I am pondering whether to go to Florence for a week leaving next week. I am a 33 year-old woman who has never traveled alone. I have studied Italian for years and can get by fairly well. Florence is the only one of the "big 3" that I haven't been to. What are the pros/cons of this time of year? I checked the forecast, it seems very similar to NYC weather right now. Is it festive? Are their Christmas Markets? The dollar is fairly strong (based on the past few years), flights are cheap and I found a room for $50 a night. Any thoughts?? Thanks!

AP, all I can say is that having looked at pics of Venice today where locals and visitors are knee deep in water, Florence sounds like a good choice for your impromptu trip.

Enjoy@

I think it is an excellent idea. It is very easy to travel alone in Florence. It should be a wonderful time of year too, I have never been there near the holidays but I was there in the winter before, it was glorious. Have a great time and write us a report, I am jealous!!

Yes, I am really missing Italy this year! And I have always wanted to travel alone. I assume I will probably get more out of the trip, as I will be trying to engage the locals more in conversation if I am not with a travel partner.... I am going to decide tomorrow. Thanks!

It will be very cold AP6380 so pack accordingly but Florence is a wonderful city for those visiting on their own.

It sounds like a great idea! Please post about it when you get back.

When I looked at the current weather, it shows temps in the 50s for the next several days, and the lowest temp I saw in the extended forecast was 49---I am talking about high temps for each day, not the lows---which to this MA resident sounds positively spring-like! It all depends on what you are used to.....