Why You Don’t Want to Go to Italy!

“2025 might not be the year to travel to Italy.”

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Traveling to Italy in 2025 presents more challenges than normal.

If you don’t like crowds then stay away! 
2025 is a Jubilee Year and  is expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome, leading to extraordinary crowd levels at holy sites and throughout the city. Travel advisors suggest avoiding Rome during peak times like Easter and the summer months, or considering alternative destinations within Italy to escape the influx of visitors.   A Jubilee year, also called a Holy Year, is a special period of grace and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church, traditionally declared by the Pope. It typically occurs every 25 years, though “extraordinary Jubilees” can be announced for special occasions.

New Accommodation Regulations: 
Italy has implemented a nationwide ban on self check-ins for short-term rentals, including platforms like Airbnb. This policy requires in-person guest identification to enhance security, which may reduce the convenience of flexible check-in times for travelers.

Introduction of the ETIAS Visa Waiver: 
Starting in mid-2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., will need to obtain the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) approval before entering Schengen Area countries like Italy. The application costs €7 and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. While the process is designed to be quick, it’s an additional step that travelers must complete prior to their trip.

Potential Labor Disruptions: 
Beach club operators in Italy have threatened strikes due to disputes over new licensing regulations set to take effect in January 2025. Such actions could disrupt services at popular coastal destinations, affecting the availability of amenities like sun loungers and umbrellas.

Environmental and Over-Tourism Concerns: 
Certain areas in Italy, such as Agrigento in Sicily, are experiencing the negative impacts of over-tourism, including environmental degradation and strain on local infrastructure. Travel experts have advised reconsidering visits to these destinations to promote sustainable tourism practices.

Given these factors, travelers may want to carefully assess their plans to visit Italy in 2025, considering alternative destinations or postponing their trips to mitigate potential inconveniences.


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About The Publisher

Jeff Corbett
As entrepreneur, author and magazine publisher with over 25 years’ experience in the global marketplace, I enjoy writing as an advocate for international business and personal freedoms. Thanks to my experiences building businesses I also have a tremendous interest in reading or writing about motivation and self-discipline.