DS24 is traveling to Italy need some advice

[jerseygirl81]

My DS24 is traveling to Italy for a guitar seminar that he received a scholar for. He has to pay for and plan for everything else (rooming, food, airfare etc.). He will be traveling alone flying into Rome and taking a bus to the town about 2 hours away. His teacher runs it and will be there with his wife and another student is also going but staying on her own. I purchased travel insurance, booked his airfare and he's renting an apartment through AirBNB. We still have to book him a place in Rome for the last 3 days. He won't have a rental car, he doesn't know the language. He plans things late and tends to just wing it, I'm a planner and this is driving me nuts. I've heard about pick pocketers should I get him a special wallet something that wouldn't be in his back pocket? Does he need an adapter for the outlets? What about a language translator of some type? Is there an App or something for the money conversion? I found out he can use his phone (Verizon) for an extra $10/day. TIA I know with all the travelers on the Dis someone would have some good advice!

Linda

 

[aprincessatlast]

My DS24 is traveling to Italy for a guitar seminar that he received a scholar for. He has to pay for and plan for everything else (rooming, food, airfare etc.). He will be traveling alone flying into Rome and taking a bus to the town about 2 hours away. His teacher runs it and will be there with his wife and another student is also going but staying on her own. I purchased travel insurance, booked his airfare and he's renting an apartment through AirBNB. We still have to book him a place in Rome for the last 3 days. He won't have a rental car, he doesn't know the language. He plans things late and tends to just wing it, I'm a planner and this is driving me nuts. I've heard about pick pocketers should I get him a special wallet something that wouldn't be in his back pocket? Does he need an adapter for the outlets? What about a language translator of some type? Is there an App or something for the money conversion? I found out he can use his phone (Verizon) for an extra $10/day. TIA I know with all the travelers on the Dis someone would have some good advice!

Linda

As far as "advice" goes no special wallet is really needed just put wallet in front pocket. Just brush up on basic pickpocketing scams and keep on eye on your stuff at all times and especially when there are crowds like public transport. I had my 13 year old keep one hand in his pocket on his phone the whole time while on the metros,while the other was used for holding on to the rails etc. Keep your street smarts about you and if possible avoid tight crowds and look for suspicious behavior.

Itranslate is a great app that helped us a lot last month when translating in several different countries.

As far as his phone. If he is there longer than 7 days I would say get an italian sim card. We got one if France and it worked in multiple countries and gave us more data than verizons plan would have.

Overall have him plan it all. It will be a great life lesson that will help him down the road. Advice is great though but I would not plan anything for him. I traveled at 19 to live outside the country and I took care of everything. I am not a planner either, like your son (well Disney turned me into one later in life lol) and things have a way of working out.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I'd recommend the Trip Advisor forums. I'm planning a trip for DH and me to Scotland, and the forums there have been very informative and helpful.

I really think this may be a good opportunity for him to grow up and spread his wings. He's old enough to do this on his own.

 

[mercydisney]

It is hard to let your children be adults. I do not mean this in any wrong way what so ever. I am a Mom and know it is hard to let your son wing it on his own. But he is 24yrs old. Their comes a time when you have to let them grow up and let them fail. How else will he become an adult.
My daughter is 21yrs and old has booked her own flights and rented her own apartment because she got an offer out of state that she could not pass up. We are a very close knit family and she knows we will be their if she needs us but their are things she had to learn on her own. When she was a senior in HS I had her do things like go to the Dr. on her own.

The hardest part of being a parent is letting them make mistakes and letting themselves make mistakes on their own. even if it so far away.

Take a deep breath and sit down with him and make a list of things you both think he might need. The rest is just prayers!!

Congratulations to your son what an honor to study in Italy!

 

[osopecoso]

It is hard to let your children be adults. I do not mean this in any wrong way what so ever. I am a Mom and know it is hard to let your son wing it on his own. But he is 24yrs old. Their comes a time when you have to let them grow up and let them fail. How else will he become an adult.
My daughter is 21yrs and old has booked her own flights and rented her own apartment because she got an offer out of state that she could not pass up. We are a very close knit family and she knows we will be their if she needs us but their are things she had to learn on her own. When she was a senior in HS I had her do things like go to the Dr. on her own.

The hardest part of being a parent is letting them make mistakes and letting themselves make mistakes on their own. even if it so far away.

Take a deep breath and sit down with him and make a list of things you both think he might need. The rest is just prayers!!

Congratulations to your son what an honor to study in Italy!

Exactly. Plus English is spoken everywhere in Rome. It's a very large tourist trap. Tell him to be aware of the gypsies. They are great scan artists. Don't wear anything expensive like jewelry or a nice wrist watch. Keep everything in front pocket.

 

[jerseygirl81]

DS has traveled around the US over the last few years and has made his own travel arrangements and purchases for those trips. He did research and book his place to stay and will do so for Rome as well. He also researched transportation from place to place. I'm not planning the trip for him just looking to give him some tips and recommendations since he hasn't had much time between working full time taking summer courses and planning his move out of state next month. He has his own apartment and commutes to the NY city, so I was just looking for some tips from some seasoned travelers.

Thank you, Linda

 

[jerseygirl81]

Exactly. Plus English is spoken everywhere in Rome. It's a very large tourist trap. Tell him to be aware of the gypsies. They are great scan artists. Don't wear anything expensive like jewelry or a nice wrist watch. Keep everything in front pocket.

He will only be in Rome 3 days out of his 2 week trip and staying in and around some smaller villages so he will need to know at least little Italian. Thanks for tips!

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

At the bus/train stations, look out for non licensed taxi drivers. Yes, they will be quicker and cheaper, but you are not sure of their intentions.

Hotel Forum in Rome was nice and near the main bus terminal and close to many great locations all which were within walking distance. Breakfast was included in their rate too.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

DD18 just returned from a school trip to Madrid, Paris and Rome. We did not get the $10 a day Verizon plan for her. Instead we downloaded Viber. You can text and call using available wifi free through Viber. The texts go right through; on calls the voices are delayed a bit. But it is free and it worked great!

She took $100 worth of euros and her debit card (had a chip) - no problems with money. She could use the debit card at ATMs to get euros and in stores to make purchases. Her bank converted to euros at a decent rate. We also sent her with an adapter we got at Target for the electrical outlets. She kept her money & passport in a zippered money belt down the front of her pants or in a cross body bag that she wore, and she held onto the actual bag when in crowded areas. They did encounter some pickpockets. One boy had his front pants pockets turned inside out! Luckily, he didn't have anything stored in his pockets. This was done by some guy trying to "help" him at a train check in kiosk. Avoid all "help"!!!

DD thought her hotel in Rome was decent. Her tour group stayed at:
ET Capannelle
Via Siderno, 37
Rome 00178
Italy

 

[lovesmurfs]

DS has traveled around the US over the last few years and has made his own travel arrangements and purchases for those trips. He did research and book his place to stay and will do so for Rome as well. He also researched transportation from place to place. I'm not planning the trip for him just looking to give him some tips and recommendations since he hasn't had much time between working full time taking summer courses and planning his move out of state next month. He has his own apartment and commutes to the NY city, so I was just looking for some tips from some seasoned travelers.

Thank you, Linda

My apologies, given your updated info. If you re-read your OP, it implies you're making all of the plans for him. Sounds like a great opportunity for him.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I just got back from Italy with DD22 and DD14. WHile we didn't travel like your son is, we did visit Rome, and had a great time.

We were able to use English, 99% of the time. Knowing a few key phrases (grazi, for example) is helpful. But, he'll be able to communicate. The book I liked for learning phrases was Rick Steves' Italian phrase book. Not only is Rick the "king" of European travel, but he's not fluent in anything but English. His book is useful and funny--in addition to stuff like, "Where is the bathroom?", he includes things like lists of foods you might want to avoid--tongue, sweetbreads, tripe, and so forth.

I bought a money belt (like a fanny pack you wear under your clothing) at Walmart for ~$5. I never used it. BUT--I had a cross-body bag with a lock on it, and I only carried enough cash for the day. If it makes you feel better, get him one.

I also wasn't carrying passports daily. If he does, the money belt comes in handy. We brought copies of our passports for ID, never used them.

I had no trouble using a credit card or debit card while in Italy. I did notify my providers, so they would know my charges were me and not someone else. I used my Target credit card--no out-of-country fees, and it's not my everyday credit card, so if I did lose it, it wouldn't affect me too badly.

Good luck to your son--we had an amazing time, and I hope he does, too. The only bad side is, we were so spoiled on the lovely, super-fresh, gorgeous Italian food. The other day, an ad came on TV, and DD14 said, "SZorry, Olive Garden--I can never eat at you again!" Spoiled!

 

[AquamarineSteph]

My DS24 is traveling to Italy for a guitar seminar that he received a scholar for. He has to pay for and plan for everything else (rooming, food, airfare etc.). He will be traveling alone flying into Rome and taking a bus to the town about 2 hours away. His teacher runs it and will be there with his wife and another student is also going but staying on her own. I purchased travel insurance, booked his airfare and he's renting an apartment through AirBNB. We still have to book him a place in Rome for the last 3 days. He won't have a rental car, he doesn't know the language. He plans things late and tends to just wing it, I'm a planner and this is driving me nuts. I've heard about pick pocketers should I get him a special wallet something that wouldn't be in his back pocket? Does he need an adapter for the outlets? What about a language translator of some type? Is there an App or something for the money conversion? I found out he can use his phone (Verizon) for an extra $10/day. TIA I know with all the travelers on the Dis someone would have some good advice!

Linda

What a fantastic opportunity for him!

My suggestions for a great Italian trip.

--Security. Rome is like any big city. Stay aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Carry the wallet in the front pocket, and do not pull it out to flash large amounts of cash. Make sure that you do not carry all of your cash/credit cards with you at any one time.
--Passport. There are two schools of thought on this one, but I prefer to keep my passport either locked in a room safe in the hotel OR locked inside my suitcase. Either way, it is a good idea to make a photocopy of the passport photo page and store it separately.
--Electricity. He will need an adaptor for the electrical outlets. You can pick one up at Target in the travel section.
--Travel Notifications. He will need to call before he leaves to set up the phone plan through Verizon. If he is taking a credit card/debit card, he'll need to call the bank ahead of time, too, to let them know that he is traveling out of the country.
--Cash. The Euro is Italy's currency. You can get Euros in two main ways. #1- Most people swear by going to an ATM at a bank in the country in which you are traveling and withdrawing cash via your bank's debit card. (Note - European banks used to have a different number of digits for their pins to access their systems. He'll need to check and see if that's still the case if he plans to use that method.) #2 - You can go to any bank here in the States and request Euros. The exchange rate is a little higher, but it gives you the peace of mind to arrive with currency you can spend.
--Language. It's always a good idea to learn a few words and phrases before you travel to a new place! Hello. Please. Thank you. That kind of thing. It's easy to learn and may make him feel more comfortable as well. While many Italians do speak incredibly good English, I always figure it's just polite to try to learn something of their language since I will be a guest in their country.
--Transportation. Rome is a very walkable city with lots of public transportation options, but their traffic patterns are a little different than ours. Pedestrians do not always have the right of way. Heads up when crossing the street. The hotel front desk should be able to help out with which bus/train goes where.
--Phone. Most people will recommend a sim card for the phone. It's probably cheaper, but I tend to go for the easiest solution possible sometimes when traveling. I've had no problems using my Verizon phone it Italy. That one really depends on how comfortable he is messing with his phone.

I hope he has a great time!

 

[jerseygirl81]

My apologies, given your updated info. If you re-read your OP, it implies you're making all of the plans for him. Sounds like a great opportunity for him.

No problem, I have helped him more on this trip then in the past because of his time restraints and his overloaded schedule. I've gotten and passed on so much advice on travel on the Dis that I haven't seen elsewhere, sometimes one really good tip makes all the difference.

Linda

 

[Marionnette]

My DS24 is traveling to Italy for a guitar seminar that he received a scholar for. He has to pay for and plan for everything else (rooming, food, airfare etc.). He will be traveling alone flying into Rome and taking a bus to the town about 2 hours away. His teacher runs it and will be there with his wife and another student is also going but staying on her own. I purchased travel insurance, booked his airfare and he's renting an apartment through AirBNB. We still have to book him a place in Rome for the last 3 days. He won't have a rental car, he doesn't know the language. He plans things late and tends to just wing it, I'm a planner and this is driving me nuts. I've heard about pick pocketers should I get him a special wallet something that wouldn't be in his back pocket? Does he need an adapter for the outlets? What about a language translator of some type? Is there an App or something for the money conversion? I found out he can use his phone (Verizon) for an extra $10/day. TIA I know with all the travelers on the Dis someone would have some good advice!

Linda

English is widely spoken in the large cities, like Rome. Smaller towns can be a challenge, especially given the various dialects you encounter. It still helps to at least learn a few key phrases (and the possible answers!). He should be fine getting around the airport and train station since all of the signs are in both Italian and English. I can't help you with a translator app. My husband is my translator in Italy. I'm his translator in France.

I wouldn't get him any special wallet but he should pay attention to the people around him when he is in tourist-y areas and public transportation. Keep his wallet in his front pocket or wear pants with a button on the rear pocket. Or carry a "man purse" and keep it close to his body. Have him make a copy of his passport and keep it in a separate place. It will be especially helpful if he loses his.

He will need more than an adapter for some things like hair dryers. He will need a voltage converter. Adapters are fine for charging iPods or cell phones. Use an adapter with a hair dryer and he will blow a fuse.

There are a number of free currency conversion apps but a calculator works just fine as long as you pay attention to what you paid for your euros. Right now, it's almost at par with the US dollar ($1.14 USD per €1.00). Using a fee-free debit card at an ATM or a credit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee can be a money-saver. I recommend getting a tip pack of euros from AAA so that he has some cash in his pocket when he arrives for any "just in case" situations.

 

[trouttigger]

I just got back from Rome 6 days ago. I was there 5 days after a short term mission trip in Belarus. Kudos to you for being as hands off as possible. That being said, I would recommend a neck wallet for credit cards and cash. Rome is about the worst pick-pocket place in Europe, next to Spain. And wear the neck wallet under shirt. Next piece of advice, and I'll keep it at that since it's your son's trip: for less costs, see if his credit card and ATM card will charge fees when used internationally. You can get credit cards and a cash account that won't charge foreign transaction fees. The standard amount charged for credit cards is 3%. I know Discover says that they don't charge foreign transaction fees, but I've never seen an establishment that accepts Discover in Rome. MasterCard and Visa are commonly accepted.

 

[TabbyShabby]

Best tip for a guy his age? Have him grab copies of Lonely Planet Rome and Lonely Planet Italy and let him have at it. Over planning for him doesn't do a lot of help if he doesn't take any of it to heart. Lonely Planet books lay it out simply and honestly, giving all the great advice you're looking for. I work for a University with students his age and have a son who's 21 and living in Japan. Kids, regardless of age, are going to do their own thing. Having them discover and plan actually keeps them safer. Spoon feeding usually results in zoning out or pushback. Be excited for him, but let him have a go at planning himself.

 

[Disney_Cindy]

It's hard to let them grow up, but by the time I was his age I was living in England, and had been on vacation in Germany and sent to the UAE and Afghanistan by the Air Force. I know every time I told my mom I was going somewhere overseas she was worried. I can't say I wasn't a planner, but even with planning you're in a foreign country, and you have to be able to be flexible and adapt. When I was in Germany I rented a car and was wanting to go to this store, I tried using the GPS and drove following it's directions, I almost drove to Austria, lol. But it was a beautiful drive and I never did find the store. Also I was staying at a little German hotel and this was before wifi and I didn't have my computer, I needed to send an email and went to use the computer in the lobby and discovered that the computer keyboard was in German. I don't remember what exactly I did but I figured someway out to send it. It's the little things that we don't think about.
Beyond that because it is a foreign country, be aware of your surroundings.
As for language -- I have played charades for brief interactions, and it's pretty awesome what you pick up when you're immersed in a language.
Adaptors -- yes he'll need them

 

[Miffy]

Just a note on pickpockets. Definitely tell your DS not to put his wallet in his back pocket--unless it has a very hard-to-open button. However, even the front pocket, especially if it's not tight against his body, can be a problem. I know this because I actually took the hand of a pickpocket (in Naples, not Rome, but we were on a bus, which is one of the most -frequented areas for pickpockets in Italy) out of my XH's front pocket. XH was 100% unaware it was happening. The pickpockets are pros, very smooth and experienced. And they can spot a tourist from miles away.

So, I second the idea of a neck wallet--great advice from a PP. Money belts can be uncomfortable.

And tell your son to have a great time! I'm sure he will!

 

[holden]

Tell him to be aware of the scammers. We thought we were diligent, but when boarding a train in Naples one got us. We assumed he was an employee of the train when he offered to carry out bags onboard and store them for us (there were 10 of us with lots of luggage and 4 of our party was elderly). After he helped us he demanded $80 per bag! Ridiculous! A real employee saw him and shooed him off of the train. Thank goodness she was there because he became angry when we offered him a much lower amount (I think $20 bucks or so total). These guys are slick so be aware.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

My husband puts his wallet in front pocket and places one or two rubber band around it.