Mom

Someone asked about February and I have the same question about March. My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe and hope someone will let us know what to wear in Rome. I know, I know no sneakers. What about umbrelass? <BR>Another question regarding ticket prices. Is $560 per person OK price from Newark via London or should we wait until they go down? It is off season, isn't? What is your experience? Please excuse me for these naive questions but this is our first trip to Europe. But not the last one. My husband just retired at 57 and we both worked hard for many years so now we can travel extensively. For almost a year we followed your answers on this forum and have a long list of places to visit. Thank you for all your help

gayle

My husband and I were in Rome in the middle to end of March this year. The weather was great for sightseeing. I wore slacks and a light weight jumper with a windbreaker (a lightweight jacket, which keeps the chill off)It was by no means cold, just comfortable enough that you could walk all day (and you will!) Probably about 15 - 17degrees. If you can find a light jacket that is waterproof and has a detachable hood it saves having to carry an "in case" umberalla with you every day. If your jacket looks smart it will hide anything you choose to wear under it and you will still look well dressed. Enjoy!

Maira

Hi Mom!! I am the one who asked about February. Is a sister-thing we are doing and President's Week is the one that we both can do it. March should actually be warmer than Feb; average temperature I read to be in the 50's. Not bad. <BR> <BR>As far as sneakers, the jury still out on that one. I've been to Europe many times, and Europeans tourists wear them just as much as Americans (especially Germans). I have wear sneakers in Europe, but after I took a pair of Easy Spirits to France, that is the pair I don't leave home without. <BR> <BR>The following are websites which I <BR>strongly suggest you check out. <BR> <BR>FOR CHEAP TICKETS (consolidators): http://www.cheaptickets.com (1-800-377-1000) <BR>http://www.flycheap.com <BR>http://www.tiss.com <BR> <BR>(For $560 you should be flying direct; shop around. My sister got a $490 deal from San Juan w/Cheaptickets). <BR> <BR>http://www.twenj.com/ This is an incredible source of good, common sense advice; Ed & Judy are frequent contributors to this forum and, along with Walter and Paulo, you should definitely try to seek out and read their past posts. <BR> <BR>http://www.travel.it/roma/romefiu.htm Good information about Railway connections to downtown Rome after arriving at the airport. Hotels sometimes do offer airport transfers for a fee. I gather $40/total is a reasonable taxi fare. <BR> <BR>http://www.venere.it/roma/ Great site for hotels. Hotels in map 5 are in Historical center Rome. <BR> <BR>http://www.paulist.org/rome/html/Vatican/museums.html This site offers info about the Vatican Museums hours, which are reduced to 8am-1pm, approx. There are about 30 different museums, this is why you need to read ahead of time and pick and choose. <BR> <BR>http://www.worldclimate.com/ Check monthly average temperature for any city. <BR> <BR>http://www.travlang.com/languages/ Great site to learn basic Italian phrases. You need a sound board. <BR> <BR>http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/ESSENTIALS/index.html Good currency converter. The dollar continues strong, who knows next year; approx. 2028 Italian Lira to a Dollar. <BR> <BR>I have developed a list of what to pack for a week. Is the above your correct e-mail address? I'll e-mail the list. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. Again, strobgly suggest at this early stage to clear out a morning just to write notes from this forum and read on the above sites. <BR> <BR>Planning IS so much fun!!!

Charlie

We're recently retired(two years) & have been to Rome twice. <BR>We enjoyed Rome last year at Christmas & the year before that during April. Both times the weather was wonderful -- spring-like in April and colder in December,with just a sprinkle or two of rain. (we carried just my wife's very small compact umbrella). We think you can't go wrong if you dress as you would for Boston or New York in March. We dressed in layers including a lightweight wool sweater & just shed a layer if it was an especially mild day.(We also packed a lightweight rain coat.) <BR>Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are best & should have good support to handle the many cobblestone streets & small hills of Rome. <BR>$560 from Newark is definitely too much. <BR>I just read somewhere that in Nov, Jan & Feb, the major airlines could drop prices to as little as $198 round trip to London from New York. It shouldn't be that much more expensive to Rome. <BR>You're going to love Rome, everybody does. It's our favorite city.

joe cameron

We were in Rome March 3-11, 2000, and the weather was great - no rain - mostly sunny all day. About 60-70 daytime, 50's at night (a raincoat with lining was good). Light sweater durung the day was all we needed. One time we were in Rome for a few days in February, and it was the same. On flight costs: our ticket from DC to Rome via US Airways through Philly was $568 pp. I have seen fares as low as $385, but believe that's usually in the fall. By the way, Hotel Genio near Pza. Navona is a great place to stay.

Thyra

My husband and I were in Rome the March 1999, and it was pretty warm and sunny, which was interesting since we had just come from Florence where it rained the whole time. It was not the legendary heat of summer, but I did not need a coat. March was a terrific time to visit Rome and the crowds were very livable. Have a wonderful trip.

lola

Congratulations on your upcoming travels. Soon you will be the experts! Rome in March is a lot warmer than Florence in March. A good time there, for many, many reasons besides the mild weather. Spring and fall are my favorite times to visit Europe--you won't be overwhelmed by Americans at every turn.

truth

Actually Lola, Japanese tourists are are even more intolerable than Americans. They don't seem to understand the concept of waiting your turn on line, will knock you down with their electronics if you are not watching, and are very unfriendly. Never seen an exception to this.

richardab

Monica, <BR> <BR>Bring your sneakers with you to Rome, leave your sweat pants at home! The truth is that Europeans also wear sneakers! True! I just returned for am fashion buying and trend visit to Europe and Casual American Sports is now a trendt in Paris, Rome and London. <BR> <BR>Wear your sneakers, be comfortable. Leave you gaudy clothing, rhinestone studded sweatshirts and sweatpants at home! <BR> <BR>Of course the sneakers are OK during the day, but please! Not in the eveneing or at a fine restaurant.

Anna Maria

I was in rome in March '98. The weather was beautiful. I wore jeans and blazers w. a light sweater underneath. Sneakers are just fine during the day, how else will you be able to walk? Evenings were quite cool but pleasant. I always take a small, collapsible umbrella to be on the safe side. About off season- actually everything was quite crowded since it was around Easter and very many tourits go to Italy during Easter. Have fun! Anna