Going to Europe for the first time. Any tips?

way too many places for only 14 days. travel takes up a lot of time.


You could spend a week alone in just London, Rome, Paris, etc.

quote:

---

way too many places for only 14 days. travel takes up a lot of time.


You could spend a week alone in just London, Rome, Paris, etc.

---

I was afraid of this.

Can't speak to Rome but there are definitely gypsies with a lot of different scams in Paris.

The biggest one is they have a clipboard and ask you to stop and take a survey. While distracted one of them will rob you. Just keep walking.

The eiffel tower and surrounding area is the worst spot for refugees scamming and selling worthless shite. The rest of the inner districts are ok.

Whew, I wish I still had the energy to contemplate an itinerary that wide-ranging in 2 weeks. Makes my old azz tired just thinking about it! Have been to everything on your list, I'd probably choose to skip Pompeii & Capri in favor of starting in Rome & moving north the whole time. Beginning in Rome & going down to Pompeii/Naples/Capri is out of your way. Continuing northward makes things a bit more efficient; you won't be doubling-back on yourself that way. I'd also skip Pisa, too, in favor of more time in Rome or Florence.

Yes, leave your expensive watch at home, along w/any jewelry. Make sure you have a daypack or lighter bag you can separate from your bigger rucksack so you can take advantage of luggage storage @ train stations or in hostel lockers/luggage drops. Don't just consider hostels, but also look for religious housing--monasteries and convents rent rooms to travelers too (though some have early "lock out" hours if you're a night owl).

Biggest first-timer tip: don't overpack. Figure out a basic wardrobe that can be dressed up or down, don't be an ugly american in cargo shorts & a logo t-shirt. You will receive slightly better treatment if you don't look like a hobo or street person. Make sure you pack undies & socks that can be washed in a sink, along w/a small bar of soap or thin soap wafer sheets. A quick drying microfiber washcloth and small towel are great for personal care, for a picnic, impromptu trip to the beach, rolled up as a pillow, etc etc. If female, an oversized cotton scarf is a must (swim cover up, wrap, etc). If male, at least one collared, long sleeve shirt.

Knuckle band aids are great for covering foot blisters, and Vapur collapsible water bottles are worth their weight in gold as you can refill wherever you find free water & they fit easily in a pocket.

quote:

---

Best places to eat? Should we look for hole in the wall restaurants?

---

Yes, look for the hole in the wall restaurants or top suggestions on the web. If someone has to shove the menu in your face to sell you on their place it probably is average. You can fall into a lot of traps like this in Rome.

quote:

---

Best places to eat? Should we look for hole in the wall restaurants?

---

I'm visiting Europe for 17 days in June. I plan to just look for hole in the wall restaurants. I'm focusing my planning on hotels/hostels and just letting the food/entertainment happen.

quote:

---

I heard pickpocketing was bad. Should I leave my nice watch at home?

---

Not a bad idea. Thanks for the heads up.

Agreed. Being an ugly American has little to do with what you wear. I say little because if you do a tour of a church don't show up in shorts and a tank top. It's downright disrespectful.

Expecting everyone you meet to speak English? Now that is being an ugly American.

The big churches like St. Mark's Basilica and The Vatican and St. Pete's have dress codes, particularly for women. They will require a shawl to cover bare shoulders. Men aren't supposed to wear shorts but many people ignore the rules.

Yes, people break the rules but I'd prefer to give proper respect and dress the way they ask.

The Vatican

quote:

---

As a sign of respect most visitors wear long-sleeve shirts and a pair of long pants. For those visiting the Vatican who come unprepared, as a way to skip around the dress code of the Vatican you can purchase plastic cloaks that you can wrap around yourself to cover your knees and shoulders.

---

St. Mark's Basilica

quote:

---

A note to females - you will absolutely not be allowed inside the church with shoulders or knees visible. You will see plenty in line not covered but they will be pulled aside and made to purchase a cover up for around 1 euro once you get closer to the door. I recommend covering up if you can or expect to buy a cover.

---

quote:

---

The dress code at the Basilica San Marco restrictions do not allow: tank tops, sleeveless shirts, shorts, and exposed knees. Capris for women are fine. Most men were wearing pants or long cargo type shorts that cover the knee.

---

quote:

---

St.Peter's Basilica & Sistine Chapel / Vatican Museums Dress Code:

Men:
Men should wear long pants and short sleeves t-shirts or shirts are OK but no vest tops.
Jeans are OK, official rules state no shorts.
As summers can be very hot the Vatican do sometimes relax the rules and allow Men to wear shorts however it is worth noting that this may not always be the case and the official dress code does state no shorts.
It is good perhaps to carry a pair of long pants with you in case or wear the cargo style pants that allow you to unzip the lower legs to create shorts when needed.
Men should also be aware that hats need to be removed before entering any church or Chapel which includes St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

Women:
Women can wear trousers, capri pants and skirts and dresses are permitted however they cannot be shorter than knee length and shoulders must be covered.
In very hot weather a shawl or large scarf/Pashmina can be draped around the shoulders for visiting the sites.
Bare shoulders and short skirts are not permitted and again come prepared to cover up if wearing shorts.

Accepted
Mens
- Long pants
- At least short sleeves

Women
- The knees covered
- At least short sleeves
Rejected
- Shorts
- T-shirts without sleeves
- Short skirts
- Baseball caps inside the churches

---

YMMV as some guards are more lenient than others.

Beware of terrorists