You have some really good answers. Just remember,
INSECT REPELLENT.
That's what you need. People tend to forget about ticks, mosquitoes, horseflies and whatnot. And if you're in Australia, add leeches to the list. They can be vicious and ruin your experience if you go unprepared.
I'll pick the today option. My reasons have already been stated by many: political instability as a monarch, medicine, modern day commodities, etc.
But also, think about entertainment. Today we have a nearly infinite stream of entertainment at our disposal. Movies, songs, videogames, books. 500 years ago none of that existed. So there's yet another reason.