A Vacation In A Dream Location-Italy

If you are looking for a dream location as a tourist, Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe.

Usually, the preferred travel times to visit Italy are in the spring (April to May) and fall (October to November). The choice of time will depend on what your goals are and what you want to see. During the spring and fall, the days are warm and long and the scenery is at it's best. Because of this, peak travel seasons bring peak hotel and air fares.

The summer (July and August) is humid and hot. Many great bargains are available from local shops, especially in July when sales are plentiful. Remember, Italians like to enjoy life and have a laid-back attitude. They especially enjoy lunches and might be closed during normal business hours.

Like many Europeans, August is when Italians take their annual holiday. If you choose to visit at that time, expect to find many shops and businesses closed. Cities (like Rome or Florence) will be relatively free of traffic, but the beaches will be full to overcrowded. Nightlife is at it's peak once the evenings have cooled down. If you plan to visit Venice, the warm summer temperatures create unpleasant smells from the canals.

If you would like to experience a quieter seaside, the months of June and September are the best. If you want to visit either the cities or countryside, choose April, May or October. Between November and March, the temperatures drop and the rainy season starts. Further north, the rain becomes snow, making this the best time to visit Northern Italy for skiing. Because this is the off travel season, air fares and hotel rates will be lower.

For those who want somebody else to plan events, holiday packages are available for guided tours. Tours range from luxury packages with all of the amenities, to bargain off-season deals. Packages are available that start from your home, or from anywhere in Italy, according to your preference.

If you feel like exploring new places on your own, or don’t like organized packages, try vacation rentals that offer privacy and flexibility. Prior to your trip, plan your travel. Decide what you want to see, and then look for competitive hotel rates near the places you want to visit. Set your own time schedule and priorities by renting a car and choosing your own locations based on your own experiences. Don’t forget to pack a travel guide. Travel guides that show restaurants, hotels, and route maps may prove the most useful.

If you are visiting small towns, not many people will be able to speak English. Packing an English-to-Italian dictionary that includes common phrases would be wise. Even though you may have problems communicating, Italians are generally very friendly and willing to help.

Vacanza felice! (Happy vacation!)