What Boots Should You Take To Venice?

A great question just came in from ISLANDS reader Jennifer Franz: "What boots should you take to Venice? And is it better to just bring a carry-on?" Since Venice has steady rain throughout the year and notoriously floods (they have to put benches across San Marco to walk on!), a good pair of waterproof boots is an Italian must. Here's my answer to Jennifer:

I actually went to Venice in March. Luckily, we didn't have rain or flooding — but it was quite cold. I worse mostly closed-toed flats that were very comfortable (lots of walking!). One day, I tried to be fashionable and wear tall boots with heels. Let's just say my feet were killing me by midday.

Venice notoriously floods in November and April, and gets average rain steadily throughout the year. I think these low-top boots from DSW would be perfect for a summer storm. And these lined, warm high-tops would be perfect for winter rains. I suggest just bringing a carry-on. The cobblestone streets and 400 bridges are not good for a huge, rolling suitcase. There is one way to avoid lugging your luggage through the maze of canals: Stay on Giudecca Island at the Hilton Molino Stucky. I bid on the hotel on priceline.com and got an incredible, off-season rate. You can take a vaporetto from the airport straight to the front door of the Molino Stucky. Then, there's a boat waiting every 15 minutes to take you across the canal to San Marco square. I loved the view from the Skyline bar at the top of the Molino Stucky—You can see the entire Venetian island (they also had the best passion fruit mojito I've ever had!).