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Teenager wants to go to Italy! Suggestions on the CHEAP?

I've never been to Europe & figured I probably go alone someday. Last week, my son (who loves metal music) said he's into Italian prog rock & wants to go to Italy. We both have valid passports. Can you give me some advice about where to go in Italy (Rome, I guess?), where to stay (CHEAP), flights (CHEAP), & some fun 'n funky things to do with my teenager while there? Oh: & any advice about how to avoid jetlag (which I seem to get with a vengeance) would be much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Dana DuGan on June 15, 2010 at 9:00pm

It will be hard to get tickets cheaply at this point. But, that said....you could look in the back of the NY Times Travel Section for fares that slightly less expensive due to being a charter that didn't sell out. Do picnics while there instead of restaurants. Wine is very cheap, lucky you. One of the great events is to be in Sienna during the Pallio. Wild sport and nothing like your kid will ever have imagined. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Darryl Musick on June 19, 2010 at 12:13pm

I can only address the jet lag part of this but I have a simple plan. Usually, flights to Europe from the states arrive mid-day. Just force yourself to stay up until 7:30pm, and then hit the sack. Don't set any alarms or make any plans. Close the drapes and sleep until you can't anymore.

Works wonders for me.

-Darryl

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Permalink Reply by The Travel Team on June 21, 2010 at 3:48pm

There are A LOT of hostels in Rome and you can normally score a bed for less than $30/night. The trick is to find one that is not totally gross - I know this based on experience. Be sure to read the user reviews on hostels.com and and hostelworld.com etc... as they are a good indicator of what to expect. Also, Montepulciano (google it) is amazing! There's a study program run through the University of Washington there and although it is much more popular among the tourist crowd these days it's integrity has still been preserved. You can tour the local dwelling units (for a small fee - a small price to pay for a cultural sneak peak).

It's so beautiful there and will definitely change the way he looks at the world. Good luck!