Why Italy
First time to Florence, Italy...Tips for the first time American traveler?
I'm a student in a study abroad program. I've traveled before internationally to places like India and Dubai but never to Italy, Paris, or Amsterdam Any tips or recommendtions? Any suggestions of things to bring? Books, electrical converters, etc. Something that maybe unique to Florence that I should bring to be better prepared. Thanks!
Public Comments
- Enjoy the sights and sounds, but be aware that you are a mark. Travelers tend to be aware when in places like India, but they often let their guard down in Europe. That's unwise. Keep an eye on your belongings and keep your wits about you. Pickpockets and muggers abound, unfortunately, even in places like Florence.
- I agree with the need to be aware of pickpockets. Use a money belt, have locks on your backpack, don't carry lots of cash. A friend of mine carries a "drop wallet," a phony wallet with a small bit of cash in it in case of mugging. That being said, Florence is a wonderful city. If you're going to the museums (and of *course* you will be), get there as soon as they open to avoid crowds. However, Italy has a reputation for oddly-timed strikes. We went to the Uffizi once when it was closed for the afternoon for a four-hour strike. Bring books, as it's hard to find English-language books there. Bring a voltage converter (50-1800 watts) and a plug adapter. If you've traveled internationally, you probably already have the plug adapter kit. If not, they're fairly cheap.
- Well... I'd suggest you: 1 - a copy of "Italian Journey" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, to understand the myth of Italy; 2 - a copy of "Space, Time & Architecture" by Sigfried Giedion, to read beautiful easy pages about Florence, Renaissance and its spirit; 2 - a pair of opera glasses to admire ceilings and frescos, which are unique there; 3 - a small FM radio, to listen to italian music which is part of the landscape; 4 - a small corkscrew, if you like wines; supermarkets sell good ones from 10.00 € up. English guide books can be found easily there, in every bookshop/museum bookshop/newspaper kiosk.
