Help! Anxious traveller

[comloulou]

2 questions rolled into one here. Im off for a long weekend in Rome at the end of Jan and have realised a) Im pathologically terrified of flying (its the lack of controll upon my surroundings) and b) im poor and would appreciate some money saving tips for the eternal city.

[rekstout]

I remember they used to let people who were afraid of flying visit the cockpit before take-off and in-flight so you could see what was being done and how things worked but I guess that's out of the question nowadays - try letting the check-in clerk know so that they don't give you an inappropriate seat (e.g. emergency exit seat) and let the flight attendant know - they have plenty of experience of how best to allay your fears. Don't be tempted to have a drink to calm your nerves - not a good idea - avoid caffeine and sugary/coloured drinks,drink plenty of water slowly and have a well balanced meal to keep your blood sugar from crashing which can make you more anxious

As for Rome, I've never been so I can;t help there - do as the Romans do? ;-)

[andy hughes]

With regard to your fear of flying - have a word with your GP about a prescription for a mild tranquilizer - 5mg of Tomazipam will allow you to fly in relative relaxation, but don't drink alcohol. Make sure someone is with you as you may become disorientated during the effects of the tablet. When you get to Rome, to eat and drink avoid the obviously 'touristy' areas - check out the streets a little further into the city, and look out for where the locals eat and drink. If it's full of Italians, rather than tourists, it's probably got good food and cheap drinks, so head for those places.

[comloulou]

Ive had valium before so I feel fairly comfortable with that. I think youre right about the touristy areas. Thanks both!

[darth vader]

a) Is it because you've never flown before? If so then all i can say is (from experience as an ex "flight phobia" person) grit your teeth, get on the plane, strap yourself in and trust the pilot. Once you're in the air you lose all your fears when you realise what a totally cool and unforgettable experience it is and start to really enjoy the flight. Also try and get a window seat so that you are aware of the height at all times (plus it's totally cool watching yourself flying through the clouds!) whereas an aisle seated person would only occaisionally see the ground when the plane banks, and a sudden glimpse of the planet 32000 feet below is NOT what you want. b) avoid bars, card games involving money, taxi drivers who "claim to know a short cut", and women of ill repute

[comloulou]

Thanks Darth, Im female so im avoiding the bum pinchers rather than the ladies but good point well made. Im just generally a very anxious person and dont travel well. Im determined to be good though and as im flying cheapo (ie a bus with wings) Im going to make a mad dash for the window seat. Just hope Italian Lavs are up to scratch...

[ipek]

A gentle word of warning on Italy and Rome in particular - the 'way of life' out there is to rip you off if they can. It's not a criticism nor a slight, just an observation made by one who has been there and confirmed by residents - it's just the way they are. Check your bills, or better still, ask before you buy.
Don't keep anything of value in your pockets and please be particulary careful with your handbag - don't put it down on the floor or chair in a restaurant, hang on to it. I don't mean to alarm you or suggest you get paranoid - just be aware and take sensible steps to protect what property you have (especially that hard-earnt cash).
As you may guess, I've been the victim of over-charging, pickpockets and motor-cycle bandits in the past, so now I'm just very careful when I'm there, don't carry or flash lots of dosh and agree a price for the taxi before I get in!
Sorry to sound a party-pooper, but I wish someone had told me before I went for the first time........

[Mr Mackey]

Hi. Good answers about the flight, you may not be in control of the plane but you are in control of yourself, remember that. I'll let you know a bit about Rome, the most beautiful place I've ever visited. Ignore what you may hear about gypsies, pickpockets etc, I have never had a problem, and I have visited in the height of summer/tourist season. Just have your wits about you, as you would if you were in London. Don't eat/drink in touristy areas like Piazza di Spagna or anything. The best place is the Trastevere: cross the Tiber from the East through the Tiber Island. It's a trendy place where the locals hang out without being bothered by tourists! Sightseeing is mostly free don't go on the Colosseum tour its expensive and its just as fabulous from the outside! Churches are free to visit, but its nice to put an offering in the collection...

[Mr Mackey]

...My favourite church is Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, near the Pantheon, well worth a visit. What else? Shopping is always very cheap, but don't be fooled into thinking Italian designer brands like Gucci will be cheaper. They are in fact exactly the same (as my pair of Gucci sunglasses last year attested!!). Go for more 'local' brands that you dont get here. I like Motivi, which is a clothes shop like TopShop or River Island but more fashionable and cheaper! And for jewellery, Bella Piu (a way upmarket Claire's Accessories) can't be rivalled (there's one in the Roma Termini train station). Travel is dirt cheap, trains especially but taxis also (they have a meter just like here, and just like here you sometimes get dodgy taxi drivers). As long as you're confident with your Euros and are on the ball then everything will be fabulous, just remember its a big city like Manchester or London or Glasgow, you wouldn't leave your handbag lying around in a restaurant at home, so don't expect you can in Rome, and don't assume that that means Rome is a city of crime! Most of all, have fun its a fabulous place! And make sure you throw 3 coins into the Trevi fountain! Mr Mackey, mmkay!

[comloulou]

Thank you all, your enthusiams has begun to rub off. i fly on friday so systems are going into premptive shock. I'll let you know how it goes!