THIS year, expect Italy to be swelling with tourists this Christmas. For it is in Italy that the Vatican, home to the Roman Catholics, is celebrating the birth anniversary of the Messiah. This is where Roman Catholics from all over the world troop just to hear the homily and the mass presided by Pope Benedict XVII on Christmas Eve. Catholics have a commanding presence from all continents in the world – from Greenland to Australia, to Zimbabwe to Israel. It is with the existence of the Catholicism headquarters in the Vatican that make Italy one of the thriving tourism centers in Europe.

Italy also holds two world records through one city – Venice – alone. Venice is the only city in the world that sits on a lagoon and it is also the only pedestrian city in the world – all vehicles are parked in the world’s most massive parking area outside the city gates. In Venice during winter, temperatures can get as cold as -3 degrees Celsius. You’ll need layers and layers of clothing just to survive yourself from possible frostbite but remember not to don any cottony fiber because cotton tends to absorb moisture.

Winter may still be two months away but this early, one need to already reserve flight and hotel deals in any part of Italy. It is suggested to combine these two and to take on round trip plane tickets as well to have some of the best bargain deals. Also, course your travel with a reputable travel agency so you can get huge discounts. The most famous travel agencies online are Expedia and Travelocity. They have 24-hour customer service desks that are hospitable to help you get the most out of your trip here in Italy.

While winter is still far away though, take a look at one of the most spectacular celebrations a few days ahead – Halloween. We can’t expect you to go ahead and take your flight to Rome right now just in time for Halloween celebrations this October 31 because that’s just one day from now. Obviously, all flights are already filled by that time. But you can still go to Italy by land. Train tickets are likewise filled by this time so there’s no other alternative except to take your own car.

Sitting in the Italian Peninsula, Italy is part of the European mainland and as such, a signatory of the 1977 landmark Schengen agreement. The agreement dictates that all signatory countries open their land borders without a need for border patrol inspections. So it will definitely not be a hassle if you just come here in Italy via France, Switzerland, Austria or Slovenia.

Because Italy is part of the Western lifestyle, Halloween has crept its roots here but only for the past eight years or so. Thus, it is relatively new here. You will find the younger generation of kids having their trick-or-treat thing. In fact, it has started since last weekend already. They will be knocking at your doors asking for candies. Foreigners are expected to give in to them being kids as they are. They will likewise be dressed in cute little scary costumes just like they do in the United States across the Atlantic.