"A new Italian renaissance is waiting in the wings, and there’s no better time to start planning your next visit."- Maria Shollenbarger, T&L, November 12th, 2020.
It comes as no surprise to me that Italy takes home top honors this year. One would think that after having lived in Italy and traveled there as much as I have, I would pick somewhere new to visit this year, but no. Italy is like an old flame. Try as you might, you just can’t quite get over her, and she knows you’ll show up back on her doorstep sooner rather than later.
Come every January, it consistently ranks in the top five places to go. Whether it’s a client-facing luxury travel publication or an industry professionals marketing publication, Italy is always there.
Maybe Italy’s magic is just that. Her unflagging consistency. She never fails to surprise and delight. La dolce vita never grows tired or stale. Why? The people. Arguably the warmest culture on planet Earth, the only thing Italians love more than Italy itself is sharing that love with people from everywhere else. Hospitality is essential to Italian culture. Let your guard down and give yourself a moment to enjoy the aperitivo in Venice alongside a gaggle of Italians you just met, and I promise it will quickly feel as natural as a backyard barbecue with your best friends.
Before you mark your vacation days on the calendar this year, here’s what you need to know:
Put Italy on the list. Even if it’s your 10th time. It will be an epic reunion.
Start planning early. Plan for fall 2021.
Your Euro will go farther than with the neighbors. Italy is significantly less expensive than Switzerland, France, and Monaco, especially in the off and shoulder seasons.
It’s as important “to be” as it is “to see” on an Italian vacation. Build in time to linger over espresso. Wake up with no particular place to go. Just be.
Italy East to West is like driving from Nashville to the East side of Cookeville. Pick a home base and explore. Find accommodation that suits you in the main city where you are and day-trip. You can do this by train, by car & driver, or self-drive. Your trip, your preference.
My choices for a first timer or a special visit to old familiar spots? Rome/Lazio, Veneto, Liguria, Tuscany/Florence. I say Amalfi too, but only because it is so very popular
