Is Italy worth the hassle?
 

For a long, long time, I've been longing to see Italy. I've been studying the Italian language and researching all the web sites for accommodations that will fit our budget. Needless to say, my entire family was really looking forward to a trip to beautiful Italy. Now I'm beginning to wonder: Because of the prevalence of strikes and also due to budget issues, we decided to limit ourselves to Rome instead of the more wide ranging trip we originally planned. (Some disappointment at not seeing Tuscany, Cinque Terre or Venice). All the talk of currency conversion scams, pickpockets and the like have been discouraging too. I don't relish having to be on guard 100% of the time! Add to that the fact that we'd have to travel during the most uncomfortable part of the year (July or August,due to the school schedule), and I'm wondering whether we should just choose another location in Europe where we haven't yet been. I know the food is wonderful and the historical/religious sites will be awesome, but is Italy worth it??

Yes.

Ditto.

<<All the talk of currency conversion scams, pickpockets and the like have been discouraging too. I don't relish having to be on guard 100% of the time!>>

If those are your concerns, it doesn't make sense to limit yourself to Rome, where you probably have the greatest odds of experiencing these problems.

I think Italy is always worth it, but summer is the most difficult time to travel. However, going in summer is better than not going at all. I used to travel in summer over 30 years ago when I was a teacher, and the only place in Italy where I had some problems with scams, harassment, etc., was in Rome.

It is actually very easy to travel within Italy as most people tend to stay within the Venice to Florence/Tuscany, Rome and Amalfi corridor. If you are planning a trip to Europe in the summer a major part of your cost will be airfare and your within Italy travel costs will be quite moderate. Venice is certainly quite expensive but otherwise I do not see much overall reduction of costs if you go elsewhere within Europe during the summer unless you head to eastern europe in which case you will likely have higher airfares to compensate for. Italy is worth the trip.

Travel is cumbersome. No doubt. Take the precautions and then relax. Don't expect to do everything. Expect some mishaps and try to enjoy them: I found a rude taxi driver in Naples who wanted to charge me too much. I ignored him and found another and when the first guy yelled, I laughed! Oh the joy of a yelling Italian. Such passion! I found a polite taxi driver who knew what the fare should be. We couldn't find our train in the train station and no one could help us. But then a man came along and did. I was happy to tip him. But oh! The memories of the mishaps and the glory of the history and art live on! Have some wine! Now and on your trip!!

I agree that spending all your time in Rome may not be the best solution, given your specific concerns. Since you'll be there at the hottest and busiest time of the year, have you considered staying out of the big cities altogether? There are some beautiful, cool, inexpensive destinations in the Veneto region, the Dolomites, and around the lakes. You would miss the "major sights" but could still have a marvelously Italian experience without constantly worrying about who's trying to snatch your purse. Just plant yourself in a villa out in the country and daytrip to the local towns to practice your Italian and enjoy the food.

I had my expensive camera and favorite cds stolen. Yes, it's worth it.

I don;t think Italy is any more "hassle" than any place else. Don;t be intimidated by reports of a few random problems - 95% of the people who travel with no problems don't write reports.

On the other hand if you think there is anywhere in the world - except your own backyard - where you don;t have to be on guard (or alert) 100% of the time you are very naive - and living very dangerously.

Life requires (and has always required) that everyone keep their wits about them at all times. Thats why we have wits - otherwise we would still be gorillas. Or - as my father says - your head isn't just a hat rack.

Ohhh DEFINITELY worth it! The positives FAR outweigh the negatives. Just do your homework on this site and you will be rewarded with a wonderful trip. I returned from three weeks in Italy about a month ago and would jump at the chance to return in an instant. Just wave an airline ticket (preferably first class) in front of me. Stay as long as you possibly can manage and post a trip report when you return.

having just returned from an unforgettable two week trip to Italy, I say yes, yes its worth it. I think about the experiences I had there day and night. Trust me you wont remember the minor inconveniences but you'll never forget Bella Italia!

Let me give you my impression of Italy after a recent (March 2005) visit, having lived there in the 70s.

Italy seems far less....ITALIAN nowadays.

The clothes are less stunning. The people less effusive. Everything is less exotic.

Or maybe it is just me -- more cosmopolitan but more jaded.

Urban problems are urban problems. Not very different from home.

Yes, it's worth it.

Don't let worry-warts and naysayers keep you from living your dream. As the other posters have already stated, simply take reasonable precautions, use common sense, and be aware of your surroundings -- just like you do at home. With this posting, I simply am just adding my vote of confidence to the others.

My pocket was picked on my 2nd trip to Italy. Last month, I returned from my 10th. And I will return again this fall. And again after that.

I am not worried; I am simply following the advice of a Roman priest who helped me deal with that long ago police report and gave me advice I follow to this day.

I no longer carry a wallet. I don't carry any more cash than I absolutely have to. And I don't carry it all in one place. (If they can't find it, they can't take it.) I haven't had a problem since.

Compared to Chicago or New York, most petty crime in Italy is non-violent, involving opportunistic thievery or scams. Be alert during potential distractions, and keep your hands free. Watch out for scams -- If it seems too good to be true, it is! Walk away.

Please consider that I am not saying that a trip would be totally risk-free. That wouldn't be realistic. I am simply suggesting that you can manage the risk without getting too paranoid, and have some fun!

I feel safer walking around in Rome late at night, than I do in most large US cities.

Review the other posts on other threads and you will have enough opinions and travel security tips to run a small seminar.

Buon viaggio!

The short answer -- yes, it's usually worth the hassle.

But I'm with everyone else who's saying not to limit yourself to Rome. First of all, it's the most expensive city I've ever stayed in hotel-wise. I'm a budget traveller who likes to stay in the city center, and finding an inexpensive decent place was almost impossible. I ended up paying more for less...and I did much better in Florence and God help me -- even Venice.

At the very least, stop reading the stuff that's got you wound up about what "might" happen. And whatever you do, head north out of Rome for a few days and see the countryside.

You probably won't get mugged, ripped off, or otherwise robbed while in Italy if you simply pay attention to your surroundings and teach your family how to do it too without being paranoid.

Wear a moneybelt, put your day's cash and a mere COPY of your ID in your purse, and put the rest in the moneybelt. Then if they rip you off, they won't have gotten much.

Also, Rome's a rougher city than Paris or London and other places north. I can't imagine going to just Rome and saying I'd seen Italy. It's like going to New York or Disney World and saying you saw the USA.

And quite frankly, a good railroad strike is just a story waiting to be told on your trip report when you get back.

Good luck,

Jules

i've been to florence, venice, naples, and rome (also some day trips) and hands down rome is just awesome. venice is grand...albeit tiny. florence is living history. naples is old school. to me, none hold a candle to rome. and plus normally negative voices tend to seem louder and stronger than the positive voices. so the thought of getting pickpocketed or worse always looms larger than it really is. don't worry about the hype...if you've been to la, nyc, wash dc, or the such here in the states then rome is a piece of cake.

You sound just being tired and over-prepared. Take a rest and go, by all means! Budget issues and being on guard - this will await at any tourist location in the world.

Victoria, I know lots of people who have had problems traveling one place or another, but I went to Italy (Rome, Florence, and Venice) and had no problems at all. I took the train and metro and managed on my own. Perhaps it goes better in the off-season, and no doubt I had good luck.

If there's a train strike, you can always take a bus (as described on these threads). Or if worst comes to very worst with the transport issue, you might end up having to pay one extra hotel night somewhere because you are stranded in a major city. But it needn't be a huge concern.

But going to "just" Rome is a good idea too. I like longish trips in one city. You might like to check out http://www.slowtalk.com for more tips from travelers who like that sort of method.

Oh yes, do go! I returned from my 16th trip to Europe only 48 hours ago. In all these years I've have never had a single problem with pickpockets, anywhere. Just take the ordinary precautions and then relax and enjoy. I love Rome and adore Florence and Venice. The Cinque Terre, while beautiful, deserves only one day, in my opinion, and the southeastern-most of the five villages are the most beautiful and least touristy.
Trains are easy and much more reliable than reputed. A rental car could be an option in case of strikes. The southern Italian drivers (including taxi drivers) are breathtakingly aggressive but quite harmless.
Have you considered Milan? The old town is rich, historical, and refined. You'll love the Galleria, the Duomo, and the surrounding pedestrian zones. The towns on nearby Lake Como, such as Bellagio and Varenna, are heaven on earth. Maybe you could also allow some time for the lovely towns near Venice.
Take some traveler's checks as backup for credit card problems and balky ATM machines.
Buon viaggio!

Yes, Italy is worth it.

Please understand that people post about problems here for several reasons: To warn others, to vent, and (rarely) because the poster likes to scare others or is perpetually scared themselves.

There's an old adage in the news business: "Bridge remains standing for 19,624th day" is never a headline. "Bridge collapses, kills 12" is.

Please read all of the positive trip reports and comments about Italy, too. It's worth it. I think it's not any riskier than going to Chicago or Los Angeles.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

I would say it depends on your attitude. If you need to ask the question then possibly it isn't worth it for you. For me, it would be worth no end of moving about but then, that's just me. Italy is not perfect. But nowhere is. If you are seeking paradise and perfection you might be disappointed. If you are looking for idealised image of picture book Italy you might be disappointed but if you are looking with an open mind to enjoy what you see and take the chance that things will be different from what you are used to, you will have a different experience, but ultimately only you can make that judgement.

Where do you *not* find a hassle, & not have to be on your guard ? I'm guessing you're from the US ? The only place I've had my *coat* stolen is in New York city. The only places I've had my handbag stolen are London and the Caribbean. I've never had anything stolen in numerous trips to Italy. I have had a taxi driver try to sting me a couple of times but I've also had that in lots of other places.

Yes. At least, it is to me. I first began traveling to Italy in 1972. Never had a thing stolen or experienced any mugging or "near-violence-experience."

I always wear a moneybelt & never access it in public. Silk, so it breathes & isn't uncomfortably clammy & hot like polyester ones. Also, I use a smallish handbag by day, with a days worth of cash & enough room for my camera & map/sites info for the day. NOT a kitchen sink target. And, never travel with anything I can't afford to lose. I take along (or buy there) an inexpensive watch and wear no expensive or irreplaceable jewelry. Then, having taken all these precautions, I relax & enjoy the trip. Works like a charm!

As for your concerns about strikes (we were lucky and never experienced this on a critical travel day), knowledge is power. Research some workable alternatives. And, perhaps for your own peace of mind, limit your base changes. After all, if you are on the move from city to city every couple of days or so, you have more things to worry about. So, limit the issue.

On our last trip, we were forced to visit Rome in late July and early August. We still had a great time, never ran out of things to do, and our hotel bill went DOWN dramatically on August 1st. Many Rome hotels are cheaper in August. Yes, it was hot. We made sure we had A/C to "come home to" at night. Otherwise, just adapted.

As for currency conversion scams, you can limit your exposure to these. Again, knowledge is power. Read up here and stay aware. We budgeted how much we'd spend over a given couple of days period and paid mostly cash for things. You may choose a different route, but as other posters have said, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself by planning ahead.

Yes, it may be a lot of (hopefully mostly fun "knowledge is power" stuff) work to get yourself ready to go, but once there, surely you'll be able to relax & enjoy, with no more awareness required than you'd spend travelling around the US in summer!

Sometimes getting out of bed in the morning is not worth the hassle but I do it anyway.

Italy is worth it and it is not a hassle. We will return this fall, my 6th trip. I have never faced a strike or had a pickpocket incident in Italy. That could change but if you take the normal precautions, you will surely be OK and enjoy the trip. I don't think you are more likely to face problems in Italy than you are in NY, Paris, Chicago, London, etc.
You don't say how long you plan to stay but I suggest that if you will be there as long as a week or 10 days that you find a second destination in addition to Rome. Either Venice or Florence is easily reached by train and both are marvelous. Tuscany and Umbria are not far away. You will love Italy!

What??? You haven't left yet?

No more hassle than lots of other places and as safe, if not safer, than most. Take precautions and don't turn this vacation of yours into a draining work time with TOO MUCH preparation.

By all means go..and soon.

Hi VR,

>...prevalence of strikes

This is what they do in Europe. At least in Italy, strikes have to be announced in advance.

>...due to budget issues,...

The euro is lower than it has been for some time. You can always stay at less expensive hotels, take 2cl trains instead of 1cl, etc.

>...we decided to limit ourselves to Rome instead of the more wide ranging trip we originally planned.<

I also suggest that it not be Rome.
Go to Florence. Do an overnight in Venice. Visit Siena for a day.

Rome will be there for another 3000 years.

Have a gret trip.

((I))

OMG is it ever!!! I just visited Europe for the first time and went to France, Spain and Italy. Italy was my favorite. The people were so nice; the countryside and coast were beautiful and the food was outstanding!!!!

I would urge you not to cut Venice. Especially with the concerns you express, going only to Rome (a hectic major urban area) doesn't make sense to me. Venice because of its small size and lack of auto traffic is very easy to sight-see within and not intimidating at all in my opinion.

I would even suggest possibly Venice and Florence and skipping Rome entirely, again because of the reservations you expressed.

Beyond that, it sounds to me like you are on trip planning overload. Remember a passport, a plane ticket, and hotel reservations are *really* all you need to go to Europe. You can read a guidebook on the flight over.

I say get off the internet and take that trip!!!!! :-)

We are leaving today for Italy, and I just learned that our flight into Munich is significantly delayed...which pretty much blows our chance of making our connection to Naples. There is a very real chance we'll have to spend the night at the airport in Munich (although I doubt it will come to this).

Despite the hassles, despite the notorious Neapolitan pickpockets, and despite the staggering costs...I'm really looking forward to this.

If I can just get through this hellish day, I'll be fine.

I don't think Italy is any more of a hassle to visit than any other country, and far more rewarding than most.

Rome is my favorite destination in Italy, largely because it offers an inexhaustible collection of remains from the ancient world and because it is still a vital, lively city today. People less besotted with the classical republic and empire have been known to find a few cultural tidbits from the Renaissance worth a glance or two. ;^) The only real problem is the heat in July and August, but that is a problem all around the Med. There are daytrips out of the city if the heat gets to be too much.

This is not to say that a few days in Tuscany shouldn't be added if you have the time.

On Venice . . . for all its overwhelming beauty I find it my least favorite of the three major Italian tourist cities. It is not just the outrageous prices, or the application required to find truly good food, but the sensation which I can never quite escape that I am in a dead city, which survives largely through hosting tourists.

Of course, you have to get there someday because it is one of the great sights, and St Marks alone is worth the trouble. But if you need to scale down your plans is the the first place I would cut.

JMHO

Rather, "it is the first place I would cut."

We always wanted to go to Italy too and mostly for financial reasons, we didn't get there until last month. Is it worth it? It was a dream for us. And if you plan well in advance, the hassles are minimal. We had no problems with pickpockets, etc., and didn't see any groups of gypsies or children waiting to jump us. And we definetley did not feel we were on guard the whole time. The trains were on strike 3 days of the 17 we were there but we travelled on alternate days with all of our train travel booked and paid for in advance online. Preparing well is the key to minimizing hassles. As for budget restraints, I am most familiar with those. So we stayed at reasonably priced inns with breakfast included or an apartment where we did our own cooking (which is wonderful in Italy with all the great ingredients, etc.). So don't delay. And don't stick to just Rome. Rome is actually the most expensive of the three main cities. Venice is truly magical and Tuscany is heaven on earth. Rent an apartment in Montepulciano for 400 Euros for a week and just enjoy the view, food and wine! My husband and I may never travel anywhere but Italy again!

Italiy is worth it. Scams, Beware, for some safty tips, see further down. July and August, that is why so many Italians head to the Italian hills for cooler weather in August.

If your worried about thieves, you need to stay away from Orlando, California, or anywhere that tourist throng to. A friend of mine said that his car was among 5 stolen at a park in California in one day. A customer of mine was worried about being robbed while overseas. Everything went fine until she got back to JFK airport, then here camcorder, and camera purse were stolen.

Suggestions: Look confident, know were your going, and be aware of your surroundings. If someone approches you to talk, be leary. Pay attention to your credit card charges. Do not carry all of your cash and cards with you. Only carry enough (plus) for the day. Keep small bills in one pocket for easy use, but keep every thing else in another (velcroed pocket).

Some people use the bus, but I use a taxi. With several people, this will be less expensive, faster, and less chance of pickpockets.

Be sure to let your credit card companies know when you will arrive and departs Italy. This way, they can monitor your charges and make sure that no charges are being made after you've allrerady returned.

Had much the same worries as you before going -- and perhaps my trip report didn't reassure you, and I'm sorry if that's the case. But frankly, except for Naples train station, I felt safer there than in US most of the time.

One thing I would advise: don't stick to Rome; it's the one part of our trip most of us would have put on the B list, mostly because it's a city with city rhythms and city hassles -- the crowds in the Vatican will get to you, and the logistics of crossing streets, etc. can be wearying.

Recommend basing yourselves in Tuscany and seeing Venice, perhaps Lake Como.

BUT DO IT! GO! DEFINITELY WORTH IT!!

I will bet that as soon as you arrive in Rome and see all of the historic ruins(Forum,etc.) you won't believe that you ever asked that question!I vacation quite frequently in Italy and travel to Rome weekly for work-It still takes my breath away on the way into Rome from the airport. The sights,smells, noises and the people are what make Italy and Rome so exciting.Plan your trip to Rome and surrounding areas and just sit back and enjoy. Be on your guard but DON'T let all of the hype of traveling there ruin it for you.The people of Italy are delightful and you will find that especially in the big cities there is always an angel coming forth to help you on directions,restaurant recommendations,etc.The positives of traveling to this wonderful country far outweigh the negatives so GO and enjoy!

You've gotten a lot of good comments. Here are a couple more (though you'll have to decide whether they're any good or not). (Short answer is, yes, Italy is worth it.)

It sounds like you're concerned about big-city issues (mostly security-type issues) of Rome. Most of those are issues in any big city. How big a stress factor they are is up to you, your group, and your personalities. My husband and I really enjoyed Rome the two times we've been, and loved it even more the second time, last year. But then, we have lived in big cities, the normal security precautions are somewhat second-nature to us, and the enjoyment we get from the art, culture, food and people-watching is a winning equation (and we've never had any problems with scams or pickpockets). To others, those precautions aren't "worth" what you get out of a big city, even one like Rome.

Traveling in smaller cities or rural locations can have their own stresses (to some people), such as transportation may be more difficult, people may be less apt to speak English. But security is definitely less of an issue in a more rural area.

Think about your previous trips. What relaxed you? What were the biggest hassles? What stressed you and the others in your group? Did you prefer the large cities or other places? That will help you get a handle on how much of a hassle a trip entirely in Rome will be.

You may already be committed to a Rome-only vacation, but I join other posters in encouraging you to think outside of Rome. Even though we enjoy cities, we rarely plan a trip that's only cities - we like some time that's urban, some that's rural. Could you split your trip between Rome and one other location? You could, for example, travel by train (or rent a car) from Rome to Orvieto or Siena and enjoy some quieter time there. Lower lodging and dining costs would be a big side-benefit of being somewhere other than Rome.

Wherever you go, you really will have a great time!

Well, maybe it wont be worth it to you.

I have a friend who has traveled all over Europe and does not like Italy. At all. She doesn't care for the Italians, their way of life or their food. She says the scenery is fine but there is the same kind of scenery in other countries. She prefers Greek history to Italian.

She will not return to Italy and I don't try to persuade her otherwise.

SeaUrchin, that is an excellent post and perspective!

Italy is extremely popular here on Fodor's, probably the most talked about European country. That doesn't mean it will appeal to everyone.

There are a couple of European cities I have visited that I didn't much care for, nothing wrong with them, many other people adore them, but for me it just wasn't "true love".

Finding a country and a people where you feel most comfortable is a very personal thing, again I'll compare it to falling in love. It's a strongly felt emotion but not necessarily logical or easily explained to others.

Yes - it is so worth it!
GO! You will not regret it!

<It is not just the outrageous prices, or the application required to find truly good food, but the sensation which I can never quite escape that I am in a dead city, which survives largely through hosting tourists.>
Oh boy! Now you've gone and done it, Pausanias. You realize, of course, that saying anything negative about La Serenissima can get you permanently banned from this board. I happen to agree with you. Except that for me, the overwhelming feeling was that I was on a Hollywood set where you could see the beautiful fronts of the buildings, but when you looked behind, there was nothing there.
In response to the original question: whether something is "worth the hassle" is a subjective decision. If you want a "hassle-free" vacation you should consider an all-inclusive or Disney World. Italy takes some work, but for me it is well worth the effort. Others may not think so. I do agree with the other posters, however, that if you are seeking to avoid hassles, Rome may not be for you. I happen to love it, but it is an adult dose. Tuscany is much more laid back and tourist-friendly. Others may think it is simply overrun with tourists.