Italy Bound
 

We are going to Italy in Sept. for the first time. We have heard and read the horror stories about pickpocketers and how they accost you. Is it really that bad? Also we will be taking the train from Venice to Florence, will this be difficult with our luggage in tow? What kind of weather can we expect for the month of September? <BR>Would appreciate your responses to the above. Thank you!

I spent Sept.'97 mainly in Piedmont & Tuscany at grape harvest time. We had one afternoon of rain in Chianti region, otherwise it was glorious weather (but living in Sacramento, everything less than 95 degrees is lovely to me). Never had any trouble with pickpockets or scams OR on the road (it was my first time driving in Italy). Have a wonderful time...if you're reading this Forum, then you know how to be careful.

Was in Venice and Italian Riviera mid to late September -- weather was perfect. Sunny every day and not too hot. We never had problems with pickpocketing, but know of many others who had problems. Just don't look like a target, and keep your valuables where it would be difficult for someone to steal them.

Pickpocketing is indeed a problem in Rome. Often carried out by groups of young girls, pregnant women with kids, and mostly of a gypsy look. Do not walk about wearing attractive jewelry - it really does attract them! The number of tourists walking around with a wallet in their back-trouser pocket is truly amazing- asking for trouble. Old people too are an easy mark. Last week, one Canadian couple were pushed down and had their suitcases snatched from them. They had decided to save money and walk from the Termini to their nearby hotel. What do you know they thought their passports and cash money would be safe in their suitcases! - -not! The easiest way to obtain cash while on holiday is by the Bancomat money machines. Plus and Interac systems are supported. Large amounts of cash are a no-no! <BR>Weather wise you can expect thunderstorms every now and then in September, but no long dreary wet weeks. You have missed the hot - mid 30s - with any luck - temps up to 30 max is normal.

Dear Diane <BR>Last fall I visited Venice and Florence, took the train from V to F. The Venice and Florence train stations were small and relatively easy to negotiate with luggage (unlike my impression of the Milan train station) but heavy luggage is hard to manage no matter how short the distance or small the station. You have to get to the correct quai for the train, the correct car for a reserved seat, get the stuff onto the car. At the end of each train car is a luggage rack but unless you are early and lucky that is likely to be full. The only other place to put your luggage is on the overhead rack over your seat, but that means you have to lift it up and later get it down, difficult and sometimes even dangerous to others. So travel as lightly as possible. But don't let this discourage you entirely, the train ride is very pleasant and both cities are wonderful. <BR> <BR>For weather forecasts before you go, try these: <BR>www.worldclimate.com/ <BR>www.nytimes.com/ <BR>www.weather.com/weather/cities/ <BR>www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ <BR>http://www.weatherpost.com Washington Post.Includes historical weather data <BR>www.intellicast.com/weather <BR> <BR> <BR>