Venice Travel Tips

This picture was taken on a hot July day near St. Mark's Square. To explore this historic and beautiful area, you will have to deal with scores of tour groups and lots of people who -- like you perhaps -- are there for the first time and don't really know where they want to go. It's hard to admire the mosaics on St. Mark's Cathedral when 10 people behind you are angling for the same view and three want to take a picture. Be warned: if you visit Venice in summer, the experience will be far different than an off-season stopover. Plan to be patient and wait in line for major attractions. Prices tend to be higher in season, too. If this is your only season of opportunity, by all means go. But plan ahead and know that you will be sharing this beautiful place with thousands of others.