I'll admit it - I'm thinking about straying... I've tried others, but I can't really say they do it for me. I appreciate the (mostly) focussed, relevant questions. I enjoy and appreciate the (mostly) respectful and always informative answers here at the "To the Boot" helpline. Perhaps I should stay faithful, but I can't help but think there may be more... Has anyone found any other really good forums?
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
26 posts
Im with debra when she mentions trip advisor. great information and alot of people who not only travel italy but literally LOVE italy like myself. There are a few on there that can be somewhat aloof and a bit tart but they are always quickly put in their place by the regulars. they have alot of local members who are experts and will give you a wealth of advice and find solutions to your questions.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I really really like the TripAdvisor forums. They are city specific and have local experts, which I found were especially helpful for great restaurants and tips on seeing the sights and more city-specific questions from a locals perspective as opposed to a travel expert's perspective.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
I like the information available at SlowTravel Italy, but I find their forums to be a bit quiet/lacking and go there more for the detailed articles.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
Frommer's is very good - it's how I got here! But they are temporarily inactive, to implement some improvements, so right now they are "read only." They went off almost 2 weeks ago, hopefully they'll be back very soon.
Posted by
sauk rapids, mn
267 posts
i'll also post a vote for trip advisor. good luck :):)
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I think tripadvisor is very good, it is very active so its unlikely a question won't get answered.
Posted by
Land of La
8660 posts
I DON'T use these but you couldcheck out independent traveler, virtual tourist, lonely planet, destination 360, italy heaven and boots n all websites and to see if their forums meet your criteria.
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
I've had great luck at Fodor's and cruisecritic is awesome should you need info on a cruise.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7544 posts
I use Lonely Planets Thorntree; I think the thing you get is a wider perspective on places within Italy, not just the RS Picks. I do find though that the discussions can get a bit...snarky. There is definitely a difference in tone between this board and that one. LP also tends to be more of an international community. RS tends to be US/Canada with a few notable locals tossed in.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
Another vote for Trip Advisor. But do research everything as there are some very biased folks.
enjoy surfing!
Posted by
OP
Victoria, BC, Canada
372 posts
Thanks everyone for your suggestions - some of these I have tried, others I haven't.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7544 posts
I filter Trip Advisor reviews a little tongue in cheek. Just read the reviews for a place you have experience with, and you will pick up on what I mean. What is acceptable for you probably is very different from my needs. Terms like "dirty", "run down", "shabby" are all subjective terms, and to be honest, most places I stay and love are run down and shabby, which most equate with dirty.