Learning some Italian before holiday

[allaglow]

I'd like to make the effort to learn some everyday Italian phrases before my trip to Rome later this year.
Can anyone recommend an online resource, or book, or CD to listen to in the car?
I'll probably feel self conscious: has anyone who has tried similar found that locals are patient?!

Get the Duolingo app its perfect for learning quickly.

When I've been Italy I've found most Italians are incredibly appreciative if you make an effort to speak Italian. They'll likely reply in English but at least you've made the effort.
I've done a few courses, but really a good phrase book with pronunciation should be sufficient if you can learn some of the basic sounds.

I really recommend coffee break Italian. It's a podcast and free. I listen to it when I"m walking or driving.
radiolingua.com/coffeebreakitalian/