Italy remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, beyond any doubt. The mesmerizing landscapes, the exotic wine and foods, and places of lavish lifestyle the attractions are many. However, it is not the perfect holiday destination for those on a modest budget.
Italy is where you will have to search harder to find special offers and recessionary discounts for either accommodation or food! You can still resort to a few methods to ensure you do not bleed your wallet heavily when touring Italy.
This Italy vacation guide will be helpful for you to travel the country on a tight budget.
Transportation
You may have to travel to many places in Italy based on your tour plan and your list of italy best places to visit. You can search for discounted air tickets for flying to Italy and for flying between various cities in Italy. Due to recent deregulation, a price war has shot up in internal flight routes. If you search carefully, flights between multiple cities in Italy can be lighter on the wallet than trains. Some budget carriers you can check out are Ryanair, Alitalia, and blu express. For flying to Italy, flexibility in terms of time can help you save a lot.
Train travel can also be easy on your wallet in Italy, provided you book the right ones. Occasional discounts on specific routes and certain days are available on the Italian Railways website. On some routes, you can save on round-trip tickets on the same day. Of course, high-speed trains are not wallet-friendly, but you can opt for regional trains that run slower and cost less. However, remember that not all train stations in Italy are at the center of the city, and if you are with a lot of luggage, it can be rather cumbersome. In cities like Venice and Florence, you can even resort to walking for sightseeing. Most cases, renting a car in Italy is not ideal for budget-oriented tourists.
Accommodation
Finding budget accommodation can be more challenging in Italy compared to other European countries. Even for a room in a hostel with basic amenities, you may have to churn out 25 EUR per night. The place also has an impact on cost. In prime cities like Milan and Rome, the cost of accommodation is likely on the steep side. It would be prudent to stay in adjacent cities well-connected by the train network.
Eating and drinking
With caution, you can save on eating and drinking when touring Italy. In many restaurants in Italian cities, you will get a reasonably priced menu for lunch. You may also grab a large pizza in the evening. Explore the local food markets if you are on a budget. While most restaurants offer fixed price menu for lunch in Italy, you have no obligation to stick to the full three courses. You may even order a starter and a dessert if you want a light meal. You will not have to spend much in Italy tipping in restaurants. To save money while eating at restaurants, ask for tap water. Or else they will charge you extra for serving bottled water. In some hotels and hostels, you can also expect to get breakfast without additional charges.
Activities, sightseeing on a budget
Even when you resort to sightseeing in Italy, there are ways to save costs. You can opt for walking tours in many Italian cities. Yes, exploring the city by walking takes time, but it will be lighter on your wallet. Some hostels in big cities have walking tours meant for budget-minded tourists.
In Italy, you can explore many museums that offer great insight into the fascinating history and culture of the country. However, you can search the web to find out if some museums offer free entry on certain days of the week. Incidentally, a lot of churches, including the Duomo in Milan and the St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, have free entry for visitors. Some museums allow free access to certain types of people. You need a valid proof of your citizenship and age to avail yourself of such facilities. Art teachers and students can avail benefits in this regard.
A lot of cities have options for special passes for travelers that you can avail. For example, the passes enable you to explore several Naples, Rome, and Venice attractions. You can check online for such cards and what is included in them. You may also approach the tourist information offices in those cities for details. Remember, some of the major tourist attractions in Italy will cost you, including the Colosseum in Rome and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Check out the web for information on the beaches in Italy before you head for them. Not all of them are free.
Shopping
For most tourists, traveling to a new destination remains incomplete without some shopping! When exploring popular places in Italy, you should shop with care. The street vendors offering cheap souvenirs should be evaded. You may instead opt for the fleece markets in major cities. Sometimes, shopping for specific items in selected regions can be worthwhile. If you buy glass from Murano and ceramics from Deruta as souvenirs- it will be a good value. However, get your facts clear on how much import tax you will have to churn out for such items.
Summing it all up
To save on travel costs in Italy, you may evade packaged tours. A lot of travelers enjoy exploring Italian cities on their own. Thanks to the Internet resources and enhanced communication options, finding your way about and getting resources on food and lodging will not be tedious. The timing or travel is so crucial when you want to save money. If you plan to explore the beautiful coastal cities in Italy, evade the summer months. You may consider traveling in spring or fall to get lower rates on everything, including flight and accommodation. Hope this vacation guide helps you in exploring Italy well on a budget!
