question from a reader (pt. 5)
Gah! Sheenu! I wrote this days ago, thought I hit “publish” but I’d hit “save.” I know, I know, the dog ate my homework, but it’s true!
Hi Heather,
I am thinking of traveling to Italy in sept. I haven’t done too many holidays my own and this would be the first biggie solo one. I’m also not keen on staying in hostels unless I could get a private room. The b&b’s i looked at are proving quite expensive! I’m thinking of visiting Rome, Florence, Venice and Cinque Terra over 15 days or so. could you offer any tips/advice on where to stay and what to do etc.?
Thanks a lot.
sheenu
Well, that sure is a loaded question! My first piece of advice would be to pick up a travel book on Italy. I liked my Let’s Go Italy. The comments on the above-linked post will also be helpful.
How strong are your objections to sharing a room at a hostel? I don’t know if you have budget limitations, but shared rooms at hostels are so much more economical (especially over B&Bs!), and you meet the coolest people that way. I actually resented the private room I had in Florence, because I was missing out on all the fun. For recommendations beyond my own, please check out the comments on this post.
My experiences:
Florence.
Venice where I stayed at the Residenza Santa Croce.
Rome… well, I’ve put together a WHOLE other post for you on Rome because it’s such a complex, wonderful city. Look for it tomorrow! I stayed at the Beehive, which was so wonderful. But again, you’d have to share a room, or pay for a double.
oops.
i couldn’t get flights to italy in september. it sounds crazy but it’s true! I think peole in singapore wake up on the 1st of jan and book their holidays for september!
so decided to go to australia instead. (yes, i can completely understand you wanting to slap me now
so i m doing melbourne and sydney in november.
plans for italy are now pushed to sept 2009. but i am going to save all your tips and advice in italy for then.
thanks a lot!
s
Well you can still share your travel tips on Italy with me, I’m doing Sheenu’s itinerary but in Octuber, and Yes I have bought my tickets already! (not in January but a few months ago
Add Barcelona to that itinerary, all sadly must be done in only two weeks, I’m already exited!
I love this blog mami, I thought it was great to follow you on your trip through Europe. So thanks for the tips and one last question, any particular recomendation for accomodations in Florence?
Ciao Bella!
I just returned from the trip you are planning. Literally, this is the first time I have switched on my computer in 2 weeks. My first bit of advice - pick 3-4 cities and stay in each locale at least 3 days. I used the Rick Steve’s Italy book and I have to say the guy is ’spot on’ about places to stay, restaurants and walking tours/sites to see. I’ve used his book in London as well.
I bought a Eurail pass and felt that it was a huge time saver and good value. There is a charge to make a reservation (recommended!), but you avoid the lines to buy tickets and trying to validate your ticket (those stupid yellow boxes never work). Make reservations for the next trip when you arrive at your new location.
Figure travel time into your schedule. The train from Venice to Cinque Terra was 7-8 hours (2 hour lay over in Milan).
Pack light! I cannot stress this enough. Lay out everything you think you need to take and reduce it by half. Invest in a quality (large) backpack. Resist the urge to take a backpack AND a small rolling bag. Italians love their stairs!
I did not stay in hostels. I’m in my 50s and my own room & bath was not something I would concede. Rick has some good choices for places to stay.
Brush up on your Italian before you go and take a phrase book. Step up your work out regime right now. Start climbing stairs,,,,not the stair climber,,,,actual stairs, preferably with a loaded pack.
Have a wonderful trip!
Ciao