italy4julie:
pickpockets, I guess can happen in any city, but just be alert and use common sense. With that said, Italian women carry handbags as do lots of tourist, including me. I tend to like to have a small shoulder bag that can also be stapped crosswise over my body. I tend to want to be able to have my bag on my lap during dinner or in a cafe - not strapped on to the chair. I have been to Rome a lot, and even lived there for a short time, don't be afraid to carry a purse.

As for traveler cheques I would say "heck no" they are antiquated. Use your debit card and make sure you have a four number PIN. Try to use the bank machine at the airport before going into ROme. But if you are staying in the Campo you will find several machines on Via Arenula and two right around the corner from Largo Argentino on Via Corso Emmanuelle II. There are bank machines all over and easy to use. You get a better rate using a bank machine as opposed to a cambio office (money exchange) or bank. It's just like being at home...only Italy. Hope that helps you.

What you do need to do is contact your bank and credit card fraud department(all your travellers should do this) and let them know that you will be out of the country - in Italy from such and such date so they do not put a block on your card when used abroad. This is important to do.

Other than that...just go and relax you will have a wonderful time. If I see two adults and three adult young kids I'll say hi!

italy4julie, which apt are you staying at in Trastavere and which agency did you rent with? It's great that you can spend that chunk of time in one city, I always end up trying to do too much to have a leisurely vacation! Do post a trip report on your return - I can get a few tips from you since we do not leave until May 28th. Have a great trip!http://www.fodors.com/community/imag...iewMessage.png

italy4julie--when we visited Rome with our 16 year old son two years ago, my husband and I often went out in the early morning while he slept in. It is a good time to wander without crowds. The market at Campo de' Fiori is of course a great morning destination. WE also enjoyed a walk along Via Giulia

I agree with Vttraveler about the Campo and via Giulia being great places to wander early. If you are interested in photography, it's also a nice time of the day to get photos.

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. I have printed out tons on information to read on my trip out and have added more places to see on my list. I have added Orvieto to my internary if all goes well. I have been watching the weather and it is suppose to rain Easter Sunday and Monday. So I might have to make a few adjustment. Oh well, I will be in Rome!