I am leaving for Italy in 3 days - lucky me! I have read a lot about pickpockets in Rome. Am I best off with a backpack or purse for safety? I need to carry a fair amount of "stuff" with me as I am travelling with two children. Thanks for any advice. <BR>Also, how hot is it right now, and is bottled water readily available or should we carry some around with us when viewing the sights?

I just returned from Italy and was glad I brought a small backpack which I purchased in the purse department of my local department store. While in Italy I usually carried my camera, map, phrasebook, silk shawl, small water bottle, hand sanitizer, kleenex and other small items in the backpack. I was glad to be able to distribute that five pounds plus evenly across my back. Since it was not a full-sized backpack, I had no problem taking it into museums and churches. In a couple of very touristy areas we had been warned about I just strapped the pack on my front! <BR> <BR>We never had trouble locating bottled water in Italy. In Rome(only)we always left in the morning with bottles which we were usually able to fill at public water fountains. <BR> <BR>In mid to late June, I found Florence and Venice quite comfortable, but Rome and areas south were pretty hot! <BR> <BR>

Catherine, if you're going to buy a backpack, I'd turn it into a "frontpack" or a "sidepack." If you wear it on your back, you're not going to be able to keep an eye on it...unless, of course, you have those legendary eyes in the back of your head. :~)

I would take a backpack to hold my camara and other odds and ends while walking. Be sure to use a good lock on the backpack though. <BR>Also, when we went to Italy we use money packs that you wear around your neck for our lire.

We just got back from Rome/Florence. Didn't find pickpockets a problem, but we tried to be very careful. carry only what you're willing to lose each day, lock up the rest in the hotel safe or your room safe. Water is no problem, refill you bottle at the Drinking fountains in Rome..they're safe. Your pack will be a good way to carry it. In Florence, use the bathrooms to refill the bottles.It was hot in both cities and we saw more than one tourist go down from the heat. I noticed in today's paper that Rome was down to only 79, it was in the high 80's earlier. Even this Texan found it hot there. Take tons of band aids for your feet. Even our well worn shoes gave us blisters and rub spots in places we didn't even know existed. <BR>We found the people there very friendly and helpful. Hope you have a wonderful trip