lcd4035

Hello,

I'm planning a trip to Florence, Italy around early to mid September.

I plan on going there for about 10 days. Excluding the 2 days it takes for the commute from Canada to Europe and back, so 8 days in total in Florence

I'm 19 years old. I'm not super wealthy, but I do work a good job and will be able to save up more then enough money so I can be comfortable when I do travel to Italy. I mean, it's not for another 7 months. Shouldn't be an issue at all. In Canada, I don't have any trouble renting a hotel room. Here in Canada 18 is the adult age, you can drink, rent a hotel room, get a credit card, etc. In the USA I know some rent to 18 year olds but most prefer you to be 21 as that's their legal age where you can do stuff like that. I've read online that hotels in Europe are mostly 18 so I don't think I'll have any trouble there.

Another thing I'm a little concerned about is I have been told on other forums that 8 days in Europe isn't enough. I'll just be getting over the Jetlag by then. To me, this is a ridiuclous idea.... maybe when I'm retired I'll be able to go to Europe for a month, but right now that's not feasable with my career. Plus from my research I've done, 8 days is more then enough to see all of the major tourist attractions in Florence, maybe even with a couple of days to take day trips to the surrounding areas.

One more thing I can't find any answers too online is getting from Florence airport to my hotel/hostel. Do the airports usually have busses or shuttles that stop at these hotels? I guess I'll have to contact the hotel closer to when I actually make a reservation but I'm just curious.

I'm just looking for general tips and knowledge on people who have been before and what you thought of it.

Thanks guys!

dreamon

When I want to know about transport from an airport, I generally find the website for the airport and they'll have a link to transport options. I assume Florence airport. will be the same.

Staying in Florence for 8 days is an excellent idea and there are lots of possible day trips should you choose to do some. Staying in one place for a little longer also allows you to get to know the city a little better, find your favourite cafe, understand how things work, more than staying just a couple of days.

Several of my son's friends have travelled to Europe around your age and not had any problems with booking hotels/hostels. And Europeans would do this all the time. Anyway, the hotel isn't going to ask your age when you make the booking.

I think you've got an excellent plan. Enjoy!

lcd4035

Thanks very much for your feedback! Much appreciated.

tonfromleiden

Don't worry: there is a shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre. It's a compact city and you're young, so it won't be a problem to get from the bus terminal to your lodgings.
Eight days is a luxurious amount of time for Florence. Be prepared to have one or two day trips. Siena is an obvious one (frequent bus connection), Pisa and Lucca another (easily combined on an train trip).
Any decent guidebook will give you the necessary practical information.
Don't wait until your retirement for a second, more prolonged trip!

kybourbon

The shuttle bus from the airport to the center is about 6€ or a taxi is a set fee of 22€ (a few more euro for Sunday/holiday/nights).

Try to book a hotel central near/in the historic center.

kja

I envy you 8 days in Florence! I agree that it should be plenty of time for Florence's many treasures and a few day trips. And I would be surprised if you still felt the effects of jet lag after a day or two.

I strongly encourage you to get at least one good guidebook -- perhaps the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet. In comparison to the cost of your trip, the cost of a guidebook will be nugatory, and you will have a wealth of information at your fingertips -- including answers to questions that you don't even realize you need to ask!

For transportation options, you might check rome2rio.com or googlemaps. Once you select a hotel (booking.com is a great way to do so), your hotel can tell you the best / most affordable / quickest / whatever way to get there from the airport.

I think you are going to have a wonderful time!

lcd4035

Thanks everyone for your help. I didn't think the transportation was going to be an issue but now I know

geetika

A year ago I was planning our 5 day stay in Florence, do I envy you or what?!

Don't worry about jetlag, you'll be fine. The key is to stay up till at least 9 the first evening, though you can cheat and take a half hour nap in the afternoon - just be sure to set your alarm though!

Do work in a day trip to Sienna and maybe San Gimignano? In Florence don't miss the Santa Croce, which left us speechless. And walk, walk, walk, that's the way to experience what this city has to oiffer.

How I wish I was 19 again and seeing Florence for the first time, you're one lucky person, enjoy:}