There are trips you plan for months and then there are the ones that just happen and somehow end up being perfect.
This one started with a text. A friend of mine based in England was heading to Venice for work and had a stay booked at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, on its own private island. She asked if I wanted to come along, and two months later, I was on a flight.
And here’s the part that makes this trip even more simple, I was only gone for 6 days. Not two weeks. Not some long, complicated itinerary. Just five days and it was more than enough to fall completely in love with Venice.
If you’ve been thinking about a summer trip but don’t want to burn all your PTO or plan something overwhelming, this is exactly the kind of trip that makes sense.
I stayed on a private island…
The JW Marriott isn’t just a hotel, it’s an experience. I understand I was lucky to stay here as my friend had the hook up with work, but there are plenty more accumulations in Venice at a lower price point. The JW Marriot sits on its own island in the Venetian Lagoon, which means every time you go into the city, you’re taking a boat.
And honestly, that’s part of the magic.
Mornings started slower. Coffee, quiet, water views. Then a boat ride into the chaos and beauty of Venice. And at the end of the day, I got to leave the crowds behind and come back to something calm and spa-level peaceful.
Exploring Venice solo…
Because my friend had work conferences during the day, I spent a lot of time exploring on my own which I honestly enjoy. Don’t be afraid to explore on your own! It’s refreshing to be on your own time and you will be surprised on how well you get to know yourself and how capable to you are. Just do it!
Venice is one of those places where getting lost is the plan.
I did all the classics: Walked across the Rialto Bridge. Took a gondola ride (yes, there was an Italian man singing—10/10, no notes). Wandered narrow alleys that somehow always led back to water. Bought some real Italian leather handbags and gloves. And the wildest part? Not seeing a single car for days. Everything happens by foot or boat. Even leaving for the airport, I took a water taxi straight to my terminal.
The food situation…
I never once did not have an Aperol Spritz in my hand. And I stand by that. Venice is built for grazing. You go from spot to spot, ordering cicchetti (little bites on toast, think Italy’s answer to tapas), and somehow it turns into a full meal.
A standout was lunch at Cip’s Club, easily the best pasta I’ve ever had. Add in tiramisu (multiple times, no regrets), and the entire trip became one long, delicious rotation of “just one more snack.”
If you go, dedicate at least one full day to doing nothing but eating your way through the city.
Murano & Burano, you must…
One of my favorite days was getting out of the main city and exploring the nearby islands. Murano, famous for glass blowing and Burano famous for colorful houses and handmade Italian lace.
You can easily do both in one day, and if you’re even slightly into photography, Burano alone is worth the trip. Just head to the ferry dock at San Marco Square and ask for a day pass to take you to Murano and Burano. Best part, it will only cost ~30 Euros! It was easy peasy, and I am someone who is easily confused when it comes to boat and train travel. If I can do it, anyone can!
Why Venice is the perfect stand alone trip…
One thing that surprised me most? Venice is a perfect trip to do on its own, you don’t need to pair it with another city to make it worth it. You really only need about four and a half to five days to do it right.
I left on a Friday night (so you wouldn’t need to take PTO) landed Saturday afternoon, and had Sunday through Wednesday as full days to explore. I flew out Thursday mid-morning and was back home that night.
It felt like a full, immersive trip without needing to be gone for weeks. I’m lucky enough to work remotely, but even if you’re working with limited PTO, this is one of those rare international trips that actually fits into a normal schedule, you’re looking at about four PTO days for something that feels a lot bigger.
The little things that stuck…
It wasn’t just the big moments, it was the details.
How old everything feels, old, timeless and endlessly beautiful. It’s hard to explain until you’re in it, but it is magic.
The fact that a Zara opens right out onto a canal with gondolas floating by (still not over it).
The rhythm of the city slower, but never boring.
The way every turn looks like a postcard without trying.
If you’re going to go, here’s my suggestion…
If you’re coming from the Gulf Coast and thinking about summer travel, this is your sign. Especially now, with nonstop flights from Atlanta, getting to Venice is easier than it used to be. Pick a week in April through September with April, May and September being less crowded.
My ideal 5-day outline:
- Days 1: Arrive, enjoy a nice dinner
- Day 2-3: Explore Venice (walk, eat, repeat)
- Day 4: Murano + Burano
- Day 5: Hotel/spa day
- Day 6: Head home
If you have an extra day, I’d add a trip to the Prosecco Hills for a winery visit, which I didn’t get to do but absolutely would next time.
I’ve been to Italy before, but I’d always skipped Venice because it felt out of the way. Turns out, it’s worth going just for Venice. It’s different. Slower. A little surreal. And somehow exactly what you didn’t know you needed. And the best part? You don’t need weeks to experience it.
If it’s been on your list, take this as your sign.
For more sneak peeks into my Venice trip, head to my Instagram page.
