There’s nothing more romantic than floating down the tranquil waters of Venice’s Canal Grande.
Venice is everything you want in a vacation – a culturally-rich atmosphere and history, intriguing language, beautiful landscape, and best of all – a culinary experience coveted by the whole world.
While this year is probably no-go, you can start planning an epic Venetian getaway for next year.
Prior to the pandemic, many popular destinations were devising plans to help with the problem of overcrowding from tourists.
What no one saw coming was the massive airline shutdowns and border closures in response to the coronavirus that ended up devastating the tourism and travel industries in ways we never imagined.
Some airlines like Trans States Airlines have completely dissolved, while others like Virgin Australia have filed for bankruptcy hoping to be rescued through COVID relief funds offered by the government.
Thankfully, this year has been much more promising than last with many flights and destinations available so long as you comply with strict mask mandates, vaccinations, and testing.
And although, technically, you may be able to travel to Italy right now, the EU is working tirelessly on restricting access to Unites States citizens in the very near future, according to CBS News.
But viewing St. Mark’s Basilica will probably not be the same behind a mask – and that’s assuming you already have your vaccination card ready to show anyone who asks for it.
So we’re hoping next year will finally be the year to enjoy all the beautiful sights and sounds of Italy’s most beloved “City of Canals.”
But……. there are a few caveats.
In order to curb an influx of tourists, there will be a limited number of travelers allowed in the city center at any given time.
In addition, there will be an entry fee required for tourists of up to $12 beginning next summer, Travel and Leisure reports.
During the pandemic, Venice was able to get a taste of the Old City life, long before the countless flow of tourists caused rent prices to go up and locals to seek shelter outside of the bustling city.
Priorto the pandemic, Venice would pull in over 80,000 tourists a day during its peak season, Travel and Leisure shares, making it nearly impossible for locals to enjoy their own city.
The Italian government has not announced what the cap will be on daily tourists, but there will be capacity limits Italian newspaper La Stampa warns.
But you can avoid the entry fee into Venice if you stay overnight locally since you’ll be paying a nightly tax to stay in the city.
“Residents, their relatives, and children young than six,” will also be exempt from the extra cost, reports Travel and Leisure.
Italy has also declared the waters surrounding Venice a national monument, so large cruise ships can no longer dock in the sacred waters.
With all the new policies in place, it should make strolling the passageways over the 100 different islands that make up Venice much more accessible without the herds of cameras and fanny packs.
Although, being able to just walk up and get some gelato may make you get more than you promised yourself.
To make the trip even more “safe,” you could book one of the famous COVID-19 free flights offered by Delta Airlines who joined up with Italy’s Aeroporti di Roma and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport where your risk of contracting the virus on the flight is one in a million, or so they claim.
Venice is a must-see destination for both the novice and pro-traveler alike, so begin the first step in making memories you will hold onto forever by booking next summer’s enchanting vacation.
