Your daughter is lucky, I tried to talk my parents into that, it was a no go.
They're wise. Everything you've ever heard about Italian men is true!
DeputyDan, don't sweat it. Italy gets a LOT of tourism and you'll be able to get around just fine. Just buy a guide book and get orientated a bit before you go. On the whole traveling in Europe is pretty easy.
A couple of tips:
- don't make yourself look *too* much like tourists. Especially in the bigger cities pick-pockets have sophisticated technique and if you're carrying something like a fanny pack you run a big risk of getting it stolen. I've traveled a lot of places and Rome still rates the highest of any city I've ever been to on my watch-out-for-pick-pockets list. (and I've been to some pretty scummy places).
- If you want to bring a camera then I would suggest a compact digital one that you can tuck away in a back-pack. Nothing shouts "tourist who wants to get robbed" more than people wearing loose colourful clothing, broad brimmed hats, sun glasses that are too big and with a brick sized camera hanging around their neck. Add a fanny pack to that and it will be like a magnate for problems. Google around a bit for pictures of what people actually wear in Europe and try to blend in. You'll avoid a lot of problems like that. (hint, bright colours are bad. Blue jeans, t-shirts, a leather jacket, darker colours will all blend in. Also, don't come looking like Indiana Jones).
- Carry only small amounts of money in your wallet and keep credit cards and important papers well hidden in a money belt under your clothing. Don't leave important stuff in your hotel room. If you *must* leave it at the hotel leave it in the safe.
- It's less conspicuous if you only carry one bag per person. Like a small back pack OR a purse but not both.
- If you have a debit card then check before you go if it will work in Europe. If it does it saves you a lot of hassle. You won't need traveller's cheques and you can get money directly from the bank machines as you need it.
- smile, be friendly and don't be afraid to ask people for help. It's my experience in Europe that even if people know you're lost (for example) they won't offer to help you but they'll go out of their way for you if you aks them first. Remember this if you're standing at a metro station and have no idea what to do.
have fun.
R..
