Gosh, if you have to ask, you've almost answered your own question. I'm NOT a widely experienced world traveler but I have done a bit and I never worried about anything and I've loved every bit of the travel I've done. Get a bad meal? Well not really but maybe not a great one. Well, it's not going to be my last one so what the heck. I keep an eye on my belongings but do I clutch my purse until my knuckles are white? No I don't. The biggest part of "is it worth it ?" that I have to deal with is making sure the bills are paid, lining up the jobs and tasks for employees for the days I'll be gone, notifying all my clients, doing payroll a couple weeks ahead, and being totally whipped the day I'm leaving. Then I board that plane and oh boy, yea, it's all MORE than worth it!!!!!!!!

I must jump in as I'm planning my third trip to Italy in 5 years! I fell totally in love with everything about this wonderful country on my first trip. We went to Rome, and I do agree that you should see the Forum, the beautiful piazzas, the Vatican. It truly is awesome and well worth any urban hassles.
I also think you should see Florence; the art is a life experience there.
As for Venice...stay close to San Marco, and if you get up early in the morning you can have the city to yourself. My sister and I had the most amazing walk through the streets on a sleepy Sunday morning. During the day, it's crowded, but that's part of the experience! The nights are magical.
Go-you will never regret it!

Yes, it's worth it.

My husband and I returned last week and before I left I had the same concerns you did.

I had been to Italy before but was with a tour and this time we went on our own. I was apprehensive about the pickpockets-it didn't happen and I don't remember clutching to my bag except for one time. I had anxiety about driving in Rome-yes, we got lost, drove on a taxi/bus lane only- but once we found the car rental agency, we laughed about it. I was worried about the euro increasing but luckily it went down a bit the day we arrived. We were on a budget and didn't spend beyond our means and had a fabulous time. We didn't dine lavishly and even had some of the best pizza ever!

We came back a week ago and the first few days I did not want to think about going to Europe unless we could afford business class since we flew from CA. Well, we are now thinking of when we can go back. I promised my husband that the next vacation would be on the beach in the Carribean or South Pacific-but we are definitely looking into going back in 2007.

Go and have a great time. You won't regret it.

I haven't been to Italy. (We are planning to visit in 2006.) But my answer would be the same even if I'd been.

If you have truly been longing to see Italy, have been studying the language, researching websites, etc. - all out of a great desire to see the country, taste the food, experience Italian life - then no amount of 'hassle' would dissuade you.

If, however, after all your extensive research, you have discovered that what you dreamed about is really not that appealing, don't go. It definitely won't be worth the hassle.

There's nothing wrong with admitting that Italy isn't for you. Or, for that matter, that Italy isn't for you right now. What would be wrong is to make yourself go because other people tell you it won't be a hassle, or that there's something wrong with you because you have doubts.

There's nothing worse than being somewhere foreign, the train has been cancelled, you paid too much for lunch, a gypsy woman with child is approaching and it's 9000 degrees outside - and you're beating yourself up because you didn't listen to your gut instinct.

Trust your research, circumstances, intellect and, most of all, your instincts. That's how you'll make the right decision.

I never knew that going to Italy was considered a hassle. I always have thought of it as a joy and a pleasure.

Anywhere one travels to for the first time causes a bit of anxiety I suppose. Getting the lay of the land, wondering if you will like the food, how the friendly or at least helpful the residents of the area will be etc.

Victoria_Reynolds, there is always talk and news regarding anywhere you plan to visit.

For example, the news in San Francisco right now is that six or seven Yellow Cabs have been stolen and passengers have been picked up by whoever is doing this. Cabs later found deserted. SFPD advising anyone using a cab in SF to be SURE to look at the photo ID in any cab they are getting into and compare it to the taxi driver.

A couple of weeks ago the SFPD were warning that now it is tourist season in SF and due to the City of SF budget problems there would not be SFPD on the busses etc., as in the past; for tourist and residents alike to be extra cautious of pickpockets.

Warning in my city a few days ago that there is a man pretending to be a law enforcement officer and stopping women by following them in his vehicle, swerving around them, blocking their path and jumping out of his vehicle flashing a "law enforcement badge". Fortunatly the women have all had good sense to take off and go home and call the PD.

I could go on and on. If one let themselves get scared regarding all the crime reports in the Sacramento Valley and the Bay Area one would never leave their house.

I don't know how to answer your question "is Italy worth it?"

Where, praytell, could you go where there is no crime, no threats of strikes, no bad weather etc. I have never heard of anywhere on our earth where Utopia exsist.

You say that for a long long time you have been longing to see Italy. You have studied the Italian language and that you have done a lot of research. And that your family was really looking forward to a trip to beautiful Italy.

My dear, I think you are tired from planning your trip. It happens to all of us.

Make those plane reservations, the lodging reservations and go!!! It is not on our death bed that we resent what we did. It is what we have not done that we feel sorry about. I know, I have heard it from so many older people. The old "oh, if I had only (fill in their lifetime dream that they never made happen)".

Best wishes to you with hopes that you will follow your dream.

It is most definitely worth it to me!! All travel planning and the actual traveling itself takes effort and energy and sometimes things don't go as we hope. But that is the case with anything that's worthwhile.

As you can tell from my screen name, I happen to love Rome. The last time I was there was last year I think in May or June. I was there 5 nights and was there by myself. I had been there a few times before so I felt very comfortable. I even felt much more safe than at home walking the beautiful streets late at night by myself. I walked with confidence though, even when I wasn't 100% sure where I was going.

But I learned that a long time ago because of working in Chicago for nearly 20 years now. A team of robbers tried to steal my wallet from me the very first week I worked in the city. They were not successful because I was aware of what they were trying to do and kept my cool and protected my belongings. It's never happened again because I learned quickly how not to look like an easy target.

I highly recommend Rome, but then again, be sure to do your homework and go to a place that YOU are drawn to. What do you want to see? Before my first trip to Italy, a coworker said that I shouldn't go to Rome and would definitely hate it. I'm so glad that I went because it's one of my absolute favorite places in the world. So, niether my coworker or I were really wrong, but we each have different interests and motivations for travel. I love the inseparable mix of art, history and religion generously mixed with amazing food and people of Rome. If that doesn't interest you or if you have other things that interest you or if you'd prefer to truly relax and take it easy, then you might prefer a different type of trip because Rome is a busy bussling robust city.

Think about what YOU want to do and then go for it with a liberal dose of research, planning and excitement to ensure that you've chosen to do what you really want.

Whatever you do, enjoy!!!

If you like to travel and if you can afford to travel, Italy should not be missed. I love Rome. Very, very unique and fascinating city. Don't know how much time your planning to be there. I could easily spend 5 days in Rome alone and barely cover the A list of things to see and do. And that doesn't include a very doable side trip to Pompeii which is well worth a visit. Go.

Dave

If a wider range trip to Italy is what you have dreamed of and what you want, then you should go only when you can make that dream come true. To sell a dream short -- one you have put so much effort into by learning the language, etc. -- would be sad. You may not get back and will always feel like you've missed what you really wanted to do. Maybe you should just wait a bit longer until your budget will allow for the trip you've dreamed of. Italy is beautiful, but just seeing Rome will give you a very different viewpoint -- one you may not appreciate after having invested so much.

My two cents. YES. And I posted several weeks ago about major ATM problems my husband & I had while in Italy in May. But we are already talking of returning & I hope it's next year. Please visit other cities/town other than Rome. It's just a remarkable country with so much to offer.
Stephanie

Is Italy worth it?
Yes it is!!!! I have been going to Italy annually for the past 25 years, my favorite place is Rome. It is magnificent!! Have been there at least 20 times, and never go to Italy without planning to spend four or five days in Rome. The Amalfie Coast is beautiful, as is the Italian Riviera (Rapallo, Santa Marguarita Ligure, Portofino, etc}
Tuscany? The sights and hill towns are georgeous. Milano, Bergamo, Modena, Venice, Bellagio, Lake Como, Verona, Parma. All romantically inviting. Southern Italy, Salerno, Calabria beautiful. The Ciociaria (Frosinone, Alatri, Cassino, Parco National D'Abruzzzo.... I can go on and on.
Safety? Ever been to New York? Same risks. Be a smart traveler, don't wear showy jewelry and you'll be safe.
I all the years I have travelled there, my wife was pickpocketed. She was picked clean in a department store in Paris!!!!!!!! Paris, that's right, only in Paris three times, and we're one for three. In Italy, we'r "0" for about 200!!!!
You'll live Italy, and the Italians will love you. They truly like the Americans and British.
Ciao,
Alberto

Victoria,

The number of responses says it all!! I feel entirely as does 'dutyfree'. You wont believe you ever considered NOT going!



If you are on a tight budget I would suggest you stay in Rome. I could be there for two weeks! When it is hot it is good not to have to rush through the sites.

One of the major budget tips I would give would be to ensure you eat and drink away from major tourist spots. Sometimes it is half the price even a street away!!

I was there alone - my first time travelling alone - and loved it. My greatest problem was not having someone to be excited with!!!!

Go and enjoy every minute.

Alberto - your enthusiasm is contagious! I am going to Italy in Oct., and I admit to being spooked by all the Rome pickpocketing info I've been reading. I am going on a group tour, but will be on my own one whole day in Rome.

From what I've read, it makes it seem as if Rome is the by far the worst city in the world as far a pick-pocketing goes - as if hands are constantly searching you for your $$! I have been to Manhattan on about a dozen day trips by myself, and spent a week in Paris last year. In both cities I saw pickpockets reaching (unsuccessful) for another's belongings. I didn't have any issues there - but did have my purse stolen in a Phila. subway.

Are there crime statistics re: which city is worse for pickpocketing, etc.?

We just got back yesterday and I believe it was worth it. I can give you the pros and the cons simply and easily. I thought the weather was hot and I'm from Florida. I thought Rome was the hottest, but Florence and Venice wasn't really that bad. If you dress properly, it is okay. I didn't want to wear shorts and I regretted it. I ended up buying cropped pants. I thought Italy was crazy expensive, but we still stayed in four star hotels. I wanted to make sure that we had air conditioning and were treated right. We did skimp a little with lunches (they were still good), but enjoyed nice dinners most evenings. We did not buy nearly as many souvenirs as we usually would. We did not think the train travel was that easy, but then again, we didn't have ANY problems either. Just check here ahead of time and you will be fine. We thought Italy was absolutely beautiful and EVERYONE spoke English. Venice was a little snobbish and the wares were expensive. But the city IS beautiful. If you pre-plan it is probably better, but we took tours to all the popular locales like the Vatican in Rome, The Academia in Florence, etc. and it was great not having to wait in lines and to get what amounts to a bus ride to your destination and a private tour. For me (everyone sees this differently) it was worth it. We also took a tour to Pisa. Since we are not seasoned travellers, we just went to the three main cities (Rome, Florence and Venice) and then took a side tour to Pisa. If I had more time and if it weren't summer, etc. I might of been willing to be more adventuresome. Personally, I don't plan on going back to Italy unless we can go back during another time of year and/or the rate of exchange changes in our favor. HOWEVER, I do not regret going this one time. It is a beautiful country and a trip there is bound to provide many beautiful memories. It was a wonderful trip. Well worth it.

Its worth it. I had travelled quite a bit before finally going to Italy, and it was a jaw-dropping experience. The food! The beautiful scenery! The people! I've been back 4 times in the past 6 years.

Foreign travel can be stressful, but Italy, IMHO is probably easier than other places, if you do it right:

-- Don't drive in a city. Highways are fine, though.
-- Always stay at least 3 nights in one place.
-- Prefer small cities to big cities.
-- In hot summer, move north.

I agree you might be happier if you spend your time out of Rome. Here are two possible summer iteneraries: (1) fly in and out of Venice and drive through the Dolomites and/or Lake District.
(2) Fly in and out of Pisa or Milan, trains to the coastal towns, Genoa, Florence, and (bus to) parts of Tuscany.

I don't agree about flying in and out of Venice. We thought getting around with luggage there was a little difficult. However, when all is said and done ... we did okay flying out of their airport. In our case, we arrived in Rome and left via Venice. Years ago we went to Paris and London and felt that trip was slightly easier. However, we still enjoyed our trip to Italy tremendously.

Italy is absolutely worth it and is quite affordable with some research and planning. I would not limit myself to Rome. I am just back from my 13th trip to Italy and spent three nights in Florence at a 4 star hotel for 103/nt US in high season. There are bargains everywhere if you are willing to look for them.

IME, flying in and out of Venice is much more cumbersome than Rome, Milan or Florence. I would not make that choice.

Strikes are not a big a deal as your post suggests.

Train travel in second class is inexpensive and comfortable.

I would choose first over any other European country I have visited.

Victoria,
Italy is worth it, but you won't know for yourself until you go. We just returned from Italy and London 2 days ago. Italy was fine, very hot, but safe. There are always risks as far as scams, pickpockets,etc where ever you travel. We loved the Italian people. They are very friendly. We spent 2 full weeks in Italy, travelling from Venice to the Dolomites, and down to Tuscany and Rome. This was our 2nd trip to Italy. We rented a car this time and it was much easier than the trains we previous took. (we took a train into Rome). With all that said, and just returning, I do not have a huge desire to return to Italy for quite some time. I'd love to go back to London again (despite the bombings) way before Italy.
If Italy is where you have longed to travel then by all means go. We encountered no pickpockets or scams in Italy. Just be cautious as you would where ever you travel.

Travelatte

What an interesting thread to peruse, as I am leaving for my first trip to Italy on Monday. I had similar worries, but since I always carry a money-belt (no purse), wear only a plain gold wedding band and leave my diamonds at home, don't flash my money around...etc., I think I will be okay, esp. since on this trip, it's with a tour. I specifically chose a tour for Italy because I wanted to see as much as possible in a short time. It and Greece are the only European countries I haven't seen (on my own), and I so far have felt the safest in Austria and Switzerland, which I have trekked extensively via train passes. A friend of mine wondered if the latter was because of my Germanic ancestry and coloring...I don't think so. It does make one wonder about why we feel the way we do when we leave our comfort zone. The worst strike while I was on vacation ocurred in London...we just walked and walked and lost a lot of weight! GO!

Karens,
You'll be fine in Rome, just take precaution with your handbag and your money. All of the pedestrian areas in Rome are well policed, and ever since the Jubilee year 2000, gypsies are scarce. However the train station is just as problematic as any metro train station in the world, lots of prey for pickpockets. In Italy, cautious travelers have no problem. As I said, no flash, and no tempting handbag. My wife never carries a handbag. She slips here lipstick, compact and comb in her pocket. I carry all of the money in my inside shirt pocket. We have never been approached. One trick I have seen used is very effective. Take a police whistle with you, and if you feel you are being persued by pickpockets,(they usually crowd you and beg for money, show you children, politely say "no" if they persist, blow the whistle as hard as your can. They will scatter like ants.
Bon Voyage,
Alberto

Yes! Yes! Italy is a great place to visit. We have been to three different areas on three separate trips; Rome, Venice, and Sicily, although never in the summer (we travel in early Spring, it's cheaper). We enjoyed each uniquely different place immensely. From Rome take side trips to Florence and Pompeii. There's so much to see and do. Take the usual tourist precautions many posters mentioned and soak in the ambiance of this sunny country with a glass of house wine and a good meal at a local trattoria. Enjoy!