Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Just Returned: Random Thoughts and Observations

We just returned from a 12 day trip to Roma, CT, Tuscany, Perugia etc. I want to thank everyone here for great advice and ideas, and thought I would share some things that might help someone else getting ready to go. A trip report will follow soon.

Almost everyone we encountered was kind and helpful.

Food everywhere is good, but in Liguria (Pesto), Tuscany, and Umbria it can be awesome.

Private Shuttle from airport to Rome hotel was a good idea, particularly if more than 2 people. (The cost is just a little more than cab or train.)

There are very few overweight people.

I was alarmed by the number of young people smoking.

If you try to speak the language you will be rewarded.

ATM for money is the ONLY way to go. Many hotels give discounts for paying cash if you ask.

Validate your train tickets. (Fortunately I only paid 10 Euro for this lesson.)

We saw much less riff –raff in Roma than on previous visits.

The Colloseum at night was worth the subway ride.

Try to have your morning cappuccino or espresso at a bar instead of always at the hotel.

Cinque Terre towns are touristy but are still well worth a visit. We were there in April so not too hot or crowded.

Volterra is my new favorite hill town, not overly touristy and smaller than Siena.

Leave time in your day to meander. Don’t schedule every minute.

While every trattoria and ristorante has a cover charge, many times our bill was adjusted downward by 8 to 10 % particularly when we were outside of Rome. We did drink wine at every meal and paid in cash but I don’t really know the reason.

An Agriturismo makes a great base for exploring in Tuscany or Umbria.

At least once go to a small market/bar/deli and buy the fresh bread, cheese, meat, and wine to have a picnic lunch.

There were not very many Americans once we left Roma. Almost all other tourists were Italian, particularly on the long May1(holiday) weekend.Stores and eating places were still open on the May1 holiday, but banks and offices were all closed.

Be sure to have a good map if driving, and plan your entry into any city in advance.

It is easy to buy almost any train ticket from the machines in the station.

We often ordered a variety of items from the menu including appetizers, soups, primi, secondi, salads, and shared the food by getting an extra plate. No one seemed to mind.

Subways in Roma are safe as long as you pay attention to your surroundings.

Study the road signs of Italy before you arrive if you plan to rent a car.

AutoEurope/Kemwell are great to deal with regarding car rentals.

The drivers in Roma might seem all crazy but you rarely see an accident.

We never felt unsafe anywhere we went, including Termini area in Roma where we stayed.