Travelrific® Travel Journal

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Archive for italy

Venetian Charms are Everywhere

By Linda Tancs

Venice, Italy, must be one of the most evocative places on earth.  Just think of every country, state or city that lays claim to its own Venetian-style heritage. Dubai is dubbed the Venice of the Middle East. Giethoorn is the Venice of the Netherlands. Bruges, Stockholm and Amsterdam vie for the title Venice of the North.  Bangkok boasts the title Venice of Asia. Amidst the charms of every Venetian wannabee, however, there’s one thing missing from the equation: the toil and sweat of dedicated public works employees who clean out the billowy thoroughfares of the real McCoy day in and day out to keep it the aqueous paradise that so many seek to adopt as their own.

What the Budget-Conscious Traveler Needs to Know About Venice

By Linda Tancs

As many travelers prepare to attend Carnival in Venice (25 January through 5 February), some caution is advised regarding pricing.  Unbeknownst to many, Venetian service establishments are required to post a price list, a practice seemingly honored more in the breach than the observance.  It should come as no surprise that, absent a price list, locals are charged less than tourists in many instances.  Moreover, should you desire to take a water taxi across the canals, be sure to specify your desire for a taxi or else you may find yourself charged a private charter rate.  And it wouldn’t hurt to negotiate with a gondolier to assure yourself the best rate.  Let Venice stimulate your senses more than your pocketbook.

Don’t Idle in Italy

By Linda Tancs

Anyone who has ever traveled to Venice, Italy, during peak season has experienced the herding phenomenon in and around the square and across its famous bridges, not to mention the scowls and angry utterances of the locals trying to keep pace with the droppings of litterbugs and loiterers. Well, idle no more. The Venetians are reclaiming their turf with fines for those foolish enough to nosh on their panini while touring. So sit down (at a table, that is), relax, and enjoy that gelato. Grazie.

Wonders of the World

By Linda Tancs

What a wonder-full world.  After a global vote, the results are in.  The newest 7 wonders of the world are, in no particular order:  The Great Wall of China, Rome’s Colosseum, India’s Taj Mahal, Jordan’s Petra, Peru’s Machu Picchu, Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer, and Mexico’s Chichen Itza.  Will the losing candidates demand a recount?