I just returned from the Amalfi Coast yesterday. Here are some tips!<BR>Don't try and drive yourself, your better off renting a car in Naples and leaving the driving to the Italians.<BR>If at all possible go to Pompeii on the way from Naples (unless your staying in Sorrento). <BR>Don't stay in Sorrento. Positano is much nicer. Also Ravallo is georgeous and romantic. I wouldn't go there with kids. Positano is a better better with kids.<BR>Bring good walking shoes. There are lot's of steps and you do a lot of walking. The beaches are rockey so bring rubber bottoms shoes.<BR>Stay at the Sirenuse if you can afford it or at the very least go for dinner or drinks. It is a beautiful hotel!<BR>Eat at the local trattoria's. The food is good everywhere but the local food is the best! Ask for the local wine. It's delicious and some places put in peaches.<BR>Rent a b Don't bring a lot of suitcases. Keep it light. You won't need a lot of fancy clothes.<BR>Try and loose 5lbs before you go so you won't feel as bad as I do when you get home.<BR>Bring a camera and or video. The views are unbelievable! Positano is magical both day and night! <BR>Try and get a room with a balcony.<BR>If you stay in Positano rent a rubber boat by the hour and check out the Amalfi Coast!

Debra the Dictator--Nice of you to give "your opinion" of dos and don'ts, but let me get this straight: don't drive, don't stay in Sorrento, etc. <BR>This should have been titled "Debbie Makes the Rules."<BR><BR>This is what you think, but you didn't say that. Nor did you explain the reasons for your decisions.<BR><BR>Get over yourself.

Thank you Debra, the second post is regretable. Perfectly lovely ideas trashed by unkind and childish remarks. Please leave your unproductive comments off this board.

We drove the Amalfi and had a wonderful time...

We too drove twice RT the Amalfi coast and we loved it!!<BR><BR>We stayed in Sorrento and we loved it too!!(very accessible for ferries to Capri and Naples, as well as trains to Pompeii).<BR><BR>We went to Ravello with our kid and he had a great time (I don't know why a place that is gorgeous and romantic is off limits to kids??)<BR><BR>And Debra, please put on the text that these are all just your OWN OPINIONS so as not to offend others who might strongly disagree with you.

Of course these are her opinions, we all post our own opinions on each of our trip reports. I guess it's just the way she said it. If she had said, "I would have preferred to have someone else drive me because I felt uncomfortable" as opposed to "don't try and drive yourself" we'd all be happier?<BR><BR>And if you'll notice, no one starts their report with "Warning..this is my own personal opinion...."

Oh yes Sandi, I've been in this board long enough to have seen a few people start their report stating that what they are about to say are just their OWN opinions!!!

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful area of Italy. Word to the wise - avoid spending time in Naples, and be careful while there. The only good thing about Naples is the pizza.

No one starts a trip report with that. I've been here for more than 2 years. A trip report is a collection of someone's opinions about their trip. Come on guys! She's only guilty of not wording the way you want.

I too have posted reports and read hundreds of reports. I have also been a part of many discussions and some debates. The issue here is that someone is not reporting back what they have done but making judgement calls without much supporting reasoning behind it. If I say I dod not like dining at Cumpa Cosima in Ravello because the wine list was uninteresting and I thought the posta boring, you can judge for yourself if I have added any information that you find useful. Sorrento is a very controversial place, as evidenced on this board. I love it and would never stay in Positano. But I would never state that as a do or don't. I would tell you why I like what I like and why I don't like what I don't like. Debra's opinions about Amalfi and the area are very different than mine. That's ok. But it is a little pretensious to say the least to post likes and dislikes as "Do's and Don'ts".

Well, we do have our different opinions, don't we? My only thought is that I have also driven the Amalfi coast and never had a problem. You should be an experienced driver, alert and capable of anticipating problems (i.e., driving defensively) and should simply be very careful. So I would definitely suggest that you, Debra, ought to issue the "driving warning" with a caveat that you personally wouldn't want to. I've driven in many areas of the U.S. where the traffic is at least as dangerous as it is on the Amalfi coast.

Have any of you stayed at the Hotel Excelsior Grand Hotel in Amalfi? What is your opinion? Thanks.

I guess I did sound a little bossy. Sorry if I offended anyone. I found this site very helpful when planning my trip and wanted to give back. In the future I will be more careful to say this is just my opinion. It was my first reply!

Please! This is ridiculous! It was obvious from the beginning that Debra was offering an opinion. I did not feel offended! Relax!!!! Debra - you are sweet to apologize but I don't feel you need to!!

Thank you for taking the time to post and give the tips,Debra!<BR> I know what you mean about the 5 pounds

debra, i appecriate the feedback!

Debra, thanks for your opinion and your tips. It's obvious that you are giving your opinions. Why would you post and give your neighbor's? Anyway, you kept it short and sweet, and to the point. Thanks.