Re: First trip to Europe/Italy ever at age 66



AS wrote:
I am from the US and have done very little travelling in my 66 years. Never
across either the Atlantic or Pacific. I want to visit a very sick friend
who lives in Cortona, Italy next month. I have about 1 week total. How
should I travel from Atlanta, GA? Direct to Florence? Where should I go
besides Cortona in the few days I have? I may have to go alone, I am
female, 66 though not feeble, know nothing but English and have a hearing
problem. Any suggestions about how I can make this trip less daunting?
Cost not much of an issue. Thanks for any help!

I've not been to Italy (yet) but I first started my travel outside the U.S. when I was a few years older than you are! First of all, I suggest a good phrase book - people really seem to appreciate the Americans who at least TRY to speak their language. ("Good morning" and "Please" and "Thank you" and "Excuse me" at least - also "Where are the toilets?" can come in handy.) My first trip was an organized tour, which I found a good way to get my feet wet, but traveling alone really isn't all that difficult - you generally find airport personnel who speak English, and unless you stray far from the beaten tourist paths, you can generally find a kind passerby to help with your language difficulties. (Being a respectable appearing older woman - especially if you LOOK "mature" - can be an advantage, in many cases.)

Take sensible precautions with your luggage, your purse and any valuables, but don't let yourself be frightened by all the "scare" posts one sometimes reads here. People are pretty much the same, all over the world - if you are polite to them, they tend to respond in kind, and often go out of their way to be helpful.

Enjoy your trip, I hope your friend's health will be much improved by the time you see him/her.

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