Originally Posted by ghiaaa

I completely agree about language and ease of travel. I am not one to indulge in fear-mongering as I tire of defending my travel choices to family and friends who have media-skewed perceptions of places and cultures. With that being said, Rome has earned its reputation for pick-pocketers and other petty crimes that target tourists. I am 100% in agreement about educating yourself and not making yourself an easy target but I respectfully disagree that that is all it takes in Rome. My sister is a seasoned traveler and her husband lived his first 30 years in Italy. They go every Summer for my niece to spend time with her grandparents. They still have been robbed more than once in Rome. Last year I suggested that she fly into MXP and she very much had a different experience. It is noteworthy that my 10 year old niece loves Rome.

My comments regarding Rome aren't limited to pickpockets. There are other things to ease into; the nuances of queuing and personal space, getting used to being approached and even grabbed. These aren't bad things per se, but can be unsettling simply because they different than what most Americans are used to and easier to get comfortable with in some cities than others. London before Paris, Milan or Florence before Rome or Barcelona, Rome before Istanbul, etc. I reiterate, Rome is amazing but is kind of like doing a black diamond your first time on skis. Milan is (a very lovely) bunny slope. This is the advice I give my friends and family.