Bucket_List

I didn't see any mention of purchasing advance tickets for the sights you want to see online. Saves time wasted waiting and affords better use of your limited time.

We took a vacation from our vacation in Positano. Loved every minute and hated to leave this beautiful gem on the Amalfi coast!

I lived in Italy for six years and returned many times, never had a problem or loss. Just, as others have said, be aware of your surroundings. Also be aware of little kids who could easily distract you.

Relax and enjoy your trip. OBTW - do you need someone to carry your bags and or translate for you?

zoecat

I think her trip is over by now.

pariswat

Some gravediggers at work here ?

suze

When I travel I pick my favorite 3-4 outfits from home that fit the weather where I am going, and pack those. You know the ones you'd pick first on the weekend to go out and do something.

I'd pack sneakers for walking and a couple pair of nice looking comfortable sandals. I like linen capris and cotton tops. Layers for if the weather changes.

I use my regular purse from home.

I'd only use a money belt if you are carrying a large amount of cash and using public transportation (say if you were going by train and needed all cash to pay for an apartment for a week).

flpab

I got all excited when I saw that StCirq had posted...Then I saw the date. Dang, if I lived in Chicago Italy would be like a dream, they may rob you but at least they don't shoot you.

Iahawk

the only two things I'd add are to contact your credit card company and let them know when you'll be out of the country. That way, no transaction will be denied because it 'looks suspicious'. Yes, its a nice thing the bank will do without you knowing it until you have a card denied for a book at the museum and feel like an idiot. Next, we contact the bank and put an upper limit on the amount that can be withdrawn each day from an ATM - say 150e. That way, if you do have a problem and someone gets the card, figures out your PIN, the upper limit will at least limit your losses. I've worn knee length, dressy shorts (not those tacky capris or skimmers) through most of Italy, France and Germany. Have some mix and match shells and cardigan sweaters with a skirt or two, maybe a simple black knit dress and you'll be fine. Hate the idea of a money belt personally. I have a 'healthy back bag' in size medium that I've used for years. Plenty of inside pockets for valuables and it does relieve the weight if you are carrying a camera or lenses. You're a tourist - I spot them on Michigan Ave all the time and don't stop to gawk, do you??!!

suze

I didn't notice this thread was over 2 years old! Sorry.

Stephy

Thanks for all your replies! I know this is a late follow up (life gets in the way). We packed light for this trip. One carry on suite case for each of us and did some laundry during our trip. Not a bad way to travel. I packed much lighter than I normally do trying to utilize outfits more that once since I knew no one there except hubby and he did the same. I packed one pair of sneakers, one pair of sandle heels, and one pair of flats. Capri's and more stylish cotton shirts and a few dresses that pack easy. We left our passports in the hotel safe and did not use a money belt. I never felt like we were going to be robbed. However we never took a bus around town and walked everywhere. We did take the train in between cities and I never felt like people were going to target us, even in Naples train station. We were aware like we are in Chicago....Thanks again to everyone who provided advice.

Blueeyedcod

Just FYI for anyone reading this - you are required by Italian law to carry your original passports on you at all times. These are an identification requirement. Don't leave them in the hotel safe or carry a copy as it is not acceptable. In these times of heightened security it is even more important to be vigilant about carrying your original passport.

Judy_Rosa

Hi Blueeyedcod - is that true? I worry about carrying my passport around all the time and prefer to keep it in a safe where it's more secure.

emmajm

Hey, in some ways it's easier than home. Don't need my Target card, Costco card, Kohls card, library card, National Parks card, cards I need at work,

One thing, some little hotels give a cash discount. Might be nice to have a money belt for when carrying larger sums.

Judy_Rosa

Can I carry my driver's license instead of my passport? If my license is stolen I can still return home as I'll still have my passport.

But if something happens to my passport it'll be a much more difficult replacement, especially abroad.

organictuscany

Just carry your driver's license and keep your passport in the hotel safe. The worst that can happen is that the police will accompany you to your hotel to see your passport.

toledodd

5 visits to italy and never lost a thing. always leave the wallet at home and just carry credit cards, license and $ held together by a large rubber band. always wear pants with zipper pockets or walk with my hand on the cards. also have a good canon camera and have had no problems. people holding their phones and ipads up to take photos are much easier targets for theft or dropping them off the cliff. wife carries a backpack type purse. leave jewelry at home. leave your t shirts, shorts and sneakers at home - only tourists wear them. dress comfortably and don't try to keep up with the italians, especially in airports, they are clothes hounds. relax and enjoy.

Blueeyedcod

Judy - ignore that advice from organictuscany. It is the *law* to carry your passport. If you carry it securely in an inside zipper compartment in your purse it is really no issue.

Organictuscany - As for having police accompany you to the hotel - they have better things to do than run after tourists who refuse to follow rules in a host country.

StCirq

You must carry your passport. Don't waste the police's time following you back to your hotel. That is an effront. Make a copy and leave that in your hotel room if you like. Those of us who live in Europe are used to carrying our passport/national identity cards around with us. You can too.

janisj

>>Can I carry my driver's license instead of my passport? If my license is stolen I can still return home as I'll still have my passport.<<

Your passport is your legal permission to be in the country. Your US license could work for identification . . . but it does not meet the legal requirements.

If you are nervous, get a money belt (and use it correctly) to hold your passport

Judy_Rosa

OK, thanks everyone.