I'm goin to Italy in a few weeks and I'm super anxious. HELP, PLEASE!!!

Hi, for lodging I would go on Booking,com. Filter by “hotel”, by “rating of at least an 8”, and by “within 1/2 mile” of the city center. You’re booking something late, so I would do that immediately.

For trains, go to Trenitalia.com. Milan is Milano, Verona is Verona Puerta Nuova, and Venice is Venezia. Do not book lodging at Venice Mestre! Make sure you’re on the islands.

Wear a crossbody purse, limit your jewelry.

For language, at this point just use Google translate if you need to ask something.

You’re going to Italy to enjoy it! Focus on that aspect. And if it helps, I’m in my 60’s and have traveled multiple times to Italy by myself, riding the trains, staying in the historic center. You can do it!

Ohhh, since it’s a mother/daughter trip, I will add the link to my trip with my daughter. Enjoy making those very special memories!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/mother-adult-daughter-italy-trip-aug-sept-2022

I want to normalize that you actually MIGHT get on the wrong bus. And that would be OK! It would put a wrinkle in your day, of course, but that's part of why we travel -- to push our boundaries, experience new things, and see how we do when stuff is out of our control. People get on the wrong bus All The Time (even in the city they live in, LOL). It's FINE.

Start doing Duolingo Italian now. Starting now is better than not starting at all -- it can help you get more familiar with how the language sounds.

Some worry is part of the travel package. Do you best to replace some of that with excitement and wonder :)

Hi, welcome to the site.

It's perfectly normal to be anxious before a trip. I find that it helps to write down specific things that are worrying you and then write down the solution. That way your anxiety is not one big ball of general worry - it's specific, identifiable items. The good news is that all of the points you identified have solutions and this forum is populated with (mostly) nice people who can help you. Take a deep breath and look at each thing you mentioned one at a time and logically.

I'm worried about not knowing the language because knowing buongiorno, grazie, and per favore isn't enough. Believe it or not, that's 3 words more than some people would arrive in Italy with 😄 I found that staff at tourist sites and hotels usually know some English. If you are staying in big cities and seeing typical tourist sites, chances are you will not have a language issue. Always start with a smile and a buongiorno and you're halfway there. Think about what specific questions you're likely to need to communicate, for example, you'll need to tell your hotel address to a taxi driver. Have the name, address, and phone number of your hotel saved in your phone or printed on a piece of paper. You can then show it to the driver.

I'm worried about taking the wrong train, bus, or taxi. Tell us your exact plan of where you're going to go and we can advise you on how best to get between places. Start with which airport are you landing in and on what date, and which airport are you flying out of, and on what date. And if you do take the wrong bus or train, well, so what? We all have at some point. What's the worst that can happen? You get off and get on the right one and it's a funny story to tell.

I'm worried about pickpockets or being scammed in general. I'm worried about our safety. In all likelihood you will be fine, but a good rule is to keep all your valuables in a money belt and/or inside a compartment in a crossbody bag. I would avoid using a backpack and don't keep anything valuable in your pockets. If anyone approaches you with a clipboard or to try and sell you something, just say "no" and keep walking. You will not be in any danger.

We haven't figured out where to stay yet. Tell us which cities and how many nights. I would start with booking.com and put in your dates and use the filters on the left side of the page. Then, book direct with the hotel. I would do this ASAP.

knowing buongiorno, grazie, and per favore isn't enough

It is enough.

You already speak the most useful language in the world. If a Pole speaks to an Italian they will speak in English. Just be polite,and patient, and use the three words you know; it will all be fine.

Great advice so far. Some details:
The Venice train station you want is Venezia Santa Lucia, which is right in the heart of the city.
When you check into your lodgings, you will be asked for your passport - they need to copy it for the authorities.

When you check out, you will need to pay an additional small ‘city tax’ in cash.
The passport thing and the cash thing are standard practice, so please don’t think you’re being scammed.
Speaking of cash, the most economical (best exchange rate) way to get some is from an ATM - look for one that says ‘’Bancomat’. You really won’t need much cash - credit cards are used quite a lot. Best to ask to be charged in euros rather than dollars; exchange rate issue again.
Trains: if you’re taking a high-speed train, with ‘Freccia’ in the name, your ticket will include a reservation. For other types of trains, e.g., Regionale, you will need to validate your ticket not too long before boarding, which simply means time- and date-stamping your ticket in one of the small machines in the station. Then, when you show the ticket to the train conductor, he/she will know it’s legit. This will be true, for instance, with the train you take from the airport to the Milan train station (most likely Milano Centrale).
Anyhow, enjoy!

You've gotten lots of good advice so far.
If you've got time for some Duolingo, learning some basics will help you feel more confident in the language. If not, then be sure to use what you know to greet someone, and then use google translate if they speak no English. Greeting someone in their language before asking if they speak English is very important, I believe. However, most Europeans, unless they are very old or live in a remote part of their country, speak at least a little English.
Search YouTube for videos about transportation where you're going, for example "how to ride the bus in Milan" or whatever. I find those kinds of videos super helpful when I'm going somewhere new.
I've traveled solo many, many times in Europe and I'm at the point where I want to get my transport mishap - getting on the metro in the wrong direction, or getting on the wrong bus, or getting off at the wrong stop - out of the way early in my trip, because it's bound to happen at some point! I love using public transportation and use it everywhere in Europe and I still mess up. It's not the end of the world!
You can also find some YouTube videos about how to avoid tourist scams and pickpockets.
Study up so you can relax and enjoy your trip and not be worried and stressing the whole time.

The Rick Steves Italy guide book helps on a lot of questions you might have now and later. For instance, you might search for "taxi" and get reasonable advice. It's not easy to remember all this stuff I think.

We load that tour guide on our iPhones and that with Google navigation is good for getting your bearings. Also the RS audio tours and short interviews are free so load that app plus the items you want from the app before you go.

My best advice is take your time and allow plenty of time for each step in your trip. The times we had any issues in all our travels (not that we have had many issues) is when we were in a hurry. It is easy to become flustered, lose your attention, etc. if you think you don't have enough time.

Hi, I sent you a personal email.

First of all, you will be fine. Once you arrive in Italy, take a deep breath. All will be good. Relax.

Don't rush. Allow plenty of time to get where you need to go. So what if you're early for your train, bus, etc. You won't be late and panicky.
Ok now? I know it's terrifying and three trips later, I still get nervous. That's just me. Worrying isn't any fun!

As for language, except in a couple tiny Calabrian towns, everyone has spoken some English. Those who didn't, used Google Translate or found someone who could speak a little English. We all got along fine. Sometimes people won't speak English because they are worried their English isn't good enough. Always thank them for their help and compliment them on their good English. Here's a few more Italian words from my 15 word vocabulary that also help; if no help, then they get a good laugh:
Mi scusi -- Excuse me
Dov'é (where is) il bagno (the bathroom)? OR Dov'é la toilette? Dov'é (doh vay) can be for anything.
il conto, per favore -- the bill please
non parlo italiano -- I don't speak Italian
parli inglese? -- Do you speak English
quanto costa -- How much does it cost?
ciao, arrividerci -- good-bye

I worry less about the language than I do getting lost. Ask directions, always starting with "mi scusi, dov'é..." and end with "per favore". People want to help you. (Even in notoriously unfriendly Paris, I ran into the nicest, helpful people at bus stops, on trains.) If you can't read the bus and train station signs, ask someone which track you need to be on, where the bus runs.
In Venice be sure to buy a Vaporetto pass to save money. Validate it every time you get on a vaporetto. Take a night vaporetto through the Grand Canal. It looks totally different at night with the lights reflecting in the water than during the daytime hustle and bustle.

Pickpockets are a crime of opportunity. Don't give them the opportunity. Wear a money belt or neck wallet under your clothes at all times when out and about. Money belts are for deep storage of money and documents (excess cash, backup credit cards, debit card, passport), NOT for everyday use. Your daily use credit card and a day's worth of cash in your purse, in a zipped pocket. If your purse doesn't have snaps on the zippers, add them so you will worry less. Keep your purse in front of your hip. Do you have a crossbody purse? I don't talk to strangers who approach me and give wide berth to groups of people. Just be aware of your surroundings. You and your daughter will be fine since you can look out for each other.

If you haven't found hotels yet, do so ASAP. I booked my September trip to Italy in November. In Venice, I stay at B&B Corte Campana, a small B&B in a safe neighborhood on the backside of San Marco. https://www.cortecampana.com/ You didn't say what your budget is, or if I missed it I'm sorry. Monastery stays is also a way to save money. Find those on https://www.monasterystays.com/ but book directly with the monastery. I got a better extended rate and better cancellation terms. As others suggested use https://www.booking.com/ for research.

Enjoy your trip. You and daughter will love Italy. As you plan your itinerary, you may need to book some sights in advance. There are many walking tours on the Rick Steves audio app. Download those before you go on your trip.

Edit for lodging I just looked at monasteries in Venice. Using dummy dates for the first week in March, there are rooms available. No monasteries listed for Milan. I stayed one night at Hotel Berna; recommended by the forum and close to the train station https://hotelberna.com/en/. As of right now there are rooms available for the end of February. Don’t wait to book. This is my biggest concern for you; others are staying the same. I worry less knowing where I’m staying and how I’m getting there and home.

I want for us to have a great time and feel safe and at peace.

Take a deep breath. You will be fine. You've gotten some great advice so far. You've chosen three great places to visit, with easy transportation from one to the other.

The internet is very helpful. Google is your friend. Also, go to YouTube and watch videos about the places you're visiting, plus train travel in Italy.

If you haven't done so, sit down with your daughter and sketch out a day by day itinerary of your trip. I also suggest you at least start looking at your options for accommodations. We actually book online before we go. Knowing you've got a place to stay will help your anxiety.

Tell us more about your travel experiences and specifics about this trip, especially how long you have. Will you be flying into Milan and flying out of Venice? What time is your flight home?

Don't worry about not knowing Italian. Our level of Italian is about the same as yours and we have had no problems with language on our trips to Italy. We once stayed at a lovely agriturismo in the heart of Tuscany. Our server, Marco, sat with us at breakfast every morning, practicing his English and teaching us Italian. Over our stay we became fast friends!

Practice situational awareness. I felt safer in Italy than in many places in North Carolina and Georgia, where we're from. Practice the same things you do in North Carolina to be safe.

You are going to have a wonderful time! You will be amazed at the experiences you'll have. Get to work on firming up your plans, that will help you relax.

I thought of a couple more things:
Pack light, as in carry-on only. Look at your airline's website for size limitations for carry-on and personal item. You need to pack light enough that you can lift things into an airline bin or train luggage shelf. As you may know, there's a suggested packing list on this website under travel trips, and lots of packing ideas posted in the forum.

I'm assuming you're a lot younger than me and fit from walking around campus. If not, start walking. Wear comfortable shoes, don't worry about stylish.

There are two train companies https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html and https://www.italotreno.it/en Download their apps for monitor your tickets and trains.

I forgot one more safety item. Put your phone on a lanyard. When not in use, clip inside your purse. When in use, wear it around your neck. Both prevent you from losing your phone or having it snatched if you set in on a table (big no-no).
Unless you are getting eSims, you will need an international data plan from your phone carrier.

Consider buying travel insurance, especially if your medical doesn't cover you out of the US.

Keep asking questions. We're here to help.

One important thing about traveling by train is to know when your station is coming up so that you can be at the station exit door with your luggage ready to hop off. Sometimes trains don’t stop for very long at stations before proceeding on. The other suggestion is before boarding a train is to ask someone preferably a nearby railway employee “Is this train going to whatever your destination is.” This will keep you from getting on a train to the wrong destination. Trains can arrive and depart frequently from the same track. That has saved our bacon a couple of times.

Use the train apps so you know your platform numbers. When transferring, you need to know the platform on which you're arriving, and the platform from which your next train departs. There are usually lots of stairs in train stations. Your luggage needs to be light enough that you can easily get your bag up and down steps.

Also, book lodging asap. You are really late to the game for sleeping arrangements. The post- covid travel surge starts earlier and earlier each year.

And- have a wonderful time traveling together, and making sweet memories! Safe travels!

You are right to be worried when your trip is a few weeks away and you have nothing booked. Was this a last minute trip? The good news is that worry is easy to solve and remove from your list. You have been given lots of good advice about using Booking.com.

My advice is book something in each location today. Don’t wait to ponder, just get one decent hotel or accommodation nailed down with free cancellation. Then, you have the luxury of exploring more options, knowing you at least have some place to stay.

Second piece of advice. If you are feeling over your head on a local transport option or in an unsafe situation, give your self the freedom to call a cab and take it. Sometimes people have a hard time giving themselves permission to spend more. Once I am on a trip, I will spend whatever it takes to make sure my current needs are met. I am a planner so I rarely have to go to plan “B”, but I purposefully decide in advance that I will do so if necessary.

Take a deep breath. It seems you are having anticipatory anxiety. You are worrying about the what ifs......

I'm not sure if this is your first trip to Europe but I suggest you go over to the "Travel Tips" section of this website and start reading everything that will pertain to your trip......train travel, language issues, etc.

Italy is safer than the US. The worst crime you might encounter is pick pocketing. (You've been given advice on how to deal with that.) Muggings, armed robbery, mass shootings are virtually non-existant in Italy.

The three cities you are going to will have plenty of people who speak English. Your hotels will have English speaking people who can help you with plans, directions, recommendations and the like.

As you said thousands, actually millions, of people have visited Italy without problems. And you'll see many of them while you are there. Unless you go down some distant alleyway--doubtful--the streets will be packed with people.

I've been to Italy many times. I've gotten lost and it was no big deal. (Thank you Google Maps.) I don't speak more than a handful or Italian words but never had a problem communicating.

Think of the fun you're going to have rather than worry about things that may never happen.

Tons of great advice here but what I didn't see mentioned is check the weather. March weather in the north is still cool - especially at night - and Venice is obviously humid and water adjacent so it can seem colder.
March Averages:

Venice 55° / 40° 5 days of rain
Verona 57° / 39° 6 days of rain

Pack layers and be sure to think about rain even if it is brief or intermittent when you are out and about.
There is no bad weather only inappropriate clothing.

Have a great trip!
=Tod

Italy is typically chaotic, but roll with it and you will have fun. Italians tend to like Americans, and are not normally uptight if you mess things up.

Have an aperol spritz before dinner, wine with dinner, then walk around town with a gelato after dinner, and enjoy the beauty!

There are so many scary factors. To make it easy on yourself, why not get a Rick Steves book and select hotels from there? These places have been vetted. Next time, you can explore other options and build on your experience. And while hostels and monasteries may be a less expensive option, if you can afford a hotel or BnB, I am thinking for a first time traveler, there will be something friendly about having the TV news in English in your room - and the weather forecast!

Horsewoofie gave some good examples of simple useful words/phrases. I agree, I found "dove" to be really useful. These and other helpful language prompts are in the RS book. The books don't weigh that much and you may enjoy having one to thumb through in your room - note that many hotels will have a little library and often RS books are there to be used by guests.

Train - myself, I like being able to purchase tickets from the window at the station. That way, there is a person you can ask questions of. I suspect they will speak English. Afraid of taking the wrong train? I am not familiar with Milan. I bet you can find helpful directions online OR in an RS book. Also, I find there are numerous videos on Youtube that are v. helpful. Try typing Milan train station into Youtube and I think you will get a few helpful vids.

Not sure why you may be taking a bus? It can happen, but is this something you are thinking you need to do? If you do select an RS hotel, well, most are in central, walkable locations to major sites. Train from Milan to Verona to Venice? Have you visualized this? Looked at it on a map? I am not being sarcastic. If you have not looked at this, it may be worth just inputting Milan and Verona into Rome2Rio to see the map of the route. Pretty direct. I would NOT buy tickets through Rome2Rio or rely on their schedules, just use the maps to allay any fear you have about the route.

Yes, Santa Lucia is the train station for Venice. Imagine yourself arriving ala Katherine Hepburn in Summertime. The station really looks like this - a bit more modern now. Or watch Bread and Tulips - free on Youtube, I believe. Another arrival by train in that movie.

Truly, I know I sound like a broken record, but I think having an RS book as basic reference material you can take with you will help allay some anxiety. I have travelled the trains from Venice and Verona (and then up to Bolzano). Sadly, not to Milan yet. I have done this on my own and have some fond memories of many, many little every-day experiences. I think you and your daughter will be able to navigate this. Please report back. Enjoy your trip.

Ciao..relax..you have a great time ahead of you with your daughter.

2 things..I wholeheartedly second the above..get your hotels dialed in. I use booking.com..BUT..do not hesitate to work with a trusted travel advisor in your area to help with your plan. I travel both ways..I have planned most of my Italian travel myself..but last year I had 2 trips to Italy each involving many layers for myself and a friend. I utilized a consultant and breathed a sigh of relief.

The second is..have transport waiting for you in Milan. They will meet you..usually outside baggage..with a sign with your name. You might have your first hotel arrange this..easily done..and you and your daughter will feel safe..secure..and can arrive at your hotel with most likely a driver who will make you feel welcome. This takes the guesswork away from your jet lagged selves. If your hotel cannot assist many here may have the name of a transport they have used.

I love all the wonderful advice you've been given already, so just wanted to add one thing that someone here said to me when I first started traveling alone and I'll admit I've mumbled to myself a few times when traveling, which is that as long as you have your passport and a credit card, there's no mess you can't get yourself out of.

One other thing to remember is that you can get onto this site on your phone while you're there and ask questions. I thought I took the wrong train one time, asked for help here and within minutes, understood that nope, that's just the way that train works. Another time I accidentally got off at the wrong train stop, asked for help here and within minutes understood what I needed to do to get back on track.

One other time I was on a train and something went wrong on the track up ahead, so after a few hours of barely moving, they made us all get off at a stop somewhere between Lake Como and Milan and a lovely young Italian lady who could tell I was nervous offered to help, She basically said follow me and move fast, so I did. We got off the train, rushed to get on another, then got off that one and onto another a stop away. When we finally got to another station and she was going in a different direction, she pointed and told me to get on that metro and get off in two stops. I did and low and behold, I was right where I needed to be. The kindness of strangers. I still smile thinking about that.

Hello everyone!
I'm grateful to you all for all of your great advice! I've been reading them all, I feel more at ease just haven't replied sooner between the daily responsibilities, planning this trip, and homework takes time. Yes, this trip was sort of last-minute also it's my first time going to Europe, but my daughter went to Ireland last summer it was a short study trip through her college. She had free time to explore the city, but as far as a place to stay it was arranged by her college, but she loved it. Please know I appreciate the time you've taken to reply to me and your advice. The funny thing is I grew up in a neighborhood where gangs, drugs, and shootings were part of daily life. Many times walked the streets of my neighborhood late at night without a worry in the world and here I was drowning in a glass of water for a trip to Italy, go figures!

Puru0036, I’m glad to hear the advice on this forum has been helpful! I hope you and your daughter have an amazing trip to Italy.

But please make reservations for your trip. It is hard to travel today whether in USA or in Europe without reservations. Last time we did that was not overly successful. We still refer to our efforts that night as being like Mary and Joseph trying to find an Inn. Everywhere we stopped was full! We did eventually find a place but took most of the evening which you certainly don't want to waste in Italy.

You are getting the best of the best for information and replies. One thing I haven’t seen mentioned -I may have missed it-current passports. If your daughter traveled last year, hers is probably okay. Do you have a passport? If not, do your application immediately. You may need to do express services. Hope you’re good on that and are set to go.
Italy is divinely crazy. So much fun to be had. You will love it.

You have been given lots of great advice above, probably too much to digest all at once. But I am going to focus on two bits of advice.

First, I suggest you just buy; your train tickets online from the Italo Treno website. Their website is easier to use than Trenitalia, and they will take you from Milan to Verona to Venice. The stations you want are Milano Centrale, Verona Porta Nuova, and Venezia Santa Lucia. Just start typing in the “from” or “to” box and select the correct station from the drop-down menu when it appears.

https://www.italotreno.it/en

I know lots of people recommend using the train apps, but we travel a lot in Italy and elsewhere, and for me the apps just add an additional level of complication that I don’t need. The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Your tickets will be sent to you by email and you can download them onto your phone and/or print them out at home before you leave. I do both.

Many people in the tourist industry (hotel staff, restaurant staff, taxi drivers, train station personnel, etc.) will speak at least some English. Many, especially at hotels, will be fluent. Make use of them when you have questions or need help.

But when you are out walking around and need help, the phrase to use is “Mi scusi signora, parla inglese?” Then ask in English, “Can you please help me find xxx?” Or whatever. You should use “parla” rather than the “parli” suggested above; the “i” ending is the familiar form and inappropriate to use with strangers.

I put in “signora” because you may be more comfortable asking a woman than a male stranger. You can say it pretty much as you would the Spanish “señora”; in other words the “g” is silent (to our ears).

Another reason I suggest approaching a woman is that in our Europe travels I have found what i call a “conspiracy of women”, especially “older” women, to help one another, including complete strangers. One example of this occurred when my husband and I were in Barcelona, on a bus heading to Parc Guell. The bus was very crowded, and I gave up my seat to a woman even older than I am, inviting her in Spanish to take my seat. My husband was nervous about the bus and asked me if I was certain we were on the right bus. A woman standing close to me on the other side from my husband whispered to me in Spanish, “You’re on the right bus”. So I could confidently tell my husband that yes, I was sure this was the right bus. Then he asked how we would know where to get off the bus. Again the whisper in Spanish: “I will let you know when to get off”. I believe she intentionally did this in a whisper so my husband would not hear, and I could take full credit for being so knowledgeable about Barcelona buses. In other words, one woman empowering another.

I could give lots more examples of such kindness, but my point is simply that you should not be nervous about asking for help from a stranger when you need to.

Remember this: If you make a language goof or mistakes with buses, train, vaporettos or whatever, YOU WILL NEVER SEE THESE PEOPLE AGAIN. ;) Just tell yourself it's part of the learning process of being a world traveler. We all make those mistakes! They'll be part of your travel stories later on.

You’ll be and do fine. Trust me as one who’s traveled to multiple countries with only knowing a smattering, or less, of the local languages I’ve gotten on pretty well. As for Italian, don’t worry about it and don’t stress over it. It’s a vacation but first of all book your hotels ASAP. We’re going in June and haven’t booked yet as we usually book in late January or early February since prices go up or, worse, there’s no vacancies to be had. Most of the other commenters have given great advice. Get a language mini guide and really, don’t fret about it. If you get lost or get on the wrong bus it’ll be ok. It happens even to seasoned travelers. Most of all ENJOY!

I would offer some practicalities:
Save your 2 euro coins for the public toilets. You will need to pay to use BUT these are generally very clean and NOT like the public toilets in the US. And expect to see some odd toilet arrangements as well as shared toilets. When in a restaurant/cafe-do like your mother asked and pee before you leave :).

DO NOT accept assistance from anyone offering to help with carrying luggage onto a train. No big deal if you do, but expect that person to then ask for money for the "assistance". Generally, a couple of euros will do. With everything being so new to you don't fret if you get the "assistance".

For your first time, don't sweat if you do not get advanced, reduced price train tickets. Go to the ticket office the day before you want to leave or use the multi-language ticket machines. It's enough stress just figuring out the train station. Yes, you will pay more but with that added price comes peace of mind.

YES, the water in most fountains is safe to drink. If not, there will be a sign usually with a cross bar over the figure drinking water.

As mentioned previously, use a money belt for everything except your daily cash allowance. Use only bank affiliated ATMs and try to use one in a bank lobby.

Go by your gut. If an area seems "iffy" back off and find a taxi.

Bottom line-have fun. You WILL BE FINE.

I'm glad you're beginning to chill a little. You'll be fine and anything slightly awry will be fodder for stories afterward. Keep relaxing...

A delightful, relaxed thing to look forward to once you’re there - have you heard of the passeggiata? It’s customary in Italy for masses of people to go out in the early evening and just stroll around, meeting and greeting friends, seeing and being seen… I think you’ll enjoy joining in.

“Shared toilets”???

The restrooms we use take a 1 euro coin, not 2 euros. They are separate for men and ladies, and might have an attendant to give change. Or not.

I have a different view on the train tickets. I feel it is much less stressful to look at them online, ahead of time,, when you’re not rushed to make a choice. And buying them online at home
means you are not pulling out your wallet in a crowded public place, which is best avoided.

Also try to avoid the ticket machines. There can be people hanging around who will try to “help” you, and then scam you instead. And last time we were in Italy (2023) the machines required a PIN on the credit card, which we no longer have.

I’m going to ask OP a favor. When you return from your trip will you please come back and tell us how it went? So many on this forum are wishing you the very best of experience.

“Shared toilets”???

not uncommon in Italy but also elsewhere in Europe, somewhat common in English restaurants for instance for the toilet stalls to have full height doors and be in one common room or corridor, available to whoever needs them.

Lots of great advice here!

On the language subject, I found the Allison Feaster Italian language video super helpful and easy to retain. She is a tour guide for Rick, check it out.

Relax. We have been to Italy often, and you will be fine at the places you are visiting. I am very cautious about my money and credit card, keeping only a little cash in my purse and my credit card in a passport pouch attached to my bra strap. Stay aware in crowded situations and you should be fine.

Language is not a big issue either, and remember your cellphone is a translator. You will be in places that serve tourists so many folks will have good English skills. But some of my best memories are of the dear Italians who spoke no English sharing stories with me, who speaks only 5 or 6 words of Italian (despite trying to master more). Hand gestures and smiles (carefully crafted) go a long way. And a young traveler, you have an edge.

Enjoy. It will be a trip you remember the rest of your lifetime.

I’ve traveled in Italy alone as a young woman and in my 40’s. Here is what I have experienced. Italy is one of the most family friendly places in the world. Obviously be aware of your situtation but no need to feel afraid. Italians are warm and friendly…although they do put up with a lot of rude tourists in the cities. Try and get out to the smaller towns and see the real Italy. Dress nicely not like you’re going on a hike. (Particularly churches, cover your arms and legs) Carry your cash/passport next to your body. If you do ever feel uncomfortable at any time find a group of older women and ask them for advice or just stand near them. Go to restaurants off the main tourist tracks. When I was younger the men would come up to me or even grab my arm as a way to flirt but just say “basta” which is stop if they ever get too pushy. They respect their mothers so you will be respected with your daughter near you. You may find they look at your daughter or even whistle but it’s harmless. I never felt my personal safety was ever in danger. As an older woman the men are not interested (haha!). . Be aware of belongings though. Don’t bring valuables on your trip. Violent crime is really rare in Italy but theft of personal property is quite common. Have a wonderful time. Try a few Italian phrases, be polite, be respectful that this is where folks live and they love to show your their town. Stay out of the really touristy areas where the locals will probably be more annoyed at tourists. Start a conversation with a woman your age at a cafe and ask her about her town.

Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing well!

My trip is just a few days away! My heart is racing, yet I'm more at peace thanks to all of you and your advice. You have no idea how appreciative I am of every one of you. We have the plane tickets and booked the places we're staying, got the Euros downloaded the apps for the trains, got the money belt, and phone lanyards the only thing I'm missing is an electric fence for my torso, just kidding! I have a few more questions:
Do I need to use a VPN?
How safe is it to pay with credit cards?
We will be taking the Vaporetto from Marco Polo airport, do I need to reserve the Vaporetto?
Do I need to tip waiters/ taxis?
If I take a carry-on, what kind of souvenirs or goods I'm allowed to bring in the carry-on?
I'm debating between taking a carry-on or sending the luggage to the plain. My luggage is the size that comes after the carry-on. I also noticed on the train's website they use the 24-hour time and didn't see the am and pm as we do. Again, thank you to you all for the time you take to give me advice. I'll tell you all about my experience when I get back.
Thank you, take care!

Do I need to use a VPN?

no- why would you? Have you figured out how your cell phone will work while there?

How safe is it to pay with credit cards?

As safe as anywhere here. Most everywhere will be tap and pay.

We will be taking the Vaporetto from Marco Polo airport, do I need to
reserve the Vaporetto?

There are no vaporettos at the airport. You will be taking a water taxi or a bus then vaporetto or the alilaguna boats.
I didn't scroll thru above- has this transit been addressed for you?

Do I need to tip waiters/ taxis?

No- not necessary. you can round up to nearest euro if you like or leave a few coins on the table. There wil not be a line for tips on any credit card receipt

If I take a carry-on, what kind of souvenirs or goods I'm allowed to
bring in the carry-on?

Liquids less than 3 oz. For anything else check the TSA website (pretty sure no meats).

For anything else check the TSA website

Just remember: You can use TSA as a guideline, but the airport you are leaving from sets their own rules. If you are leaving from Venezia se this: https://www.veneziaairport.it/en/at-the-airport/baggage-rules.html.

Every airport have a similar page with rules.

Have fun.

Personal Memory 30 years ago I was in Italy on a camping site and took a bus to Venezia. I carefully noted that it was number 7 bus. In the evening I took the bus back, but noticed that it never reached my camping site. In those days far fewer italians spoke english, but my driver immedately

1. Explained that this was not number 7 bus, but number 7/ bus
2. Called a colleague on another bus over the radio and arranged to meet in a crossing
3. Drove me to that crossing and ensured that I got onto the other bus.

It is one of my fonder memories.

For the suitcase question, I try to use a carry on "size" suitcase. I will always try to fit my stuff in as small a suitcase as possible because I HATE LUGGING IT all over creation. I check that sucker at the airport as any time I can save not lugging that everywhere I will ABSOLUTELY avail myself of that option. The smallness is for ease of my travels on the ground as lifting it on trains and rolling across cobblestones happens a LOT and I usually want to chuck it off the train by day two.

You may feel more comfortable keeping a carry on with you instead of checking it, but I always recommend to pack as small as possible.

Re: transportation from the airport: the Alilaguna boat does take people from the airport to the city. It can be reserved, but probably better not to, in case your flight is delayed. I’ve read that it is not the most pleasant option - you’re sitting low in the water, can’t see much, because the windows are salt-encrusted, and there are diesel fumes. The water taxis are very glam, but also very expensive. I think the best option overall is the #5 bus. You can get a ticket from a machine in the Arrivals Hall, validate it at the exit door, and go.

Also, congratulations on getting all the essentials booked! That must be a relief.

”How safe is it to pay with credit cards?”

Load your credit card on your iPhone with Apple Pay. Then you don’t need to get your credit card out to pay. I’ve rarely physically touched my credit card while traveling in Europe in 2023/2024.

Have a wonderful trip!! You will be fine.

Re Credit card:
You are taking a back up credit card, aren’t you? Credit cards are safe, but I always plan for “what if”; helps with anxiety relief. I load my daily credit card into Apple Pay. Sometimes I use that, other times I use the physical CC depends on the merchant. My back ups stay in my money belt as does excess cash and my debit card. I keep €50 available as daily cash but seldom need that much.

Re carry on:
I use the RS rolling carry on and a light weight tote. I can easily pack for a month but it’s taken practice. I also pack a packable backpack for day trips. I try to keep my rolling carry on at <20lbs and tote about 6lbs. It’s a challenge but doable. In the past, coming home with too many souvenirs, I checked the suitcase and carried on a full tote and backpack. Warning: keep tote and backpack within airlines guidelines. This trip I’m carrying on suitcase and tote both directions since United delayed my checked suitcase and I don’t want that aggravation again.

There’s nothing wrong with taking the Alilaguna to/from the airport but it is slow so allow plenty of time. It is not part of the Vaporetto Pass so you need to buy a separate ticket.

Have a great trip. Relax and enjoy. You and your daughter will be fine. Please let us know how your trip turned out. Post as you go if you have questions.