I know I shouldn't be asking this 2 weeks before my trip- but all I have heard is how horrible it is to go to Italy in August. Is it really that bad? Anything I should be aware of? Oh and one more thing- should I book train tickets (rome to venice, venice to Florence, Florence to Pisa, Pisa to La Spezia, La Spezia to Nice) online or can I just do it when I get there? What's cheaper? Thanks

Relax...it's never *horrible* to be in Italy. Sometimes it's hotter (or colder or rainier) or more crowded than others, but it's always better than being at home.

Can't comment on the train...I usually go lower season and book onsite -- not sure if others recommend buying tix in advance during higher summer travel months.

I would make sure you have good air conditioning everywhere you're staying.

Try looking at the train prices at www.trenitalia.com . I don't think it's more expensive to buy when you get there, unless you miss out on a Trenitalia special. But, if you wait until the last moment, you might not get your preferred train.

Personally, I would wait until you got to Rome to buy all of your tickets at once. But others might advise differently.

Hello Perlita, when you refer to how horrible it is to go to Italy in August I assume you are speaking of the crowds and the heat/humidty.

Yes August is hot and humid. Very much so. So do pack accordingly and think about getting up early in the morning and doing your sightseeing, having a nice lunch and then do as the Italians do and retreat to your room for a siesta (and yes do get rooms with a/c although do be aware most places do not have the quality of a/c that the US has). Then a nice shower and go out in the early evening to again enjoy being in Italy. Since it is typical to eat around 9:00pm that can be your evening entertainment as you will never be rushed to finish your dinner and leave your table.

Drink lots of water, take breaks from time to time and enjoy. Remember, Italians have been living in Italy for centuries and have survived. Just get on their schedule. Best wishes and enjoy every moment of your trip.

The only thing I think you should be aware of is that August is a month when many Italians are vacationing themselves. Some shops or restaurants may be closed due to that. But on the flip side, it may well be so wonderfully quiet and easier for you navigate the cities. Museums, for the most part, are open, and there are plenty of churches to wander in and out of.

It was 97 degrees in NYC today, with a heat index of 110, so heat is everywhere these days!

Being in Italy is always heavenly, in my opinion. One of my best friends is going in about a week or so, and my boss will be there in mid-August. They are both excited, and you should be too!

Enjoy your trip, really. LoveItaly is completely right, you just need to get on the Italian schedule. (Personally, I wished today that I could take a nap in a cool room in the afternoon!)

Oh, and by the way, I think you can buy your tickets when you get to Rome. It should not be a problem at all. I would definitley familiarize yourself with the schedule, so you know your options when you get there.

Faredolce, I know that your eastcoast temp is worse than ours due to your humidity but I here in the Sacramento Valley am ready to wilt. I wish we too could get on the Italian schedule. Our restaurants stop serving at 9:00pm, just about the time that everyone is walking into restaurants in Italy. Depressing, it truly is.

perlita, at least in Italy they know how to live and "work around" the heat and humidity which is more than I can say for N. California. I wish I was going to Italy with you!

Be sure to take enough cottn outfits as cotton is cooler [ex. India and Mexico]. My husband had to buy an extra cotton polo shirt in Italy last August and it cost $40.

Out of curiosity, when does it begin to be really "HOT" in Italy. We can only travel in the summer beginning in late June. If we concentrate on the areas more northern (like Venice, Cinque Terra, Lakes area, are we likely to avoid the worst heat or is it inescapable? Someday we will be able to go anytime of the year, so we wonder if waiting might be more pleasant or if it isn't an issue?

Perlita,

Calm down- I just got back last night. It is cooler in Italy in the locations you mentioned than it is back here on the East Coast right now by about 20 degrees.

Dress cool, carry a water bottle, keep your hair off of your neck, get an air conditioned hotel and have fun.

The train tickets are easy to purchase on site and cheaper to get that way. Most stations have English speaking employees who are very friendly and helpful. You can get the timetables and prices at the Trenitalia.com website to ease your mind. They have an English menu to make it simple. Print them out and take them with you. Then you can just point at what you want if an employee doesn't understand you.

Watch out for vacationing Itlaians and closures in the afternoon and around the week of August 15th. August is vacation month in Italy and that is a major festival week.

Italy is fabulous anytime.Enjoy "La Dolce Vita".

I was in Italy late last month and the heat was brutal. I think it's cooler there now! So, you just don't know.

Well, that said, just looked at the NY Times weather chart and forecast is for high of 99 degrees in Rome tomorrow! Yikes!