DISABLED TRAVELLERS Accomodation
Unfortunately not all hostels and hotels in Italy have
wheelchair or disabled access. It is obviously
important to check this before you arrive
to make them aware of your condition.
Transport
This will present a bit of a challenge depending
on the disability of the traveller. Trains
and buses in Italy can be really crowded,
as can the pavements. And Europeans do not
always make way! The best way to get around
is to hire your own car and have some an
able bodied person with you.
Literature
Check out the Amazon.com titles for travelling
help.
SENIOR
TRAVELLERS
Plenty of older people travel around Italy
and even stay in hostels. Italy is a country
that offers a lot for all ages and the climate
and culture is not so different or demanding
for most. There are always more comfortable
and affordable places to stay, cars to hire
for greater flexibility and comfort, and
doctors and medical services available everywhere.
FAMILIES
Travelling with children of any age in Italy
should not present difficulties. There are
plenty of activities to entertain children
of all ages and safe and hygienic travel
and accomodation services. Parents would
be advised to inform the accomodation establishment
of special needs for their children. Here
are a few other tips.
Transport
There are discounts for children on public
transport in Italy. On local buses and trams
children under a certain height ride free.
Ask for a sconto bambino (child's discount)
for other discounts before you purchase
tickets. On airlines infants under two not
occupying a seat fly at discounted rates
or even free. Make sure you also check what
the carry on allowances are with infants.
Also check if there are safety seats or
special seating areas for children and childrens
meals.
Museums
Always ask for a sconto bambino (child's
discount) before you buy museum tickets.
Children under 18 who are EU citizens generally
receive free admittance to state-run museums
and galleries, and there are similar privileges
in many municipal or private museums.
Restaurants
Always ask for a high chair or cushion in
restaurants and trattoria's. Most places
will not have childrens menus but they may
have half portions (mezza porzione) or children's
portions (porzione da bambino).
Accomodation
Make sure you check the priceing for children
staying in your room. Some establishments
will simply charge them as extra adults,
others have discounts for children under
certain ages. Also check what equipment
they provide like high chairs, cribs etc.
Some establishments may also provide day
care facilities or activities for older
children.
Other
advice
Most parents will know exactly what their
children can handle so try to take into
consideration the amount of time travelling,
the level of interest activities / museum
visits will generate for your child, how
much space and freedom older children may
need. Try to always have snack food available
for long queues or journeys, bring lots
of games, toys and drawing books.
Helpful
Literature
There are a number of titles published by
Amazon.com on travelling with children.
Some titles are Adventuring with Children
and Travel with Children. Click on the book
logos for information about these titles
or to search for other Amazon books.
WOMEN
Italy is generally a relatively safe country
to travel in as a female, even if you are
alone. However you may wish to note some
of the following points.
Accomodation
If you have any concerns there are female
only accomodation establishments like nunneries
or hostels that have single sex dormitories
on demand.
Self
Defence
Please read the comprehensive tips on the
health and safety page. But usually firm
requests are enough to take control of situations,
especially if you can draw the attention
of those close by. Any encroachment into
your personal space should be immediately
rectified – remove wayward limbs,
place barriers between your person and others,
or simply move on.
Health
Concerns
Most miscarriages occur during the first
three months of pregnancy so care should
be taken during this time. Additional care
is also required to prevent illness and
women should also be vigilant about their
diet. Some places are not advisable to visit
during pregnancy because of the lack of
medical services available and common disease.
Clothing
This is obviously dependent on the location
you are travelling in, but female travellers
should always dress modestly and be culturally
sensitive. In some parts of the world this
may mean be covered from neck to toe in
baggy, loose fitting clothing.
Dressing appropriately will also minimise
problems for the traveller.
