Any suggestions? I am going to Europe for a little under a month next month. Going to Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Paris, London and Edinburgh. Looking for any "must-see's", off the beaten track, good shopping/eating ideas. Thanks in advance for any help!

Hello nmaiden13

Since you are going to Europe I won't give you an sggestion now but a very important advice:

BE CAREFUL WITH THE PICKPOCKETS ON THE STREETS.

My first time in Europe I went to Spain (Madrid and Avila). While in Madrid I saw two robberies in progress, and I was about to be mugged twice.
Before going to Spain I knew that pickpockets are very common all over Europe. Most travel books (guides) advice you to watch for these people.

The second time in Europe I spent 15 days and went to 4 counttries: England: (london- the Inglish Cannel-the cliffs of Dover), Italy: (Rome- Florence-Pisa- Toscany), FranceParis-Nice-Monte Carlo-Eze), and Switzerland(Lausanne and Lake Geneva).

During my second day in Rome I was walking towards to the Spanish Steps when I was approached by 3 young girls speaking a strange language and waving a piece of paper in front of my face to distract me. They got very close to me and I did not understand what they were saying. Then they left very fast and checked into my pockets and I realized that my wallet with all my money, credit cards, drivers license, etc... were gone!!
It was the second day of my 15 day trip and this was a horrible situation. I went back to the hotel, cancel my credit card, cancel a visit to a place otside Rome, and I ask to the hotel to do something for me (this was very embarrassing ):I told her what had happen, and that I had no money, then I asked her if she could get me something to eat because I had only had breakfast. She called the restaurant and my dinner was served in this beautiful outside patio.
When I got to France I was able to get a new credit card and $500 for the rest of my trip.
After all, this has been my best vacation ever.
I love Europe, especially Rome.

Suggestions: Go to your public library and get one of those travel guides, they are very helpful. You can even take with you on your trip; I did this when I went to Spain.
Also: if you do not want to spend to much in hotels, find out about some seminaries or convents that rent rooms for touist at lower prices.

Remember: when in Rome, be careful with the pickpockets, and do not carry anything in your back pockets but in the front ones. But most important is not to carry cash like I did (stupid me), but I had a good reason for doing so.

I wish you a safe and happy vacation.
Rudy in New York.

Thanks so much Rudy! I really appreciate the advice. I have heard the pickpockets in Italy can be intense. I am going out to buy my money belt which goes beneath my clothes today to safeguard my money and credit cards. I really appreciate your advice and am getting really excited about the trip. Only 18 days left until I leave for 3 weeks! Thanks again!