LuvToRoam

Truth is most countries are suffering the effects of a down economy, whether it is a lack of visitors or their own constituency not spending locally. We'll be traveling to Italy next year. We plan and save for our annual trips. That planning does keep us from excessive spending at home (fewer meals out, etc.) especially in this era of uncertainty. I would make the leap that is quite universal. Flight prices sure don't seem to be coming down! I'm not in the tour/hospitality business but I can tell you this, the electrical contracting business I am in has had an awful year and half! Elective spending is the first thing to go when times get tough. One does have to empathize with those businesses that don't have the means or wherewithal to outlast the downturn. Since I’m a very old dog I know that this cycle will eventually get better. It does have a very negative effect on any business on the edge though. That is what happens in a free market. I would imagine for many people the choice is to stay home and support their local economy rather than spend more than they have to go overseas. We have never felt unwelcome in Europe. While we have met many, many wonderful, kind and interesting folks on all of our travels, our trip to Poland this year will be very hard to top. Every person we met or encountered was warm and friendly. I think the Italians are up to the task

ParrotMom

First, we are off to a two day pre-cruise in Rome... then we stop in Sicily and Naples.. what is scaring the dickens out of me (we are seniors) is all the talk about the pickpockets and muggers and nothing being done by local police.. We were in Rome last year for a day and had a private tour, but going off on our own makes me very wary of seeing the sites I'd like to at night..BUT WE ARE GOING!!!!

LuvToRoam

One just needs to be aware of their bag or wallet when in a crowded area. Last time we were in Rome we noted one suspicious incident on a bus but that scenario plays out on almost all crowded buses/venues in big cities. Don't carry the bank and keep your wallet in a front zippered pocket and your purse in front of you. We walked around the wee hours of the night last time we were in Rome and never feared for our safety. I have not heard that muggers are a big problem in Italy; perhaps I am out of the loop. We are seniors too and venture very often on our own. We hire guides not for safety but for information and the personal touch. Have a great trip!

Zerlina

Physical violence (i.e. mugging) is very rare in central Rome; pickpocketing in crowded situations is much more frequent, but you probably wouldn't notice it while it's happening. Many areas in central Rome are as safe in the evening as during the day. I wouldn't hang around Termini at 2 am, but I wouldn't hang around any train station in the world at 2 am.

Jean

Hey, I was robbed in broad daylight in Beverly Hills, California. It can happen anywhere.