to other European countries like France, Germany, Holland and Scandinavia, a, albeit large, minority speak English, rather than the majority.  They are very courteous people, particularly where you are going, so basics such as please and thank you should be encouraged, particularly when they will be sure to say 'prego' ('thank you') to you all of the time!

I lived in Italy for 6 months about 10 years ago with a mixed group of about 10 girls and 8 guys (when I was 20) and I have been several times since. It is a beautiful country and you couldn't have chosen a better combination of places to visit.  One mistake I made when I was in Palermo was drive - it was the maddest experience I've ever had - just a free for all! I've since driven in Milan and it's much the same.  Having said that, the Italians all seem to be incredible drivers, so they can cope with the crazy traffic (I suppose it's all they are used to).  Basically, make sure you leave the driving to the Italians!

All the best, enjoy your trip!

Answer 11

I'd say keep your eyes peeled in Roma...it's very busy and VERY crowded. Make sure you and your students discuss a meeting place in case you accidently disperse, or provide an emergency number that you can be reached at at all times.

PS: I got lost in Roma once. Luckily, I was able to call our teacher's cell...they were all on the bus, about to leave without me! Pretty scary!