How To Travel To Italy On A Budget

Let’s face it travel anyplace these days is expensive. Fuel prices are high all over the world as well as lodging, food, and everything else. However if it is still your dream to visit Italy and see everything the country has to offer a little planning may be needed in order to make it more affordable.

Traveling during the Off Season is probably the biggest way to make your visit to Italy more affordable. Hotels, restaurants and attractions have fewer visitors and adjust their prices accordingly. There is nothing more to do here to get a good rate. If you can travel in April – June or October – November it will cost less. This is great for the traveler who has a flexible schedule but many of us don’t or at least prefer to go during the summer months due to better weather and more daylight as well as more activities that can be found during that time. Prices will be higher but with some research and planning the deals can be found.

Airfare

This could be your biggest expense depending on where you are coming from but there are chances to save some money here. Your best bet on cheaper airfare is to book as early as possible. As a quick test I went to an airlines website and checked prices for a trip from New York to Rome for a trip two weeks away returning seven days later. I checked another trip five months away, also a seven day trip. The price of the second ticked was almost half the price of the short notice purchase. As you can see getting your trip booked early can save you a lot of money. An additional step in finding discounts is to call the airlines directly and find out if there are any other discounts available. Sometimes deals can be found that way.

In addition to what is mentioned above the discount travel websites can offer low prices. Sometimes you have to give up some control and not know which airline your flying or which day but they are a good source of discounts. Check with tour companies as you may find some lower prices through them during peak season. Finally check your local newspapers for travel specials. Near the start of the travel season you find specials quite often.

Hotels

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel at the height of the tourist season you’re probably not going to find many discounts. However is today’s economy just like with the airfare, booking early can save you some money. If you don’t need a top of the line hotel consider a smaller room, hostels and bed and breakfast venues. There are many throughout Italy that can be quite affordable but you may have to share a bathroom and / or sleep in a very small room.

But if you don’t mind this it is a very good way to save money. In addition to advanced booking you can possibly earn a discounted rate upon check in if things are slow and you are polite. It never hurts to ask. As with airfare do some investigating. There are specials offered year around in newspapers and hotel web sites. Also, check what is included in the price. Many places have at least breakfast included and this may save you money on at least one meal a day.

Shopping

The key word here is haggling. In most of Italy haggling is not only encouraged but acceptable. Simply ask the shop owner if the price shown is the final price and go from there. In some cases large discounts can be gained this way.

Dining

Try to get out of the big tourist areas for a lower price, and often better tasting meal. No matter where you go price are higher where tourists flock. Take some time to walk around and explore. You never know what you’ll find. Even if you don’t get a huge discount you may end up with a better dining experience than just eating at the hotel restaurant every night. Italian food is world renowned and if there is one place to splurge this would be it.

There are many ways to find the best Italy travel deals. The bottom is to shop around and do a little advance planning and you’ll find some discounts. Beyond that however, have a sense of adventure, be willing to try new things and enjoy yourself. You may not get all the discounts you’re looking for but the travel experience you get in return will be worth it.