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Overseas travel question

I know I've asked some questions re: Italy before, but I've never been in the position I am now to possibly make it happen. Since I am now single and am finally getting where I want to be financially, I am planning a trip for my 30th birthday (a little over a year away, but plenty of time to save up and make it happen). I've been looking at different websites and keep reading how incredibly hot it is in Italy in August/September which is when I would probably be looking at going.

So for those of you that have been, what are your thoughts? My gut reaction is that these people have never endured our amazingly hot Texas summers before and that it would be just fine. The research I've been doing even in August (their hottest month) the average is highs in the 80s maybe low 90s which my thoughts are not too hot at all. I will probably later post on the travel board, but thought I would get input from those of us that really know "hot." Wink

**nestie formerly known as thegastons**

Re: Overseas travel question

  • I think the issue that might make it more unbearable is that it is still pretty uncommon to have A/C in most European countries. My friend spent last summer in Moscow and was absolutely miserable because there is no break from the heat, indoors or outdoors. 

    I've been to Europe in the winter and loved it. 

    Business Cat. image
  • imageAustinMimi:

    I think the issue that might make it more unbearable is that it is still pretty uncommon to have A/C in most European countries.

    This is the other thing I was kinda wondering as well. That would definitely make more sense.

    **nestie formerly known as thegastons**
  • I've never been so I have no advice but I'm totally jealous! Sounds like so much fun. You definitely deserve it!
    image
  • When we were looking at going we were thinking around that time, average highs are mid 80s.  To me, that's perfect.  I mean, yes, no A/C, but most sight seeing you aren't inside anyways, and night temps would be perfect.
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • It will be warm, yes, but bearable.  Keep in mind though that many Italians travel during the month of August, so a lot of places (stores, restaurants, etc) end up being closed that month.  This is particularly true for the smaller towns.  I'd recommend shooting for September, if possible.
  • We spent a week there during our honeymoon this past May. It was "unseasonably hot" there that month and it was almost miserable. In fact it was one of the things we would've changed about the whole trip, if possible! So, if it will be like that in August, be warned.

    One of the places we visited was the Pope's "Summer Home". It is in the mountains near a lake so it was cooler there. Rome is apparently SO unbearable during the heat of the summer that even the Pope has left there for YEARS!

    PP have already said a couple of things to consider... a lot of our hotels either didn't have AC or they don't run nearly as cool as we are accustomed to. We spent some sticky and uncomfortable nights with the windows open.

    And the comment about August being the summer travel time for Italians is very true... they leave the heat too. :o)

    I am happy to answer any questions about Italy- we hit all the major cities! You can email me at amycita at yahoo. Also the ladies on the Travel board are VERY helpful!

     

    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • Thanks ladies for the input! Like I mentioned originally, this is going to be a year in the making so I'm just starting the whole planning of it.

    a-c-d, I'm sure I will be talking to you more! I'm not sure yet exactly where I want to go, but being that you just went you would probably have some great rec's!

    **nestie formerly known as thegastons**
  • Ditto the no a/c. Also, hotels and such might not have screens, if there are mosquitoes, you might get eaten alive, I know I do. It might also be more humid, which adds to the grossness factor, esp when dealing w/Europeans who usually only wear deodorant (if you're lucky!) and not antiperspirant. And yes, Aug is basically when all of Europe shuts down so I'd def shoot for Sept. You'll prob get better airfare/hotel deals too since it will be off season. Have fun! I still dream about Italian food....mmmmmm....
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • <humblebrag>

    I just got back from Italy.  It's warm, but not as warm as Texas!  Where do you want to go?  I found that anytime you're inland or in a city (Tuscany, Rome, Milan, Venice because it's so close in quarters) the heat is harder to bear.  However, when we were there two years ago, we stayed in a 400 year old villa outside Florence that did not have AC, but the walls were a foot thick so as long as you kept the shutters closed during the day, the room stayed cool.  But just in general, I feel like they do not use AC as liberally as we do.  I would not let this factor sway you.

    The worst thing about traveling in Aug is the crowds and the prices.  This is peak season so you will pay a premium.  There will also be a TON of people everywhere that is even remotely touristy.  We just went to the Cinque Terre this time (first week of August) which consists of tiny coastal towns but even then I got a little claustrophobic on the trains and the beaches were quite packed.  You just want to be sure you take your time and try to stay off the beaten path and follow the locals to avoid the touristy areas.  If you really want to hit the popular areas, you might be out of luck as far as crowds and prices.  The Vatican Museum was ridiculous as far as the amount of people they crammed in there (though it was the first day after it was closed after the Obamas visited so that's probably why).  And being hot and in crowds when your feet hurt from all the walking is no fun.  

    My recommendation if you want to go that time of year: stay near the coast in a small town where you can enjoy la dolce vita!  And when the day gets too hot, go to the beach!  We never even turned on our AC because we opened the windows/french doors and the breeze from the sea wafted into our room and cooled it off every night.  Sigh.

    </humblebrag>

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