I am leaving for Italy tomorrow! Anything I should know?

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legalbgl

Don't tip in restaurants -- the tip is already included, makes you look like the ugly American who is flaunting their money.

Look both ways before crossing. Italian drivers are absolutely the Worst, especially in Rome.

In Rome, don't use the subways. They suck.

Don't take pictures in the Cystine Chappel, they wont come out.
DO buy pictures from the nuns outside the Cystine Chappel, they are great.

In Rome, don't break a gypsys women's nose unless you want a bigger fight with a gypsy guy...found that one out the hardway! (Hey she had no reason reaching into my pocket to take my money in the first place, what did she think because she was holding a baby she was going to be able to mug me?)

To avoid the gypsys stay away from the subways (adds more to my previous comments.)

Women walking alone at night in Rome will be thought of as prostitutes and will be harrased.

Thats Italy in a nut shell!

Mary O

Wear comfy shoes is the most important advice. So many Italian cities have cobblestone streets and they are hell on the feet. No flip flops or shoes with heels. I don't know the temps there, but when I went it was so hot and bottled water was an issue. I hope you have enough time in these cities. We didn't. You cannot do Rome in one day. We did not get to go through the Forum and it is so rich in history. Trevi fountain was a let down and overcrowded. The Vatican was interesting and of course the colosseum was a mind blower. Venice was a short visit for us and I wish we had more time. We did not get to go into St. Marks. Take time there to wander the little winding streeets. You will get lost, but eventually will find your way. These side streets are where the people live and are so charming. We discovered gelato in Italy and it is so good. I hope your tour will be generous with your time in these cities. Be prepared for lots of walking, more than you expect. Have a wonderfull time. I know you will. Keep souvenirs so you can scrapbook this trip of a lifetime.

I just read the other comments and the comments about pickpockets are right. We were warned so we were extra careful. Also, in Florence do not miss the Academia where the statue of David is. Not to be missed, I promise.

John Coffee

Italy is great. I have been here for about 2 years now. There is a lot of history in all of the places that you are going get out and see them. Bring a Camera, walking shoes, plenty of euro(from your bank don't change it here), a back pack for drinks and snacks. Three are plenty of bars around. Make sure when you order water get natural (naturalle). And heed to the warnings of pick pockets,Gypsies, and there driving.

Say Love, Say Love!! (Luna)

Just don't be a stuck-up American... they hate that.
HAve FUNNNNNN!
:)
Eat some pasta

Ben T

Take twice as many pairs of socks and underware as you think you'll need, and half as much of all other clothing as you think you'll need. (the folks in Rome won't know that you wore that shirt yesterday because you were in Florence yesterday!)

When Venice floods you could be stuck in your hotel for a day or more. If it's been raining there for a few days, then stay away!

The Vatican is free on Sundays, but you'll be there with 80,000,000 of your closest friends and the lines will be enormous, assuming you even get in -- which you'll have to line up for hours to do. In short, spend the $20 for the week-day tour.

The subway in Rome is very crowded and smelly during rush hour. Rush hour lasts from approximately 6 AM to 11PM.

If you get to the Amalfi coast, then rent a scooter and drive along the coast from Sorento to Amalfi -- most beautiful ride ever!

Talk to everyone and spend as little time in your room as possible. You'll have the time of your life!

malibu

ugh..so jealous.

my advice is don't be a loud obnoxious tourist. just respect the natives and try to use your italian to get around.

watch out for pickpockets! esp on public trasportation. don't let your belongings out of your site even for a second. you wont be in any danger but they are sneaky about stealing stuff. (for example someone cut into my backpack when i did studied abroad in rome, luckily they didn't get away with anything!)

have some gelatos for me!!

PALLELUIA

Never as crazy as american students killing people around in the street... if you can survive in Macdonald-land you will probably be fine also in Italy.
By the way: do not look for Wal Mart or Home Depot. We don't have all this junk here.
Ciao

You should know that it is very easy to fall in love there, and I'm not only talking about the country ; ) Most guys are gorgeous and know how to flatter nearly to the professional level, which is not a bad thing, just be cautious and don't be naive....and enjoy!!!

Married Cowgirl

remember us little people who can't afford to go to those places. have a great time. take lots of pitchers.

eat lots of pizza and italian espresso's are the best! mmmm....

Jenni

Venice kind of smells, and there are a LOT of pigeons in St. Marks Square. It's really fun to follow them though. Or to scare them so they fly away in giant groups.

Basically the most important thing to know is that there are tons of street vendors and people who will approach you trying to sell things. When I went with a group, some people got tricked into buying things because the men selling them didn't inform them that it cost money. For example a friend was given a bracelet and then was demanded money of.

There are also a lot of people pretending to be statues. It's kind of cool, but also really creepy.

Jeffery L

two things don't piss them off and stay clear away from the mob

Arwen

Wear a body suit. You'll be pinched a lot.

siciliangirl310

Everybody and their grandma smokes and the majority don't wear deoderant so it pretty much smells like smoke and pits.. Driving is Horrible there. 4 cars trying to fit in 2 lanes all the time. Be careful of the pick pocketers.. There are many watching tourists waiting to grab. Keep your passport and any money in your front pocket or close to you as possible. Have fun, the vatican is beautiful. Make sure you go into the Cistene chapel..have fun.

Shuoink

watch that taken movie that will answer all your q's

Danny J

Yes, Italians cut off the clitoris of a female so they cant enjoy italian pleasure.. o.o

Don't get on the plane.... O.O

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