never traveled out of country--help!
 

My husband and I are going to Venice Italy in Jan '07 for 9 days (he will be in a training class for the week days)
1) What in the world will we do there, we have no idea what to expect, I will be by myself a good bit
2) I have never flown and am pretty worried about that!!!!!!!
Please give us some ideas, we are clueless!
Thanks for everything!!!

The fishing in the canals is world famous.

1. Thousands of guide books on Venice exist. Pick one and read it thoroughly.

2. Take a dose of your favorite central nervous system depressant and relax.

Go to the travel section of a large bookstore and start browsing through travel books about Italy and Venice. Buy the one that appeals the most to you. You might want to pick up a map of Venice at the same time.

I've only been to Europe twice. The first time I spent two weeks in France. The second over a week in Venice.

Venice is far, far easier than France. Relax, you'll love it.

0) Do you have a passport - if not you aren't going anywhere
1) Venice is disgusting, the roads are always flooded
2) It's like being locked in a cell but with worse food and better entertainment

OK - first of all see that "DESTINATIONS" up near your name on this screen? Click on it and then follow the links to Venice. There is a lot of info to get you started. Then come back w/ and ask some more detailed questions.

What do you want to know about flying? And where are you staying in Venice?

Also, if you've never flown before, are you prone to motion sickness?

I get motion sickness and don't particularly care for flying. I take Dramamine. It makes me sleepy so I don't get as anxious about flying and I don't get sick either.

I concur with other posters that preparation will definitely pay off, and want to add that traveling abroad is actually surprisingly easy and quite wonderful. Venice isn't perfect, but it has a unique ambiance. I suspect that you will have a marvelous experience!

What job does your husband have that they send him for a week of training in Venice, and how do I apply?

lisaray,

You might want to consider a walking tour.

At one time, American Express had a very good tour, which covered many of the city's important sites.

The guide we had was excellent. She told so many interesting tales of Venice and its history.

How lucky you are to be planning a trip to Venice!

Byrd

> The fishing in the canals is world famous.The fishing in the canals is world famous.

I'm not so sure about that one ;-) Otherwise, I agree with the other replies. You must be excited about the trip and you have chosen Venice for your first foreign travel. You are lucky!

Lots of clever replies, but you might need some more useful information than the streets-full-of-water line.

I agree that I would like to work for a company that would send me to Venice for training! What an opportunity!

1. Don't start at the bookstore; start at your public library. Ask the librarian to help you find books and articles on Venice and books and articles on coping with fear of flying. If you have never flown, it is mostly just the unknown that you are worrying about. Having reviewed the field for free, you can go to a bookstore and buy one or two guidebooks that fit your needs best. Come back to this list when you have more information and more questions -- like how to get around, what to eat, etc.

2. Make an itinerary of things that you read about that you would like to see -- from the fish and vegetable markets to glass-blowing to famous art to famous places to famous churches. What holidays and special events will be taking place while you are there? You are fortunate to be visiting at a time when it won't be too crowded. Some of the things you identify you will do on your own, some with your husband when (if) he has time. Sometimes these training courses are pretty intense and go right through the weekend.

3. Don't worry about not speaking Italian. Even lots of Italians cannot understand Venetians because they have a dialect of their own. Venice has been a tourist town for 700 years, and you will find people who can speak your language. BUT any Italian you can learn from a phrase book before you go will be to your advantage.

4. The weather is likely to be cool and gray -- nights in the 30's, highs in the high 40's. It is also likely to be damp.

5. Wear layers of clothes that won't absorb dampness (jeans are less good than other fabric because of this). You won't feel comfortable outdoors in sweats or other really casual clothes, but there is no reason you have to keep up with Italian fashion. Dark colors never go wrong in Venice in winter. Have a really comfortable pair of shoes because the best thing about Venice is wandering around all the tiny alleys and walkways. You can and will take the waterbusses, but you will still walk far more than most of us Americans do at home.

6. Prepare to be somewhat lonely. It is tiring never to hear your own language and your husband is likely to be tied up. Make a celebration of being alone, and enjoy the feeling of doing exactly what _you_ want to do and feel the sense of empowerment that being alone in a strange place brings. Who me? Yes, you!

On the flying aspect of your trip - I agree, it is the unknown that has you anxious. Once you get going, you will be fine. In fact, your biggest challenge will likely be how to overcome the bordom of a really long flight :)

For long flights, I generally bring a little travel kit with things like toothpaste and a tooth brush, facial moisturizer, chapstick, hand cream, etc. I find that Olay facial cleansing cloths are great for this. Before trying to get some sleep, I go into the bathroom and wash my face, brush my teeth, etc - basically my nighttime routine. Makes me more relaxed and comfortable and able to nap - I rarely actually sleep on planes because the seats aren't particularly comfortable, but I can usually take some cat naps. I also have a blow-up travel pillow which helps with the napping and an eye mask. Oh, if you have long hair, you might want to have a clip or a hair tie handy. My hair always gets really staticy on planes and annoys me - LOL.

About an hour before arival, I wash my face again, brush my teeth and all that. It is really refreshing and I feel revived after the flight. It would be nice to be able to get a full shower, but such is life :)

I bring a book and usually at least 1 magazine to pass the time - never a book that is too heavy, a real page turner is best. Passes the time really well. If you do crosswords or something, bring a puzzle book.

Headphones are good to bring, that way you can use your own to watch the inflight movie rather than take your chances with the ones provided which may or may not work.

Another tip for the flight - drink plenty of water. Airplane are is dry and you will be surprised at how dehydrated you can get on a long flight. Plus it is good to get up and walk around periodically and trips to the bathroom are a perfect opportunity.

This is all stuff to make the flight more comfortable. The real mechanics of flying are simple - get to the airport early, check in and check your bags if you want, go through security (the biggest hassle of the whole experience), find your gate, and board the plane when it is time. Once you are in your seat, you just basically hang out until you arrive.

Sounds like a great trip though - I would love to have that much time in Venice to hang out. Definitely go to your library and get some travel books and read some articles. Then buy a map and a book or two that you really like and start planning. Since Venice is on a series of islands, you can't get too lost. One piece of advice - carry your hotel's business card with you. That way if you do get lost, you can show people the card and they can direct you back to your hotel.

I am a lady and I LOVE traveling alone. Make a plans for yourself for lunchs by yourself at places where YOU WOULD like to eat. Perhaps you'd like to reserve a place in a cooking class...
or take a wine course...
go to "destinations" up above..and read about museums, maybe there are some that you'd enjoy (masks, fashion, lace making, etc.)that otherwise would bore your husband to tears.

We were there this past January. It snowed for 1 1/2 days...absolute magic! It didn't stick but the bridges got a little icy. Good rubber soled boots are a must.

Spent a lot of time browsing light fixture shops. They're especially happy to see Americans that time of year. Allow lots of time for cafe/hot chocolate breaks.

Lisaray4:

Once you get a taste of travel, you're going to wonder why you every felt nervous. Relax and enjoy the opportunity!!

Venice has a lot of opportunities for single travelers to not feel so "alone" yet still see the sights. I also felt it was quite safe for a woman alone (for your day outings).

Couple of options: In St. Mark's square there is a little booth right in front of the tower that sells head sets with guided tours of the area. We did the basilica tour and thought it was valuable. They had versions for all kinds of different sights, and were not that expensive. Many of the museums (like the Doges Palace) also offered tours themselves.

The American Express office (located at the far end of St. Mark's from the Basilica) also had a bunch of tours available. I didn't do any of them, but they seem to be recommended.

Keep in mind that even though Venice looks huge on maps, it's entirely walkable. I would highly recommend that you take at least one day to take the vaperetto (spelling?) to a different sestiere than the one you are staying in and just wander around.

If you're a foodie, you might also consult Chowhound.com for ideas of unique and slow food options.

You are going to have a blast!!

I'm guessing you're in the US. Be prepared for jet lag, especially if you fly overnight. From the US west coast to Europe it's nine hours time difference.

I'm trying to think of a movie that shows the flying experience without some huge danger. The reason no such movie exists is it's boring.

Other flying tips: dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing. Get up and move around every now and them. Stretch both standing and seated. And it's better not to drink alcohol while flying. It's drying.

You can get travel videos as well as guidebooks at the public library. Have you ever watched Rick Steves and/or Rudy Maxa on public TV?

Also get an Italian phrase book and mug up a little on traverlers' Italian. Just the basics like Good morning, Good evening, Thank you, Excuse me, etc.

Venice is my favorite city in the world. You're very lucky.

Lisa,

When are you traveling in January?

I can't help you on the flight (other than earplugs and a melatonin suggestion.) However, I will be in Venice for two weeks from the 11th through the 25th. It's become an annual trip for me to go in wid-minter. Perhaps we can meet up for a coffee and a walk around town.

Do go to the library or bookstore and read up on the sights and history. It will likely make it more enjoyable for your trip. The weather is cold and often wet/damp, but you pretty much have the streets and venues to yourself; which is much better than visiting in July (to me, anyway.)

~Krix

Forgot to mention the "acqua alta." Because Venice is at sea level -- and sinking -- the lower parts of the city are subject to flooding, most commonly during winter high tides. They put up elevated walkways through San Marco Square, and the hotels have boots. But you might not be staying in a hotel. Anyway, something to be prepared for.

Hi lisa,

Along with the other good suggestions, I think that you might find this helpful:Helpful Information: Italy 2
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596

((I))