What is your best tip for beating the heat in Italy?
Nov 22nd, 2003, 09:06 AM
#5
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This is at least the third thread recently where the subject of European AC not working has come up. Granted, it is not set at the frigid levels that most AC in the US is set at - but there is AC in lots of places and it does work OK. I've traveled in Europe 3 out of the last 4 summers (July or August) and really did not find it a problem. The only place where it seemed hardly anything was air conditioned was in London last August (I was there the day they broke their all time highest heat record, I think it was 38.1C).
In Italy I booked hotels that had AC since I knew I would be there in July and it was nice to have someplace cool to go back to on hot afternoons for a couple of hours. Do the most strenuous sightseeing in the morning or evening. Rome was a bit unpleasant due to the heat but the rest of Italy (Venice, Tuscany, Umbria, Cinque Terra) was quite pleasant. And it seemed everywhere I went in France, Germany, Austria - either had AC or didn't really need it.
I would try to be sure the rental car had AC though (all mine did, except in England/Ireland where it's not usually needed.)
In Italy I booked hotels that had AC since I knew I would be there in July and it was nice to have someplace cool to go back to on hot afternoons for a couple of hours. Do the most strenuous sightseeing in the morning or evening. Rome was a bit unpleasant due to the heat but the rest of Italy (Venice, Tuscany, Umbria, Cinque Terra) was quite pleasant. And it seemed everywhere I went in France, Germany, Austria - either had AC or didn't really need it.
I would try to be sure the rental car had AC though (all mine did, except in England/Ireland where it's not usually needed.)
Nov 22nd, 2003, 01:19 PM
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Assuming that you mean if you have to visit the usual tourist destinations in Italy during the summer: Outdoor activities and sites early in the morning and in the evening. Indoor activities and/or naps in your AC hotel room in the afternoon. And do get AC in your hotel room--even if it doesn't work perfectly (and often it does work very well) it still loweres the temperature and humidity and makes it more likely that you'll be able to rest at night.
Eat lightly and cut down on alcoholic beverages--save them for the evening when it cools down. Dress in light colors and materials--no blue jeans, no black no matter how fashionable Oprah might have said it is.
Eat lightly and cut down on alcoholic beverages--save them for the evening when it cools down. Dress in light colors and materials--no blue jeans, no black no matter how fashionable Oprah might have said it is.
Nov 22nd, 2003, 02:08 PM
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Carry a water bottle with you. They are sold everywhere but are cheaper at the larger markets. Don't try to overdo - take a break when you are warm. I felt the heat justified plenty of gelato breaks!
Nov 22nd, 2003, 03:11 PM
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I would hire two, drop-dead-gorgeous, male models from Milan and have them fan you as you parade the streets of Italy, a la Cleopatra. When you get back to your room, have them strip naked and continue fanning. It'll cost you a few bucks but you'll be the coolest chick in town.
Nov 22nd, 2003, 04:32 PM
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Stay in my hotel room during the peak heat hours, with the a/c blasting. You have to coordinate the time with when the maid comes to clean... Then, venture out at night, eat a nice dinner, take a long walk, see a concert. I am not a real big "touristy" type. I prefer to just blend into the culture, live like the Romans do, and attend cultural activities, rather than see 1,001 tourist attractions that are rip-offs, and not very interesting. If you insist on doing sightseeing during the middle of the day, go somewhere cooler (church, catacombs, etc).
Nov 23rd, 2003, 04:22 AM
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Get up early and do all your visiting before 1 pm. Then have a light meal somewhere in the shadow, go for a siesta during the hot hours and get out again around 5 or 6 pm. You'll have the impression that you have 2 days in 1!
Nov 23rd, 2003, 10:22 AM
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Spend $15-18 for an oscillating fan. It will be invaluable if you find yourself in a non-AC situation. We have resorted to this strategem on two separate trips. It saved us a lot of discomfort and sleeplessness. And you can make a friend by just leaving the fan with someone when you depart for home.
Regards,
Jinx Hoover
Regards,
Jinx Hoover
Nov 23rd, 2003, 04:35 PM
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Gelato does not cool one - it tastes good and adds weight!
Go in the spring or fall - the temperatures will be reasonable and the crowds will be smaller.
If you are there in the heat of the day or the season, do drink a lot of water and take advantage of the afternoon nap.
Go in the spring or fall - the temperatures will be reasonable and the crowds will be smaller.
If you are there in the heat of the day or the season, do drink a lot of water and take advantage of the afternoon nap.
