cami

we will be in italy the first two weeks of september. we understand that august (and sometimes into september)is vacation time for the italians. should we anticipate any problems with services?<BR><BR>could anyone comment that has been to italy at this time and what we should be prepared for?<BR><BR>thanks,<BR><BR>cami

Rex

I have never been to Italy in August. In spite of the heat, I think that crowds are worse in August. They don't thin out all that much in September, as so many travelers have learned that Italy is great in September. But still probably better than summer. Possibly a slightly higher fraction of "savvy" travelers in September - - so get your hotels booked ASAP. In fact, the very best places may have surprisingly little vacancy even right now for three months from now.<BR><BR>But "problems with services" - - not sure what you mean. You will find no shortage of people in service inudstries (waiters, taxi drivers, people who run laundry service - - are any of these what you mean?) - - in September.<BR><BR>A trip to Italy in September remains an EXCELLENT idea - - it's just not as "off-season-priced" as it might have been a few years back.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

cami

rex,<BR><BR>thanks for your input.<BR><BR>questions on services are due to august vacations and previous postings stating that many places are closed in august.<BR><BR>cami

Dawn

Italy in September is beautiful, but in most places still very hot. Do make your reservations early and I'd make sure that they have air conditioning. We've been several times and it's been great, still a bit crowded, but also hot.

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Keri

My husband and I are also going in September, and what I'm finding is that many hotels are already booked up and September is definitely *high season* in terms of rates.<BR>

edward

I was there last year Aug 28th to Sept 10 from Nice to Lucca via Cinque Terre,no lack of services, still high season judging from the prices and train schedules.

Wayne

It's a shame you can't make your trip during the last 2 weeks in September. The difference in just those 2 weeks is amazing; people really begin clearing out of Italy by mid-September. As Rex said, many savvy travelers go in September, usually later in the month. As October comes, though, the rain increases slightly over most of Italy. Still it isn't really all that bad anywhere.

Beth

We were there in the first 2 weeks of September in '99. Most places were open, only a few restaurants took their annual vacation closings during this time. The tourist sights were still quite crowded, and as others say, hotel rates still high. We needed dinner reservations most nights, especially in Venice. And when we were there it was EXTREMELY hot. It was 90 degrees and 95% humidity, so pack accordingly. MANY people wore shorts in tourist areas, like the Roman forum, and we were happy to have packed them. I was unhappy with the black clothing I packed, woshed I brought more white. It was impossible to get 2 days wear out of most clothes (or to get them to hang dry!) we were forced to resort to paying hotel laundry prices to get some clean clothes after a week.

claire

That dreaded sign saying closed is more likely found in August than in September. But heed the advice about the weather & temps.....make certain you have A/C and the travel size febreze! If you could be more specific about where you are going and where you fear you'll run into service disruptions in early Sept., I'm certain there are many people here who can give you more specific responses.