Teen Traveling

When you are a teenager, you are not as interested in the same things your parents are. The point of this blog is to allow teenagers to know what are interesting points of travel when they are visiting Italy and Ireland. Being a teenager myself, I am able to relate to what my peers like. I chose three spots of interest from Italy, and three from Ireland. each attraction is interesting in their own way, whether it be architecture, landscape, or history. The world is a big place, with a lot to see; take advantage of it.

General Travel Tips: Italy and Ireland

Irish Flag

Ireland

•  people drive on the opposite side of the road
• a euro is worth 1.42 American dollars
• weather in the summer is generally 60-70 degrees, and rains occasionally
• English is the primary language, but they speak Gaelic as well
• If you are traveling from America, you will need an outlet converter

Italy


• people usually drive mopeds
• weather in the summer is generally 70-80, sometimes even 90
• Italian is the primary language
• Ciao is goodbye
 

Italian Flag

• Buon giorno is hello

General

• you must have 50 lbs or less in your suitcase, or you will get charged
• always carry some sort of identification on you
• if you are going over seas, set up at long distance phone plan with your phone company
• if you plan on using your credit or debit card while over seas, make sure you let your bank know ahead of time so they do not freeze your account

Duomo di Milano: Milan, Italy





The Duomo di Milano, is English for the Milan Cathedral. I suggest the Duomo is your 6th point of tourism due to its amazing architecture and history. The building started in 1386 and in 1880's the construction was complete.The Duomo stands at 515 feet tall, and is about 300 feet wide. On top of the main spire stands the statue of Madonna. The Duomo is dedicated to the Madonna. The Duomo is the third largest Church in the world. The Duomo houses much history, as well as housing the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici di Marignano. There are three bodies in the Duomo, and they are all still somewhat intact. This is a great tourist attraction for teens because the outside is beautiful, and on the inside you are able to see famous historical catholic figures who have not fully decayed, and the public is able to see certain parts of their body still intact. The Duomo is a perfect spot for pictures, and to go inside and view the beauty.

Body still in tact: notice the ears and hands

 Tips for Traveling to The Duomo di Milano:

1. If you are a female, make sure you have shorts that reach your knees in order to respect the catholic religion
2. If you are a male or female, make sure your shoulders are completely covered
3. There is not much of a line, but the security strictly enforces the dress code



Strict Security









Michelangelo's The Statue of David: Accademia Gallery Florence, Italy

Being one of Florence's most popular tourist attractions, Michelangelo's very famous Statue of David is a sight to see, young or old. Michelangelo's the Statue of David is housed in the Accedemia Gallery. However, there is copies of David throughout Florence; the original statue is in the gallery, but there are two replicas in Florence. One replica is standing in front of Palazzo della Signoria. Also, there is another version of David standing upon a high hill where he is able to look over all of Florence, and can sometimes be seen from the road down below. David stands at 17ft. tall, and Michelangelo started sculpting David in 1501 and finished in 1504. The sculpture is portraying David after his victory over Goliath. This renowned piece of artwork is recognized not only by its story, but by the realness it contains. The Statue of David is an example of how Michelangelo has mastered the human anatomy in his work. The David is so life-like, you are able to see veins and a lot of detail. Many were very impressed at the fact that Michelangelo could carve such amazing detail into a giant block of marble. I recommend visiting The Statue of David while you are in Florence, Italy especially if you are a teen. I found this very interesting because I learned about the statue and all of Michelangelo’s artwork while in school, and it was very surreal and amazing to be able to see the sculpture in person.

Travel tips for visiting The Statue of David in the Galleria dell'Accademia:

1. Since the Accedemia Gallery is so crowded, make a reservation ahead of time
2. Be at least twenty minutes early for the reservation because it is possible they will take you earlier
3. Even with a reservation, be ready to stand in line

Pensione Bencista Hotel Villa and Olive Vineyard; Florence, Italy

The Villa

The view from the terrace

The amazing Florence sky

If you are passing through Florence, Italy, make sure you stop by the Pensione Bencista Hotel and Vineyard. If you are not staying at the Hotel, at least stop by the restaurant for a delicious meal and a miraculous view of Florence. The Pensione Bencista Villa was once a convent. On the location, olives are grown and made into olive oil which is sold at the hotel. Also, the Villa has its own house wine which is also made by the grapes that are grown. The view is absolutely breath taking.

Travel Tip to help with Pensione Bencista:

1. The Villa is located high in the hills of Florence, so make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes in order to reach the bus stop because that is one of the few ways of transportation that goes to the Villa.
2. Make sure you are hungry for dinner because the food is delicious and there is more than one course, also at dinner make sure to try the homemade olive oil!

Lahinch Beach: County Clare, Ireland

Red Seaweed

Surfers

Lahinch Beach is known as one of the best surfing places in all of Ireland. Lahinch beach has become very famous because at the beach a world record was broken. On May 14, 2006, 44 surfers road the same wave. Lahinch is also popular because of Lahinch Golf Course which is located right across the street from the beach. The golf course is the ideal spot because it is covered with vivid green grass and sometimes there are sheep that wander onto the green. Lahinch beach is a good travel destination because of the beauty and unique area. LAhinch beach is not like a normal beach we have seen in the United States, Lahinch beach is 50% covered in rocks. The locals do not sun-bathe in the sand, they layout on the rocks. Also, a very beautiful aspect of the beach is the red seaweed. The unique atmosphere makes the beach a fun hangout for teens while traveling in Ireland.



Locals lounging on the rocks



The Kylemore Abbey: Connemara, Ireland

The Kylemore Abbey is located at the base of Druchruach Mountain in Connemara, which is located in western Ireland. The Kylemore Abbey was built in 1867 by Margret and Mitchell Henry. Mitchell bought the 13,000 acre estate, and built the castle for Margret, costing him a little over 18,000 euros. The Abbey contains much history and is magnificent to look at. Also on the Kylemore Abbey ground is a church, a beautiful garden, a convent, a school, and a mausoleum housing Mitchell and Margret. The Abbey is an interesting travel point because of the story it holds, and the scenery.

Travel Tips about the Kylemore Abbey:

1. Visit the Abbey on a clear day, so you are able to experience all of the beauty there is on the property.
2. Drink from the natural waterfall