More to the Story with Staley: Great Vacation

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Are you ready for a vacation? Get out of Tennessee or Georgia for a little while?

Survey says if you’re heading to Europe for a week or so, Italy remains the most popular destination. England, France, Greece: Italy tops ’em all!

Travel Agent Steve Perillo says one Italian city tops the charts!

“Naples is really what Americans think of when talking about Italy. Spaghetti, pizza, people talking with their hands, music and food. And the food is so good and fresh,” said travel agency owner Steve Perillo.

We Americans have a long history with Italy, dating back to the late 1800’s. With the influx of Italian immigrants.

When is the best time to hang out in Naples? Or Rome? Or Venice?

Perillo says your best bet is right around the corner.

“We’ve had an unbelievable pandemic rush. So, go during the off seasons. Really, sometime between November and March. You’ll save money. And there’s no crowds,” Perillo said.

Some 50 million people visited Italy last year. That number could increase this year.

However, with that number comes challenges for the country. Too many tourists, pollution, etc.

Thus, Perillo says if you’re heading to Rome, for example, you should strongly consider staying off the beaten path!

“If you go down a side street for example, and the waiter sees that you are American, and that’s unusual for them, they’ll treat you with open arms,” Perillo said.

Venice, for example, has become one of the honeymoon hot spots in the world. Described as the most romantic city in Europe.