Agree with your plea 1000 percent. I host occasional small group (6-12 people) culinary tours in Liguria and Abruzzo. The tours take place in April/May or Sept/Oct and we generally try to steer clear of tourist hot spots (like Cinque Terre). I believe the cruise industry is in part to blame for this situation. Their monstrous shops disgorge thousands of people onto Italy's ports, then bus them to Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, etc. for the day. They cause endless destruction.
It's not just one industry it's a combination of horrible management in Italy, Airbnb, Instagram, and your companies that won't stop selling Vatican tours and promoting other things. And it's travelers themselves who don't care.
We very much enjoyed visiting Tufaio winery in Zagarolo, Lazio with you in 2018. You also took us to beautiful Nemi and introduced us to the shape of pasta known as the ‘priest strangler’. It was one of our best days in Italy ever and only a few miles outside of Rome! We tell people all the time, but they have a list of ‘must sees’ in Rome and consequently miss out on the BEST parts of Italy. You must visit these small towns and villages. You won’t be sorry. They are spectacular.
Yes to all of this. I always encourage people to visit Rome’s lesser known museums. There are so many! And to take day trips in Lazio as well. I love to bring friends and family to the Castelli Romani and Tuscia.
I think the U.K. school holiday system should change. Holidays should be broken up so that families can visit in the spring and autumn. Perhaps different towns have different holiday times. That would help reduce the number of visitors in the summer.
According to top Sea Ice scientist Thomas Lavergne, in June 2023, a total of 2 millions km² were missing from Antarctica , compared to average conditions. That's roughly half the size of the European Union. We do not want this to increase.
I feel incredibly validated reading this post. When I moved to Italy last summer, I was literally shocked by the heat and the crowds. I was so over stimulated and my friends and family in the US thought I was being dramatic. I felt physically unwell due to the heat and I didn’t even have a job and required me to be outside. You bring up so many amazing points here.
I would love connect about Georgia because I love the outdoors and am looking for some cooler weather summer escapes for July and August!
Georgia is also gross in the summer unless you go to the mountains. We had to get AC a few years back because the dogs were suffering so badly from the heat. I spend as much time at the lake as possible, more than the sea because even the sea is too fucking warm here!!!
Interesting about Venice hospitals. I have had to take students and clients to ER a few times here in Rome with no bill. But of course I am sure Venice healthcsre system is kuch more delicate
That makes sense. I remember when I used to visit Ettore and I would get horrible migraines. He'd take me to the ER and they'd fix me up and as an American I was so impressed that they treated me no questions asked.
Agree with this, I truly don't understand why everyone visits during summer. Personally, I tend to travel September through to April because the UK has it's best weather during summer, why would I want to leave then?
I visited Venice in November and it was a beautiful experience.
Agree with your plea 1000 percent. I host occasional small group (6-12 people) culinary tours in Liguria and Abruzzo. The tours take place in April/May or Sept/Oct and we generally try to steer clear of tourist hot spots (like Cinque Terre). I believe the cruise industry is in part to blame for this situation. Their monstrous shops disgorge thousands of people onto Italy's ports, then bus them to Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, etc. for the day. They cause endless destruction.
It's not just one industry it's a combination of horrible management in Italy, Airbnb, Instagram, and your companies that won't stop selling Vatican tours and promoting other things. And it's travelers themselves who don't care.
Plenty of blame to go around, for sure.
We very much enjoyed visiting Tufaio winery in Zagarolo, Lazio with you in 2018. You also took us to beautiful Nemi and introduced us to the shape of pasta known as the ‘priest strangler’. It was one of our best days in Italy ever and only a few miles outside of Rome! We tell people all the time, but they have a list of ‘must sees’ in Rome and consequently miss out on the BEST parts of Italy. You must visit these small towns and villages. You won’t be sorry. They are spectacular.
I appreciate you for saying so!
I am italian and because I love my country I feel ashamed for this dramatic side of the medal, simply dishonourable.
I feel like we are all put on a starting line; I take note and plan what I can do, there must be a way.
What to expect from authorities who think no better than cutting electricity?
This has shocked me 😳
I don't think overtourism is limited to Italy. But I do believe that we neednto put residents needs above visitors.
That's for sure 🤔
Such a great piece and so many excellent points made. Really appreciate you and glad I found this
Yes to all of this. I always encourage people to visit Rome’s lesser known museums. There are so many! And to take day trips in Lazio as well. I love to bring friends and family to the Castelli Romani and Tuscia.
I live in Genzano di Roma (Castelli) and am now avoiding going swimming because of the hoards of Romans. Luckily the best spots are pretty hidden.
You mean swimming in the lakes or the sea?
Lakes. the sea is too warm for my taste.
Thank you! ❤️
I think the U.K. school holiday system should change. Holidays should be broken up so that families can visit in the spring and autumn. Perhaps different towns have different holiday times. That would help reduce the number of visitors in the summer.
In the USA there are some year round schools where holidays are broken up throughout the year not just summer. Must better for parents
As long as their children are at the same school. My husband was a teacher and his half term rarely coincided with our daughter's!
Such a great read, thanks for sharing Sara Clemence's work!
She's great and that Antartica piece was incredible and timely.
According to top Sea Ice scientist Thomas Lavergne, in June 2023, a total of 2 millions km² were missing from Antarctica , compared to average conditions. That's roughly half the size of the European Union. We do not want this to increase.
Wow, that's scary, sad, terrifying and makes me feel hopeless.
I feel incredibly validated reading this post. When I moved to Italy last summer, I was literally shocked by the heat and the crowds. I was so over stimulated and my friends and family in the US thought I was being dramatic. I felt physically unwell due to the heat and I didn’t even have a job and required me to be outside. You bring up so many amazing points here.
I would love connect about Georgia because I love the outdoors and am looking for some cooler weather summer escapes for July and August!
Georgia is also gross in the summer unless you go to the mountains. We had to get AC a few years back because the dogs were suffering so badly from the heat. I spend as much time at the lake as possible, more than the sea because even the sea is too fucking warm here!!!
Love the honesty ! Thank you !
Says the trustafarian who moved there?
Ho Lee Phuk
You reallybthink You're flexxing here, right? Incel.
This is great Sara! I dread July. I have also been begging people to come visit in just about any other month.
One thing people should know. If you get hospital care in Venice & are not in the Italian or EU system, you will get a bill.
Interesting about Venice hospitals. I have had to take students and clients to ER a few times here in Rome with no bill. But of course I am sure Venice healthcsre system is kuch more delicate
Remember, Venetians are merchants 😉 They are much more organized up here & it is a much smaller system.
That makes sense. I remember when I used to visit Ettore and I would get horrible migraines. He'd take me to the ER and they'd fix me up and as an American I was so impressed that they treated me no questions asked.
Agree with this, I truly don't understand why everyone visits during summer. Personally, I tend to travel September through to April because the UK has it's best weather during summer, why would I want to leave then?
I visited Venice in November and it was a beautiful experience.