Napoli Safety

Penticton is less safe than Naples. Naples' bad reputation is a myth spread by jealous North-Americans who wish their town were as safe as Naples. There is no reason to pre purchase a Circumvesuviana ticket like there is no reason to pre-purchase tickets on a city bus or a subway train. It's a commuter train. There are no reserved seats. Just get on board and seat down whereveryou see an empty seat.

Actually, I've always found Penticton to be VERY SAFE (the MC Hammer riots were an exception). The RCMP do a great job in ensuring that. I agree with Roberto that the reputation of Naples as being "unsafe" is over-exaggerated. I've wandered around Naples carrying expensive Camera gear both in the day and evenings and never had a problem. The greatest issue in Naples is pickpockets, so be sure to wear a Money Belt and be vigilant! There will undoubtedly be scammers at Napoli Centrale, as that's one place where they operate. You may be approached by official-looking people who want to "help" you with your luggage. Tell them firmly to "take a hike". The first leg of your trip will be from the airport to Napoli Centrale, likely via Taxi. Be sure to read the "caveats" in the Guidebook about Taxis in Naples. When you arrive at Napoli Centrale, go downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station and buy your tickets. There are frequent departures, so you shouldn't have to wait long. Note that they have several lines and you'll want the one that goes to Sorrento. You'll disembark at Pompeii Scavi. Where are you staying? The appearance of the Circumvesuviana trains may not provide the best impression, but they will get you there (I describe them as "graffiti laden clunkers"). BE VIGILANT as it has a reputation for pickpockets and watch your luggage! For the trip to Rome, you'll again take the Circumvesuviana to Napoli Centrale, and then the Freccia (high speed) train to Rome (reservations compulsory - DON'T be caught without valid reservations on those, or you may be fined on the spot and it's NOT cheap!). You'll have to be vigilant for scammers in other parts of Italy as well, especially on crowded public transit in Rome. Happy travels!

Yep, the problem is scammers and pickpockets. Some people would say that those problems are greater in Naples, but they are present everywhere in Italy that tourists gather. Buy tickets for the CV once you get there. It's a commuter train, so it doesn't sell out - it just gets more crowded. I'm pretty sure you have to validate those tickets as well. The trains will look a little like this one from Rome to Ostia: Graffiti train Don't let that intimidate you.

I walk around Naples alone all the time, never had a problem. I notice that locals don't wear gold jewelry on public transportation, and I don't either. Make sure you take a cab from the line in front of the station, don't get into a private or independent cab.

Thanks to all of you for the advice and insight. Roberto, you are probably right that it is safer here. Ken, we did have riots here because of MC Hammer, and we all survived. Michael, thanks for the picture of the train. I would have walked to Pompeii before getting on that so thanks for the heads up. Zoe, I never knew about the private taxis so thank you. We are staying at Easy Bed Hostel in Pompeii. I read about it on line so I hope it's OK. If I could ask you another question.
We are debating getting a tour of Naples by a guide. Would we enjoy the city more with a guide? Our three sons are in their early 20's so I don't want to over tour guide them before we even get to Rome. Also the same for the ruins of Pompeii. Would you recommend a professional guide? I have been in contact with Piña Esposito and it sounds great but very expensive. (~$200/Hr including driver for 5 of us)

You don't need a driver to take you to Pompeii. The Circumvesuviana commuter train is very convenient. Never had a professional guide at Pompeii, but that would be nice to have.

You can find a licensed guide at Pompeii.

Michelle, Naple is gritty, fast paced and it has some of the most amazing sights you'll find anywhere. Take a look at the Campania arte card, this could save you some money. The 3 day pass is 27 euro, covers 2 free sights, with reduced prices for all others. It also covers all transportation in the area. The metro, busses, circumvesuvian and the Alibus from the airport to Napoli Centrale where you would catch the train to Pompeii You would have to purchase online to make the Alibus work. Otherwise the bus is 3 euro. If you went to Pompeii, the Archological Museum the metro bus and a few trips on the CV it would pay for itself. Some find the arte card site hard to navigate but if you scroll down you'll find a list of all the attractions available. Click on them and it will give you the opening/closing times, days closed and transportation to each site. Have your guys each take a site and make them your guide.
Have a great trip, Gerri

Thanks to everyone got taking the time to help me out. Your advice and suggestions has been extremely helpful. I am certainly going to purchase the Arte card for Naples, if had no idea it existed.
Happy travels everyone!