Get it first hand!
Spring is around the corner…and we are ready! Are you??
Wow! Where does the time go? Here we are in March and in just a few short weeks so much has changed! However, change is the name of the game and, probably, by the time you read this, there will be more! Keeping up makes an make you dizzy but, as always, I am HERE to help you navigate what’s happening here in the boot! …
COVID: Vaccinations, Masks, etc.
It’s hard to keep up but as of March 1st:
https://www.insidertravelreport.com/european-union-set-to-scrap-covid-testing-for-fully-vaccinated-travelers
Mario Draghi, Prime Minister of Italy, announced the end of the state of emergency (March 31) and easing of restrictions while keeping a close watch on cases and trends. Italy has been one of the (of not THE) most pro-active countries and definitely one of the strictest regarding wearing masks, vaccinations, Green Pass regulations, etc. And it has worked!
♦ MORE Great Travel TipZ ♦
⇒ Get Some EUROS!
If you’re planning on coming, the USD is strong against the EURO so it’s a good time to get some EUROS (please don’t wait til you’re at the airport!)
Yes, you can get more from ATM’s but you might pay service charges and there could be daily limits (check with your bank!). It’s ALWAYS a good idea to have enough to get you through the first view days of your trip! (And the Italians love ca$h so you can often get a better “deal” if you can pay with euros!)
⇒ Italy is NOT a Risky Place to Visit!
I don’t know what’s up with the CDC but Italy is one of the safest countries to visit here in Europe or anywhere for that matter! For current local updates, visit The Local Italy.
⇒ Plan AHEAD!
The restrictions are easing, people are traveling! Plan now and also plan those museum and site visits! Otherwise either you’ll spend hours in lines or you won’t even get in!
Read about some of the museums I LOVE to visit!
⇒ Spring is a few weeks away…
One of the best times but also one of the busiest! And there are a LOT of people who have been waiting for, literally, years to be able to travel!
In addition, there are many special events and exhibits. Check out local sites (e.g., The Florentine, Italy Magazine) for what’s happening! If you need more suggestions for different regions (e.g., Liguria/Italian Riviera, the Veneto, etc.), email me!
An example, here in Florence there are several extraordinary “once-in-a-lifetime” special exhibits:
⇒ Read my recent blog post: A Very Special Spring in Florence!
⇒ Support LOCAL Businesses!
The last two years have been very difficult for small businesses! Just because it looks like tourism is bouncing back, it’s not like turning on a faucet! They are working very hard to “come back”! Please be patient, and remember, you’re not home…you’re a guest! Please be a good guest!
Read about some of the Locals you can support here! Visit their shops, enjoy their hospitality, let them show you around… and if you need more suggestions, get in touch:
⇒ I LOVE Learning with Locals
⇒ Deja Vu Boo-boo’s
I see the same travel planning mistakes over and over…if you’re planning your next trip – whether it’s for a weekend or several weeks, please read:
A Dozen Common Travel Planning Mistakes
(and how to avoid them!)
Need Travel Planning Help? Ask a Professional!
It never ceases to amaze (and often amuse) me when I see people seeking travel advice on social media platforms or tell me that they “googled” it!
So, you’re going to use your well-earned vacation or retirement time and dollars for that dream trip and you’re asking for advice from…who?? Total strangers?
When I have an issue, say I need my taxes done, I want a professional, a qualified CPA. I don’t ask for tax advice on a public forum!And I expect to pay the CPA for his/her services. That’s remuneration for the benefit of their expertise, right?
So, it’s exactly the same with travel.
I can’t tell you how many times I get asked for “suggestions” about travel in Italy. Yes, that’s my specialty and I’ve spent years investing in traveling here, connecting with local destination experts and learning a hell of a lot. So when I’m asked to “give” suggestions, that’s my time and my time happens to be my livelihood.
♦ Here is what a few clients and friends had to say about my Italy travel planning services:
“My family and I were so lucky to have accidentally found Victoria! She has a wonderful treasure of information to share from her actual experiences! I had been searching on line for what to do while my family and I were in Italy and was getting more and more overwhelmed. I know from experience that things can not always be what they seem. I took myself to a travel agency, Santa Barbara Travel, and they referred me to Victoria De Maio who is actually living in Italy! We got referrals for all the cities we were visiting before we left, and help while we were actually in Italy. She not only had great ideas of how to spend our time wisely, but tips on things we may not have known about. Thank you Victoria!”
– Emmy Lou & Family
“Thank you a million times over for my trip of a lifetime. Being able to take in the beauty and history of with a friend who is so knowledgeable about Italy and her people was the icing on the cake!
So many great memories to hold in my heart, seeing David and our special time in Venice are at the top of my list. Being able to meet the charming friends you have made there and knowing you are not alone sets me at ease. Anyone who is contemplating a trip like this should look to you as an advisor in that not a minute was wasted, not only did we see everything on our list we virtually did it without being in a line of people and still had plenty of time to just relax and eat, drink, people watch and…just collect our thoughts…”
Ginny D.
Now it’s YOUR turn! Just CLICK Here and let’s get started!
Over 450+ Italy Travel TipZ!
⇒ Order today! Paperback or Kindle! ⇐
You will ♥ LOVE ♥ Victoria’s Travel TipZ – Italian Style if…
• You’ve never been to Italy and have always wanted to go.
• You know someone who is planning a trip to Italy.
• You ARE going to Italy and want to travel like a local, not a tourist.
• You have been to Italy and have vowed to return.
⇒Everything you need to know about planning for, traveling to and getting around in Italy! How do you find a taxi? Is it slow service or just the custom? “Food rules” – yes, there are many! How do you order a coffee? 25 useful words & phrases…
And MORE!
Your Comments & Questions are ALWAYS Welcome!
