Newbie Traveler?

Question

I have never traveled out of the country and I would like to visit Rome..but not sure where to start. There's so much I don't know....down to little things like money and paying for transportation when I'm there...how will I know if I'm giving the right amount of money do I need to learn the currency before traveling? Where all do I start

Answer 1

In Italy they use the Euro. Currently the rate is 1 Euro = $1.362 dollar. If you buy something for 50 euro you are paying $68.14 American dollars.

I would start by checking out Fodors website, Yahoo travel, or AOL travel. People ask all sorts of questions and get honest replies from travelers who have already been there.
You didn't say if you are going by yourself, friends or on a tour group. Additional information is needed for me to direct you to other sites, like for hotels, tickets, flights, attractions, etc.

Answer 2

First, if you don't already have one, submit your application for your passport asap. I hear it takes a long time to get a new one these days. Secondly, there are so many ways you can plan your trip, depending on whether you like everything scheduled and booked in advance or if you like to leave things loose so you can follow whatever path grabs your interest. Personally, I like a combination; however, if I have only a few days to explore a city or town, I do as much research in advance as possible so that I don't waste time trying to figure everything out while I'm there. Also, if you're planning to visit the Vatican while you're in Rome, be sure to check online and make advance reservations for any special tours and/or masses. Some of those have to be booked weeks and/or months in advance. Italy is a great country to visit, and most hotel front desk staff members are very helpful and many will take care of arranging taxis, museum tickets, etc. for you. Get a good travel book or two -- I think Frommer's guides provide useful suggested itineraries based on the number of days you may have at a particular destination. Also, consider getting a MapEasy Guidemap for Rome -- most major bookstores carry them. If you're planning to travel by Eurail, get the current Europe by Eurail book (and plan on taking it with you 'cause it's very informative). As far as the currency, they use euros, so it makes it easier if you're traveling to several countries. Key thing is to check the conversion rates and be able to mentally figure out how much you're actually paying for an item. Pack as light as you can and take old socks and underwear that you can dispose of as you use them -- this empties space in your luggage for souvenirs. Gosh, I could go and on. Just research all that you can, pre-arrange the major stuff (air travel, hotels) and anything else you're sure you want to do, then just go and have a wonderful time. Try to learn some key Italian words and phrases before your plane lands. Ciao!

Answer 3

public library good book on rome and travel
next go to a chat room and post questions.
AOL has an interesting travel chat room
re post this question on the NY and London pages for comments from people have had the experience of your trip

Answer 4

Don't be afraid! Live! Travel! In Italy as in most of the world there are large numbers of people who speak English. The Italians are a warm and loving people and they will be delighted to help you. You may wish to go with an organised tour group to give you a feeling of security and kinship. Whatever you do... GO!