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Solo Female Traveler-luggage/backpack theft-trains-Milan

I have logged many hours traveling solo but have never been to Italy when carrying luggage. I have read so many stories about people my age (I am in my 50s)---many traveling with a partner---getting luggage stolen on trains, in train stations, even from airport buses in the larger cities in Italy. Milan is often mentioned as one of the worst places for this type of crime.

This summer, I will arrive in Milan via train from Lugano (Switzerland) and then get on an InterCity train to Levanto to visit the Cinque Terre area for a few days. When I come back, will come from Levanto to Milan, take either bus or train to a Malpensa hotel to stay overnight and catch a flight back to the USA the next day.

I plan to bring a carry-on bag (rolling) and PacSafe backback. Will have credit cards, train tickets and passport in money belt (which I have never felt a need to use before). However, I plan to bring a netbook, Ipad and digital SLR camera to pack in backpack or luggage. I had planned to travel 2nd class.

Does anyone have any advice? I am getting to the point where I might even cancel this portion of my trip because I am getting so anxious. Please don't tell me to try and not look like a tourist. I do not feel comfortable trying to talk Italian either. My backpack cost me a lot of money and it is a bright color However, other photographer friends recommended this brand/type. I will stand out as single female. Thank you all in advance,

Posted by
16893 posts

Hi, Lisa. I've traveled alone all over Italy and have the same recommendations for safe travel there as for anywhere. Do keep your valuables in your moneybelt and keep your hands on your luggage in the train station. You cannot turn your back on a bag or leave it just resting at your feet. Onboard the train, you can always store bags right above your seat. If your items are secured, then it doesn't matter how much you look like a tourist. The thing is not to be a tourist who is an easy mark, with money "hanging off of her." Do you need both the netbook and the iPad? Please see also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams.

Posted by
792 posts

Don't cancel! As long as you keep an eye on your bags and keep them close to you, you should be fine. A carry on should fit on the luggage racks over your head. It is very difficult to steal a bag from directly over someone's head. I would then keep the backpack on your lap or at your feet with your ipad/valuables in it.

Alternatively, you can put your bag on the luggage racks at the end of the train. But if I only do that if I am sitting next to it. You can also buy locks or use a bungee cord to attach your bag to the luggage racks. You can always reserve your tickets ahead of time so that you know you have a seat next to the luggage racks.

Worst case scenario- if there is not a place I am comfortable leaving my bag (it doesn't fit overhead or luggage racks are full or there are no seats by the luggage racks) I will stand at the end of the car with my bags until something opens up. Not ideal but I would rather stay close to my bags.

Finally, allow yourself time to familiarize yourself with the train station so that you aren't rushing or feeling flustered when you get there. That is when people are most vulnerable.

Posted by
8377 posts

lisa. don't cancel. You will have a great time. There are plenty of tips and experiences on this website if you spend some time searching through the old posts and the tips section. But here's my two cents. Tourists are not targets of thieves because they are single females: tourists are targets when they are distracted, inattentive, confused and unwary. You won't be. Don't know where you are from, but travel like you would on public transportation in your home town. Don't put anything down where you can't see it , and don't make it easy for someone to grab your bag.

As far as not looking like a tourist - don't worry. You'll see so many unusually people in Milano Centrale, that you won't stand out.

Posted by
1880 posts

I'd just recommend that you keep the backpack on your lap, or at your feet with a strap around your leg...and the carry on piece can go over head, or between the seats where you can keep an eye on it. No reason to cancel this part of your trip. Italy is NOT the horror story you hear. As others said, just be aware, as you would traveling anywhere in the world. If you feel so uncomfortable, drag out that money belt (I never use one either) and keep credit cards/cash/passports/tickets in it.

Just watch your stuff, and you will be fine. Walk with determination, don't let anyone "help" you get on a train, be prepared when getting on, and sure of your train. 2nd class is not much different than 1st class.

you won't stand out as a single female traveling...there are lots of other women also traveling...for business, for vacation. Perhaps you will catch up with another American couple traveling on your car and you can watch each others luggage.

Just make sure you've got food/drink and have gone to the bathroom before you get on, so you won't have to leave your seat for these things! Bring a snack, etc and sit back and enjoy Italy!

Posted by
3696 posts

I probably would have been terrified had I read all of the scare stories and warnings before I went. Eight trips to Italy ....glad I didn't. I have traveled alone, with friends, with a 9 year old grandson....never a problem. Definitely don,t cancel....millions and millions of people travel safely every year.....
Worst case possible scenario? Someone steals your stuff. Not life threatening....
Just don't leave your stuff laying around. I think when you come home from your trip safe and sound with beautiful memories you will wonder how you could consider canceling.

I am a professional photographer who travels with a fair amount of equipment and I just throw mine in a ratty old bag....less likely to draw attention than a brightly colored expensive bag . I just would not carry anything so heavy, but if that makes you feel more secure then use it.

Posted by
238 posts

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies and advice! I also appreciate the encouragement. I had a few co-workers have their purses or backpacks "picked" or taken right off their bodies. They warned me against traveling alone in Italy (and I have always traveled alone so I thought this was odd). So that is what made me start to read all these forums and blogs online and was shocked to read so many "stories."

Thanks for the specifics about the trains. I guess I am concerned that I am traveling to a very popular destination (Cinque Terre) in July and that there may not be room to put my bag overhead. I am also concerned about the stories I have heard/read about conductors not being helpful.

Are the Intercity trains reserved seats? Right now, I cannot purchase those tickets online yet but am hoping I can do so a month in advance so that I do not have to do this at the Milan station.

Will I be vulnerable wearing my valuables (electronic) on my back, though?

Do I have to buy some Euros before leaving the USA so that I do not have to risk using an ATM in Milan station? I am concerned about having coins for the restroom. Since I am coming from Switzerland, I will not have Euros until I get to Milan unless there is a way I can get some Euros in Switzerland.

Posted by
3696 posts

Lisa. We were writing at the same time. I often have electronics on my back in backpack unless I am on train or very crowded area. Then just turn it around and carry on front.
You have probably already traveled in highly 'risky' areas but just didn't have all the naysayers warning you:)))

Posted by
238 posts

Thanks, Terry :-)....clarification....do you recommend carrying the backpack in front when I am in areas I am concerned about? Or do you think keeping it on back will be OK? I read somewhere that carrying it in front makes people laugh and makes thieves want to target a person more because the person looks paranoid.

Posted by
792 posts

As far as your backpack- you can do what makes you comfortable. You can put a travel lock on your backpack to deter someone from trying to unzip it.

Yes, you reserve seats on Intercity trains.

For every unhelpful person I have met in Italy, I have met 5 helpful ones. Just make sure you are asking for help from someone in uniform!

Regarding Euro: Again, do what makes you comfortable. I usually don't hesitate to use ATMs in busy areas in Italy- I just make sure I look who is standing close to me before I do it.

Posted by
11613 posts

I travel solo almost all the time, late-middle-aged woman, too short to easily hoist a bag into the overhead, sometimes someone helps me but usually I leave luggage at the end of the car or preferably in the space between back-to-back seats.

I go through Milano Centrale several times a year, never had a problem. Follow Terry Kathryn's advice. In terms of looking paranoid by carrying a pack in front of you, who cares? You'll see lots of travelers doing this (relieves a little back stress if you don't carry it this way for hours). And keep your rolling bag beside you or in front of you while walking through stations.

At the train station, find a bank-owned ATM, called Bancomat, put your luggage in front of you. make the transaction (take your time to be thorough), and go on your way. Take out a small sum if you are nervous about anyone seeing you withdraw money.

To get coins for the bathroom, stop at a bar or store and buy a bottle of water, or have a coffee, to break a ten or twenty euro note.

And stop reading those other sites.

Posted by
11294 posts

When you say you're read "all these horror stories," remember that those who had problems are much more likely to post about it than those who haven't. So, while it may seem that everyone who goes to Italy has a problem, the base majority do not; they just don't run to websites to say so.

If you've traveled alone before, you know what to do to be safe. No further precautions beyond those are necessary.

Posted by
752 posts

Travel FIRST CLASS reservation, Not 2nd class whenever you can on Italy trains. First Class is more amenable for single women of your age group. First Class will give you floor space for your luggage near your seat.

2nd Class reservations if available may work if you can reserve one of the solo seats at the end of the car. They have floor space enough for your luggage. Otherwise, you have to heave your luggage up on the overhead rack.

If you travel on regionale trains with No reservations, all the young travelers scamper up the steps with their luggage in a flash and take all the seats, leaving the slower older travelers to struggle with their luggage up the steps and to stand up for the whole trip.

Travel only with the ipad OR netbook. Only one is enough. You must keep your bags light to help you easily manage them at all times. You will be surprised at the weight technology adds.

When I took buses in Italy, i put my luggage in the bottom bin myself and waited for the door to close before I boarded the bus. I also removed my luggage myself when I reached my destination.

RS Money belts are good, but I always wore a RS neck wallet too. I wore it low enough so I could reach it from under the bottom of my shirt. I wore scarves to hide the ribbons that showed on my neck. I wore the money belt inside my undies.

Be sure you can easily manage all your bags by yourself at all times. Do Not accept any help from anyone offering to help you with your bags. i don't know how they do it, but these helpers will clean you out and you will not know it until too late.

Have food with you when you travel so you can stay with your luggage at all times. Use the toilets in the stations for convenience. Remember they cost one Euro for each use. I did use toilets on the train when it was convenient to do so.

Posted by
15041 posts

San Diego, California is a tourist destination and a relatively safe city.
San Diego has the same population as Milan.
The crime in San Diego is on average twice the crime of Milan. Actually the violent crime in San Diego is 3 or 4 times the violent crime in Milan.
I think you should stop reading about those stories and get a hold of yourself.
You are not going to Kabul or Damascus.
Nothing is going to happen. Italy is safer than any place you can possibly be in North America.

Posted by
1994 posts

I'm not tall enough or strong enough to lift my bag onto the very high racks on trains. However, I carry a very light-weight retractable cable lock. The cable is about 15 inches long. I always leave my bag in back, and I just use the cable to attach it to the luggage rack. I've never had any problems.

Also it's my impression that traveling alone can make you less of a target. You're not conversing in English with your companion, which I think makes you less noticeable. I'm always surprised when someone assumes that I'm a native and asks me for directions; I assume it's because I'm not talking to someone in English.

Enjoy your trip.

Posted by
223 posts

I have spent the most of my Europe time in Italy. The only crime suffered was imaginary. My daughter, fearless in most situations, was uncomfortable in downtown Naples. In her fluster, she dropped her wallet to behind the driver's seat. When she discovered that she didn't have her wallet, we had to walk about 3 miles up and down hills in late summer heat searching for this "stolen" object, with my daughter reminding me that she had 'told me so'. We only lost time. No one had broken into the car, either.

Lots of people string their bags together with like a flexible bike lock. Whatever you do, practice. At least until you aren't fumbling with all that gear. Not knowing what you are doing is the universal invitation for petty criminals, don't you agree?

Posted by
32171 posts

lisa,

DO NOT cancel your trip because of stories you've read about, comments from co-workers or whatever. Roberto (who is originally from Italy) provided an excellent perspective. While there is certainly cause for concern, if you take a few reasonable precautions (Money Belt, situational awareness) and present a confident demeanor, you shouldn't have any problems. I wouldn't suggest keeping your train tickets in your Money Belt, as you'll need to access it to present tickets to officials. Money Belts should not be accessed where others can see!

Although Milano Centrale has a bit of a "reputation", I've never had any problems there, although there are a couple of things to be aware of...

  • Watch your bags at all times. Is there some way you can clip your two bags together when you're not holding them? That will discourage opportunistic theft to some point. Your PacSafe pack will be lockable, so that will provide some security.
  • The WC's are one floor down from track level along a moving sidewalk. You will need Euro change to access those as they use a coin-operated gate to control access.
  • You may be approached by well dressed people soliciting "donations". How you handle that is your choice but I rarely give them anything.
  • When you board the train, you may find small cards with a "hard luck story" (usually in Italian) asking for donations. Just prior to departure, a teenager will come through and collect the cards and have his hand out. I usually tell them to "take a hike" but be prepared as some of them can be quite forceful and persistent.

Note that if you pre-purchase tickets for the Intercity or Freccia trains, these have compulsory reservations which are specific to a particular train, date and departure time. You MUST ensure that you board ONLY the train specified on your ticket or you'll face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! If you're riding Regionale trains, you MUST validate the tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or again hefty fines.

Regarding cash for use in Italy, I'd suggest either getting €50 or so from your Bank before heading to Europe or stopping at a Currency Excange office in Lugano (might be one at the station - I can't recall). Currency Exchange offices typically provide terrible conversion rates but for a small amount (even €20) that won't be significant. When you arrive at Milano Centrale, buy a coffee or something, and that will provide some coins for the WC.

I rarely buy first class tickets, as second class is perfectly comfortable. While on the train, you should be able to place your PacSafe backpack in the rack over your seat, and keep your carry-on either on the floor or on the seat next to you if no one is sitting there. There are luggage racks at one end of each train car for larger items, but I prefer to keep my bags with me whenever possible.

Which of the five towns in the Cinque Terre will you be staying in? When you see the area, you may wish you had booked more time there.

When you return to Milan, you may not have to stay close to the airport, depending on what time your flight departs. Travel time to MXP is only about an hour so you may be able to stay in Milan for the last night.

BTW, I'm 60+ and routinely travel solo in Italy without any problems (so far).

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Posted by
11613 posts

I have to respectfully disagree with Sandra on nearly everything. Second class is fine in terms of safety, I never buy first-class tickets if I can help it. For comfort, perhaps first class is less filled than second, but in any class it is a faux pas to keep piles of luggage at your seat, making it difficult or impossible for people to walk past. True that a British-style queue is not a well-known concept in Italy, but you won't be left behind at the station as mobs of people rush the train. If you have a seat reservation, you'll be fine but the luggage bins at the end or middle of the car may be full.

Taking a snack and water aboard is a good idea. So is getting some euro while you are in Switzerland.

Have a great trip, keep asking questions and perhaps check in here to let us know how it's going.

Posted by
752 posts

There is no right or wrong here. I offer direction based on my own experiences as an older female who travels alone. My choices have to consider what works best for me.

And anyone who has taken First Class knows that luggage space is provided in niches and cubby-holes in between and around seats and away from aisles.

This is Italy, they really do have it figured out. I always feel taken care of and provided for on Italian trains, whether I sit in First Class or stand in the vestibule on Regionale trains. This is their business, this is what they do.

But where I have a choice, I always reserve and travel First Class, the best service and comfort for older folk traveling alone.

And so I take it that the person behind the query will choose what works best for her.

Posted by
238 posts

Thank you ALL very much for your generosity in taking the time to reply with thought and detail to my concerns. I greatly appreciate all the tips. I am so grateful that we have sites like this where we can get advice from seasoned travelers and I am more comfortable already now that I have heard from some of you who are close to my age, female and traveled solo.

I do have a money belt/train ticket question...and please understand that I never used a money belt in previous trips to the UK, Paris, Switzerland, Gemany or Amsterdam but those trips were all over 10 years ago.

If I am lining up to buy a bottle of water in the train station, how do I get the money out of my money belt without people seeing it? Where does one go to get money of the belt to put into an easier-to-access place? Restroom? If I put it in my pants pocket (front) isn't that a possible place for someone to "pick?" In otherwords, where is the best place to keep the "easy access" money for water and restroom coins?

Please understand that in the past, I just used to get out a wallet or change purse. I kept both velcroed to the inside of my purse as well as safety pinned. I would open purse, get out money, put wallet and change purse back in. This was in the day before people could scan your credit cards.

Posted by
2455 posts

Given all these concerns and precautions, and these recommendations, I think I will still go on my upcoming trip to Italy, and even ride on a few trains. That's a fortunate decision, since I am leaving this afternoon. It would truly be a hassle to unwind everything at this point. (:->)))
However, thanks to Roberto's input, I may reconsider my planned trip to San Diego later this summer. Sounds quite dangerous down there.

Posted by
752 posts

Hi Lisa,
I also bought that RS tiny lambskin wallet where I put lots of Euro coins and some small Euro cash, and I put that little wallet inside of the RS new little soft travel pouch that I wore from my left shoulder across my body to my right side where my right arm could touch or cover the pouch. I also wore my RS neck wallet and RS money belt at the same time.

I am right handed and just zipped open the pouch and removed the wallet when I needed Euro for toilets or water, maps, or souvenirs at the newsstands, or food.

If my B and B host told me Not to wear my RS travel pouch out on the street, then I would lengthen and wear my RS neck wallet to where I could reach in just from under the bottom of my shirt and remove Euro coins from one little pouch or a small Euro cash from the other little pouch. I could do this with nobody noticing. I put the coins in the pouch nearest the zipper pull; for cash I would have to open the zipper to the second pouch. I put larger Euro bills in my RS money belt which i wore inside my undies.

The clerks certainly never cared how I paid the bill. I still do this here in Chicago and it works well for me.

Posted by
32517 posts

The question as asked:

I do have a money belt/train ticket question...and please understand that I never used a money belt in previous trips to the UK, Paris, Switzerland, Gemany or Amsterdam but those trips were all over 10 years ago.
If I am lining up to buy a bottle of water in the train station, how do I get the money out of my money belt without people seeing it? Where does one go to get money of the belt to put into an easier-to-access place? Restroom? If I put it in my pants pocket (front) isn't that a possible place for someone to "pick?" In otherwords, where is the best place to keep the "easy access" money for water and restroom coins?

My answer:-

Lisa,

The money belt is your portable safe deposit box. It holds all those things which as valuable and hard to replace. It holds your passport, your return plane ticket, maybe some train ticket stuff, most or all of your credit cards which made the trip, and most of your money. The money belt stays hidden away and you access it in private, just like you do when you go the bank and look in your safe deposit box. Maybe in a toilet cubicle, or in your hotel room.

If you will need a card or some of your money during the day you can get the card in a toilet stop just before you need it, and you carry a day's worth of cash in whatever purse or clip or whatever in your pocket or handbag. That way you have easy access to that day's expenses without deep diving into the money belt. If you lose that €30 or €50 or even €100 it is not the end of your trip and the vast bulk remains untouched and safe. Not that I want to lose any money - goodness only knows - but if I am going to be pick pocketed I want the crook to only get a little, then I'm safe and and not broke.

Does that make sense?

You never put coins into a money belt - way too uncomfortable and you need them for water and the consequences of water drinking, as you said. Previous rule applies.

I hope this helps.../

Posted by
3696 posts

Lisa. Often I will put my backpack on the front simply to give my back a rest..or throw it over one shoulder. I truly think it is a state of mind. I really do not believe there are thieves lurking everywhere. the naysayers will say I am naive, but I have been to Europe about 30 times and if I had to travel with such fear I would stay home. I travel cheap so first class is usually out. I have accepted help from dozens of people in Europe... Funny how all these people can tell you what the thieves are thinking when they look at you. (I have never used a money belt.... Small cross body purse..,same as I use at home). Put it in perspective....it is just some stuff....

A small next wallet might be fine for your passport, xtra cash and cc's as those are the things that would be a pain to lose.
I would not give this issue another moment of my time.....just focus on all the wonderful things you are going to see and ignore the paranoia :)). And listen to Zoe. She has traveled to Italy tons of times alone....

Posted by
238 posts

Thanks again for the specific replies and the time you have all taken. Overall, I was more worried about getting an entire backpack, cross body purse or camera stolen. Or, if I put valuables in the luggage...was concerned about an entire suitcase getting taken. As many of you said, less than 100 Euros taken by a pickpocket is a bummer but it would not ruin my trip. Having credit cards, ATM cards or an entire bag stolen would be another story.

Greatly appreciate all the input and thoughts :-) Thank you!

Posted by
238 posts

PS...the trains I am taking with luggage and backpack are listed as:
EuroCity (Lugano to Milan)
InterCity (Milan to Levanto; Levanto to Milan)
and
that Express Train that goes to the airport.

For the local trains in and around the Cinque Terre...I will just have my backpack with camera, cross body purse and money belt.

Posted by
15041 posts

I think you are making a big deal out of nothing. Having anything stolen from an intercity/freccia or any train is such a rare event that in decades spent in Italy I have never personally known anybody that had their bag stolen on an intercity train. I've known one person (in all my life) whose wallet was pick-pocketed on a subway (in Milan), but having your bags stolen from an intercity train is such a rare event, that is not even statistically significant. Pickpockets on city buses and subways happen occasionally. City buses are cheap, sometimes they are crowded and you are packed inside like a sardine, therefore opportunities abound for a professional thief. Also city buses and subways make frequent stops, therefore a pickpocket has more opportunities to quickly escape after a hit.
But long distance trains do no present the same opportunities for thieves. They are rarely, if ever, crowded. Some regional trains (commuter suburban trains) are crowded at rush hour, but nowhere as packed as city buses or subways. The worst it can happen on a regional train at rush hour is not finding a seat, but even in those case you are never crowded like a sardine, you are just standing up but with plenty of room. Intercity trains (and more so freccia trains) are too expensive for a thief to invest on for a potential hit. Since those aren't crowded, the opportunities for a hit are too few and the tickets are pricey. Also if they happen to be caught in the act, they have no chance of escape, because those trains don't stop frequently like a city bus and they can't jump off the train. Doors are controlled centrally, therefore they'd be stuck inside and the other passengers would mob and lynch them before they can try to get out. The only possibility of a theft on an intercity train is if there is a thief who happen to travel somewhere and an opportunity presents itself (such as your unattended bag at the end of the car while you are in the restroom). It's really a rare event, because professional pickpockets don't frequent those modes of transportation, they generally prefer city buses and subways for the reasons explained above. All you have to do in those trains is therefore keep your bags near you on the rack above your seat. If it's too big and you need to store it in the compartment at the end of the train car (away from your sight), just buy a bike cable lock and secure it that way. If you follow those simple precautions you read above the chances of being a victim on a train are as zero as you can get.
More caution is required aboard crowded city buses and subways. That is where the professional pickpockets lurk. Based on your plans, only Milan is the place where you would possibly take that type of transportation. Just avoid the commuter rush hours when those are packed and you'll be fine there too.

Posted by
238 posts

Thank you for this re-assurance, Roberto. The reason I posted my train types is because I had a feeling that these types of things rarely happen on the types of trains I am taking so I appreciate the insight about the train types. I also hope this clarifies things for others who may have read similar stories and have concerns.

Posted by
32171 posts

lisa,

Once again you've received lots of good tips which will hopefully lessen your fears about travelling in Italy. One point I wanted to add is that it's important not to be vigilant and not "let your guard down" even in tranquil places like the Cinque Terre. There will be thieves and scammers operating there too. A few examples.....

  • On a trip a few years ago, I was speaking with a group from the U.S. that had just been victimized on the local C.T. trains. One of the girls in the group lost her Passport as a result, which would have been a major inconvenience.
  • On a more recent trip last year, the station agent in Monterosso came out of her booth and told me (and anyone else in earshot) to keep a close watch on a couple of Roma girls, as they were known pickpockets. I suspect that if she had called the police to deal with them, the girls would be long gone by the time the police arrived and would be back five minutes after the police left. I have another memorable example from a rail trip through Switzerland and Germany, but won't post that unless you're interested.

Based on the experiences of people I know, you're just as likely to lose camera gear or other valuables in Paris, Brussels or elsewhere so it's important to be vigilant everywhere.

Posted by
354 posts

Hi Lisa, I've traveled solo on trains in Italy with no problem. The challenge for the solo traveler is going to the bathroom, so make sure you go at the stations. I'm afraid I have another scary story from Milan station though - stay alert when a train pulls in and everyone is getting on and off, some thieves may push you just as everyone is boarding and try to grab one of your bags when you are distracted. It happened to friends of mine who were traveling in a group of three, very seasoned travelers. They yelled and the would-be thieves ran off. So don't be afraid to shout if something happens. Anyway they've been visiting Italy for 20 years and that was the first time something like this happened to them, and of course they'll still go back!

Posted by
238 posts

Thank you all very much. Again...grateful for all of your advice.

Are the EuroCity and Intercity trains "reserved" seats? if so, I know I am supposed to sit in a certain "carriage" and seat. I have read things about making sure to board at the right place to get in the correct carriage. How does one know where to get on the train so that they do not have to walk through the whole train?

Does anyone know if there are snack carts on these trains and is it safe to get out money to buy things in this situation?

Thanks :-)

Posted by
11613 posts

You will be able to see the carriage number on the side of the train near the entrance/exit doors. Bigger stations may have diagrams posted on large boards on the platform, or there may be overhead signs along the track that have a zone letter (overhead) that corresponds to the diagram. Newer method is a carriage car number posted on an electronic sign board, also overhead along the track. The train pulls in more or less where the carriage number or zone is.

On board, wherever you have your "day money" you can feel comfortable taking it out to pay for something on the cart, if one appears. In Milano Centrale, I like to stop at Vyta or another bar to get something fresh to eat on the train at a more reasonable price than the cart onboard would charge. There are many options at Milano Centrale, pick a place that's not too crowded and buy only what you can put in your backpack or carry without juggling.;-)

Posted by
1573 posts

I will only answer parts of the question.

Yes, the two train types you mention do have reserved seats. For riding on the trains I would do a search on "Ron in Rome" and he has some great tutorials.

For the money to buy snacks, etc. you should carry a day's spending money in your purse or other easily accessed location. Only your bulk money, passport, credit cards, etc should be in your money belt. I normally carry one credit card in my pocket and one in the money belt as I often use credit cards. Do NOT be overly scared. I have made a half dozen (others on this forum many more trips) trips to Europe, including working there for a short period, and never has a problem with a pick pocket. Yes, I use a money belt and am aware of where I am, but the purpose of the trip is to have a good time, not be constantly scared.

Posted by
11613 posts

And yes, check out the roninrome site for step by step instructions and lots of photos.

Posted by
7126 posts

HI Lisa,

To answer your last question regarding the traincars, you will find a drawing in a glass display where you're last standing before boarding the train that will show the traincars & how they're numbered. Next to specific sections of the traincar drawing is sequential "A", "B", etc. Look overhead, and you'll see that where you're standing has the alphabetical signs. Look for your car number & go to the correponding letter to know where to board the train to be at your assigned section of the train.

Back to your original questions, most everyone is saying don't worry about it. I'll ask how much you don't want to worry & be anxious. Is it worth not taking the backpack & traveling lighter? Do you really need the bright-colored backpack to draw more attention? Which electronics are a must & would losing one of them ruin your trip?

Personally, I limit myself to a rolling carry-on with no backpack, purse, etc. in the other hand, and my money, etc. is in my moneybelt at all times. ( I place enough Euro coins in my top front suitcase pocket in case I need them for a snack, etc.) This gives me one free hand to quickly board the train. My suitcase goes above me on the train. I know that I'm extra cautious, but I really want to enjoy my experience, so I bring less stuff.

Whatever you decide, feel confident about it, and enjoy your trip! Italy is wonderful!

Posted by
238 posts

Thank you all for your advice. This is excellent information and I will save it all for my trip.
All The Best,
Lisa

Posted by
768 posts

Lisaew:
You've likely got more information than you can process, but one quick comment. This may sound sarcastic, but I don't mean it to be. If you have your valuables (netbook, Ipad SLR, cash, CC) in your backpack/money belt and they are on-your-person at all times, the worst thing that could happen is your bag in nicked and you buy a few garments, a pair of shoes and some toothpaste. This "risk" is minimal when compared to the reward of visiting in the CT for several days; plus the train trip is relatively short duration. Also, why not upgrade to first class (you may get some added peace of mind) . PS: If you carry-on is expensive, leave it at home and get a cheap one at Costco so it won't stand out.