I’m starting out with a quick fire travel season! If you have limited time but want to make the most of your trip here are my tips including pros and cons of my own experiences…

Solo Venice (With Love)

Last May I spent a month and a half soaking up the best of Europe! I traveled with others and solo giving a great mix of self loving and social adventures. I had a quick trip to Venice, Italy where I traveled boat style and explored the cobbles and waterways.

Accommodation

Now Venice has tons of awesome hostels to choose from, some in the centre, some a small train or bus away but I wanted to try something a little different. I opted for a unique campsite on the outside of Venice in a place called Marghera. The site is called Camp Jolly Venice and has a variety of tents and mobile homes on offer all at ridiculously affordable prices! I was in a four bed tent and spent 12 Euros per night. I have to add that this was before the summer season and prices can go up to an average of 20 Euros during peak season. The tent itself was incredibly basic and unfortunately the plug sockets in the tents were not working so I had to use the reception to charge which was less than ideal. The staff were brilliant and helpful and gave me info on the shuttle bus that runs at various times to and from Venice. As a Solo traveler I was disappointed that the last bus back from Venice was at 8pm which meant that I was not able to soak up the night life in any way. I had arrived to the site by public transport and had a 20 minute walk through an industrial type town that I would not feel comfortable repeating at night. This accommodation is perfect for the budget traveler who likes to wake up early and leave before the sun sets but not so good for solo travelers who like a sense of freedom and choice on commutes and timings!

Travel and Luggage

The buses are easy to navigate and there are tourist info points and ticket desks in the main bus station at Venice and around the Santa Lucia rail station. Once in Venice I opted for a day pass on the Vaporetto water bus for just 20 Euros which I think is a bargain and a great way to see the sights! I was able to buy my ticket from a machine at the bottom of the steps of the main exit from the Santa Lucia  rail station. There are different buses you can cruise on that take you all around Venice and out to the small islands surrounding. I stored my suitcase in a small holding at the bottom of the same staircase to the left hand side under the trees for just 5 Euros.

The Sights!

I spent the day eating pasta and pizza, strolling around the cobbles and exploring the many areas of Venice.  As the saying goes: ‘Its a small world’… well it was a small Venice as I bumped into a traveler who I had met the day before on the train into Venice! We spent some time finding our way around the maze of Venice and back up to the main train station for some food before we departed. I found an awesome pizza place serving by the slice just over the bridge from Santa Lucia train station for just 3 Euros!! I went back later to find it and alas…It had but disappeared. If you ever head to Venice and find such a place give me a shout!..

Top Places to See when you’re on a tight time scale!

Piazza San Marco or St Marks Square

Some great photo opportunities here and some cute cafes for a slice of cake and tea! Head into St Mark’s Basilica for free and wonder at the awesome decor and architecture. Please note that they do not allow photography inside the Basilica and remember it is an active religious place of worship!

Venetian Arsenal

And no don’t worry, there’s no football involved! This was a real beauty I thought and I was mesmerised by the beautiful buildings and surrounding art galleries. It has been the naval industry area of Venice since the beginning of the 12th century and  is littered with shipyards and docks where they used to transport goods and parts.

Via Garibaldi

If you want a few moments away from the main hustle and bustle this waterway is tucked away from the tourist hub and offers an idyllic alternative to rest your wondering feet. It is part of the Castello district which takes you back into the borders of St Marks.

 

Santa Maria Della Salute

Over the other side of the main line this little isolated Roman Catholic Church stands proud and is pleasing to the eye. Again, this spot is much quieter than across the water and is a nice respite to settle and have a sandwich and a drink before heading back on over to the main stretch.

Venice is so vibrant and full of incredible architecture and history so you will find no problems in seeking out interesting and cool places to stop and take a peek at or rest your feet at.

Have an amazing time in Venice! (L)