19 Comments
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Michael TenBrink's avatar

We're going back to Firenze the second weekend of gennaio, and I can't wait! We went last year and it was a great experience. Plus our (nice) hotel was much less expensive!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Wishing you a wonderful time there!

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Beth Ann Fennelly's avatar

great newsletter, as always!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you!

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Michael Koehler's avatar

Off-seasons are the best hack! 🙂

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Claire Polders's avatar

Yes, they are. Maybe we should keep it quiet?

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Michael Koehler's avatar

🤫

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LaMonica Curator's avatar

Lovely. I had a vicarious moment. Been ages since was in Florence. Hi season/low season—I’ll go in ‘no’ season❣️which basically means I don’t care about the weather.

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Claire Polders's avatar

Yes, Florence is lovely even in the sleet and rain.

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Chris Wills's avatar

Totally agree. We visited Florence around the same time of year just before covid. As you said, the weather was perhaps a little cooler and the days a bit shorter but that didn’t bother us. We were able to enjoy the city without the crowds which made everything more pleasant. And there was also Grom which we enjoyed a few times 😀

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thanks for reading and commenting, Chris! I’m happy you enjoyed Florence in the off-season, too!

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Jose Melendez (Dan Kobayashi)'s avatar

Headed there on New Year's Day for a couple days. This is quite helpful. Now tell me what won't me ruined by traveling with a six-year-old and a three-year-old.

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Claire Polders's avatar

I have no experience traveling with kids and cannot comment on how busy it might be around NYE. But Florence has so much to offer that I'm sure every family member can find something to love. Excellent sandwiches and gelato for sure.

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Jose Melendez (Dan Kobayashi)'s avatar

I was mostly being a Wise’s, but I truly appreciate the thoughtful response.

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søren k. harbel's avatar

Italy off season is magic. The best time.

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Diana M. Wilson's avatar

Thank you! I am considering this for winter 2025–along with Venice in the off-season. As a solo traveler, I appreciate all the “make it easy” tips!

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Claire Polders's avatar

But be aware that 2025 is the Jubilee year in Rome. So Florence, too, might attract more visitors than usual. I should update my essay with this information.

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Ororo Munroe's avatar

Wow. The Loggia dei Lanzi looks amazeballs.

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Claire Polders's avatar

And I showed only half the statues there… You can walk in Florence for days and admire something every minute.

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