My husband and I are planning on spending 9 days in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, the lakes?) the 2nd week in March. Is the weather going to be poor for traveling? We were thinking of changing our trip to the end of May instead, but feared it would be so much more expensive. Any suggestions? <BR>Also, what is it like to travel on the Eurorail with luggage? If we pack for 9 days and it is cold weather, our bags will be filled with bulky clothes and we will have to take larger suitcases. <BR>Any input is welcomed! Thanks! <BR>Jena

We were in italy at the end of march and early april. We layered...a long sleeved shirt over a polo tee shirt, a sweater, maybe a windbreaker...we still managed to travel light ( one 22*12*10 bag plus 'day' knapsack each) which is essential for train travel. <BR> <BR>Pack gloves and a hat...they don't take up much room and improve comfort considerably. <BR> <BR>Go! the end of May will be much more crowded and expensive.

We spent three weeks in Italy beginning the 5th of MArch. We arrived to 70 degrees and it stayed around that our entire trip. When we arrived in Venice the last few days of our trip, we were treated to a little blast of cold air, probably mid 50's. I recommend lots of layers. Perhaps a t-shirt, followed by a cotton shirt, a light sweater and a light coat. I usually wore a shirt and wool blazer and was very comfortable during the day. I always buy a serape at the flea markets. They are the perfect wrap for day or evening over a jacket. <BR>Don't put your trip off, we travel every March for three weeks, and notice a huge difference in the amounts of tourists and crowds just from the beginning of our trip until the end. By May you will find it much more crowded. You will save a good 20 to 25% <BR>on housing alone. As far as packing, I wear a pair of black jeans, bring another pair along, and a dark skirt. I will bring a couple of t-shirts, a couple of long-sleeved shirts, 1 blazer, a shorter mid-weight jacket. I bring 7 days of dark socks and underwear. I work my wardrobe around one or two colors, so that everything coordinates. I'll throw in a scarf and some fun jewelry for our evenings out. We send our laundry out through the hotel, it will cost us about $15-20. I travel with a pull-along, 13dx21x14. I throw an expandable bag it for my purchases. <BR>Travel lightly. I've seen too many people struggle with luggage over those cobblestone streets. Less is more! <BR>Italy is one of my favorites. I'm taking my children there next Spring! <BR>Bon Voyage! <BR>Gloria

Great idea about packing Gloria- I am taking my kids in March and I shudder to think about all the suitcases we are going to take (not that we need to) - Seems like in our family, every one needs their own suitcase...how do you get around this? Also, how is the "dress" in the evenings? Can you get away with jeans in a restaurant?

I took my three teenagers to England (by myself, and yes, they did try to ditch me!) when they were 14, 15, and 16. <BR>They each had a bag on wheels, 13x15x21, and a backpack (to take schoolwork along, etc.) They knew they were limited to just this and had to be responsible for their own luggage. <BR>It really worked well for us. Jeans are just fine for the kids. They had taken a pair of khaki's along, a nice shirt and they were fine for anything. <BR>I like to wear a skirt now and then. Keep it easy. I've never heard anyone say they wished they had taken more clothes. <BR>I would look for a few of the cafeteria restaurants for kids. They can see what they are ordering, and get familar with Italian food. The food can be great in these places, and as Italians eat later than we Americans do, it can be a good stop. <BR>I also got the kids some disposable cameras. I made them each a photoalbum upon our return, emphasizing their favorite stops. So, stay on the lookout for some fun, small things to put in their books to surprise them with when you get back. I'm taking my kids to Italy next year. Life's most precious moments... <BR>Have a great vacation! <BR>Gloria