PHW Loc: Madison, WI

Go to Germany instead.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hi wkocken, you seem have have made a good choice for your equipment when visiting Rome as it will be very crowded especially when using the Metro. I use a sling strap so my camera can be kept at hip level and and quickly slid into the shooting position and when not in use especially in crowded place I move the camera round to the front such as a neck strap. If it's not too warm wear a light jacket so the camera and strap cannot be seen otherwise I always take a light pullover which can be tied round you waist which does the same thing when the camera is slid to the front.
The same applies in Florence and Venice also some of the busy train stations, just don't trust anyone who get to close to you.
Do you know about getting your tickets authorised at Italian and many other European train stations, it can mean a hefty fine if you don't do it
Have a great time in the Cinque Terre.
John

mcm981 Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Went to Venice, Florence and Rome this past May. Used an over the shoulder messenger style photo bag, kept the flap against my body and did not have any problems. Did notice that many Italian men use smaller messenger style across the shoulder bags for daily use instead of briefcases or backpacks.

While in Venice do not miss the Island of Burano. Brightly painted houses on small canals and a leaning Church Bell Tower. If their is a photographers heaven a piece of it would look like Burano.

Woodham Lock Loc: Woodham UK

Use something that does not look like a camera bag. You should not have a problem outside of big cities. Naples can be a problem and sometimes Rome. Scooter passengers can pull a strap bag off your shoulder. Also be careful at cash points. The Cinque Terre is a fantastic trip. Have a good time.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

There are backpacks that open on the side that's up against your back, so unzipping it is not possible while you're wearing it. Of course, slashing it is. You can also find packs with steel webbing sewn in for security. The same goes for the straps - steel cords inside them.

If you're carrying your Canon separately and have the compact camera in your pocket, what would you be losing except some snacks and rain gear? I don't think thieves would try to steal justany backpack they see. If you're using a bag with "CANON" emblazoned on the back, that would be a perfect target.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Excellent idea. My spouse and I are including 8 days based in Paris this coming September and October. We have been finding all sorts of cautions posted on Trip Advisor about scams and thieves in some of the larger tourist attractions cities in Europe. They all tell you to keep only the cash and cc you need for that day in your pocket or wallet and to keep all other cash, cc's, passports, tickets, etc. either in a money pouch worn around your waist under your clothes or in your hotel safe.
As for the way we handle it - each of us carry our own passports, cc's, cash not needed for that day, other hard-to-replace items in money pouches worn on our waists. We also each carry a copy of the other's PP in the money pouch. We do not really trust the in room safes (either overseas or here in the US). As for my photography equipment when in large, crowded cities, I plan for the day in the AM or in segments during the day. I carry my camera and lenses around my neck with one hand on my camera at all times. This becomes second nature very quickly. Extra batteries and memory cards are kept in zipped pockets in my convertible pants (a must as far as I am concerned). If weather permits, I wear my light weight LL Bean jacket with the inside pockets. I can zip this closed over my camera over my neck for extra security leaving me with 2 free hands. There is no way either my spouse or I ever set our things down for so much as a second. One of us holds whatever "it" is for the other. Neither of us ever wears a fannypack/belly bag in these situations. I have a Lowepro 22L backpack that I use as a carry on for my camera & equipment. If I must have this with me on the street, I either wear it on the front of my body (uncomfortable!) or put paper clips through the zipper tabs to keep them together. The Lowepro pack I have is designed such that the zipper access to the camera section sits against your back. Very secure in that respect. This bag also has space for my iPad and a section for extra socks, rain gear, lunch, etc. etc. It is a manageable size and works for me.
This may seem paranoid, but it works for us. We travel frequently and have never had the slightest problem.
I would suggest that you check out the forums on Trip Advisor to get additional detailed suggestions/warnings for the areas to which you will be travelling. Basically, the warnings are to be ever vigilant. They also suggest that whenever travelling by train or subway/metro to stay away from the exit doors. Go check out the Trip Advisor forums. You will find a wealth of information.
Mike

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Just returned from Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre, Genoa, & Milan. In my case, I used my backpack to transport camera body, lenses (2), battery chargers, computer, hard drives, etc. I packed a courier bag inside my softsided suitcase and then broke it out to carry lens and camera at my destination.

Take your tripod. There will be occasions to use it although not so much in the busy cities.

Do watch out for pickpockets. Especially in and about train stations.

HTH

hikercheryl Loc: Madison, NC

I second Pacsafe. Even if you don't get the camera bag, any Pacsafe bag with the wire mesh straps will help. Check out the whole line.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

An old friend who frequently traveled in Italy used to carry his cash tucked into the top of his sock.
I've never had a problem in Italy (years ago) or in Sicily this year, but I would be aware of the gypsies who often use children to distract the intended victim.

Hopesfate Loc: NC

While I have not been to Italy so I can't comment about it.
I have a coat as well as a vest from a company called Scottevest.
Their items are all made with many pockets so that you can store your
electronics and money as well as other items and not even look so much like a typical "tourist". The vest is well made and I love the fabric.
I carry most anything that I need and it even keeps me from having to carry a purse while traveling. If you don't care for the vest or jacket themselves many people wear the vest like under their own jacket.
While they are a bit pricy if you sign up for their email specials they have a 20% off daily deal everyday. What I like about them is I can actually dress the vest up or wear it hiking. It's very versatile.
I know you weren't enquiring about a vest or jacket but thought it may be useful. I 💜 mine! Below is the link to their site. Sounds like a wonderful trip!
www.scottevest.com/

Mitch35 Loc: Arkansas

Several years ago on a trip to Peru we heard of thieves using razor blades to slice the bottom of back packs. I bought some wire mesh at the hardware store and lined the bottom of our packs. Light, cheap and easy to do. Threw the mesh away when we got home.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Just back from Spain, in March. I found the U.S. credit card industry is light years behind the Europeans. Europe is now using a "chipped" card, and many places do not have a strip reader type system that American companies use. You may want to get a "chipped card" from American Express, VISA, and some other companies. Just give your credit card company a call. Tell them you are travelling to Europe, give the dates and ask for a "chipped card." It will make any purchase much easier while your there. Plus, it give added security for you, since the company can cancel the chip if it is stolen. The card also has the normal strip that can be used in the U.S.

WATCH for PICKPOCKET at the Trivi Fountain in ROME. The area is always crowded, or packed with tourists. There is little room to breath between the store across the walkway, and the fountain. It is also the place were every tour drops their people. I found someones hand in my pocket there, the hand was not mine.

RAK Loc: Concord Ca

My wife and I took a trip to Italy when my daughter was stationed there in Signela. One day when we exited the pope palace we spied a hot dog vendor. The girls both yearned for american food. So off we went. My wife and daughter both wanted to go shopping and I was spent wanting nothing more that a cocktail and so my wife handed me a fifty euro to tide me over. As we approached the vendor a gentleman came up and patted me on the shoulder and acted as our host asking what we wanted. We told him and were given our orders. I withdrew and took a taxi back to our hotel. As I approached my destination I took out my "Wallet" This consisted of my room key,ID and ATM Card with the fifty folded and secured by a rubber band, secreted in my FRONT pocket. What I discovered was ten Euros. I had to stop at the ATM to pay the taxi and have drinks. That little bastard had pick pocketed me and made change so as to not make me notice! Beware this is not the only instance of this sort of thing I observed while in Italy. They are extrordinarily wiley there and the sohpisitcation of their thievery will completely astound you. Be very carefull!

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Remember, in any foreign country you, as a American, are constantly being watched by the thieves of that country. Never pull your wallet out of your pocket in public. This single action reveals the location of your hiding place for credit cards, and cash. If you are given cash, go to a indoor place to store your money, if possible go to the bathroom, into a stall for max. privacy.

I carry my real wallet in another place, inside of my clothes. I carry a spare wallet in my front pocket, for only small cash, and one credit card.

normpel Loc: Mass, R.I., Maryland

I just got back from Rome, Florence, and a few other cities. Had no problem. I had the strap of my bag around my neck and off to one side. It wasn't really a camera bag but more of a plane carry-on bag that had pockets on it for water bottle, etc. The only problem I had was that I had it filled with too much stuff and the seams started to pull apart. I discarded it after my trip but it served its purpose.