We'll be traveling in Siena, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast, staying in the types of budget places Rick lists in his book (not hostel dorms). Are we likely to need to bring our own towels?
I'm thinking I won't bother bringing a bathing suit in April. Do you agree?
Even in budget places towels are usually provided, but if a washcloth is important to you, take one with you (or maybe a scrunchy as they dry faster). Wash cloths are not common in most hotels.
We were in Sorrento late April 2008 and although the air temperature was warm the sea was still cold from the winter. Most hotel swimming pools don't open till May and even then they are not usually heated. You may get an opportunity to sunbathe so you could still take your bathing suit!
The sun in late April is as high as it is in August, so if it's not raining or windy you can get pretty warm just sitting in the sun. My fiancee and I are heading to Italy next month and planning to bring our bathing suits. They take up no space anyway.
I was in Venice in late April a few years ago and it was definitely warm enough for going to the beach. There weren't a lot of people in the water, but the lido/beach was plenty crowded on a Thursday.
bathing suit in April?! NO! don't bother (unless you will be at a hotel with an indoor pool) Would you bring a suit in April in SF?? check the weather averages...but...I bring a jacket and pashmina scarf in Amalfi in April (Rome is a bit more temperate) Venice can be nice...or not...I wore a winter coat in the cold rain last April. NO swimsuit!!!! to give you an idea...the average HIGH temp in Amalfi in April is 64f...and lows are around 45f. Everything is relative, of course - I once saw a bunch of Irish school kids sunning on the beach in April in Amalfi...everyone else was in winter wear.
no towel, no suit.
I doubt you'll need a towel, but do bring a washcloth if you're used to using them as Europe doesn't seem to use them. As far as expecting to use a bathing suit in April, all I can tell you is that it was spitting snow in Naples the last April I was there!
Towels can generally be found, either in the room or by buying a cheap one if you really need to. A suit? why bother, feel free to go without, you will fit in with the crowd.
Brrrrrr!
rumiko, Canadians are just a tougher lot,, we figure once the ice is off the water its fine to swim in.. LOL
I actually went on a forum for Hawaii where people from California advised posters to take wetsuits to Hawaii as the water is so cold in the winter,, I fell off my chair laughing at that one... ( we always find the ocean in Hawaii warm as soup in the winter!)
Op,, I personally would not bother to bring a suit, but then I am not the type that would waste too much time at a beach when in Europe,, but, a suit does not take up much room, so really , you could just shove one into a corner of your bag if you really wanted to..
Bring your suit "just in case". With global warming, who knows what weather you might experience. Swimsuits dont take up much room, and wouldnt it be a shame is you missed the perfect beach day?
Despite the above poster's optimism, one warm day in April is not sufficient to raise the Mediterranean temps to swimming comfort ...... of course, there are folks who do enjoy a mid-winter dip, even in the Atlantic.
Yes, a bathing suit doesn't take much space; nevertheless, why bother schlepping an unnecessary item? Unless, you're a member of the polar bear club, I'd leave the suit at home.
