My husband and I will be attending carnevale in Venice in February. I'd love to bring my fur coat, as the weather will most likely be cold and maybe damp. What do you folks think? Is it too risky? I've beem to Italy several times, but never in winter. Thanks.....

Italian ladies love their fur coats; if you don't mind the bulk, and if it's very cold, then take it.

My one concern is that you might have more rain than snow in Venice and a WET fur is not a happy fur, nor a fun one. Also, if temps are in the mid to upper 40s or low 50s F and you have it on, you can be sweltering, esp if you are talking about a full-length coat. So, if you bring it, be sure to bring another warm coat (like a lined raincoat) for the rainy not-freezing days or for warmer days.

Assuming its insured and it is not of any sentimental value, then you can leave it in your hotel room closet when you are not wearing it, I think it would be perfectly safe, but don't bring it if it isn't insured or if it would ruin your trip to lose it even if it is insured.

I personally love fur coats on planes, they are a big warm blanket. Good for trains in Europe too.

Austria, particularly Vienna, is the place to go if you want to wear a fur. It's (arguably) the most fur-wearing city in Europe. I'm beginning to think all Viennese women are issued a full-length fur coat on their 40th birthday. And it is cold enough in winter to wear one.
A recent documentary on Vienna described how the city has become so popular with Italian women because they could wear their furs all day!

Wear your fur if you want in Venice, but have a backup as Cicerone suggested. Because it won't be the most comfortable coat if it's raining and not that cold.

When my two dogs come in out of the rain I am reminded of what fur coats look like in wet weather, not to mention the look in their eyes!

Hi RL ~

In Venice in particular, we saw women everywhere with their furs.

I don't know what to tell you about the rain, etc. Of course it would be a risk.

My DH and I traveled to Venice this past January and February, it was such a lovely time to be there, and will be a nice comparison since you have been to Italy several times but never in winter.

Enjoy!