The Hotel in Rome has been chosen for its central location. It also is located in a very affordable shopping district. Students will be able to buy "things Roman" at prices the locals pay (although shopping time will be limited). We will try to set-up an Italian cooking class with a local language school, but this is contingent upon dates and our numbers.

Extra money would be needed only for souvenirs, and extra drinks or snacks. If the number of participants is small, the price may rise slightly- although you will be informed of this before your deposit is cashed. Every student will be required to purchase student insurance for the trip throught STA.  This will allow for medical care as well as emergency return trips. The cost is about $75 for the coverage of our length of trip and will make sure that no one loses their investment.  This is included in the price of the trip.

FAQ’s

Accommodations In Rome we will be staying at the Hotel Pomezia (Via dei Chiavari 12, 00186, Roma; phone/fax:011-39-06-686 1371) in the Campo dei Fiori, within walking distance of just about every place we will want to see.

After first arriving at the airport in Rome, we will drive down to the Villa Vergiliana (Via Cuma 580; 80070/Baia, Napoli; phone/fax 011-39-081-854-3102) located near the ocean west of Naples. We’ll have full days at the sites, but the evenings are up to you, so bring a good book or games that you like to play. We will check to see if we might be able to take in an opera at the oldest opera house in Italy (and one of the most beautiful)

What about food? The price includes all meals. In Rome we will eat in local restaurants where you can order what you want. The Villa serves home-style Italian meals, but we can accommodate allergies and vegetarians. If you have a special need for the plane food, please let me know!  Please do not come if you do not like pasta or pizza...  As soon as we are able, I will introduce you to the amazing Italian treat known as gelato and we will have at least one gelato break per day while there.  Prepare to be THRILLED!

What to wear? Think about May/June in New Hampshire. It could be warm and sunny, or cold and rainy, or, a little of both. You need a hat and gloves. Bring clothes that can be layered. Don’t forget COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!!!! You will need at least two pairs of comfortable shoes as we walk so much even they will bother you and you will need to rotate!

What about free time? There is none. We will do everything together, and nobody is going to wander the streets of Rome alone-it is a big city, and offers all the attractive features and less attractive features of a big city. Do bring a frisbee or hacky-sack. We will have some down time.  Please note that all students are expected to be on time and cheerful.  Any prolonged bad attitudes and or behavior will be sent home early.  We are guests in a foreign land and must be careful not to offend our hosts.

What about rooms? Students will be in doubles and triples, and should not expect a private bathroom. Please suggest the names of those with whom you’d like to room, but I cannot guarantee anything. You are all wonderful!

What about spending money? Everything is paid for, so the only things that you need money for are snacks, gifts, and souvenirs. It would surprise me if the average student spent $150. You can bring traveler’s checks, use an ATM card, or bring cash—but not more than $150 in cash, please. We can exchange for euros at the Phillie airport and back on the return.  For adults, Visa and Mastercard are almost universally accepted, Amex a little less so.  Traveler's checks can be a problem getting cashed.  The best method seems to be to set up prepaid ATM cards.  There are convenient ones to both of our hotels.  We all go together and take turns at the machines.  That way, we never have too much on us at one time.

What about phones? In Rome we can use the pay phone in the hotel. If you are going to use a credit card, you need to find out the access code from Italy for your provider. Call your phone company and ask before we leave. At the Villa, there is a phone which can use a credit card as well. Your parents may call at the numbers given above.  They have added computer service for us at the Villa and there is an internet place around the corner from our hotel in Rome.  The trip will cover reasonable phone and computer time.  The best phone cards are to be had at a shop in the Piazza Navona.  I will try to keep them available.

Mrs. Braden has an Italian cell phone which will be available for emergencies.  On the past trip, one parent was chosen to receive daily updates and to email news to the other parents.  We could set up a schedule for a different parent each day, if parents so choose.  I doubt this will be necessary now with computers at both of our headquarters.

Electrical appliances? If you are bringing a hair dryer or electric razor, be sure to get a converter for Italy (there is no such thing as a European converter); Try to bring a hairdryer that doesn’t suck up too many watts.  Sally's Cosmetic Supplies carries a set of European converters.

Am I going to get robbed? Not if you are careful. Bring a wallet that you can string around your neck and tuck into your shirt or blouse. SOFT Backpacks, fannypacks, and purses are EASY PREY!   The chaperones will carry your passports, but you still don’t want your money taken!  I like to wear a heavy leather backpack on my chest.

What about the weather? No guarantees. Bring gloves and a hat, and a couple of thin but warm layerings. Previous travelers have wished they had them. Sometimes we will be eating meals outside.  Sunglasses are a part of the Italian culture and you will feel comfortable wearing them.

When are the deposits due? The initial deposit ($700) will be due in November, with three ($600 each) more following in December,  January and February.  Expenses will be lightened with the two Little Caesar Pizza and Cookie Dough fundraisers scheduled for Oct. and Feb.  Plan to really sell a bunch.  Advertise at your churches and parents' workplaces.  These are great products and everyone comes out happy.

How can I save money and bring down the cost of my trip? There will be many opportunities for fundraising to bring down the cost of all of those who participate in these events. Mrs. Braden recommends working over the holidays  either with a part-time job or lots of babysitting. They can be very lucrative if you budget and save...We will keep records of profits from the pizza sales.

What if I have to drop out of the trip? We will try to keep a waiting list to replace any last minute drops. The STA travel insurance covers all legitimate cancellations.

What are the hidden costs? Right now, nothing. But there are two suggestions for options. First is a night at the opera in Naples (at the San Carlo, Italy’s oldest opera house). We are trying to find the schedule and availability.  Second is the possible cooking class.  Usually we will be exhausted after our day of romping and you will be happy to crash.

What about the report? Each participant is responsible for preparing an introduction to one of the sites that we will be visiting. A one-page hand-out with a diagram and some history would be perfect. When we get to the site, you will give your intro, and the rest of us will add other things as we go along. The list is coming with websites after that to assist you. Once you have picked a topic, let me know so that there are no duplications. I will be happy to give more ideas for research.

Anything ELSE? PASSPORT! If you do not have one, please order it immediately. You may do so at the post office (call for hours that the passport applications are accepted.) If you are not an American citizen, please let me know now, so that we can check on visa requirements. I would like a photocopy of the front page of your passport (with the number and your picture) and you should bring two more photos. If your passport is lost, thses things will greatly expedite getting a new one.

Washcloth! Towels are provided, but Italians don’t understand the concept, so bring your own! I am serious about this…open your suitcase a few weeks ahead, leaving it open in a corner, and add things as you think of them. DO NOT FORGET A COUPLE OF WASHCLOTHS! Plan to bring washable wash and wear that can be dressed up or down and layered. Less is BETTER!

Speaking Italian is a delight not to be missed.  Mrs. Braden will supply lists of vocab words and helpful phrases at sign-up to begin practicing as soon as possible.  We will try to speak Italian to each other in the halls and at meetings! Counting is essential for shopping....

PARENTS are loved but not eligible for the trip.  Past experience has proven that the learning dynamics of the trip are lessened with the addition of parents.  It is not fair to the students!  Parents are encouraged to tour Italy with their families.  That is a wonderful investment.