Sheepie87

Hello Solos,

I lurk around the Europe board quite a bit and posted something over there a while ago, but I figured this board is more for me, seeing as I am, in fact, going solo. So here's the deal:

I am currently living in Paris, going to school, and I have the job from h***. I am so stressed out it's just ridiculous. We have spring break in April and I've always wanted to go to Italy, so hey, there you go. I already have Rome and Florence booked, but starting on the 28th of April I have no idea what to do! I want to be back in Paris by the 2nd.

I don't really want to go to Venice, I'm too young to rent a car and wander the countryside, etc. I'm tossing around the CT OR some smaller towns in Italy OR fleeing and taking the train to the south of France.

I like: walking around, eating/drinking the local stuff, art, swimming, shopping, and just watching life go by at a café.

I don't like: Danger, pickpockets, cemeteries, and not knowing everything about where I am and where I'm going.

I'm really frustrated that I cannot get my head around these Italian cities like I could (and can) with Paris. It's ridiculous that I moved to Paris for 10 months but am whimpering about going to Italy for 2.5 weeks!

The other thing is: What should I use for luggage? I am tempted by the backpack idea but it is very conspicuous and am terrified of thieves & co. However, the idea of toting a bag around just makes me feel miserable. I am a very inexperienced traveler: the only other places in Europe I've been are London and Michelstadt, DE.

Any help or critiques would be VERY warmly welcomed!

suze

There is some reason you are against Venice? I only say that because I've done two short visits there (5 days each) that were fantastic.

From Paris, my favorite places in Switzerland are easy by train - Vevey & Montreux, but also Lausanne and Geneva, that Lac Leman district is great.

I always use a small 22" roller, with a large tote/pocketbook as the 2nd bag. A bit less needed if you are already in Europe with a home base.

Sheepie87

I don't know about Venice. It seems rather expensive ... I have to do more research.

suze

Nothing wrong with just taking the train, and going to Florence and Rome from Paris. That would be a great trip.

thursdaysd

I'd be tempted to add the Cinqueterre, although I admit I haven't made it there yet! Or you could go via Milan up to the Lakes, or chill out in somewhere like Siena.

For luggage I like a convertible backpack - you can wear it like a backpack when you need to carry it, and convert it into a soft-side suitcase when you need to check it, or check into a posh hotel. See Eagle Creek for some examples.

Sheepie87

Thanks guys--I took the plunge for Venice. I have actually wanted to go there since I saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as a kid, but it seems like a lot of people here don't like it. Well, I'll see if *I* like it, because that's the important thing.

Must look into backpack thingy. Thanks for the tip.