If you knew then what you know now-what would you do differently?

I never would have shelled out $15 for a gondola ride in Venice.

I would have visited fewer cities and spent more nights in each that I did visit. I would have eaten less pasta and pizza and spent more on really nice lunches and/or dinners. I would have purchasd my bottled water, soda and beer at a grocery where it's much less expensive. I would have taken more light-weight long pants and fewer shorts (not trying to reopen a debate with that comment - just my personnal preference). And (agree with Bethanne on this one) I would have worn much better quality walking shoes.

I never would have taken the night train from Venice to Naples. I would rather have had a good night's sleep in Venice and taken the bullet train in the morning.
I would've held my 11-year-old's hand while crossing the street in Rome. She came within a hair's breadth of being run over by a very fast moving car. (And yes, this was at a crosswalk).

I would have packed lighter - I'm embarrassed when I think of the huge suitcase that I took on my first trip to Europe!

@ Bethanne If you brought YOUR blow dryer, you would need to bring a voltage converter that is almost as large and heavy as the dryer, unless it accepts 220 volts. Shop on Ebay and get a dryer that accepts 220 unless yours does already. Most laptop chargers and cell phone chargers accept 110/220 volts without any changes, you just need a plug adapter. The hair dryer draws much more power, about twenty 60 watt light bulbs worth. It can't switch over to 220 volts (unless it is designed and has a switch) so if you plug it into 220 you'll turn it into a smoking piece of junk and possibly damage wiring or blow a circuit breaker. I agree with the "comfortable shoes" point. That was my GF's biggest complaint.

Would have gotten a tour guide for the Forum Romanum in Rome. The audio guide there is not very helpful, even in conjunction with my DK guidebook that had lots of pictures. Glad we had a guide for some other huge places like the Vatican and Pompeii.

"If you brought YOUR blow dryer, you would need to bring a voltage converter that is almost as large and heavy as the dryer, unless it accepts 220 volts." Not true if you bring a travel dryer. I didn't take my blow dryer to Italy and ended up not having one in Rome. I found out at my next destination that at some places you have to ASK for the blow dryer. Oops. I'll bet they had one. I learned that it is important to have enough time to change planes and to get to the train station early enough to find the correct track. When staying in a large city on a busy street, ask for a room in the back of the building.

Overall, I loved my trip! I learned a fair amount of Italian before I went because I knew English is NOT as common as people think it is. I had some itinerary help from an Italian friend of mine, but I reserved everything myself. I did a lot of OCD research before going, and I think it went quite well. That being said: I would not have taken so much of my friend's things to him in Italy (he moved back home to Verona before my vacation, and I took a bunch of things over for him). I threw my back out, and it was very painful the whole trip! I would have stayed 2 nights in the CT and daytripped to Pisa and Lucca instead of staying in Lucca and daytripping to CT and Pisa. I would have recited to myself "validate validate validate!!" more because we forgot once and got a big fine on the train. I would have remembered to take at LEAST a light jacket; completely forgot one, and we got rained on a few times, and it cooled down at night quite a bit. I bought a big scarf in Venice and used that as a very light shawl... =-)
Can't wait to go back!

I'd get farther off the beaten path and STAY LONGER!

Ditto on the location of the plane seat. On our 1st trip back we were directly in front of the bathroom and couldn't recline our seatsstinky AND sucky. Never EVER try to drive in Siena again, although we would rent a car on the outskirts and just keep it there for day trips. While we didn't go into the dreaded ZTL, even my expert driver husband could not navigate those streets. Other than that, what Jerry said!

Since reading this I have been trying to think of what I would change about my first trip and I seriously cannot think of anything. I loved it so much I could not wait to get back... the only thing I wish I would have done more of is write more details in my journal...not hotel details, etc. but how I felt about all the incredible experiences. Now, on later trips there are things I might do different....but I looked at that first trip through 'rose colored glasses' the whole time I was there and I still do.

I would have spent more time in the countryside earlier in my travels. I love the European cities but I am past the point where I need all of the activity, the noise, and the crowds. Although the large cities all have their own personality, more and more you are seeing them have an international flavor more than a country flavor. This does not apply to Paris where my husband and I spent 9 months there when we were students. Love love love it. I never realized how much the small towns and villages have retained their regional flair, foods, customs, etc. that the cities seem to have lost. And the countryside is beautiful! In our 20's we traveled by train and missed out on a lot. The car is much better for day trips from a small town. Although since my husband likes to drive drive drive, we spend much more time in the car than a would like. Every one I talk to has a different idea of what they like. But I do try to talk friends into a couple of days with a rental car in small towns even on their first trip to Europe. Loire Valley when they visit Paris. Orvieto near Rome or Tuscany near Florence. Gives a totally different perspective on their trip.

I would not have waited until I was 55 y/o to take my first trip to Europe.

So Funny!!
After my first trip I learned to pack only one color, ie: everything goes with black shoes. We woman like to match things, so now black skirt, black slacks and jeans. I like to wash my face with wash cloths, none to be found in Europe so I buy the cheap bundle at Target and toss them as I go.

I learned to always travel with a carry-on bag and NO MORE!

Never stay in one place for only one night. Always book at least two nights at a time.

The only thing I would have done better was note the location and date of my photographs better. While even a year later, I could still tell whether that close up was part of the duomo in Florence or Vienna, ten years later the scattered photographs were harder to identify. Most pics were put in albums which are chronological and easily identified, but I still come across the "left overs," including one photo of me that I like very much and wish I could remember, that have no easy clues as to where they were taken.

I would have made the time upon arrival at each train station to immediately buy a map of each location I was staying in rather than trying to rely on the maps in my RS book (sorry Rick); I would have asked for more detailed directions from my hotel desk staff before arriving in Italy; I would have packed a real rain jacket not just a nice looking jacket that has absolutely no water repellent capabilities; I would have been more adventurous and booked accommodations in the heart of the 'action' rather than next to the the train stations because it was more convenient. I'm happy to say that my 2nd trip will be in a month and a half and I am planning make all of these changes :)

My only redo would be to plan out the Rome portion of our trip better. We were unable to see some sights because of poor planning and the location of our hotel. Pay the extra money and be closer to the main sights. I would allow the better part of a day to revisit the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's. Other than that our first trip to Italy was nothing short of spectacular.

I will bring more packets of wipe-on bug repellent and Immodium chewable tablets!

You can't pack too lightly. The smaller the suitcase, the better your trip will be. Invest in the best walking shoes you can afford. I agree with another poster on this thread....get farther off the beaten path and stay longer. I visited small villages that the train didn't stop at on my second trip and loved the pace of life there. Don't just stay one day and night in each place...stay at least 2-3 days in each place so you can get the "feel" of the place. And I always stay in the heart of the city or village so I can be close to the action.
Just got back Wednesday from two weeks in Italy and am already "thinking" about when and where to go next year!

$15 Gondola Ride? And you didn't think it was worth that? What year was that? It's about 80 euros minimum now.

I wonder if Rik left out a zero and meant $150. :-)

I would have packed half of my clothes in my partner's suitcase b/c mine went missing for 2 days. I had to buy some clothes to hold me over because who knew when my luggage would have been found. I was feeling really good back in 2008 and trying to buy pants in Italy pushed me over the edge. How do they get into those skinny jeans? I am very fit for my age and I was so depressed after trying to buy a pair of pants to hold me over... I would write better notes in my diary...I would eat more ribolita soup...I would spend more time at the Vatican...
My gondola ride was so memorable...I'd pay anything to live, laugh, and love in Italy again. Ahhh, as luck would have it...I am leaving tomorrow to return to Florence and visit Siena as well. No regrets...I have half my clothes in Jude's bag...doesn't take me twice to learn a lesson!!!!

I would have trusted that I would get back some day. I would have slowed the pace and stayed 2-3 nights in each place. We split 23 days between Greece and Italy. I would have chosen one region really experienced it.

Great thread. I would have bought a really good map of Rome - I got so lost so many times. I would have bought my train ticket from Florence to Rome ahead of time (for a Friday evening ride) I would have taken a compass to Venice - even with a good map . . . . All the advice I got said to take the bus for a day trip from Florence to Siena. I got such motion sickness on the bus going there, I had vertigo on the steep inclines and had trouble walking around. Next time I'll take the train. And tips I have learned: 1. check seatguru.com when choosing airline seats 2. keep my packing list from trip to trip 3. keep my list of "last minute things to do" from trip to trip
4. pack at least 24 hours in advance (I would have missed a long haul flight at the start of a 5-week multi-continent trip if I hadn't had everything packed a day ahead)

This is a great thread! While my first trip to Italy will be in may, I reflect on my previous trips to Europe with these regrets: I did not keep a detailed journal (ie emotions, ideas, etc). This extends to poorly documented photos. I wasn't prepared with a list of must-try foods (in Germany and France). I will also be the silly tourist taking pics of my plates... no shame! I didn't make enough time to do nothing. This time, I have plenty of time set aside for wandering around and relaxing in the parks. And as everyone else said, minimal packing is a must! Quick tip: Purex has laundry detergent sheets (rather than liquid) that lather great in the sink and keep your suitcase smelling good.
arrivederci!

Knowing what I know now, I would be much more vigilant with my personal belongings (e.g., my purse) when in more-or-less "safe" surroundings such as a hotel breakfast room ... and I wouldn't be nearly so eager to help a stranger. The stranger, in fact, was only trying (successfully) to distract me while her accomplice helped himself to said purse. A lesson learned the hard way!

Knowing what I know now, I would be much more vigilant with my personal belongings (e.g., my purse) when in more-or-less "safe" surroundings such as a hotel breakfast room ... and I wouldn't be nearly so eager to help a stranger. The stranger, in fact, was only trying (successfully) to distract me while her accomplice helped himself to said purse. A lesson learned the hard way!

For a first-timer like me, this is a GREAT post! I have heard a lot about walking shoes, but also being a middle-aged woman, I am a little conscious about fashion :0)
What are your recommendations for comfort AND style?

"$15 Gondola Ride? And you didn't think it was worth that? What year was that? It's about 80 euros minimum now." Year was 2000, when we were still using the lira. A ride cost 120,000 lire which was about $60 at the time. It was my first time in Venice and there were 4 of us so we each paid L30,000 (about $15) and even had the guy sing the whole way. He said it would be an hour; it lasted about 40 minutes, we went out a small canal into the Grand Canal and back and when I got out of the gondola all I could think was "I can't believe I just paid fifteen bucks for THAT...". In 11 years and probably 60-70 trips back since I've never felt the urge to do it again and I can't believe people shell out 80-100 euros to do it. But, to each his own.

Three years ago I planned 12 days in Europe almost entirely from information/advice on the Traveler's Helpline, taking my wife and her mother on their dream trip. We landed in Rome on my M-I-L's 82nd birthday and out of Paris 12 days later, with five days in Florence for day trips and two nights in the Cinque Terre and even the night train as Rick suggested from Milan to Paris. I did not reserve the sleeping berths early enough and ended up sharing a six person berth, which was interesting at best. Other than that everything went as planned....except that I compromised on too many things because it was "their" trip. I decided on the third day in Italy that I would return the following year (2008) and replicate most of the trip to do the things I missed. It is now 3 1/2 years later and I haven't been back, instead feeling guilty for even wanting to do it alone and not taking my wife with me, even though money is not an issue. As the old saying goes, "when in Rome...... Rick always says to "assume you will return, but my advice is to make the most of what YOU want to do and let your travel partners do the same. You never know when/if you will ever go back.

I would have had cash in Euros before I left the airport for the taxi cab that I took to the hotel and I would have stayed during Christmas and New Year's. I would have learned Italian and I would have liked to have gone back to the Vatican and seen more of the artwork and tapestries.

Ah Caren, you asked the age old question - are there comfortable walking shoes that are still stylish? The holy grail for female travelers! I have yet to find a pair that would be comfortable for walking on cobblestones all day and that look good with the knee-length black skirts I travel with! If you find some, please let me know!!

re: comfortable shoes for females Check out Privos (made by Clark), specifically the Spangle. Keen also makes very comfy, supportive shoes that look good with skirts (specifically their line of mary janes). Zappos is a great place to order shoes and give them a try w/o any consequences if you want to send them back; they foot the bill on shipping both ways. Also read the reviews on different shoesany consistent review is most likely true.

I've gotta admit, I'm kind of sad to see this thread turned into a discussion of shoes. There are discussions in the "General" section that cover that clearly important topic constantly. What would people think of taking any further shoe discussion there instead? Just a suggestion, since it's fairly off-topic here. Thanks, all.

"I've gotta admit, I'm kind of sad to see this thread turned into a discussion of shoes. There are discussions in the "General" section that cover that clearly important topic constantly. What would people think of taking any further shoe discussion there instead? Just a suggestion, since it's fairly off-topic here." Sorry Michael, someone mentioned they would have had good walking shoes and so I thought it was appropriate to ask for recommendations.
As a man, a assume you don't have difficulty with this dilemma...sorry if we offended. Thanks!

Wow, this thread turned out awesome and soo interesting!!! My friend was right, great idea!! I love hearing everyone's advice, suggestions, etc... I am definitely gonna copy and paste this one so I have it when I start planning/booking our next trip which will hopefully be March 2012!!!

I would take other's opinions into account, but NOT be too influenced by them; I'd stick with what my heart told me. I hadn't originally planned to go to Venice even though I'd always thought it looked beautiful because I had heard so much about people being disappointed and thinking it was over-hyped and stinky. But just before leaving Italy, I decided to dash out knowing I'd kick myself if I didn't go when I had the chance. I didn't trust Rick's advice about assuming that you'll return. But still I didn't go with my heart and chose to stay in Padova and just day-trip Venice thinking that it would save me money. Though I really liked Padova, I absolutely fell in love with Venice. I vehemently wish that I had not been put off by others' opinions and had gone with my heart in the first place; I would have scheduled more time and stayed in Venice itself. Also, I would decide on a standard lightweight souvenir that would work for everyone and get them early on even if it meant schlepping them around the whole trip. I wasted so much of my precious time in Venice shopping for special souvenirs for each of my friends and family members who frankly didn't care. And I agree with others about keeping a more detailed journal. The few notes I took at the time are so precious to me now.

Penny,
Your post has helped me tremendously! I have been debating on taking Venice off our itinerary due to the travel time....but I am going to go with my heart and go for it...thanks for posting this. We may only be there a day in a half...but better a day and a half than not being there at all!

I would have brought a bunch of Benadryl with me. Who knew that you can't buy that anywhere in Italy, even with a prescription? My allergies started flaring up a couple days after we arrived in early May, when some type of tree I'm apparently allergic to decided to start pumping out so much pollen it was putting a layer of golden poweder on everything. I had a coworker Fedex me a bunch of Benadryl and that saved our three week vacation.

One thing I forgot in my previous post: I wrote in my journal at the end of everyday...relating all our days events. I also took business cards of restaurants, hotels and shops and taped them on the opposite page of the journal. That helped us remember them and the places we liked to stay/eat and shop at so we could re-visit them this year. Having all the contact information in one place is very helpful. It also has a built in pocket in the back cover which is good for keeping receipts, train tickets, etc in one place.
This journal is only for trips abroad so it only has the information from our trips in it. I write in another one for day to day at home.

Love this post. Just got back from 2 week honeymoon. First trip to Italy and first time ever to Europe! <P> Things I would do differently; 1. Spend much more time in Venice (love it, only there for 2 nights) 2. Try Limoncello (tried the grappa, but didn't get around to this one) 3. Not waste all that money on pizza and bruschetta (not very good in my opinion) and instead use it for nice dinners 4. Keep a packing list (hint: roll your clothes- saves SO much space). 5. Document better (I took notes on our experiences, but slacked off in the middle) 7. Research restaurants and cafes; made many costly (and poor) food choices. 8. Print a map of the cities' public transportation
9. Bought a nicer umbrella =)