350 a day

Are you saying you are going to carry 12x$350 = $4200 in cash on your person, and buy euro from a currency exchange over there? Or, are you just budgeting that amount?

If the latter, it certainly depends on how you like to live. If you were traveling to NYC, San Francisco, or someplace similar in the US is that how much you'd plan to spend? If the former, would you carry that much cash with you in domestic travel?

I am sure you can eat, drink and shop very well on 350 dollars a day.

Forget the exchange rate, things costs similar to what they cost in a city in the US. Even some things that first appear higher are evened out by the lack of tipping. Would you want 350 dollars for a us city (hotel and tours excluded) ; if not adjust up or down accordingly.

Remember "Europe on $5 a day"? Wow, times have changed. $350 a day is commensurate with a luxury trip. Other than shopping, it would be hard to spend that much money on food, transport, and entertainment combined. Most hotels serve breakfast so you probably only need to budget for 2 meals a day. Other entertainment options can vary a lot in price (but it looks like you have tours covered which is likely the most pricey item as far as entertainment goes), so it really depends on your travel lifestyle. I would use credit cards and an ATM to get cash for small incidentals as you go. No way would I carry that amount of cash in my pocket.

Unless I was going to do an exorbitant amount of shopping or eat every meal at a high end restaurant with expensive wines, I can't imagine needing $350 dollars a day in Rome. That amount of money per day will be more than sufficient. Is it safe to assume that you will be utilizing public transportation?

Personally, if hotels and tours are paid for, 285 euro ($350) is excessive since about all you have left are meals. We easily get by for food closer to 100 to maybe 125 euro per day. Half of what you are suggesting should be more than adequate. How did you anticipate sending 285 euro/day?

I don't know what you like to eat or in what settings, but I know that would be more than sufficient for me and my other half to eat well and buy some great souvenirs.

If hotels are paid then yes, that is more than enough. Transit passes, sights, and food will not add up to that much unless you are really splurging. $350 is maybe 280euros per day (estimating)

Food is the biggest thing. Let's say breakfast is free, included in the hotel. One good restaurant meal might be 100euros, and one moderate cafe might be 40. Snacks, aperativo, and coffee might add another 30 per day. That's 170 euros. Round it up to 180 to be conservative. These are high estimates and you could easily do it for much less - and might want to on some days to save for a very special meal once or twice.

That leaves 100 euros for the day. Admissions will not be that much, nor will transit. Let's say transit is 25 euros (way high, but lets say you take a cab instead of subway, walk, or bus). No museum or admission will be 75 euros, unless you are getting a special tour and you said tours are paid. A concert or event ticket might cost more than that but it will average out because those are not frequent, some days you may just walk and visit free churches, or have already paid tours.

Shopping is a variable. I usually just buy a few books and inexpensive jewelry or small decor items, so over 2 weeks it averages out to next to nothing. If you like to bring home expensive things, then obviously you could go over your budget, but that is not at all necessary.

Again, my numbers are high and I'm still not close to hitting $350.

I don't think the OP was planning to bring that much cash, I read the question as being about how much to budget. Like all others, I agree that $350 a day is more than ample for non-lodging costs.

We usually budget about $100 per day per person, over and above the hotel. We like having that much available to us, but we usually spend only about 1/2 that. Of course, there's the occasional splurge meal, but they're rare. I like knowing we could spend $100 each if we wanted to.... It takes a lot of the stress out of the experience.

Take me with you? I'll help you spend the excess! : )

We usually budget about $100 per day per person, over and above the hotel. We like having that much available to us, but we usually spend only about 1/2 that. Of course, there's the occasional splurge meal, but they're rare. I like knowing we could spend $100 each if we wanted to.... It takes a lot of the stress out of the experience.

Jane, I think that's great advice. I think the OP's $350 per day ($175 per person) is generous. The question is whether the OP meant walking around money or total expenses, including whatever they may put on a credit card.

We found a wonderful frame and art store in Greve, Cornici Bottega D'Arte Il Birillo. We bought several original art pieces from him, both for us and for gifts. We ended up spending about 300 euro, but he took credit cards, so I don't think of it as trip expenses.

Breakfast was included at our agriturismo and we spent anywhere from 8 euro for a beer and slice of pizza to 40 euro in Florence for lunch for the two of us. Dinner ran from ~40 euro to one splurge dinner at 120 euro. Dinners were credit card charges.

CJean: Ummmmm.....

One reason I always budget more than I expect us to spend, is remembering the days when we had absolutely no money for extras. If it wasn't free, we didn't go. When we traveled in the States we picnicked 3 meals a day, and slept in a tent in state parks, or even roadside rest stops. But we never let that keep us from traveling.

Now it's so liberating and stress reducing to be able to afford sites with entrance fees, as well as the occasional splurge.

Now it's so liberating and stress reducing to be able to afford sites with entrance fees, as well as the occasional splurge.

Jane, you sound like us. We took our boys from Georgia to California and back pulling a popup camper. It was years ago, but our budget for the 30 day trip was $100 day all in. We had a great time. We spent 2-3 nights in state park camp grounds, many with just pit toilets. Every 3rd or 4th night we'd splurge on a KOA.

We still travel frugally, but not because we have to. We find the more modest B&Bs to be more fun. Simple meals at neighborhood cafes are just the ticket. Still it is liberating to not have to carefully weigh every purchase.

I find that money separates us from the experiences we seek. Often, the more money we spend at fancy lodgings and restaurants, the further away we move from the heart and soul of a country.

Personally, I find that money gives me the opportunity to experience those things I seek. Nothing wrong in being able to afford what you wish to do.

With the big ticket items already paid for you may not need to use your daily available allowance. I budget 125€ a day for TWO people, that is transport, food and extra fun. We never forgo an experience due to cost. You may find that you do not eat three times a day like you do at home. We find we are too busy for a proper meal until Dinner, we don't go hungry we fill up on the hotel breakfast, grab a sandwich or pop into a pizzeria sometime during the day. Also, if you stop for a drink (I highly recommend you do, sit outside and people watch) they serve some really good snacks with the drinks. One time we were served small sandwiches, chips and olives another time some pizza like bread, nuts and olives.

I appreciate so many replies. I will not be carrying that much cash at all. It is just a rough idea of the money I have budgeted for the trip. The total is higher but that is set aside for some shopping. Going there is a big trip for me and my wife. I was in the Air Force and stationed in Frankfurt from 86-90 and 92-94. Many trips to Italy both on business and a few for pleasure. I am also second generation America of Italian heritage. So many reasons to be able to do all we can do.
If anyone has suggestions for restaurants in the Rome area please feel free to let me know.
Once again I appreciate all the replies.
Grazie mille!
Jerry