Italy has consistently ranked among the top five countries for tourists. In 2019, the nation saw 65 million international visitors. Furthermore, Italy ranked second that year for international tourist hotel nights, trailing only Spain. Even with many travel restrictions in place during 2021, approximately 27 million people visited Italy. With so many unique cities and heritage sites, it’s easy to understand why people would book an extended trip to Italy and tour around the country.
Known for the Colosseum and other Roman Empire engineering feats, Rome is the third-most visited city in Europe. Venice welcomes millions of tourists as well thanks to its unique canals and gondolas that move around the 118 small islands of the city. Throughout Italy, tourists enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and culture.
In addition to these notable cities, Italy features more than 4,000 museums and 6,000 archaeological sites. Its 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are more than any other country. One of the most popular World Heritage Sites in Italy is Pompeii, a wealthy ancient city that was buried by 20 feet of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Approximately 2.5 million people travel to Pompeii each year. If you are someone planning to marvel at the unearthed history, here are some tips to create a memorable experience.
1. Ease Your Burden With Luggage Storage
No matter if you are only visiting Pompeii or if you are planning to take in Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum up close, you don’t want to weigh down your day with excess luggage. You can accomplish that by using luggage storage in Pompeii. These convenient units insure your possessions up to $10,000 and enable you to move around freely without awkwardly carrying or dragging something all day. Even though they are referred to as “luggage storage,” you can use them to stash away any souvenirs or other purchases you make during the day. Then, you can retrieve these items when you are leaving the site and heading to your hotel.
2. Research Ticket Packages
If you are traveling with a group, your itinerary may be set already. However, if you have the freedom to plot your day in Pompeii and the surrounding area, research which sites excite you. Some of the cheaper options include an audio guide that explains the city’s history and describes the ruins as you walk past them. Other ticket packages include a personal tour guide and a bus ride to Mount Vesuvius to stand on the edge of the volcano.
The most inclusive packages take tourists to archaeological sites at both Pompeii and Herculaneum. Some of these places don’t appeal to everyone. Take your time and visit multiple websites to determine which price point and activities provide the experience you desire. If you only care about the history and seeing the ruins, the other elements might detract from that.
3. Shop Around
Once you decide how much you want to see or do while in the area, shop around to find the best deal. Conduct online searches for the specific Pompeii experience you want. You might be surprised to discover how much prices can vary depending on the seller. If you aren’t in a rush to visit Pompeii, you can use that flexibility to your advantage.
Try finding ticket packages at times when fewer tourists are visiting Italy. Not only can this help lower prices, but you might get the double bonus of having fewer people to navigate around while you are there. Finally, just like anything else, keep an eye out for special discounts or deals around the holidays.
4. Know the Weather Forecast
You’ll want to dress properly for the season, especially if you are going to Mount Vesuvius. In the summer months of June, July, and August, high temperatures average in the 80s and can reach as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter months of December, January, and February, high temperatures are consistently below 60 degrees, and it can dip below freezing temperatures at night.
Conclusion
Pompeii is one of the 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy and a must-see if you haven’t experienced it yet. You’ll gain the most from your trip if you read the history of the area and Mount Vesuvius before traveling. While you’re reading that, also research luggage storage in Pompeii and which ticket packages will give you the best value for what you want to see. If you do these things, you’ll have a wonderful time to tell all of your friends about once you return.
