Shortness of breath and travel to Venice or Switzerland

[Shivanjali]

I've read that air quality in the summer is very poor in Venice due to the constant arrival and departure of cruise ships - anyone been and what was it like ? Maybe Alpine air might be better? Shortness of breath due to possible ILD, yet to be confirmed. Any tips welcome. Thank you.

[O2Trees]

It can be very cold then Robin - we went in March during the 90s and were frozen. There was an anti-fascist march happening as Alexandra Mussolini was planning to visit to speak at a meeting. Neither Mussolini nor any of the fascists in his time had ever come to the city and the people did not want Alexandra either. So we found out where the march was setting off from and went on it which was fascinating - whenever the march reached one of the little bridges they formed a bottle neck, with the march swooping up and over and while everyone waited to get over they pogo-ed like punks used to do in the 80s which kept everyone warm. Quite an experience seeing how demonstrations work in Venice.

[Robin77 in reply to O2Trees]

True, can be very cold indeed. Alexandra - fascinating - is somehow still around in the political scene but not sure what exactly she is up to now. Curious figure. First time I ever heard of someone going to Venice to take part in an anti-fascist march! Sounds hilarious.

[O2Trees in reply to Robin77]

No, i didn't go there for that purpose Robin but it was quite an experience as I said - just by coincidence it was happening when we were there, so we couldn't resist joining in.

[Robin77 in reply to O2Trees]

[O2Trees]

Hi Shivanjali, Ive been to Venice quite a bit but not recently, and not since the huge cruise ships began to dock there. So I don't know how it is now. The Alps sound good but remember the air will be thinner higher up with less oxygen.

[hypercat54]

I agree to avoid Venice in the summer and May and September are good months to go as it is less crowded.

Having said that I love Venice a lot and if you haven't yet been then do go. Make sure you do a boat trip among the islands.

I also went on a gondolier which even though expensive I have never forgotten. x

[Ergendl]

I went in May last year and stayed in a hotel in the old part of Venice for a week. We had a lovely time. The weather was warm without being hot, and the mosquitos hadn't yet got going. I was able to walk for hours each day. There are plenty of routes through the old town to avoid the cruise ship tourist thoroughfares. The only drawbacks are that the city is quite humid because it is so full of water, and there are a lot of humped bridges which can be a struggle for those not so good on the stairs.

Really glad I went. Wouldn't go back again, as there are so many other wonderful places to see in the world. This year it's a tour of Andalucia in Spain.

[Susan1200]

Hello Shivanjali ,I always go to Switzerland in May as it gets to hot then I can hardly breath or September is also good, it's a beautiful country 🌷

[JP1954]

We went in May last year and was very busy. Air quality so so. Our main resort was Garda from which we visited Venice and Verona. I loved Verona easy to get around and more places to sit than in Venice. Horses for courses really. Once was enough for me - too crowded.

[Sandyeggo]

Hi Shivanjali, welcome. I have CoPD, Emphysema, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis. So just me but I’ve heard Switzerland is cold which would be hard for me b/cuz cold takes my last bit of breath away. Sorry but Venice-if you’re referring to the one in Italy really wouldn’t even consider it, because it’s a very pretty place you want to be outside but it’s like suffocating( to me) the air quality is poorThere are many states in the United States and we have every type of weather imaginable. I live in California and here and Arizona are just about the best places you can go to reduce symptoms of Respitory Disease along w/any joint or muscle problems you might have. I also found it very hard to breath in Hawaii. Best of luck to you Bon Voyage

[Susan1200 in reply to Sandyeggo]

Sandyegge,England is much colder than Switzerland ,sometimes in Switzerland the weather is unbearable hot ,i was brought up in Switzerland .

[mnster4732 in reply to Sandyeggo]

Where in California and Arizona ? Some parts of Cali are horrible.. please advise.

[Corin1950]

Hi

I visit Zurich in Switzerland a lot because my son lives there. In fact I've been here since February as my husband who has severe emphysema was taken ill with a virus infection and was hospitalised for nine weeks.

The air is much cleaner than it is back home in Leeds especially if you go up into the mountains and we have had some lovely warm sunny weather here whilst it's been cold in England. Generally the weather is better here in Spring and Summer than the UK.. It's hot enough to swim in the lake but it isn't a Mediterranean climate so there are days when it's cloudy too.

If you're looking for clean air and warm weather I'd recommend it but bear in mind the cost of living is very high so hotels, eating out and drinks are very expensive.

Hope you have a good holiday

Corin

[Susan1200 in reply to Corin1950]

Hello Cor1N787, how is your husband,I hope he is feeling better in himself,and that your keeping well .

I followed your story when your husband took very sick in Zurich , hopefully all is well.

Best wishes

Susan 🙏