Pickpocketing

As you all are probably already aware, Rome as well as the rest of Italy has been labeled as one of the worst places for pickpocketers. Although crime in Rome has relatively decreased over the years, pickpocketing still seems to be extremely prominent. While I didn't have any problems with it in the four months I was in Rome, it is still something that everyone should take precautions to avoid.

The simplest way to avoid being a victim of a pickpocketer is to always be aware of your surroundings and to never get distracted. Gypsys and children are most often the people who steal the most and they will go to any means to get you distracted while another one steals your wallet. Signs that you may be in an unsafe situation could be things like people loudly arguing on a bus or metro train. Tourists will be so distracted by the use of the beautiful language that they'll be an easy target. Be aware when people come up to you and persistantly ask you for money or question you about something else. This is usually done to catch your attention while another gypsy or child steals whatever they can get their hands on. Also, the buses and metro buses in Italy are always packed. In Italy, there is alway room for one more Italian on a bus. Because of this, people will literally be shoulder to shoulder with you, making tourists extremely uncomfortable. Pickpocketers will take advantage of your distraction of the sweaty man pressed up against you and will discretely steal your wallet or slice the bottom of your purse. While on a crowded bus, always have your hand on the front pocket your wallet is in (never put your wallet in your back pocket) and always be aware of where your purse is and guard it with your hands. Pickpocketers won't come near someone who is prepared and doesn't appear gullible.

To avoid drive-by purse snatches, women should always carry a purse that can be thrown across your body. A really good website that I found that has other good recomendations like this is posted below. It lists areas in Rome that are more prone to pickpocketing as well as other things you can do to prevent it.

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/pickpocket-scams-reported-in-rome-italy

Traveling within Italy

There are so many beautiful places to go in Italy, it's hard to pick the ones that you would like to go to. But before you decide where you would like to go, it's important to know how to get there. The quickest and easiest way to get around Italy is by train. Termini Train Station, located in east Rome, is where you'll get your train tickets for your destination. Termini is also one of the largest train stations in Europe (Wikipedia). Here, you'll get your tickets to and from your destination. Also, be aware of promotions going on when buying tickets. Termini will sometimes have a deal where you can get two tickets for the price of one if you travel to a certain destination. You can find out about these deals at the Rome Termini website. Both the full semester and 5-weeks programs will be going on a trip to Assisi and is just north of Rome. Next to Rome, Assisi was my favorite place in Italy. You'll be taking a bus there, so you don't have to worry about train tickets or anything.

For those planning on making a trip to Florence, I will advise you that it's not all it's cracked up to be. It is very touristy in Florence, more so than in Rome. My dad and I went to Florence for his birthday when he came to visit me, and there wasn't really a lot to do. I enjoyed the Uffizi gallery, but that's just because I'm an art freak. Other than that, there really wasn't anything to do, and it really wasn't that different from Rome. So if you were thinking of going to Florence, I would advise you to go somewhere different. A few of the students went to the Amalfi Coast for a few days, and they really enjoyed it. It's rocky shores and beautiful scenery make for a great getaway. I would recommend going there.

If you are looking for a short getaway from Rome, Ostia Antica is a great option. It's located on the west shore of Italy and it's only about twenty to get there by metro. The beach here is wonderful, it makes you feel like you are not in Rome anymore because it's the complete opposite of what Rome is. This beach is peaceful and relaxing and despite the fact that you may have to occasionally fight off people selling jewelry and scarves, it's a great little day trip to get away from the chaos of Rome. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas and camp out on the beach for the whole day. There is a $5 admission charge to get onto the beach, but it's well worth it for a day full of relaxation.
WARNING: Italians don't always feel the need to wear a swimsuit, just be prepared for some of the sights you'll be taking in.

I didn't get to do a lot of traveling outside of class trips because I didn't have a lot of money, but if you do have the funds, go somewhere fun with your friends. If you are going to travel a lot, I would advise you against wearing yourself out traveling somewhere every weekend. It's a lot of money to travel that much, and sometimes it's nice to just get lost in Rome.