Italy in the winter
Dec 7th, 2006, 08:38 AM
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Italy in the winter
I have planned a last minute trip to Rome/Florence/Venice Italy for my husbands 40 th. It is out first visit. I have been reading and re reading these boards. I still have a few questions I still can't seem to make my mind up on.So any help is much appreciated.
(1)Train Reservations are they a good idea?especially on New years Day.Can't decide if it's worth $18 shipping .
(2) how good is the heat in the hotels or in Italy in general?
(3)This board seems to think money belts are a good idea. However, one post sent me to a website that expressed dressing nicely
in Italy... I have a Louis Vuitton purse that is great for travel .But, is that just a big red flag for come rob me?
(4) Packing for husband. Should he wear a dk.Grey wool coat knee length or a fleece jacket or something else?
(1)Train Reservations are they a good idea?especially on New years Day.Can't decide if it's worth $18 shipping .
(2) how good is the heat in the hotels or in Italy in general?
(3)This board seems to think money belts are a good idea. However, one post sent me to a website that expressed dressing nicely
in Italy... I have a Louis Vuitton purse that is great for travel .But, is that just a big red flag for come rob me?
(4) Packing for husband. Should he wear a dk.Grey wool coat knee length or a fleece jacket or something else?
Dec 7th, 2006, 08:53 AM
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Haven't traveled on New Year's Day, so I can't help you there, but generally I think if you're concerned about having a seat on a train, reserve ahead.
Heat, IMO, in hotels has been on the hot side. I'm from a "cold" US state, and find Italians tend to like things overheated. I've been able to compensate, though, by either turning down the heat in my room, or opening a window, or doing both.
Your husband should wear whatever he feels comfortable in, IMO. I have found that in Florence and Rome in winter the most comfortable outerwear has been a raincoat with a zip-in wool lining, and a hat, gloves and scarf at night or when it's colder.
As far as your purse goes, use the same good common sense you'd use visiting any other large, populated city like NYC or Washington, DC.
Buon Viaggio!
BC
Heat, IMO, in hotels has been on the hot side. I'm from a "cold" US state, and find Italians tend to like things overheated. I've been able to compensate, though, by either turning down the heat in my room, or opening a window, or doing both.
Your husband should wear whatever he feels comfortable in, IMO. I have found that in Florence and Rome in winter the most comfortable outerwear has been a raincoat with a zip-in wool lining, and a hat, gloves and scarf at night or when it's colder.
As far as your purse goes, use the same good common sense you'd use visiting any other large, populated city like NYC or Washington, DC.
Buon Viaggio!
BC
Dec 7th, 2006, 09:12 AM
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Hi K,
1. Buy your tickets at www.trenitalia.com.
Use the ticketless option and get your tickets from the machines or ticket agents at the rail station or any travel agent.
You can also have your tickets sent to your Rome hotel.
You won't be charged shipping.
2. About as good as in the US - usually.
3. Your LV purse is a very big flag - even empty.
1. Buy your tickets at www.trenitalia.com.
Use the ticketless option and get your tickets from the machines or ticket agents at the rail station or any travel agent.
You can also have your tickets sent to your Rome hotel.
You won't be charged shipping.
2. About as good as in the US - usually.
3. Your LV purse is a very big flag - even empty.
Dec 7th, 2006, 09:35 AM
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Re: train reservations. For days busier than usual (NY Day, Christmas Eve, etc.) reserve seats in advance and have tkts sent to your hotel. For normal travel days I wouldn't worry about it---just buy your tickets when you get to Italy.
When we were there in January I was never uncomfortable with the heat. We always crack a window for fresh air, regardless of how cold it is. And it was <i>very</i> cold!
I prefer the longer coat. Your legs get chilled quickly if the wind is up. Some days I wore 2 scarves. I took those typical leather driving gloves, but they weren't sufficient. I was much happier after I bought a pair of fleece-lined gloves at a street market.
Money belts: opinions vary. Only you know if that's right for you. Use the LV bag if that's what you usually travel with. If you take the normal precautions not to look like a vulnerable tourist you'll be fine.
When we were there in January I was never uncomfortable with the heat. We always crack a window for fresh air, regardless of how cold it is. And it was <i>very</i> cold!
I prefer the longer coat. Your legs get chilled quickly if the wind is up. Some days I wore 2 scarves. I took those typical leather driving gloves, but they weren't sufficient. I was much happier after I bought a pair of fleece-lined gloves at a street market.
Money belts: opinions vary. Only you know if that's right for you. Use the LV bag if that's what you usually travel with. If you take the normal precautions not to look like a vulnerable tourist you'll be fine.
Dec 7th, 2006, 11:54 AM
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In Italy I doubt if anyone is going to notice, or care, that you are carrying an LV bag....if they do, they will think you bought it on the street....
The heat depends on the class of hotel you are staying in..in a three star-type hotel or above it will be fine..
The heat depends on the class of hotel you are staying in..in a three star-type hotel or above it will be fine..
Dec 7th, 2006, 11:58 AM
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Hi keyes, I disagree in part about the LV purse. I always travel with my large LV "Noe" bag (bucket type style with draw-string closure on top). I have found that is the best thing to carry everything in when traveling in Italy and Europe. It has come in very handy when stopping at the supermercato to buy fruit, cheese, etc. without having to purchase a plastic grocery sack. I can throw my camera in and even a light sweater for my little child, etc. I have never had any problems with it. On shorter jaunts and walks about towns, I will leave it in my hotel room and just take some euros in a small change purse, but generally speaking when taking a day trip somewhere, I always take my LV. If going on the bus or train, just put your purse on your lap in front of you or on the floor in-between your legs. Note that women in Italy are very fashionable and they walk around with their Versace, Prada, Gucci bags and are never harassed. Just be selective of where you are going and mindful of your surroundings and you should be fine taking it with you.
Regarding some of your other points/concerns:
1) I have never needed train reservations in the numerous times and years I have been going to Italy. Most Italians are not traveling on New Years Day (Capo d'anno) but in ristorantes or homes eating a special meal. You should be ok with buying the train tickets directly at the station.
2) Definitely inquire about the heat in your hotel room prior. Generally speaking the rooms are usually equipped with those individual units that you can turn the knob on and adjust according to your preference. However, many hotels have central heating. It is a priority to have it in winter, otherwise get a lot of extra blankets!
4) Bring a warm coat and layer, layers, layers. I have found wearing silk long johns (Eddie Bauer makes them) is very helpful. They are lightweight but very warm and they are not bulky under clothes. Then if you bring a couple sweaters, you can layer your clothing. A wool coat will be warmer than a fleece jacket (IMO) and Venice will be very cold with the wind and water in the canals. Dress warmly and don't forget the scarves and gloves. Buon viaggio!
Regarding some of your other points/concerns:
1) I have never needed train reservations in the numerous times and years I have been going to Italy. Most Italians are not traveling on New Years Day (Capo d'anno) but in ristorantes or homes eating a special meal. You should be ok with buying the train tickets directly at the station.
2) Definitely inquire about the heat in your hotel room prior. Generally speaking the rooms are usually equipped with those individual units that you can turn the knob on and adjust according to your preference. However, many hotels have central heating. It is a priority to have it in winter, otherwise get a lot of extra blankets!
4) Bring a warm coat and layer, layers, layers. I have found wearing silk long johns (Eddie Bauer makes them) is very helpful. They are lightweight but very warm and they are not bulky under clothes. Then if you bring a couple sweaters, you can layer your clothing. A wool coat will be warmer than a fleece jacket (IMO) and Venice will be very cold with the wind and water in the canals. Dress warmly and don't forget the scarves and gloves. Buon viaggio!
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