I’ll never say no to a return to Venice and had the pleasure of spending a few days there at the very start of January.

There's nowhere like it in the world. A magical (car-free) city that rises out of the water like a fantasy film set. Elegant Renaissance palazzi squeezed between grocery shops and wine bars.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at the boardwalk and spend the day riding along "The Strand" (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at ...