travel without hotel reservations in Itlay, France, Spain

Haven't traveled in May, but have traveled in the other shoulder season towards the end of September. In many places it is easy to find rooms. However there may be places that are not open for season yet, if you're going to resort areas along the coast for example. And some places such as Sorento will probably be in high demand. Over all, I think you can do it. Just allow for the fact that a couple of times you may have to spend some time searching for a room.

The last time I travelled in Europe was in May and I had no trouble finding hotels on the day in France and Italy. Specifically this was in Strasbourg, Como and Trento. I did make a reservation for Paris though. Because it is so big it is good to arrive there and have a clear idea where you are staying. The other places I mentioned are all small so walking around looking for a place to stay is no problem.

Hi Arlene, We have done these three countries just like you are and have also only gotten a hotel the first night in and the last night out. It works for us as it allows greater flexibilty in staying longer or leaving sooner any location we are visiting. When we did it in October a few years ago we did have a hiccup. We got to Paris and didn't realize it was the last day of the Paris Auto Show, had a tough time getting a room, finally got one in a not so swell location. If I would have had my wits about me I should have hopped a train to the outskirts of Paris and gotten a room in some village-----live and learn. That is the only Caveat I can give, make sure there are no "events", "festivals" or "holidays" taking place that can cause the situation I described.

I say go for it. We traveled by train in May and frequently used the services of the train station TI to help us locate a room upon arrival. Good luck.

In my youth, a buddy and I backpacked Europe all Summer with no plans or reservations. We arrived at a train station, went to the Tourist Info desk and asked for directions to the local hostel or cheap hotels. It was marvelous. I hope this can still be done, and I think it can be in the shoulder month of May. I would go for it.

You can certainly do most of your travel with no reservations, done it many times, and have had no real issues. That said, I would look at your itinerary, and consider the following: Use a mix of reservations and "free" days, this allows you flexibility, but gives you some measure of security as to your schedule. Your first few nights, your last, and any firm dates connected to transport tickets are good ones to reserve, unless you are really unsure of a hotel or locale. Consider reserving for places that always seemed booked. Paris, Venice, maybe Rome fall into this category. They also tend to be the places where hitting a few hotels in the core is less of an option. Travelling without reservations does not mean travelling unprepared. For each stop, have a short list of good options and an idea of the area to stay. When you get there, it is then a quick check to find the one you want. I usually can find a room to my satisfaction quicker than most can find the hotel they booked six months ago with no gaurantee of satisfaction. The same list I mention above is also good for calling a day, or several, ahead to book as your itinerary firms up. Consider multiple sources for creating your list. Rick Steves lists some good hotels, but they fill up fast, look at Lonely Planet, Lets Go, Fodors, Frommers, plus search the net.

Just a few years ago we flew into Madrid on May 15 and out of Rome a month later. Madrid and Rome were the only places that we booked ahead. We had absolutely no problem at all finding good places to stay along the way. I find that traveling without being tied down to a sequence of reservations booked ahead is liberating.

I think the only requirement is your flexibility. There will be plenty of rooms with beds, but that one perfect room (with the view, at the special hotel, and/or at the best location) might be taken.

Arlene - IF&S don't have as many hotels as we do here at home and they are not nearly so easy to deal with. Anything can happen! I've been over many times and I would not think of boarding the plane in Miami without knowing where my pillow is! Bon Voyage!

.....and I spend about three months a year over there and can't recall the last time I had a hotel reservation.

I think it depends on who the "we" are. If it is you and an adventurous husband, don't worry about it. If you are a family with a couple of kids it will be more of an issue finding a room for 4.