*** Updated 6/8/22: Obviously, the list of stuff below is for visiting Italy, but I'm not going to get rid of the list until I've got a new one put together. Reading through it, some of the information is still applicable, but there's other stuff that I won't know until we've been here a little longer. Feel free to ask one of us if you've got any specific questions.
<---Old list below--->
This list will be updated periodically with things to keep in mind while you're planning your trip. Updates will appear at the bottom of the list, and will have *** in front of them. Last update was 10/16/2012
Be patient
In Rome, life seems to move at its own pace. You'll find yourself in line at a store, and the cashier will be on the phone, and will continue her conversation without even acknowledging that you're standing there. It's completely normal, and you're not being picked on. Just be patient. Write extra time into your schedule for everything.
Bring comfortable shoes
You'll be walking a lot. On cobblestones. In sneakers, everyone will know you're a tourist, but you'll be more comfortable... Chances are, they already knew that you were a tourist before you even said anything. I think they have ESP.
Drink plenty of water while you're here
With a fountain on just about every corner, there's no reason to get dehydrated. The water is delicious, and ice cold from every fountain. Fill your water bottle whenever you have an opportunity.
Work on your Italian
You won't be fluent, but in the tourist areas the locals appreciate you at least making an effort.
Bring a sturdy backpack
You'll want something to carry all your treasures in while you're wandering. Make sure it will close securely.
Your cell phone probably will not work over here
We have a rechargeable cell phone for your use while you're here which has a limited number of minutes on it pre-programmed with local contact numbers you'll need. Don't bother renting one before you come.
Plan out your "can't miss" activities for your stay, but don't get frustrated if your day to day plans don't work out exactly like you scheduled them
Other things WILL come up, and you need to get into the mindset of being fluid and not getting too wrapped up in sticking to your carefully timed schedule. Everything on your schedule will take two or three times as long as you've planned, and you will get lost and turned around no matter how carefully you study the map ahead of time.
Bring a couple of pairs of pants and nicer shirts - khakis and polo shirts should be fine
If you are planning on visiting any churches, bear in mind that they do not allow visitors to wear shorts.
Make several copies of your passport and visa before you come, and only carry the copies with you while touring
Pickpockets and petty theft (while not exactly commonplace) are unfortunately not unheard of here. Replacing a stolen passport is a pain in the butt. Be very aware of exactly where your personal belongings are while you're touring.
Know a little bit about power differences over here
Once you've read this paragraph, you should be all set; there's no need to do bunches of additional research on this subject. There are 2 differences between US electronics and electronics in Italy: voltage & plugs. I bring this topic up only so that you know what you're looking for if you're planning on buying something specifically for use on your trip.
- Most portable electronics that plug into a wall will tell you on a label somewhere on them what voltage they're designed for. All electronics used in the US are designed for 110, but some will say "110-220" or "110-240".
- There are adapters that will allow you to plug US electronics into Italian plugs. Only use these adapters if the electronics specifically say "110-220" or "110-240". We have a handful of these adapters, and swap them back and forth as necessary. Don't bother buying any of these ahead of time.
- There are 2 sizes of plugs in Italy, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to which one gets used for which types of appliances. Don't worry, we have adapters for that.
- If your electronics that you bring only say 110 on them, don't despair. We have a limited number of transformers available, and you can plug 110 only items into them with no fear of blowing up your newly purchased toy. These are about the same as the adapters - we plug and unplug items from them as necessary.
- If your equipment can charge via USB from a computer, make sure to bring the USB cable with you. I have bunches of different USB cables but I can't guarantee that I have (or that we even can buy) the right cable here. Charging via USB removes all of the weird power requirements and mis-matches, and (I've found) is the easiest way to charge electronics. Plus, I can always find a spare USB slot or 3.
Computers
Unless you've got some specialized software loaded on your laptop, or you specifically want it for the plane ride over, I wouldn't worry about bringing a computer. We have more computers in our house than we have people, and all of them have access to the internet. It's just one more thing that you don't have to keep up with. Bring it if you want, and I'll make sure that you can get connected, but don't think that you have to bring it to stay in touch with your friends and family or the latest gossip sites. I can even help you download your pictures from your camera and find a place to share them online (assuming you have the cable that matches your camera).
Traveling within Italy/Europe on your own
We can't drive around the touristy sections of Rome much due to driving restrictions, but there are bus stops all around our house and we can probably get you to metro stations as well. Outside of Rome though, might take some planning. Everyone talks about train travel in Europe and it's universally agreed that it's pretty good. It's not cheap though. One way, Rome to Milan for a family of 4 is around 150E ($200). Make sure that you let us know what kind of traveling you want to do within Italy (or Europe) while you're here, and we'll help you figure out the best way to go about it.
***Trains
Since this document was last edited, we've traveled by train, and it was a blast! We went from Rome to Florence, round trip, for about 80E each. It was a bit of a stretch to get to the main train station - we ended up taking a cab. Once there, we loaded on a bullet train, and were in Florence in about an hour and a half. Instead of 3 hours in a car. Screaming at the kids. Driving over here isn't bad (once you're on the Autostrada), but if I can have someone else drive, much faster, I'll let them. That's not even counting the price of gas (around $7.47 a gallon, plus tolls (around 30E one way). We've been able to beat quoted prices by using our travel agency on the complex. Send us your itinerary, and we will investigate pricing available here, Incredibly efficient, with reasonable rates.
***Money
We have a Bank if America account that you can put money into before you leave, for conversion to Euros upon your arrival. We get the true currency exchange rate, with no fees whatsoever. Please feel free to contact us for more information, so we can save you a bunch of money on buying Euros, plus, you won't have to carry all that money around with you while traveling.
As a guest of Casa de Shores, you have access to these features, along with many more.
***Money
We have a Bank if America account that you can put money into before you leave, for conversion to Euros upon your arrival. We get the true currency exchange rate, with no fees whatsoever. Please feel free to contact us for more information, so we can save you a bunch of money on buying Euros, plus, you won't have to carry all that money around with you while traveling.
As a guest of Casa de Shores, you have access to these features, along with many more.
Rome is quite an adventure, and we look forward to having all of you visit us; we want you to enjoy your stay, and being as prepared as possible is the first step in your journey!
