Kayb95

We've all made mistakes when planning that first trip (errors in judgement, planned poorly, over-planned, been hit with something unexpected, or just not known about something.) Since others may learn from our rookie mistakes, what were some of the mistakes you made when planning your first trip to Italy?

bobthenavigator

The same mistake we all have made--trying to do too much in too little time.

Dayle

1st Trip to Italy Goof:

Didn't know that Europe changes Dayline Savings Time earlier in the year than the US. Didn't confirm return flight 24 hours prior - fortunately it had been moved back 1 1/2 hours. Ended up spending a couple unnecesary hours at Fiumicino, but it could have been a mess.

maitaitom

The first time we went to Venice, we stayed in Padua and took the train. I HATED Venice. Thought it was like "Disneyland on Speed." I couldn't wait to get back on the train and out of there.

In 2001, we decided to give it a second chance and stayed for a couple of nights in Venice.

Nightime was magical. The place we stayed was great (Pensione Accademia) and the overall experience was terrific. We're going back for three night son our Sept. Italy trip this year.

SeaUrchin

The only mistake I made was when I underestimated the driving times on the country roads.

StCirq

Handling the produce at an outdoor market. I learned that lesson fast.

Marija

Thinking it was simpler to book hotels and plan the trip once you get there. Never again!

ms_go

Winging it as far as accommodations go -- and not realizing that we were trying to do so over a holiday weekend (All Saints Day).

ktyson

Hi,

Dayle mentioned that Europe doesn't change their clocks at the same time we do here in the U.S. I believe we do it on the last Saturday in April, so when do they do it in Europe? I don't want to miss any flights while I'm there.

Thanks

AP6380

Thinking that you have to order an antipasto, primo, secondo... You don't have to order every course.

Don't even think of asking to take your leftovers with you!

nonnafelice

In the spring, Europe changes the last weekend in March; the US changes the first weekend in April.

KathrynT

Not really a rookie mistake, I think but trying to withdraw money from an ATM machine outside a bank that was closed. The machine "ate" my husband's card and we had to wait until the next day (when the bank was open) to retrieve it. The bank's response: "oh, that machine is a little broken." After that we only withdrew money from ATMs in front of banks that were open but, of course, never had another problem.

Pawleys

Didn't realize that Labor Day in Florence was such a big deal. No shops were open, the Accademia (even though we had reservations) was closed as were most of the sights we wanted to visit.

Patrick

Being a lover of good red wines, it took a while for me to catch on that all those people who told me "drink the house wine" were totally wrong -- for me. Most of it was undrinkable as far as I was concerned. But then I also learned it was fine to ask for a taste first to see if it was good, sometimes it is.

Surfergirl

Not checking to see if there's going to be a train strike on the one day you plan to take it to Pompeii.

mr_go

If you're staying in the Tyrol region, learn some German phrases too. Some folks in Merano don't speak much Italian (or won't).

And Ms. Go...Get back to work! ;-)

tpatricco

Thinking that driving on the Amalfi Coast would be no problem since I drive in Manhattan all the time...even though my Roman friend strongly discouraged me.

Thinking I could pick up a rental car on Sunday in Naples (even though I had a reservation). The rental agency was closed. Divine intervention I guess...

Thinking that drinking Tequila (lots and lots of Tequila) in a club in Testaccio was a good idea. It's not. amp;

Thinking it's easy to get a taxi back to the hotel from Testaccio at 4am It's virtually impossible.

Kayb95

Buying the "cheap seat" tickets at the Candlelight Concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Music was lovely, but we stared at a large pillar the entire concert.

Kayb95

oops - sorry. Wrong country. quot;>

Nutella

My biggest mistake?... Using the return portion of my airline ticket! : )