Stopping for lunch with suitcases in car

I understand how you may be nervous after hearing stories about theft from cars, but really I have left luggage in a car in several places and had no issues. I know that's just my experience but there are ways to minimize the chance of loss. Take anything you can't get on without with you - money, meds, tech devices; make sure you don't leave anything enticing lying in plain view. If you don't have a trunk or hatch back cover in the car (which is unlikely) cover your bags as best you can with a coat or jacket. Then go have lunch and don't worry about it.

I think this falls into the general discussion about pickpockets and theft in general. While it happens it doesn't happen to everyone. In fact, it happens to a very small percentage. When you are a part of that small percentage, it is a big deal but if you take some reasonable precautions, you will be fine.

Stacey, another idea: you could pack, or buy in a town late morning, a picnic lunch, and enjoy it by your car, overlooking a beautiful lake.

Keep in mind that all lunch stops are (generically) 20 minutes off the highway, on narrower local roads. Some towns (like Orvieto) have massive multilevel parking garages, with escalators or elevators to the town. Other, smaller towns (like Castiglione del Lago, which is reported to have good food) have open air lots. You didn't give the time of year, which affects parking crowding and also, pedestrian traffic in the lots, which obviously affects the chance for unobserved break-ins.

Although I normally don't recommend leaving things in the car, we did have lunch in Orvieto (after a quick stop in Viterbo) on the way to Sinalunga, and see the town, with luggage in the station wagon we rented. Another option (very much depending on schedule and budget) would be to book a prepaid lunch at one of the wineries that has a lavish, gourmet restaurant associated with their winery and tasting room. Our best winery stop (I mean, of three) was lunch (with copious tastings) at (Trasimene vicinity) Aviognesi Winery, which straddles two or three provinces. (We chose to have large lunches and bar snacks for dinner, so we could go to bed early.) The point is that your car is pretty darn safe in an off the road, private lot.

While I'm sounding kind of "it's okay", I did feel that the municipal lot at Castiglione del Lago was ... kind of "exposed". And very sunny and hot.

In small cites and towns we don't worry about it during the day. We do try to avoid parking garages and prefer street parking where there is some foot traffic. Don't leave anything in view and have it all arranged before you reach your parking so you won't be observed fussing over things.

Have you been to Europe, especially Italy before?

I think the threat of theft is somewhat exaggerated. I think it is similar to the US. There are some places in the States where I wouldn't worry about my luggage and others where I would be very concerned. Italy is the same.

I looked at Google maps. I'm sure you could find a place on the way to stop for lunch that would have safe parking and a nice view.

DougMac--

Yes and No-- I was 12 when I was in Italy last, and was in my early twenties when I was last in Europe. I traveled by train both times. For what it's worth, any fears of theft I have have come from reading these forums! ;)

The problem is if we say it will be OK and something happens then we haven't warned appropriately. Or if we say it is too dangerous and nothing bad happens then we have given false warnings.

Since we don't know whether or not Stacey's car will present a target nor if it will be attacked it is very hard to know which side of the advice to give.

Yes and No-- I was 12 when I was in Italy last, and was in my early twenties when I was last in Europe.
My wife and I met on a school trip to Europe when she was 14 and I was 15. That was in 1966!

We returned to Europe 50 years later. We'll be back in England and France with two grandsons this summer!

I would stop at an autogrill rest stop along the freeway. There are a few on that stretch of the A1.

Regarding the suitcases. If you have sufficient room scatter all the contents inside the car/trunk in a huge messy way. If they take the suitcase they will be empty and they won't have the time to pack the contents scattered all over. Valuables will be with you of course.

One other thought, do not leave maps or other tourist trappings visible. No point advertising there is 'hidden treasure'

.....any fears of theft I have have come from reading these forums! ;) ........

That is part of the problem and that is often a small rant by some of us. In the process of cautioning people we tend to focus on the extreme. And, since that is what you are worried about, then that become more reinforced in your brain. I have posted frequently that we have traveled in Europe for nearly a year total time over 20, 22 years and have never had a problem. Maybe one or two semi-close calls but not sure about that. I cannot even say that I have seen a pickpocket but others will claim that they see two or three pickpockets every block. Recently have had cars in both Italy and France with luggage and again no problem. Maybe we are just lucky and maybe we will be hit the next time. But the overall probability is still quite low. A possibility ?? Yes. Highly likely - probably not. Don't know what else to say.

We've done it a couple of times in Italy, it is what it is, you have to do it sometimes. Our suitcases were hidden. You will be safe parking at Civita di Bagnoregio (unless it has changed), a very good stop for lunch if you can manage the bridge by foot.