Young traveler in Italy?

Question

I am a teenager who will be traveling to Italy this summer with my school for two weeks. I know no Italian so will that be a huge problem? (Im going with my latin class, so obviously that won't help) also, i heard that you cant wear shorts/short skirts/jeans...is that true?

Answer 1

ahh, do not worry! You will have a blast! I was 15 when I first went to Italy and I was with my school also. I didn't know Italian either but it really isn't a problem, most people speak English at least a little. You can wear whatever you want unless you are planning to go into churches...in that case you can't wear anything sleeveless or anything bearing the place above your knees, so no short shorts or skirts (my friend was not allowed into a church for wearing shorts)! If you have anymore particular questions feel free to IM me. Italy is beautiful, get ready for the time of your life!

Answer 2

Ahahah! i'm italian

look that italy is not a taliban country

we have thousands years of civilazation

it's not a problem wear short skirts, etc

but you can't wear them in  holy places (as some churches)

remember this, Italian people aren't puritan

nudity is more tolerated in italy then in other countries

Answer 3

you will have the best time Italy is a fantstic county and there is so much to see and do.

As everyone else has said be careful in churches with what you wear but it is just a case of being respecfull, would you go in to any religious building in a bikini!

also with Italians if you try a little bit they will try to speak English and together you can struggle through!

Try to pick up a few words before u go.

Hello - bonjourno

Goodbye- arrivederchi

thanks- Grazie

Please- per favore

Or look at getting a cheap phrase book, it wil be really appritiated cos too often english speaking people go to foregin countries and dont even try!

Answer 4

i went to italy by myself when i was 19 for a one year program and i didnt even know the italian at all. however it didnt bother me at all, here in florence, beign a top touristy spot, the italians here have to confront tourists who dont speak a word of italian so in yo ur case, especially going with a group, i wouldnt worry at all.

you can wear shorts, skirts, whatever, what you can NOT wear is tang tops when you go inside churches. bring with you a light weight sweater to put on when you visit the churches. the rest is fine.

Answer 5

Hi! I'm an Italian girl... If you don't know Italian there's no problem, everyone here knows a little English!

Unfortunately it is true that you can't wear shorts/short skirts/jeans but only if you are going to visit church! Generally there are "guards" at the enter ot the biggest church and they control that tourists don't have shoulders/knees naked. But in the street you can wear whatever you want!

Have a nice trip!

Ciao! :-)

Answer 6

If your going to the Vatican then you CANNOT wear shorts or anything above your knee. They will not let you in! I was in Italy this summer for 2 weeks and when we went there some people had to leave because they were wearing shorts above their knees. And my friends over there also told me this.

Have Fun Though!!!

The colosseum is beautiful~!

Answer 7

just hope its not os confusing as paris

Answer 8

You will be fine knowing no Italian.  Many of the English words are similar, and the places your school trip will take you are used to having English-speaking tourist.  As far as your dress, the only place dress is restricted in in some churches.  I wore jeans and t-short into the Vatican.  I wouldn't wear tennis shoes unless you want to be identified as an American.  Mostly Americans wear tennis shoes in public.  Relax!  have a blast!

Answer 9

you can were everything you want

and i can say this because i m italian

and dont worry here a lot of people speak english

Answer 10

Hi,

I absolutely agree with everybody about the clothing - just wear what you feel are most suitable.

You should also plan your trip ahead as this will pay off when you're traveling around.

Have a look at this site to get some ideas:

http://www.italyexposed.com

Have a nice trip!

Answer 11

Hi! I am 17 and I am travelling to Italy next year on an exchange. You can wear whatever you want .. execpt in churchs.. I am also worried about not knowing enough Italian .. but im learning as much as I can before I go. Maybe you could take an italian class out of school or just get a few italian language books out. A few phrases will make a word of difference. Have fun!

Feel free to add me on msn [e-mail]

Answer 12

you can wear what ever you want, and english is widely spoken

Answer 13

You can wear whatever you want.  Though, if you go to places like The Vatican and stuff like that, some of them require that you cover up a bit.

Also, there should be no problem with language, as Latin (the language) and Spanish are somewhat similar to Italian, and there are plenty of english speakers.

Since you are so young I would not advise you wear anything too revealing like a mini skirt that might call unwanted attention to you.

Anyway, have fun!  Italy is a great place.