Already have my flight to Rome in mid August my Italian friend canceled on me! What to do?!?!

Hoping that you're not too disappointed about the change in plans. It does present an interesting dilemma!

You could fly to Sicily and spend 2 weeks there or explore the Puglia and LeMarche regions of Italy.

Just do on your own what you were planning to do with your friend.

August will be largely booked on the major seaside locations, but using the internet you can find still some vacancies.

I tested 6 nights in the Sorrento/Amalfi coast area on Booking.com from 12 Aug - 18 Aug, which would encompass the busiest holiday weekend of the year (Aug 12-15), and I can still find several properties for under €150/night, which is low for August. Capri is probably more expensive, but you can visit it easily from Positano or Sorrento.

If you go to Tuscany/Umbria is probably even easier and cheaper. The Tuscan coast is also great and not that expensive. The best stretch of the Tuscan coast is in the Province of Grosseto, from Piombino, down to the Argentario peninsula, and especially the islands.

Other great coastal areas to visit are, as suggested, also Sicily and Puglia. Near Umbria are the Marche region, which has plenty of nice coastal areas, especially near Mt. Conero park, south of Ancona.

A car is helpful for visiting the smaller towns and the countryside, but not indispensable. There are buses or trains to virtually every town, big or small, in Italy, it just takes a bit more planning.

If you are afraid of lack of public transportation options in rural areas or small towns in Italy, I'm sure you won't find it any easier in Croatia.

If you haven't been to Umbria yet, I'd recommend to stick with that part of the plan. I spent two weeks there this summer and never got through my list of things I wanted to see and do. Great wines, great olive oil, great food, wonderful hill towns, festivals and concerts, great historical sights...

The only limitation is public transit. Not all the towns are served by rail, so you'd have to go by bus, or drive if that's an option for you. Either way, it takes a bit more work than places with more developed rail networks, but it's doable.

When I was there this June, crowds were nonexistent. I understand Umbria doesn't have the heavy tourist load of other places, but even so, it was remarkably peaceful. No guarantees in August, but I'd say chances are it will still be manageable.

I am sorry to hear that your travel plans have been thrown into disarray. Do you have accommodation booked and has it been prepaid? If not, then it means you will be paying for a full room, rather than just a half share. So possibly you need to alter your plans as to what is possible within your budget. Hostels may be your friend here, or seek less popular out of the way places. You have a flight booked to Prague, so I would definitely stay in Italy. Consider the north - Veneto, Emilio Romagna.

Simply Wow to everyone's inspired and positive response, filled with great sensible thoughts. Very much appreciate the suggestions. Thank you!

Try some smaller towns along the Amalfi Coast, like Minori, you might still find accommodations and it has ferry and bus stops.

If you haven't been to Bologna, you might enjoy it solo. Also Ravenna is close by train. In the Veneto, Padova, Vicenza, or places like Este or Montagnana might interest you, too.

Where is your flight to Prague from?

I've decided to stay in Umbria and take up everyone's advice. My flight leaves from Rome to Prague. Other then training down to Capri for two nights most of my time is in the Umbria area. And def going to the coast would be perfect, especially go get away from the heat. The town I was using as home base is TREVI . Thanks again everyone!

Thanks for the update! You plan sounds perfect...lots of possibilities for things to see near Trevi!

From Trevi you have direct train connections to lots of interesting places ...
Spello
Spoleto
Assisi
Gubbio
Cortona

If you are also seeking out a bigger city vibe then Bologna would appeal. From here you can easily visit places such as Modena, Parma, Ferrara, Ravenna.

Great suggestions, thanks!!