How I did it: I just logged on here to look at my list.... I hadn't actually been on this site in probably years. I am trying to evaluate where I am in life and thought that I'd get on to see what some of my goals were when I initially started this. Going to Italy was literally a goal that you put like "Going skydiving". Maaaaaaybe it might happen, someday, but goodness knows it is not realistic or actually something to probably seriously persue. However, I somehow convinced to let my parents study abroad and Florence, Italy, there I went. Loans loans loans... but I'll tell you, I saw up and down Italy, from Milan and Lake Como to Rome to Pompei and Capri.. and the experience of being able to say that I temporarily lived in Florence... something that I will not soon forget. I had an incredible experience and encourage any parents reading this to let your guard down and help your child study abroad if they desire. It is a huge expense and stressful at times (I almost went home, in fact) but truly worth experiencing the cultural immersion and life experiences. Even a small exposure to another culture is so rewarding. And now I can proudly say, I did it!

Lessons & tips: Shop around different travel agent services and websites for hostel/hotel reservations and make sure to bring your Italian phrasebook along at all times. Know your key phrases for restaurants and transportation; though most Italians know some english, I think it is more fun to practice some Italian. Train travelling can be stressful if you buy tickets last minute, so either arrive to the station in plenty of time before your scheduled departure or book tickets online if possible. You can typically receive a discount if you book online as well. Many hostels are just as nice as hotels, some are even nicer in my experience. When it comes down to where to stay, sometimes being near the attractions or city center is worth paying for; if there is a metro system in that city, just try to find a hotel near a metro stop and you have full access anyways.
Also, bring bottled water to restaurants because water is not free, unless you don't mind paying. Always carry some change because public bathrooms are not necessarily free like in the US. When you enter a restaurant or shop, it is customary to greet the shopowner or host. I think that if you are dining out a lot and enjoy wine, always order the house kind. (It is never bad!). Usually your hotel concierge (...the person at the desk) is the most helpful person you will ever meet, and can tell you where things are, how to get there, and what is worth seeing that isn't in your tourist book.
Oh, and finally, if you see something from a vendor you are actually interested in, at first pretend you do not really want it and offer a lower price than they suggest (try halfing the price first, walk away and usually they will see the light and bring it down at least a couple euro).
Religious or not, go see the churches. If possible, climb the Duomos to experience the views. And if you take a night train, make sure one of your party stays awake to watch your stuff!
If you are in Rome on a Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, the Pope gives an address to the people in Vatican City. You have to get a ticket the day before (I am not sure where) and I believe it starts at 10:00 am (but get there way early in order to get a seat). Christian or not, the Pope is worth experiencing.

Resources: Any hotel booking website is excellent for comparing different places (price, location, and reviews). It is important to clarify when looking for a hotel/hostel if it is a campsite or not, and where exactly it is located (many "seaside" places are not in fact "seaside"). Always buy a map of where you are at the train station or there is a good chance your hotel will have one.
Your hotel workers are excellent sources.
Eat gelatto like it is your job.
Attempt to pronounce the name of where you are going correctly to the taxi drivers, or you will end up at an entirely wrong place. Many times if you have the name written down, it is helpful to just show them!
If you want to invest in guidebooks of museums and Italian culture, I would recommend that over paying for tours in different areas. Self-guided tours from your own books allows you flexibility in time and interest; you can focus on what is more interesting to you.

Jul 06, 11:38PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer