♥ Giving Thanks from Your Boots on the Ground in the Boot! ♥

It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? It’s hard to believe that “the holidays” are around the corner! Although this is my last Timely Travel TipZ for 2022, I will be publishing a newsletter in a few weeks. Not signed up? Well, just look over on the sidebar and you’ll see how to sign up AND receive 75 of my Italy Travel TipZ FREE!

Read on for some end of year “TipZ”!

⇒ “Off Season”
Ah, that much awaited “shoulder season” when crowds all but disappear and prices decrease…those were the days! That “traditional” off/shoulder season has become more open-ended and definitely unpredictable! And, although it does seem that (finally!) the crush of tourists has declined, a busy holiday season is anticipated.

And if you’re thinking about 2023, don’t dilly dally! Yes, there are requests and bookings for Spring 2023 and beyond. Italy remains a top travel destination (world wide!) and in the past months has been positively inundated (with tourists from everywhere by the way, including Italians)!

(Shhhh, don’t tell anyone but NOW is really a great time to visit! Lower prices and fewer tourists! Sure, it can be cooler but what better excuse to wear that coat, scarf and boots?!?!)

⇒Inflation?
Yes! There’s a lot of anxiety about the anticipated spikes in energy costs for residential and commercial use.
 Needless to say, whatever the increases turn out to be, it will affect almost every aspect of the “cost of living” and certainly of anything travel-related (e.g., transportation, accommodations, food, tours)…

There’s lot of “wait and see” until later in the year to see exactly what costs might be and then to plan/budget accordingly. In other words, stay tuned!

That said…although prices are expected to increase, the USD-euro exchange rate is still historically strong! This translates into savings for the American tourist! That’s you!

⇒“Made in Italy” !?!?
“In survey results that are likely to surprise, well, no one, 73% or approximately three out of four Italians indicated that they have come across faux Made in Italy specialty products or traditional recipes botched beyond repair when traveling abroad.” (Italy Magazine)

Coldiretti — Italy’s primary organization representing farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs isn’t sitting this out! A concerted effort via programs worldwide to educate and address what they call “the global mangling of Made in Italy products around the world”.

Counterfeit products include commonly known offenders and imposters (such as olive oil, pesto, and parmigiano reggiano) to imitators of everything “from Asiago cheese to impure “prosciutto” to black-market ‘San Marzano’ tomatoes” — and this equates into a business worth €120 billion!

So, if you want “Made in Italy”, be informed and support the authentic and hardworking farmers and entrepreneurs of Italy!
CLICK TO READ MORE!

⇒ COVID
Covid is not “over” (any where!). Cases were on the rise in summer but now it remains to be seen what happens as the “flu” season approaches.

There are NO restrictions or mandates at this time. However, vaccines and boosters are readily available and encouraged, and you still see people wearing masks at their own discretion. (For example, I definitely wear them on public transport!)

⇒ “Under Construction”
Don’t be surprised if some of the major sites are undergoing renovation/restoration.

There’s a lot going on now and, trust me, it can go on for years! (Remember that it took hundreds of years to erect/construct these monumental sites so it’s no surprise that it can take years to renovate!)

This can affect access (closed/restricted). And you might have to put up with scaffolding, cranes, detours, and some noise!

In Piazza della Signoria, David (the copy in front of Palazzo Vecchio) and Giambologna’s bronze statue of Cosimo I are being restored…

Two prime examples here in Florence are: Ponte Vecchio and the Baptistery.
Ponte Vecchio is going to under go restoration for the first time ever (and it’s 677 years old!).
CLICK HERE for MORE!

The Baptistery (over 1000 years old!) will be closed through December 2022 while scaffolding is erected so that the interior mosaic dome can be restored. Other restoration on the internal walls has been ongoing for over four (4) years.
Apparently there will be visitor access to view while restoration is taking place (no dates yet on this).

⇒ Incredible Discovery in Tuscany!
More than 20 bronze statues have been discovered in San Casciano dei Bagni, in southern Tuscany, during an excavation campaign that began in 2019.
CLICK HERE for MORE!

♦ MY TOP TIP: Learn with Locals! Go local! I’ve said it before and I will continue to share – support local businesses including artisans, tour guides, & local destination experts! ♦

⇒Also, check out my recent blog posts including Day Tripping Travel TipZ!⇐

♥ Thank All of YOU for Following Along and Staying in Touch! ♥

And a VERY Happy Thanksgiving to My American Friends Wherever You Are!!