Travel within Italy
We encourage you to take advantage of the vacation periods not only to explore Florence and Tuscany, but to get to know other Italian regions as well.
Hitchhiking and ride sharing as modes of transportation are strongly discouraged. The practice is regarded by security officials to be extremely unsafe. Buses and trains provide a low-cost, safe alternative.
We also strongly discourage couchsurfing for the same reasons. Couchsurfing may seem like an interesting way to get insight into a new culture, but you would be lodging with strangers.
When leaving the city overnight or longer, you should notify the staff of your itinerary and/or addresses and phone numbers where you can be reached. A link to travel itinerary form (Side Trip Registration) can be found in the Middlebury study abroad portal so that students can provide details of their trips. This information will be kept confidential and used only in case of emergencies or urgent messages from family members. As a matter of courtesy and common sense, students living with hosts should similarly inform them when they plan to be away.
Bus
Traveling by bus is a popular mode of transportation for those who want to travel at a low cost. There are several companies that travel to many destinations both in Italy and all over Europe. Although traveling by bus usually takes longer, it is a good alternative for budget travelers.
To better plan your trips, to know the best means of transport for your destination, or the cheapest ticket prices, we suggest you use these sites:
Train
The most popular mode of transportation in Italy and in many other countries in Europe is the train. Check http://www.trenitalia.com or http://www.italotreno.it/ for timetables and rates.
Bicycle
Many train stations offer bicycle rental. An attractive travel option is often to travel by train to a nearby or distant destination and then explore the countryside by bike on your own. Bicycle excursions are often offered by student travel agencies or by student organizations. Check bulletin boards at the institutions where you are taking courses. In some cities it is common to use a bike as your primary means of transportation.
Budget Travel Resources
The book Let’s Go Italy is very useful for information on budget lodging and meals, sites and places of interest, transportation, and helpful addresses such as post offices, cybercafes, etc. It is updated yearly and sold in the U.S. You can also visit their website at: http://www.letsgo.com/
