With the economy bringing them down and stressors flourishing, it is surprising that many Americans have put vacationing and traveling high on their priority list. But an overestimated number of American families have done just that to try to relieve some of the stresses and worries that the current economic situation has brought into their lives. Anything and everything that can be done to bring in relaxation and a sense of mental well being is currently climbing the priority list in many American households.Mariott’s Springhill Suites conducted their second annual traveler’s survey online to get a picture of what is to come in the travel industry. The results were interesting because the majority of the 1,000 Americans that participated in the survey stated that they will be taking some sort of vacation in the next year to unwind and get away from their hectic work lives and worries about life in general. They also stated that cost was not exactly a factor when deciding where to go. Online travel deals can take a back seat to a desirable location.Many of the people surveyed also stated that gas prices were not going to have an effect on any destinations that they decide to drive to for a relaxing vacation. Gas prices have been on a steady rise in the US for the past few years and some industries have had a concern that rising prices may cause people to stay at home. The data from this survey says otherwise.American women are more likely to unplug themselves from work on their vacation by not checking their work related email while away compared to American men who find it a little bit harder to completely shut themselves off from the workplace. Two thirds of the people surveyed said they will not be answering the office while away on vacation. Even though they will not be in touch with work, the survey discovered that 89% of adults on vacation will stay in touch with their Facebook accounts.The Fourth of July is the most common major American holiday for traveling for leisure and not for a family event. Thanksgiving is still the busiest travel day of the year but the majority of travelers over that holiday are on their way to a family gathering. The Fourth is a more relaxed holiday that can be enjoyed without the hustle and bustle of feeling an obligation to be somewhere.This survey also discovered some lesser known habits and likes of the American traveler. Americans are more likely to miss sleeping in their own beds and American men are more likely to get their hair cut before going on vacation than American women. There are even regional differences in the US with how a parent will handle an unruly child.Americans do love their vacations, even more in a bad economy with higher pressures for meeting life’s basic needs. It would appear that the stressful economy can be good for the travel industry by providing the getaways that are needed.

Venice is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, as evidenced by the countless literary masterpieces that the city has inspired. It is for this reason that private tours to Venice are so popular, especially for those who want to experience the city’s infectious romantic vibe. The Floating City, Venice is best known for being built on water. In fact, no car can access the city and canals lead to everywhere you want to go. Venice comprises of some 118 islands, interconnected with countless bridges and winding canals.

Private tours to Venice are even more enjoyable with at least a few hours spent on a Gondola ride. These small canoes are ubiquitous in the city and they are definitely the best way to get around, especially if you want a unique view of the city through the waterways. This said, walking tours of the city’s centuries old streets are also very common, especially for those who want to admire Venice’s rich collection of Gothic architecture that dates back as early as the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Ca’d'Oro the Doge’s Palace, and Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti are only among the must-see architectural marvels in the city.

Surrounded by water, it is no surprise that Venice is also a huge seafood haven. If you want to try a different side of Italy’s cuisine, Venice is definitely a great place to sample its seafood delights. The city doesn’t run out of fresh supply of fish, shellfish, and other seafood favorites hauled out from nearby lagoons.

Private tours to Venice are also not complete without a visit to the Burano Island, which is one of the most iconic fishing villages in the region, known for its floating houses that paint a rainbow-colored backdrop for your excursion. Another interesting island to spend a tour in is Lido or the Golden Island, which is best known for its private beaches and golden dunes.

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Italy Luxury Tours is the go to source for Exclusive Private Luxury Tours of the Italian Peninsula and its Islands. We provide Italy Private Tours, Enogastronomic Food and Wine Private Tours in most Italian Regions, Italy Off The Beaten Path Private and few selected Sport and Adventures Tours. All our Tours are fully customizable to suite your travel needs, interests and dates. Italy Luxury Tours specializes in delivering Italy Custom Tours where we will create your itinerary from scratch.