I loved Greece, but schlepping on the ferries between islands is less than glamourous. Just prepare for that.

Anonymous wrote:I am curious having never been to either, to hear about what you will avoid next time, what went wrong on your trip, and any other considerations for first timers to have to these countries.

I didn’t have any issues in Greece (there for a month), but DO NOT underestimate the pickpocket issue with Italy. It is bad, so beware of all your things at all times, especially in the cities. The thieves are slick, stealth and quick.

I didn't have a terrible time in the Greek islands (Santorini for 15 days, Mykonos for 5 & Naxos for 6) but there are just things to know and I wouldn't go back. The islands aren't super easy to get to and you shouldn't plan on island hopping and the Greeks aren't exactly great at logistics. The beaches in Santorini & Mykonos are only ok. There is no breakfast unless you are at a hotel that provides it. You really need to plan a boat trip or 2, there are tons of random stray animals in certain parts and I found Oia and Fira filthy.

We a great time in Italy in the fall, perfect weather.

My friends went in the summer and were drenched in sweat all day every day. Why Americans want to visit a place during the season where it can be 100 degrees with lackluster/limited air conditioning beats me.

I think some people don’t research or consider seasonal weather at all when traveling. I also have a lower tolerance for sweating all day on a vacation and don’t find that to be fun (unless it’s a beach vacation where you’re hopping in and out of the water).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are young and reasonably attractive, traveling without a family, the men in Italy are incredibly obnoxious. It gets worse the further south you go. Couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

Friends who hated Greece said it was because of harassment from men.

Maybe 20 years ago, but not now.

I was in Milan, Bologna and Athens Feb 2024.

Pleasant weather. No crowds. Lower prices. We booked group tours the turned into private tours.

Consider winter break and spring break.

Summer can be unbearably hot and crowded.

It was a really long time ago but I went to Florence with my 18 month old DS. I traveled a lot with him as a single parent and Italy was the only place where I was hit on, with my DS in tow, outside of the art museum by a fellow.

Otherwise I really enjoyed the trip.

Anonymous wrote:Italy was great, but couldn’t find any restaurants that had endless soup, salad and breadsticks!

And when I was there, they didn’t treat me like family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The heat...even in September Rome was very very hot. Plus not being able to check into most hotels until 3/4pm, while arriving at 7am was brutal. That's always an issue with direct flights to Europe from DC, but when we brought our 3 kids it was particularly hard.

This is why I always book the hotel for the night before and call to let them know we will be arriving early morning. A few hours nap, showers, and we are good to go. Also helps with jet lag.

same. worth the $.

This. Worth every penny. Our family flies Coach, because we don’t sleep on planes regardless, but always books rooms for the night before.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:US just elevated risk level

Italy us full of pick pockets and criminals

Flooding is horrible

Americans are not welcome now and it’s getting worse by the day.

Is the coast pretty sure

Worth the trip right now no

lol meanwhile the US is just disappearing Green Card holders, but sure, be weary of pickpockets.

Europe tolerates pickpocketing. The US tolerates school shootings.

The only thing that extremely bothered me was the the cigarette smoke while having lunch outdoors. People smoked while sitting next to our table with lake or mountain view.

I went to Rome in July. Had the best time.