I will be traveling with a friend for a month in May after we finish our study abroad classes in Germany. We are "poor college students" but wanted to see Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice...) Has anyone stayed in a youth hostile or hotel there that they would like to recommend? Or does anyone have suggestions for other must-see sites!?

ttt

Erin, the first thing you should do is to pick up (if you have not done so) a copy of Let's Go Europe 2002.<BR>It's a wonderful guide for budget and/or backpackers and when I went budgeting to Europe it was our bible.<BR>You should be sure to bring your student ID since most "sights" give student discounts.<BR>You can also go to Lonelyplanet.com though the message boards are sort of dicey in my experience, it is very much a budget traveller's sort of place.<BR>Just so you know, it is very possible to have an amazing time in Europe on a budget, Students help each other out with cheap eateries and sights that are appealing, you will have a blast.

I would recommend getting Rick Steve's Europe Throught the Back Door, it is a really good book for the first time traveler. You can also look at his website at www.ricksteves.com. A good bulletin board for college students and backpackers is at www.eurotrip.com. There are many good hostels in Italy, back in 1995 I stayed at hostels in Florence and Venice; in Rome, I stayed at the YWCA. Have a great semester abroad!

My daughter did the same thing last year after studying in Paris. She recommends Hostel Alessandro in Rome, clean and convenient.