I am traveling to Italy for the first time, does anyone have good advice?

Question

I have never been to Europe and will be staying in Italy for 30-35 days. My friends won't save their money, so I will be going alone. Any advice will help. Airfare, travel passes, housing, money saving, ect...?

Answer 1

Italy is WONDERFUL. I was there for a little over 2 weeks last spring, and spent time in Rome, Florence, Venice, and a few stops in between. I can't provide much info about cheap airfare or hotels because my professors took care of that end of everything, but I could maybe help you out anyway.

DEFINITELY watch your wallet while you're out and about in Rome. Its not crazy dangerous, but my friend got his camera stolen while we were on a train. Also, as in any big city, beggars are everywhere, but there is so much to see - keep moving!

Public transportation is a must, but the cities are extremely walkable, and feet are free!

In Florence (FAVORITE place by the way - quaint but not boring and fewer beggars than Rome) my fellow study abroaders and I stayed in a hostel. It was very dorm room-ish but nice with private bathrooms, and was cheaper than a hotel. Don't know how you'd feel about that since you're going alone, but you could probably find a place that has some single rooms. You could also check out couchsurfing.com for a virtually free place to stay.

To save money on food find a grocery store! A fresh loaf of bread, some cheese, veggies (or meat if you want), and a bottle of wine could last you a few meals and probably cost less than 10euros.

Yeah and I would definitely pack light. I deeply regretted my massive suitcase and extra dufflebag once I got to Venice and had to go over what felt like 50 bridges. Two pairs of nice jeans that could be worn with sneakers (day) and nicer shoes (night) would probably be sufficient to get you through the month, a button down shirt, a few tshirts...bare necessities. You can always pick up more stuff if you feel the need.

As for learning Italian, the basic phrases should be fine. Most of the people there are wonderful, friendly, and can probably speak some English, but its fun and also respectful to at least attempt the language of the country you're visiting!

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!

Answer 2

Consider joining SERVAS, which is an international network of travelers and hosts who have passed a background check:   www.servas.org

English is the business language of the world and you can get by. People in the tourism industry (airlines, hotels, taxicabs, restaurants, etc.) will almost always understand enough English so you will get where you need to go, have a place to stay, and not starve.

It is still a good idea to learn as much Italian as you can before you go.  At least learn how to say:

Yes

No

Please

Thank you

Good

Bad

How much

Where is

Hello

Goodbye

Good day/evening

Learn to count to 10 or more

Primary colors

Also learn the names of basic menu items (bread, butter, milk, water, beef, pork, chicken, rice, eggs, cheese, etc.) and cooking styles (fried, baked, grilled) so you don't accidentally order something unexpected..

Note that words like airport, hotel, restaurant, taxi, sandwich, and Coca-Cola are universal.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in your daily life.

Hold your checked luggage to two regular-size rolling suitcases (not more than 50 pounds each).

If you take a laptop it almost certainly accepts 240 volts so you don't need a converter for it (look on the power supply). However, you do need an adapter to connect the flat-prong USA plug to round-prong outlets in Europe. Stores like BestBuy and CompUSA sell a multi-adapter + surge protector for about $25. You are allowed two carryon items, so the laptop + the small backpack is OK.

You don't need 5 weeks of clothes for a 5 week trip: Don't worry about wearing the same outfit more than once (just be presentable).

If you don't have easy access to laundry facilities, underclothes can be washed in the bathroom sink. You can also wash shirts & trousers in the bathroom sink - there will be a laundry somewhere if you don't want to do that. Shampoo takes out grease stains and a little conditioner (or "conditioning shampoo") reduces wrinkles.

Italy is generally warm during the summer but the weather is not entirely predictable. You need to be prepared for changes. Italy also has mountains and it can be cold at higher altitudes.  Assuming you are going during May to September, I recommend taking:

1 Jacket, preferably with a hood and at least semi water resistant

1 or 2 Sweaters

10 Shirts (6 short-sleeve & 4 long-sleeve)

2 Jeans

3 Not jeans

1 Short pants

9 Changes of underclothing

2 Pair of comfortable walking shoes

2 Swimsuits + hat, sunglasses, beach clothing, & sandals

1 Set of gym clothing & shoes

1 Travel umbrella

Try to choose classics, and items that you can mix and match. Have at least two sets of "nicer" clothing.

You should take one set of dress clothing & shoes in case you attend a more formal occasion (nice restaurant for dinner, opera, whatever) unless you are certain you won't need it.

Take a supply of USA toiletries and over-the-counter medications with you. Don't forget sunblock and insect repellant. The same items will be available in Europe, but the brands will be unfamiliar and they will cost more. Ditto with prescription meds.

Wear one set of clothing on the flight. Pack the jacket, a sweater, 1 ss shirt, 1 ls shirt, 1 trousers, a set of underclothing, the travel umbrella, and basic toiletries in your carry-on. (check the rules at www.tsa.gov)

Split your other clothing and toiletries/OTC meds, etc. evenly between the two suitcases. There is always a chance one of your bags will go astray and that way you will still have all types of extra clothing to wear until it reappears.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might accidentally pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

Send an e-mail message to yourself with your passport number & date of issue. Ditto with the numbers of the credit cards you will take with you. That way the info is easily accessible in case something is lost or stolen.

Strongly consider getting trip medical insurance even if your regular policy says it covers you in Europe. Trip medical insurance is cheap and is sold via airlines and travel agencies (like American Express).

More than about 6 hours in an airplane is really tough, especially if you are in economy class. The result is usually called "jet lag".

The time change is part of "jet lag", but only part. For example, people experience jet lag when traveling from North America to South America even when they don't change time zones. Dehydration caused by dry air in the cabin is as important as the time change, and dehydration can be cumulative + aggravated by your environment/activities before the flight. Jet lag can be much worse on the return leg of a relatively short trip because you never really recovered from the lag incurred on the first leg. It can also be aggravated by what you do between trips.

I have not found anything that eliminates jet lag, but staying hydrated helps reduce it. Water and non-carbonated liquids are best. Avoid drinking a lot of anything with caffeine, including colas. Lots of alcohol also aggravates the dehydration and you may have a hangover before the end of a long flight.

Wear clothing that is comfortable. Especially avoid tight clothing or shoes - your body will swell during a long flight.

Sleeping on the flight (even if it isn't very good sleep) also helps. The seats are MUCH, MUCH better in business and first class on long distance flights so upgrade if you can. If you can't upgrade, select a window seat so you can pile extra pillows & blankets against the interior of the cabin to lean against for a bit of extra comfort. A sleep mask (like www.mindfold.com) and earplugs may help you sleep.

You can choose to take something to help you sleep on the plane, but try it first. Many sleep aids can make you groggy long after you need to wake up. I just use aspirin.

Get up and walk around every few hours. Do some stretching exercises - there is usually room by the exterior doors.

Airlines really try to provide good in-flight entertainment on long distance flights. The airline’s website may list the films & music available and may even give the menu. However, you can’t absolutely count on the in-flight entertainment.

Bring one or more books that you have started and know you like. It is really annoying to open a new book on a flight and realize you don't find it interesting. Things like an I-Pod, Gameboy or PSP, MP3 player, and non-electronic options like crossword puzzles are a good idea.

If you have a long layover during the trip, check with the airline(s) to see if you can purchase ($25 to $50) a 1-day pass to their airport lounge. Lounges offer a comfortable, safe place to wait between flights and refreshments are included in the membership. Some lounges even have showers (a Godsend after a long flight). Delta's Crown Room and United's Red Carpet Club are examples.

You may be wasted when you get to your destination, even if you fly business or first class. Don't schedule anything important the day you get there. At least try to avoid driving a car - take taxis.

Speed your body's adjustment to local time by living on the local schedule: Stay awake until local bedtime at your destination and stay in bed until local morning. If you absolutely must take a nap make sure you don't sleep more than 3 hours. Eat meals at the normal local time. And so on.

It still takes me 1 day per hour of time change to fully adjust (a 7 hour time difference takes me a full week to get over).

Hope you have a good trip!

Answer 3

I spent a week in Rome last June and my daughter spent the fall semester of her Junior year of college in Rome and we would definately echo the previous comments about watching out for pickpockets.  Just be sure that any money, passports, etc are not exposed in your outside pockets.  We wore a pouch around our necks and tucked it down inside our shirts and did not have any problems, but I did have a pickpocket try to search my pants pockets while on a over crowded bus.

Rome is definitely a wonderful city to visit and a month there is certainly not too long.  However, I could also recommend visiting a few other towns that are only a few hours away by train.  If you can, plan on side trips to Florence (Firenze) and Assisi.  Below are links to some pictures I took there last year.

Pictures from Assisi: http://www.imagestation.com/1928846/4002...

Pictures from Rome: http://www.imagestation.com/1928846/4002...

Pictures from Florence (Firenze):

http://www.imagestation.com/1928846/4002...

George

http://www.vacationandtravelinfo.com/cat...

Answer 4

i'm italian! where do you go? you will have a good time in italy! for the money saving don't go in holtel or restauant in the center of the cities! there are very expensive! look for sometink far from the center! in italy there are a lot of sops but if you want somethink of the most famous stilist like armani valentino etc etc look for "outlet" shop you have a big discount! and come to my city perugia it is very nice!

the italian people are very nice and "warm" if you nned help in evrithing let's ask! sure people will help you! a lot of young people know english! have a good time!

sorry for the mistake!

Answer 5

Check  this link for helpful  information   http://www.ricksteves.com

Also if you need any other help with the language or  anything else.  Check out this  community   http://www.impariamo.com/forum  We all will be glad to help you.

Robertina

Answer 6

Wow you are brave going alone...when are you going? I am going August 11th-August 18th with 2 girl friends. I don't really know from experience but have been reading up on the cities I will be visiting. Just be aware of scams and pickpockets trying to steal your money, esp. in Rome.

Answer 7

Obviously I'll get hammered for this but basically the North part is the industrialized part where all the good Italian things come from, (cars, clothes, art etc) while the south is the part where all the problems and all the Italians that emigrate come from, so based on this simple fact, choose your locations carefully and if you are going to the South then be careful what you do.