Travellers with Special Concerns
1. Tips for Students
Milan has a vast student population spanning a wider age range than their British or US counter-parts. Many hang out in bars at Navigli, and in clubs in Ticinese. They’re also habitués of the bars in the Brera neighbourhood. To get discounts when sightseeing, ask for “sconto per studenti”.
2. Resources for Students
Remember to take your ISIC (International Student Identity Card), the only card widely accepted as proof of status.
STA Travel • 0871 702 9849 • 0333 321 0099 • www.statravel.co.uk
Travel CUTS • www.travelcuts.com
3. Tips for the Elderly
Discounts for anziani (pensioners) are often available at sights and on transport (for further details see Travel Discounts).
4. Resources for the Elderly
Besides books and magazines devoted to the mature traveller, you can get good travel information, advice on tour operators, and sometimes discounts, from the major national associations for retired persons, such as ARP (UK) and AARP (US).
ARP • 020 8764 3344
AARP • 800 424 3410 • www.aarp.org
5. Tips for Women
The “Latin Lover” is alive and well, and women may receive more attention than they are used to. Behaviour like open staring, verbal come-ons, even bottom-pinching, is not uncommon. Be firm, to stop it in its tracks.
6. Resources for Women
There are few official resources for women, other than some clubs for expats and visitors: the Benvenuto Club for social activities, and the PWA (Professional Women’s Association), for career networking. Try www.journeywoman.com for travelling tips.Women • www.pwa-milan.org
7. Tips for the Disabled
Preservation laws deter owners from altering the city’s older buildings in order to accommodate wheelchairs. However, most major museums have disabled access, and many hotels have a few wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most Metro stops are wheelchair accessible, but restaurant toilets may not be. Milanopertutti gives detailed accessibility information in English.
8. Resources for the Disabled
RADAR (the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) in London publishes a series of useful pamphlets. Join Holiday Care Service, in Surrey, for advice on disabled-friendly accommodation.
RADAR • 020 7250 3222 • www.disabilityrightsuk.org
Holiday Care Service • 01293 774 535
9. Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travellers
Homosexuality is broadly accepted in as cosmopolitan a city as Milan, which hosted the World Pride festival in 2000. Moderate physical affection will draw little undue attention.
10. Resources for Gays & Lesbians
Italy’s national organization for homosexuals (curiously, a subset of the National Communist Youth Alliance) is ARCI-Gay; the lesbian branch is ARCI-Lesbica. Milan’s gay bookshop is Libreria Babele; there are gay travel guides put out by Ferrari, Spartacus and Frommer’s. A useful website is www.gay.it.
ARCI-Gay • 02 5412 2225 • www.arcigaymilano.org
ARCI-Lesbica • 02 2901 4027 • www.arcilesbica.it
