funtrip

We are going to Florence, San Gimignano, Sardinia and Rome in early September and have been reading about the drought and high temps, especially in Sardinia. Does anyone have tips for surviving these conditions over there? Thanks!

Dukey1

Two days ago it was over 107 degrees here in Bologna. Yeah, I do have a survival rec: WAIT and the weather will change. It did here and it will there, too.

In the meanwhile, doing things early in the day; hydration on the move (and yes you CAN fill a water bottle at the tap in a hotel), walking in the shade, etc.

funtrip

If you mean to wait and travel later, we can't do that. If you mean wait and the weather will change before September, we definitely CAN do that . Thanks!

massimop

It is possible to get bad heat waves in early September (although rarely above 95F). It's still summer. Before you leave home, make up a list of things to do that will be a cool break: churches, crypts, tombs, museums, grand hotel lobbies/bars. If you usually don't do a lot of museums, there are quirky ones (shoe museums, hats, old medical instruments, music museums, etc). You can find info online

brink

Hi-- I'm traveling Italy this week and it's definitely hot. But that shouldn't deter you. A few tips (as I sit here on the terrace overlooking the water in Polignano del mare....)

- don't over pack. Not sure how you're traveling (car, train?) but regardless, you'll have to move your luggage around. Too much and you'll be even hotter. Trust me... I have too much and barely made a bus in 102 weather yesterday.

- light cotton clothes. Thin cotton that dries fast. Important for 2 reasons: you'll sweat a lot if it's hot... that's a fact of life. You want it to dry fast. And second, if you rinse it out at night, it will try overnight. (See above, pack light.) (note: not sure where exactly you're heading, but a light cotton or linen dress can take you everywhere in Italy. Muted colors... casual....seriously ideal for anything.

- leave jeans / sweaters at home. Unless you're going to the Dolomites, you don't need either and they're too bulky. (See above) you can always layer. I recommend a very light hoodie or pullover And a pair of long pants that you can wear on the plane (which does get chilly). Note--- unlike in many places where AC is so cold you need a sweater, I have not experienced that at all here. Even in the AC, it's still warm.

- sunglasses and a hat (you can always pick up a hat here... seems the locals make a killing on light hats here at the beach because us tourists were trying to pack lightly and left ours at home

- comfortable shoes. Not flip flops... the Italians really only wear them at the beach. A neutral pair of strapping leather sandals are an ideal match to any outfit. I see women in heels, but on these cobblestones, you'll hurt your back and furthermore kill your shoes. Go with flats or a small wedge.

- sunscreen.

I'm no expert on travel here... just speaking from experience. I hope it helps

massimop

I would ignore the above fashion advice about colors, materials & shoes & go with what works for you. Also, there are many parts of italy other than the Dolomiti where you will want something to ward off a chill breeze at night, especially if you are eating outdoors.

PalenQ

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...th-hazzard.cfm

Weird even with normally sweltering temps in much of Italy many Italians eschew AC because they believe it bad for health!

How's lunch sound in a restaurant sans AC in those temps or a taxi ride?

funtrip

Brink, thank you for such a thoughtful reply. We are definitely packing lightly, but with your recommendations, we're going to adjust a few things! Over here in the states, we are somewhat alarmed at the temps in Italy this summer.