DS24 is traveling to Italy need some advice

[wilkeliza]

For translating using the Google translate app. I used it all over the Mediterranean last month and had no issues. You could even download the dictionaries to use it off of wifi/internet.

With everything else just make sure he is aware but not unfriendly. There are pit-pockets and scammers but there are also many amazing people who just want to help or share their passion or be kind. Don't scare the poor kid into thinking everyone is out to get him.

Also he is 24 time to kind of let him go and let him make his own mistakes. He'll figure it out just fine. I'm sure the person who runs the seminar will have suggestions of housing etc and if not and there is no hotel in that town then just look for an air b&b.

 

[amcnj]

Definitely agree with PP about checking if credit cards charge foreign transaction fee. I used my bank atm card to get some euros at the airport there, but otherwise used my no transaction fee credit card for purchases. I made sure ahead of time that my bank would not charge me any fees for using the atm card over there, and true to their word, they did not.

Verizon had a monthly international plan (currently $40 a month) that included 100 minutes, 100 sent texts (unlimited incoming) and 100mb data. I was in Italy for 2.5 weeks and had this, cancelling it the day I landed in US and was charged a pro-rated amount (you'll get a pro-rated amount of minutes/data though too, and actually my trip happened to span my normal billing cycle so was pro-rated in two different billing periods, making it a little trickier to keep track of how many minutes/data I had in each segment!) I made more use of free wifi there and used the phone to communicate via email.

Most electric devices need only the adapter. A voltage converter is needed for devices that are single voltage (we use 110 in US, many other places use 220 volts). Plugs/chargers that say (in very, very small print!) 110-240 are multi voltage devices and just need an adapter as they are made to run on any voltage in that range. Some devices may be dual voltage (110/220) and again just need an adapter. If the device says say only 120, then a converter will be needed.

Some people swear by money belts, others by pouches around the neck. Nothing is foolproof. I preferred shirts with pockets that buttoned as then anything of value (large bills, credit card, atm card and passport) was more in my line of sight and still easy to access.

There are many lists of common words and phrases, but if he is not familiar with the pronunciations and patterns of the language, hearing it being spoken might help too. There are lots of online sources.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

Just an added note - I didn't read the OP's post as an attempt to manage a child. When I travel, I ask for advice from people who have been to specific locations. I always assume that's what we do when we travel. Of course, your interpretation may vary from mine, so I'm not trying to start an argument. Just saying that there's no harm in asking for advice when it involves things we haven't experienced.

 

[yoopermom]

DS just got back from a month overseas, and we went with the Verizon $10 plan, but to clarify, that's per 24 hr period, not necessarily per day. So we had him call everyone say on Monday evening from 5-7 and then on Tuesday up until 5.

We totally let him plan his own trip except the phone thing (because he's on our plan and I didn't want a huge bill), and trip insurance. He was in an underdeveloped country, so we wanted to make sure that, in case of emergency, he would be flighted out to the closest country with modern medical services.

Terri

 

[redsonja76]

Tell him to eat gelato every single chance he gets.

 

[adisneyaunt]

Op:
Safe travels and Enjoy... for ur son!