querky1

I will be traveling to Italy this Spring, along with 11 high school students (all girls). I need any input you may have, including tipping (amounts, and to whom), do I need a converter for say a hair dryer? Also, regarding money, is it better to just plan on using plastic for purchases? Any and all info. is greatly appreciated!

grsing

Tipping in Europe is generally much less than in the US; usually no more than rounding up to the nearest Euro, besides perhaps in a really fancy restaurant. Look at your hair dryer (probably the tag on the wire, but it may be on the dryer itself) and see what voltages it accepts (the numbers you're looking for are around 110 or 120 and 240 or 250), if it only has the 110/120, then you will need a converter, although you're probably better off just getting a dual voltage dryer, or just getting one in Italy, because dryers tend to draw quite a lot of current, which some converters can't handle. If it does have 240/250 on it, it's all set to go, you just need a plug adaptor so that it will fit in the wall socket (you plug the US style prongs into the adaptor, and then plug the two round plugs of the adaptor into the wall; look at any half-decent electronics store). Plastic is likely to be accepted a lot of places, although smaller shops and restaurants are less likely to do so, but make sure you check your card terms, as some are charging extra fees for the convenience of using your card abroad. For getting cash, ATMs are almost certainly the way to go, so long as your bank doesn't charge an unreasonable rate for withdrawals from other banks' ATMs (if it does, you may just want to find another bank, at least for the money for the trip). Travellers cheques are pretty much unnecessary, and, in my opinion, more hassle than they're worth.

Heimdall

Agree about the hair dryer. Solid state voltage converters will eventually burn out your 110-120V dryer, and anything else with a motor or electronics, for that matter. If that's all you need a converter for, just buy a dual voltage hair dryer instead.

Most battery chargers for digital cameras etc are multi-voltage (they will have 100-240V 50/60Hz or something like that on them). If you have anything electronic which is 110-120V only, insure that you use it with a transformer. Travel transformers are usually rated for only about 50 watts, so are for small appliances only.

querky1

Thanks for the valuable information. Is there anything else we need to know? How shall I prepare my students? We will be on a tour--most things are covered. I need to know how to pack--any suggestions?

suze

Are you in charge of the students' packing? If so, I suggest you develop a simple packing list for them and more important set a limit to size and number of suitcases each person may bring (I'd suggest 1 >24" suitcase or backpack + 1 purse, messenger bag, daypack or tote).

There are loads of packing lists and packing light tips on the internet. Check Rick Steves, Journeywoman, Lonely Planet, or just google the phrase.

suze

No, you will need some cash too (not just plastic) for smaller purchases along the way. You can't be charging everytime you need bus fare or a bottle of water!

Heimdall

Further to what suze said, your students will need cash too. There are many threads on this board about the best way to carry funds (ATM, credit card, TCs, etc) but the advice may not be appropriate for students. Assuming your students don't have debit or credit cards, they will probably need to carry travellers cheques. You might also think about a suggested amount of $ to bring, so that some don't run out of money while others are shopping for designer clothes.

lincasanova

traveller's checks are VERY difficult to cash in many towns, now.
find out from the issuing company ADDRESSES of banks that will accept them on your itinerary.

Heimdall

Lincasanova, then what would you suggest for students who don't have a debit or credit card? Maybe there's a way for the teacher to carry their funds for them, but personally I wouldn't want to assume that responsibility.

Tulips

Perhaps let the girls deposit an amount of pocket money on querky1's account, so that she can draw cash for them from the ATM when they need it? When my daughter went on a school trip recently, pocket money was paid to the school, and handed out by teacher whenever someone needed it.

MissPrism

Most Italian hotels have hair-dryers.
If yours doesn't, then I'd advise just buying a cheap one when you are there.

ira

Hi q,

It is cheaper to get a dual voltage hair dryer (try WalMart) than a convertor.

You will need a plug adaptor to allow your use flat spade plug to fit the Continental round spade plugs.

Re money: You will need some cash in addition to your CC. The best way to get it is to have an ATM card.

For your students who don't have ATM cards - their parents can get them a travel card
(see www.americanexpress.com for example -click prepaid)

Do you have letters from the parents giving you power of attorney to make medical decisions on their behalf?

Can you bail them out if they are arrested? (it happens). Do you have letters from the parents saying that they will pay if you have to bail them out?

Do you have agreeements from the parents that if their little darlings have to be sent home that they will pay the extra costs?

>How shall I prepare my students?<

Their parents should have brought them up properly. If not, t's too late.

Make sure that everyone has a list of rules, and that they know that if they break the rules they will be sent home at their own expense - and that it has been signed by the students and their parents.

The use of drugs and alcohol not supplied by the teacher are grounds for dismissal.

The drinking age in Italy is lower than in the US.

They are going to meet boys who "hit on them".

In Italy, a girl who responds to any advances from strangers is considered open to further advances.

They should not acknowledge greetings from strangers - not even to say "no".

As Sophia Loren says in "Two Women", "Keep your nose up and your skirts down".

In Italian, 'no' is "no". 'Yes' is "si".

May God go with you on this dangerous voyage.

gail

My son went to Italy with a group of 20 13 year olds 5 years ago. It was an EF tour, with their guide and our teachers as chaperones. They were well prepared, but as I remember, some things he was surprised about were-

Getting charged for bread in restaurants

Getting charged for water - actually mineral water - in restaurants

Bathroom fixtures that did not look like those in US

That tour leader expected students to actually be responsible for return tickets, passports, all their money,.

That it would have been no problem for any of them to be served alcohol

I sent our son with cash, credit/ATM card (got it as extra card on my account with set spending limit - it took 3 days to get it), and some travelers checks for emergencies. He did not use those and we redeposited them upon return.

His tour leader had everyone give him copies of their passports - it helps when someone loses their passport (school does annual Europe trip and someone always loses their passport)