Anyone currently in Venice?

Not there, but just wanted to wish you luck with your trip! I just turned 45 and I can imagine the anticipation!

That is so sweet, thank you!!

I'm sorry, it is too early in the year for me to be in Venice - like a walk-in freezer - so I'm not there now, and I am not allowed by law to travel there from the UK due to our lockdown and port controls.

Hold tight. Europe is probably off-limits for US travelers this year. There are still serious lockdowns and vaccine roll out in Europe has been slow. As of now, US passport holders cannot get into Europe. BTW, welcome to the 50's club. Perhaps have a backup birthday plan. I did the Grand Canyon and a helicopter tour for my 50th.

Margaret

Thanks, Margret! I will have a back up. But this girl is dreaming big. :-)

What the rules are today have no effect on what they may be tomorrow. October is a long way away. NO ONE can predict with any accuracy or proof what will happen in eight months. It's just their own personal opinion.

The only thing I can suggest is to be patient. Make plans but make sure any reservations you make are fully refundable.

Also be aware that the fall is the season of "Aqua Alta" in Venice. That's when the city occassionally gets flooded. Plan accorrdingly.

Thanks, I've been before in Oct. Just wondering what the city looks like right now. It's got to be near empty. Or is it?

You can take a look at the Webcams set up around Venice.

I googled "Venice Italy webcam" (wo the quotes) and got quite a few.

Much of Europe is under some form of lockdown or curfew, so few tourists are going to be there at present. Over a quarter of a million people live there, so it will be quieter, but not dead.

U.K. tv showed some pictures from St Mark’s Square a couple of weeks ago and it was practically empty, but obviously this is a very touristy part of the city. It’s also not exactly peak season. I was there mid January a few years ago and we saw no queues anywhere.

I think you can celebrate your 50th birthday for the entire year! The Italians will make every day feel like a party. I celebrate every birthday in Venice - started with 54 and already planning 72 (hopefully) this coming December/January (again, hopefully). Buon compleano!

Currently no one can travel between regions. So only people from the region of Veneto are in Venice. This might change on Monday. But then again Florence is looking to go back to orange again which would mean you can't leave your comune. I am in Vignola in Emilia Romagna and since we are in the yellow zone we can travel within the region of Emilia Romagna but not outside of it except for work or emergency. Curfew is still in effect for everyone. Restaurants in the yellow zone must close for dining at 6 pm. In the orange areas only take away (including the cafes). Hoping that by fall things will improve. I hope you get your special 50th birthday trip!

We went in Feb about 6 years ago and it was perfect!, no crowds!!!! Very few things were closed and we walked and walked and walked. One day of heavy rain, an aqua alta (which was on my wish list) and some chances to sit in the winter sunshine in just a jumper and cardi. Only thing i would change was our flat, it was more geared up to summer visitors and was a bit cold!

I have no advice. I did have to cancel my trip to Disneyworld in 2020 that my family had been planning for six years. So I know how frustrating is can be! We plan on being in Venice in October as well. So you have our hopes with you as well. May your Birthday travel dreams come true!

Michelle, you might consider just postponing your 50th until October of 2022. That would give you an extra year of life (and travels)!

As mentioned above, a selection of livecams from Venice and other locations in Italy here:

https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/veneto/venezia/piazza-san-marco.html

You usually have to sit through an ad to view them but you're allowed to skip ahead after 4-5 seconds or so.
What you're seeing on a cold winter's day in Venice could look very different by October, even if Americans are not yet welcome to Italy.

I agree with Frank II. No one knows what the situation will be by autumn. Vaccinations will speed up in the EU, as they have in the US. Patience and flexibility are required for those of us who want to travel later this year.

I just wanted to say Thank you again to the people giving me birthday wishes... I really appreciate it! And I have checked out the webcams, thank you! I have now had both of my shots and I'm checking travel sites almost daily, hoping for good news.
I hope everyone's travel dreams come true this year!

While it's true that no one knows what conditions will be like in October, the current situation may provide some indication that the pandemic might not be fully under control at that time. Many places including Italy are dealing with a resurgence of the virus, and even with increasing vaccinations there could still be restrictions. Medical experts here are speculating on a possible "third wave". There was a Covid outbreak last week in a long term care home in this area despite everyone being vaccinated, so having both shots may only be a partial solution.

If I were taking this trip, I'd plan for October but have an alternate date and a backup plan. Don't make any non-refundable deposits for hotels or whatever.