Florence, Italy Part 1
In this episode,
The FAQ is as follows: My friend Jean asked about recommendations for the best rental car deals.
Today’s Destination is Florence, Italy. Part 1
Today’s Misstep- Legal troubles: I was caught in Florence without a bus ticket and fined 42.5 euros.
Travel Advice: Bring an umbrella for shade
FAQ:
My friend Jean asked for recommendations for the best rental car deals this year. She says it used to cost more if you picked it up at the airport, but now it’s the opposite.
She’s asking for the best deals, whether AAA, Sam’s Club, Expedia, Kayak, Booking, etc. They all seem extra high to her.
Answer: Yes, the car rental business is doing well these days. I remember when, during COVID-19, I booked a car in Denver for eight days for $32. No longer is that the case. My best thing is to shop around and keep shopping. Finding your best deal may take a few or even 30 minutes, but it’s worth waiting. I have used all the options mentioned here, plus Turo, which is like Airbnb for cars. They all have plusses but check to ensure you have the car you need a few days before you travel. I just checked with my Turo for next weekend in Ohio, and the host says the car was in an accident, so it’s unavailable, but Turo did not inform me. So, I contacted Turo, and they helped me re-book a different car. Expect prices to be high in peak times like summer and holidays and destinations like Chicago. Consider cutting the number of days you're renting your car, so only for the days you need it, and use public transportation, Uber/Lyft, or walking on the other days if possible.
Today’s destination: Florence, Italy Part 1
Have you been to Florence in your mind? I have, and finally, I got to be there in person, solo, with some great intentions, and meet some great people.
You could go to a guidebook and learn all about Florence, but it’s much better to hear about it from a trusted guide. I’ll give you some highlights and travel challenges, especially for the solo female. I recommend taking tours here, such as a cooking tour, a bike tour, and even a city walking tour, so you can make friends and connect with other travelers.
My favorite parts of Florence were mostly about walking in the city neighborhoods and experiencing the flow of other travelers. And the Art Galleries. Of course. You will hear more on that in Part 2 of this series.
My first night in Florence, Italy, was spent with several roommates in a hostel called My Friends Hostel. I also stayed in an Airbnb for several nights. My hosts took me on an afternoon trip to the nearby Fiasole region to get me out of the city and tourist areas and get a panoramic overview. I visited a church and interacted with kids who were refugees from Ukraine.
Art Galleries:
Ticketed entries:
https://www.destinationflorence.com/en/blog/401-tours-and-activities-for-solo-travellers-in-florence
I took the train there on July 4, Independence Day in the USA, and I was feeling depressed as my family was back home and I was here without them. I tripped myself with one wrong step and fell on the ground hard. I bruised my leg, cut an arm, and had a sore wrist and lower back. I used Ice and rested.
Since I was not going out that night, I checked out the hostel kitchen for staples. I made a pasta dinner, and eventually, three other women from the US wandered into the kitchen, so it was for four of us. We had rose wine and a very simple meal, but it renewed my love for solo travel and inspired me to continue the journey around the world.
For the remainder of my Florence stay, I moved into a residential area called Santa Maria Novella near the Arno River. Hassan and Maria, a couple in their 80s, were my hosts. She paints, so this felt like living in an art gallery. The paintings on the walls in their home were Florence gallery-worthy.
Piazza Michelangelo's sunset was stunning and walkable from my residence. Every night, it’s a party here. I met Rebecca from New Zealand and Nora from Madrid. We hung out. There was music everywhere—including some live concerts.
A few notes about my travels here: “No AC. Fresh Air. No pain from the fall two days ago. “
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. The palace reminded me of Versailles near Paris, France. It was grand and impactful. The gardens needed some love and attention. The aquariums and botanical gardens were unique. I had a picnic lunch in the rose garden. The exhibits not to miss are three famous artworks by Raphael, Madonna of the Chair, Portrait of Agnolo Doni, and La Velata. Check out the Palatine Galleries, too. On my next visit, I will see the Bargello Museum, which has works by Donatello that I missed this visit.
I had pizza at Gustas. Franchesco served my Procheco and Margherita pizza. I brought it to Monoca at the hostel, and she was happy.
https://10best.usatoday.com/destinations/italy/florence/florence/restaurants/gusta-pizza/
http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_of_bargello.html
Bargello museum, marble and bronze, Asian jewels, weapons.
Listen to Florence, Italy Part 2 next!
Today’s Misstep: Caught without a bus ticket and fined 42.5 euros
On my final day in Florence, 5 minutes before arriving at the train station, I was fined by the police for not having a valid ticket for my fare. I paid the fine. I could have fought it, but they did not want to listen to my excuses, and I did not want to miss my train. I paid and will do better next time. Learn from my lessons and carry a valid ticket at all times.
Today’s Travel Advice- Bring the umbrella for shade
The umbrella is why I stayed mostly cool and comfy outside in Italy, even when the temps were in the 90’s in July. The UV umbrella cools you down by 8-15 degrees Fahrenheit, and the best results are for exposures of 30 minutes or more. Without the UV blocking in the umbrella, your results could be diminished, but still better than no umbrella.
