Colm

Favourite destinations: At the bottom of the Twin Falls in Kakadu NP, Australia
Top Tip: Bring a pillow for those long bus journeys.

Florence is my favourite Italian city. I travelled there with work on a number of occasions. As it isn't too big, I got to see pretty much everything there is to see. Plus, I hooked up with some people who were living there already and they brought me to all the best bars and clubs!

Want to know something about Florence? Ask Colm a question

Page 1 of 5   |  Next >>

Q: its not about florence..am a 21 yr indian girl travelling alone to italy for 10 days..will go to venice,florence,pisa and rome by train..is it safe to go alone? Submitted By: Abhishikta Tripathi on the 18th May 2006 A: Hi. Italy's train network is renowned for being one of the best in Europe. I think you'd be fine travelling on your own. Florence and Venice are safe at night, while the only place that is a little bit dodgy in Rome is the train station, but around all the sights it is safe, particularly in summer when they are all swarming with tourists. Do your travelling first thing in the morning so you get to experience the full day and night in the city, then you avoid the train stations at night also.

Q: Hi, Do you think a single day would be enough to enjoy and feel the spirit of Florence? Thanks. Submitted By: Spaceman on the 3rd May 2006 A: Hi, You could definitely fit a lot in in one day, but you wouldn't get to enjoy and feel the spirit of the city. Florence is the best city in Italy to people-watch so if you only had one day you'd probably spend most of it sightseeing and not a lot of it chilling. Then if you spent a lot of time chilling you wouldn't have enough time to appreciate what Florence is best known for - art. My advice is spend two days or so there. I prefer Florence to Rome and Milan no problem. Venice is special but there is a serious amount of people day during the day which can be annoying. But Florence has everything - sightseeing, art, culture and a great nightlife thanks to all the students! Enjoy it whether you spend a day there or more...

Q: Hi John, Im sorry to bother you, but I cant find any other way to get in touch with Hostelworld and any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated! Unfortunately, there seems to have been a glitch in the system, because after I booked with hostelworld, I was charged twice. And not only was I charged twice but it is a clear glitch because it is charging me twice for the same exact room, the same exact nights. I want the one that charges me for 5 nights however, instead of 4. I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer me in how to contact hostelworld, or I know you must have capabilities in being in contact with them. As a student traveling, you must understand funds are extremely low and I am greatful for all the financial help I am getting thus far. I am excited to say that I am traveling to Florence in a few short days and have been looking forward to this trip for 3 years! Have a great day and I look forward to your reply. Best, Jaclyn Cadoret Submitted By: Jaclyn Cadoret on the 2nd May 2006 A: Hi Jaclyn , No problem. The newsletter is sent from editor@hostelworld.com. I've replied to it before and got a personal response back. Hopefully that should help. John

Q: Hi - My husband and I are over 60 y.o, fit and healthy and I've booked most of our European accommodation with hostelworld.com. Do we need to become members of Hostelling International. I have not booked into premises that require HI membership. Please reply to lnnelber@bigpond.net.au Thank you. Nelia Submitted By: Mr Lutz Elber on the 28th April 2006 A: Hi, You can become a member of Hostelling International but you will only benefit if you stay in HI hostels. Some of the hostels listed on Hostelworld.com are HI hostels but many more aren't so you if you're booking all your accommodation on this site you don't need to be a member of any hostelling group. John

Q: I will be traveling troughout Western Europe in June. I don't like to plan ahead so I was wondering if I really need to book rooms in all the cities I will be visiting. Do you think that I can deal with that once I arrive to Europe? I just want to make sure that I will be able to find a cheap place to stay. Thank you Submitted By: mucino10 on the 23rd April 2006 A: Hi, In peak months like June,July & August you really are better off booking ahead.This doesn't mean you have to book all cities though. Book the first one in advance, and maybe the second. Then after that book the next cities a few days in advance, maybe even a week in some cases. There's nothing worse than having to walk around numerous hostels with your backpack weighing you down in 30C heat. Book ahead and you'll know there's a bed there waiting.Not very spontaneous but extremely convenient.

Q: From Florence, what might be the best way to visit a great winery in Chianti as well as tours of Siena and Lucca. Did I mention we were doing this with two small children in tow... We love to travel by train. And do you recommend a fav winery in Chianti? Thanks. Submitted By: Shar on the 22nd April 2006 A: Hi, I never did a wine tour in Florence but you could check out this page: http://www.verbenabluviaggi.com/day_trips_4.htm. It's a day trip to the wine region from Florence. If you don't like the look of this one search for 'chianti wine tours' or something similar in Google. Alternatively, wait until you get there and ask in the tourist office on Via Pellicceria. In regards to day trips to Siena and Lucca, Italy's train network is excellent. I definitely recommend getteing a train to either destination yourself and explore at your own speed.

Page 1 of 5   |  Next >>