I want to ask if it is safe to park my car at venice (the big parking lot I mean) and how safe is it in Venice? pickpockets, gypsies, etc?. Can I carry my video camera or just a small camera? <BR>Does anyone has bad experiences. <BR> <BR>best wishes <BR> <BR>ahmet

You will always find people that have had bad experiences everywhere in the world. If you ask, they will respond. <BR> <BR>As for Venice: I have been there 3 times with no bad experiences at all. We parked our car in the lot (Trochetta) 2 times and had no problems. Just do not leave anything showing in the car and lock it. <BR> <BR>Pickpockets are all over Italy and it is considered a sport. You just need to be aware of your surroundings and don't take all your valuables with you everytime you leave your hotel. Watch what you are doing and you will be okay. <BR> <BR>Now you will find soon many other postings about robberies, car thefts and bad experiences that will scare you from even leaving your home. Forget about them. Be careful. Go to Venice and have a good time.

thanks bob

Ahmet, <BR>I lived in Florence & I saw gypsies frequently there & rode on buses almost daily that went past the gypsy encampment between Florence & Sesto Fiorentino. However, I never saw gypsies in Venice. My 2 friends & I were accosted (but not robbed or assaulted in any way) by young men in Venice. (I think they wanted "dates", & were aggressive, but not too aggressive for the 3 of us.) None of my classmates noted any mugging attempts in Venice. <BR> <BR>As Bob said, be aware of your surroundings & have a lovely time! <BR>BC

Hi Ahmet <BR>We too were nervous about parking in venice at the big garage (Tronchetto). This was increased when our rental car was a Ford Mondeo station wagon (everything is open with only a pull cover to hide belongings). <BR>Obviously we were not taking all our luggage into Venice, that would be too difficult on the Vaparetto (water bus). There were 4 of us. <BR> <BR>We had no problem. We tried to park in a more visible higher traffic area or near the pay booth. We used usual precautions with pickpockets. if you are spending the night in venice, be sure to ask your accommodation place for a coupon for discount at Tronchetto (an incentive for staying the night). <BR> <BR>We only had one unusal circumstance. We had just visited the ATM and had all these Lira. In buying the vaparetto tickets my husband was short changed. it is easy when you are dealing the large amount of Lira. I went back to the ticket booth and complained and the man gave me the money. It was a slower time and I suspect he knew he was wrong, he never said a word just handed over the difference. <BR> <BR>Venice is a wonderful city and the people there were very helpful, it is truly magical at night. Have a great trip.