Venice

The city of Venice is renowned for its stunning submerged town houses and aquatic transport system, hundreds of ornate and historical bridges and the romantic charm that accompanies any Italian city from the Riviera to Milan. Located in the middle of a beautiful lagoon, accessing Venice is in and of itself both awkward and charming. Your arrival will necessarily involve travelling in one of the many waterbuses (vaporetti) or watertaxis which are used throughout the city to suit the needs of locals and tourists alike. With a busy, hectic, hot and humid atmosphere at peak season which mellows out to an unrecognisably quaint and unpresuming one outside of the major holiday periods. These periods include the high of summer holiday season, Carnevale and the Film Festival in early September, so whether it's deemed better to embrace the high season or avoid it, be aware of what to expect.

The main difference that distinguishes high season from low season will be the amount spent on accommodation. During any one of the peak season periods, any hotel or apartment will be extortionately priced. However, at other times it will become clear that resorts, hostel, hotel, apartment and other accommodation prices significantly decrease. There will be high end options, such as a hotel with a spa or a hotel with beautiful views of the city. There will also be lower cost options such as a self-catered apartment or a shared apartment, which can cut costs should budget be an issue. If looking for style over price, try a themed hotel which come with the intimate charm of a personally rented apartment but with the added comfort of hotel standard service and cuisine.

It is best to go into a holiday in Venice with an open mind regarding accommodation, aware of the restrictions and the opportunities that are inherent in any choice that is made. Venice is a larger city than many would believe, and the outskirts can offer budget travellers with beautiful and charming hotel or apartment choices for very reasonable prices. Keep an eye on the budget but don't forget to keep the other on the stunning scenery and cultural gems that surround this city.