Italy Travel Options

Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2011

Are you longing to trace your family tree and visit the birthplace of your ancestors in Italy? We can make your desires happen. Think about a cruise or a tour that departs from or ends in Rome and add a few days to the start or end. We can take you to remote villages anywhere in Italy by private car or train if train access is available. You would be surprised at the local train service Italy offers. Here in the United States we should take lessons from the European train network. Trains leave on time and take you to the most out of the way places.

Useful Italian Phrases

Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2011

If your Italy tour vacation is coming up, here are some quick and useful phrases to learn.

Useful Italy Phrases When Traveling

Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2011

Here are a few useful words to know before you take your trip to Italy.

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Si
No . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Yes, please . . . . . . . Si grazie
Thank You . . . . . . Grazie
Excuse me, sorry . . Scusi
Good Morning . . . Buon giorno
Goodbye . . . . . . . . Arrivederci

Start planning an Itay tour.

Language Issues When Traveling Abroad

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011

If you are planning to travel to a foreign country, why not "dive" into the culture a bit and learn some of the language. 

English is spoken by many in Europe, but to be a real traveler, you should learn a few words of that foreign language... no need to purchase a language program (unless you want to,) but learning some key phrases will make it fun, and foreigners appreciate when you try to speak their language.  Learn hello, good-bye, please and thank you at the very least.  It's just polite to do that. 

Also learn how to ask (in their language) if they speak English... or try to ask your question in the local language.  They will appreciate the effort.  Often they will volunteer, "Would you like to speak English?"  And if they don't speak English, they will probably try to find someone who does.  Other useful phrases are how much is it? Where is a bathroom? What time is it?

Carry a phrase book.  It will help to be able to point out a phrase if the local person you're asking doesn't seem to understand you.  Don't just speak louder... that isn't going to help.  Remember English is a foreign language to them!  Even if you're trying, your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads or blushing as you've said something you didn't want to.  To be a traveler, you need a sense of humor... especially about yourself.  If they don’t understand you, don't be embarrassed.  Point to the word in the phrase book. 

Take a chance.  People are forgiving of tourists.... even the French who have an undeserved reputation for not being helpful.  The key is to be GRATEFUL that they speak a little English to help you... not to expect it.  When you're speaking English, speak slowly and avoid slang. 

Don't be intimidated by signs in a foreign language, as you can usually figure things out without asking.  Does it look similar to a word you're familiar with?  If it says "farmacia" instead of "pharmacy", take a guess... you're probably looking at that pharmacy.  Is there a sign with a picture that might help solve the mystery?  A green cross or a pharmacist's scale would be a good clue. 

Remember, you went on this trip to experience something different... so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words and enjoy yourself!  If traveling in a tour group, of course your guide will help you get around and can give you language tips as well.

Tips for Family Travel by Plane

Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010

We all know the famous question: “Are we there yet?” Traveling by plane with kids does not have to be draining. Here is a checklist to help right from the planning stages of your trip so you will arrive at your destination excited and ready to have fun.

Start by making things easier – If your budget is a little flexible, the best practice is have as few connections as possible. Book direct or non-stop flights whenever you can.

Make sure you arrive at the airport early so you are not stressed while finding parking, checking in and getting through security. Realize that traveling with young children always takes longer to walk through the airport than you expect.

Have your children carry their own bags with snack and entertainment items. Even toddlers can wear backpacks or use rolling bags and they like the responsibility. You may also want to carry on any favorite stuffed animal to avoid a problem if the checked bag gets lost.

Bring a favorite pillow to help your children sleep on the flight and on while on vacation. Airlines no longer supply everyone with pillows on flights.

Have some healthy snacks packed. Don't rely on the schedule of the flight attendants for food. Bring some paper cups and buy a bottle of water after you get through security. Some people take an empty water bottle and fill it after getting through security, saving money and the wait in line to purchase water.

Bring your own entertainment. Do not count on the movie selection being appropriate for children or being something that can hold their attention. Here are some suggestions for the different age groups:

• Older Babies and Toddlers - nested containers, sets of things to put into containers, Busy Boxes with hand activities and moving parts, board books, blanket, stuffed animal
• Pre-Schoolers - books, stickers and activity or coloring books, crayons, lap-sized wipe-off easels and pens, post-it notes, scotch tape, magnetic letters or dolls & metal tin
• Young School Age - books, comics, stickers and activity or coloring books, small magnetic puzzles, travel-size Etch-a-Sketch, Go-Fish cards, books on tape, miniature worlds: little houses with figures, hand-sized playsets, LeapFrog Leapster- fun games and assisted reading
• Older School Age - books, activity kits, blank paper for drawing, Hangman, or Xs & Os, deck of cards, travel size board games, Mastermind: a great game for age seven and up, cribbage set, small Lego sets, hand-held toys with the sound turned off, electronics (iPods, games, DVD players, used with headphones). If you do not have a DVD player, they can be rented at many airports.