sandi_travelnut

My friend is visiting her daughter in Lugano, Switzerland at the end of October. She and her daughter would like a long weekend in Italy and I thought Venice would be a good location for them. Neither has been to Venice, the weather should be nice and fewer crowds. On the Euro Rails website, it asked me to put in a larger city instead of Lugano for it to find the train station. What is the suggestion for the nearest city that would have a large station?
Also, they will be sharing a room in Venice and would like a comfortable place for less than 200. dollar a night. It's been since 2004 since I was in Venice last and no longer know nice, clean, cheaper hotels there. Looking for travel and hotel suggestions.

Thanks!

Dukey1

They can travel from Lugano. Probably have to change in Milan. You can look up schedules and prices on the SwissRail site

SBB.CH/en

Don't order tickets through an agency as there is a mark-up.

You can order the tickets on the Swiss site and pick them up at a station in Switzerland after arrival.

sandi_travelnut

Thanks!

ticadonnita

Is the weather usually mild in mid. Oct. in Venice? We live in Costa Rica with little need for warm clothes, and I am hoping to travel with only carry-ons. I will buy a light jacket and figure out some layers.

adrienne

It will be cold by the water at the end of October, a bit warmer once you're surrounded by buildings. Also prepare for rain.

Besides the light jacket (which should be waterproof) you should have a warm sweater and a turtleneck underneath it. Also a scarf (pashmina) and gloves. Waterproof boots in case you encounter the acqua alta (high waters) of Venice.

ticadonnita

Thanks, Adrienne. We will be in Venice Oct. 11-13, so here's hoping there is no aqua alta as I definitely cannot fit boots in a carry-on. May have to rethink this packing light.

sandi_travelnut

I live in Texas so to me, the temps are mild in the day. I've been there several times during that time frame and it was long sleeves in the day and sweaters at night...which is perfect. I still need a good hotel for them at 200. dollars and under. Hotel Flora seems to be sold out. I've looked online but would love some personal recommendations.

ticadonnita

sandi, We used airbnb.com to stay in apts. in Florence and Venice. The accommodations range from very basic to an entire home or villa... and prices seem very good compared to hotels and I only went with the 5 star reviews. I will let you know how our place is once we get to Venice.
I am hoping a light, waterproof jacket will suffice for my trip with layering underneath... Maybe I can fit in one sweater. Just starting to see if I can fit all in one carry-on.

adrienne

A warm sweater does not have to be bulky but it does need to be tightly woven and of a natural fiber. Try for several thin layers - tank top, shirt, sweater, jacket. The jacket can be a windbreaker that folds into a pouch. I always throw a tank top into my suitcase which, by itself, is not warm but adds a layer so it does add warmth.

sandi_travelnut

Hotels, please!!

Dukey1

Locanda Orseolo or go on Trip Advisor.

sandi_travelnut

I have gone to tripadvisor.