Flying standby is crazy.
Flying standby to Europe during summertime is insane.
Most airline employees don't even risk it, especially if you have a non-refundable cruise leaving from one of the most touristy European cities 2 days after you start trying to catch flights!
Dave and I flew from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale (a flight he was flying and I flew standby for) to Baltimore where we rented a car and drove to Philadelphia so we could catch a flight directly to Venice that was wide open.
Ah, the things travel addicts will do to get their fix! Needless to say, we were ecstatic to get on that 8 hour plane ride to Italy.
Although I've always wanted to see Venice, it's never been on the top of my travel wish list but now that I've been there I'm shocked it never was because Venice is completely incredible! It is so unlike any other city I have ever been to.
Dave and I wandered the streets for hours the two nights and one day we spent there. We kissed at the top of each bridge we passed over and turned down random alleyways that looked interesting until we were completely and wonderfully lost.
That is one of my favorite feelings in the whole world. I love being completely lost in a new city when every turn you take is an adventure. Since you can walk pretty much everywhere, Venice was the coolest city to be lost in. We ended up at a random restaurant we found while wandering thru a neighborhood. I love finding places like that which seem almost hidden on purpose from tourists.
As amazing as Venice was, and as much as I used to LOVE, love, love traveling alone, I am happy I didn't go to this city my last trip to Italy when I was still single because it is such a romantic place!
