I'm home with the sniffles today and by accident clicked on this website. My husband and I are going to Italy from 9/13-9/21. I have no clue (the more I read) what to wear, and I do have questions about what to carry as a purse. I've been told that pickpocketing is a major event, and I'm a little paranoid. I have a messenger bag (nylon) with a zillion pockets in it and don't know if this is the right thing to take. Would a money belt and flat messenger bag be better, or what about a small backpack and money belt? We are going with a touring company so most of our activities are planned for us. I really don't plan on buying much as TJMax offers alot of Italian goods. Any suggestions as the Euro is so high right now. I make jewelry, so glass beads will be one thing that I buy.

We will be in Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa (a few hours) and Verona (a few hours).

Thanks!

kathylee,

You've hit on one of the best travel advice sites!

I would not recommend a backpack type purse. You can't tell what's going on behind you! A messenger bag would be OK as long as it's the right size for your needs. Outside pockets aren't good for anything except a water bottle/maps. I would make sure everything else in inside, under zip and out of sight. If you are going on a tour, you will be even more recognizable as a tourist.

I prefer a shoulder bag or crossbody for hands free when dealing with luggage/train stations, etc.

Don't be overly paranoid about pickpockets, but be wise. I do take a hidden security pouch (the belt type, available at travel stores or websites) to carry my passport, spare credit card and majority of cash - on travel days when I'm changing hotels, on a train/bus.

My daily handbag carries:

minimum cash
1 credit card/ATM card
ID
water bottle
camera
cellphone
maps/guidebooks
tiny spiral ntoebook and pen
all hotel,phone numbers, contact info
traveler tissues (for when you hit a toilet with no TP!)
handiwipes/sanitizer

Important note: TJ Max carries NOTHING like what you're going to be tempted with in bella Italia!

I would also encourage you to leave your group whenever you can to wander and dine on your own. You'll have a much more genuine experience!

Buon viaggio

I am going to Tuscany in Oct. and have been to Italy a few times before.
I always use a money belt anytime I go anywhere outside the US.
For money I will use that day I put some in my pocket that has a zipper. I wear ex-oficio hiking pants. They have pockets on the leg area.
I never use my money belt in public. That is asking for trouble. As for my camera I put that in my fanny pak that I put around my waist.
Pick pockets will think my money is in my fanny pak but it is not, only a camera and map of the area.

I don't think there really are any pickpockets in Tuscany outside of maybe a few very touristy spots. Once you're a block or two away from whatever attracted the horrible knot of tourists, you should essentially be able to relax.

This is GREAT!!! I would never have found this website if I had been in my office today. Thank you all for your replies.The things that you covered will help me so much.

kathylee,

In re-reading your post, I see that your tour is going to be moving FAST - all those places in just 7 days! The pickpockets will have a hard time keeping up!

Just kidding, have fun

You will definitely want to return on your own soon. This is the place for advice on planning your independent travel trip to Italy.

Italy has so much to offer that what to wear and what to buy will become totally moot. Here is where you want to go:


BOB’S FAVORITE DIGS IN TOSCANA

A. RURAL LOCATIONS: All have parking and good food options nearby

1. Relais La Saracina www.lasaracina.it 230 to 300E
Fabulous country home near Montepulciano—helpful owners

2. Cretaiole Agriturismo http://www.cretaiole.it/ Good value for families

3. Terre di Nano www.terredinano.com 100 to 155
Both rooms and apartments at rural Agriturismo near Monticchiello

4. Hotel Pescille www.pescille.it Good value at a rustic hotel only 3 km from famed San Gimignano with great views---100 to 130E

5. Fattoria Tregole www.fattoria-tregole.com 110E to 180E
Has both B&B and apartment accommodations. Near Castellina in Chianti

6. Agriturismo apts. near San Quirico— www.poggiolo.info/ About 110E


B. IN-TOWN LOCATIONS: For walking convenience to shops & ristorantes.

1. Palazzo del Capitano www.palazzodelcapitano.com 130 to 180E
Very nice small hotel in center of San Quirico—perfect location to explore.

2. Vecchia Oliviera www.tuscany.net/oliviera/ 130 to 180E
Nice 4 star hotel at the gate into lovely Montalcino---has pool.

3. Palazzina Cesari www.montalcinoitaly.com 80 to 110E
Lovely small B&B in heart of Montalcino—great value—2 night stay minimum.

4. Locanda di San Francesco www.locandasanfrancesco.it 180 to 200E
New boutique B&B in a lovely location in Montepulciano—great reviews !

5. Palazzo Ravizza www.palazzoravizza.it 130 to 180E
Very nice & popular hotel in Siena with parking.

6. Fattoria Vignale http://www.vignale.it/eng/ Four star hotel in Radda in the heart of Chianti. About 230E for double