My Husband and I Are Traveling to Rome, Florence and Venice...

We went to Rome for my 50th birthday. It was wonderful; HOWEVER, please please please be careful on the subways. We were pick pocketed by a very professional young lady. My husband had his wallet in his front pocket with his hand there, she jostled us enough where he had to move his hand. That is all it took! He didn't feel her hand in his front pocket!!!

They got 1/2 our money and it was the first day of our trip!! We were going to the Spanish steps for shopping. We normally NEVER have that much money on us at any given time!! So that's my second recommendation, don't carry a lot of money on you at any given time. =)

Tuscany is FABULOUS!!!! Have a wonderful trip!!!

Italy was our favorite country pre-child, and we learned over 4 trips the following:

. Enjoy getting there and enjoy wandering back. First couple of trips, we had a packed day scheduled each day. By the 3/4th trips, we just said: We'll meander over to x, slowly enjoy and meander back. Everything is so lovely and has so much meaning that rushing through it to get to the next monument means you miss 3/4s of the culture and the beauty.

. Italians enjoy the whole eating experience. Don't expect fast service and a waiter who replenishes your glass every nanosecond. Going out to dinner is a full night in and of itself.

. The evenings/nights are wonderful. Walking around in the half-light, seeing all the tourists, seeing many of the Italians who just love style, is just a wonderful way to see any city.

. Take trains from different points. Just looking out the windows as you travel is a great experience. There is nothing like the Italian countryside.

We never had any issues with theft on any of our European trips. I bought a Baggalini "mini bag" (I think that is the way your spell Baggalini) and carried it flap side inward inside my coat. Don't take your whole wallet/passport etc., with you...I wouldn't do that in Italy, any more than I would do that in NYC, Paris or London.

In short, don't go the 100 mph that Americans seem to feel they need to so they don't "miss" anything. Enjoy each day like an Italian..which is leisurely and savoring the moments.

One of the best pieces of advice we got before traveling to Europe was to DRESS WELL.
This does not mean buying expensive, stuffy, designer clothes.
Just pack NICE things. Comfortable things. In Paris in winter I lived in a few lovely cashmere and wool sweaters, and a nice pair of black slacks and a few black wool skirts, and one nice pair of jeans. The only shoes I took were a pair of soft leather boots and my good black flats.
Summer in London was HOT but instead of the awkward, sweaty, bulky sneakers, socks and long shorts favored by so many Americans (why???!!!) I mostly wore linen skirts, soft cotton tees and tops and good, PRETTY sandals and flats. Great for walking and so much cooler in the heat!
I know this seems silly to some but believe me you really do feel good when you look good and fit in, and you want to look good in all those amazing photos!
My ex husband and son went to Italy last summer and they were both stunned and impressed with how beautifully everyone, including the men, dressed, and they are pretty casual dudes.
Have a blast and Happy Anniversary!!!

Be sure and get a Rick Steve's travel book. They are awesome. Super detailed with more information than you'll ever need. One I got years ago even had a detailed street map of Paris so you could see where your hotel was in relation to the tourist spots. Very handy!!! Have a wonderful time and congratulations!!!

Well my best friend just cruised there last month. Her husband's cell phone was stolen from his pocket.

I would make sure that you have a copy of your passports in a safe place. Ensure that you are NOT wearing ANYTHING flashy that screams "money". Have your husband keep his wallet in his FRONT pocket and attached to something.

For you? A fanny pack that can be concealed easily - there's a new work out belt that holds a cell phone and keys - I saw it at Bed Bath And Beyond last Friday. You can tuck it in under your shorts/pants/skirt.

When I lived in Europe, I never got to Southern Italy. There is much to do. Talk with your travel agent and get ideas from him/her!

ENJOY!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

ooooo, i'm beyond jealous!
tripadvisor is my go-to for planning.
have an amazing time!
khairete
S.

When we went to Italy we were on a tour so there wasn't a lot of time to explore for food. We just went to Belgium and found trip adviser to be very helpful but you do have to read the reviews.

I think it would be easier to help if we knew how you were going from point A to point B. Like the island of Venice is very touristy, not much to find there beyond that but some of the other islands are amazing.