budget for Italy vacation

Our daily costs two years ago were higher (about 250Euro). We stayed in reasonable hotels (not budget) and we ate at nice restaurants in the different cities. Plus, we went to lots of attractions that had entry fees. You could easily reduce costs on these items.

Your thoughts on staying in a budget hotel will help. I suggest trying to get one that has breakfast included. In Florence, we stayed at the Hotel Basilea for 114E/night and they had a fairly good breakfast. Same with the Hotel Messner in Venice. Both are in Rick's book. On train travel, we rode the Eurostars where we could. But, you can cut your train costs 50% by riding the ICPlus or R trains where you can. They take longer and stop more frequently but they are less expensive.

You won't avoid the gelato expense.

Larry was that budget for two people or per person?

Rick Steves has stated in his ETBD 2009 book that he believes a couple in 2009 can travel comfortably in Europe for about $185 USD per person per day, not including airfare. He carefully defines what he means by this in his book, you have to read that to understand what it means for your trip. A significant number of travelers here have reported that their costs per person per day are higher than this.

Dennis, for one person that will be tough but that's not my forte.

Lodging is a big chunk: I found that getting something for 100 US dollars a night for two people that is not uncomfortable or unpleasant is extremely competitive and impossible unless you book very early. I always look for these special finds to lower my average trip cost, but it's hard.... For one person, it's a bit easier I think.

So, my budget is 100 Euro a night max. for two people for a facility that is clean, comfortable and quiet and well located. There are lots and lots of places for 100 Euro but not necessarily a good value for the money. 100 Euro will buy you luxury in a rural agriturismi, a charming room in a Firenze pensione, a lovely apartment with a view in a Tuscan hilltown---if you do your research, get off the beaten path, and book a minimum of three months ahead. I have never stayed in a RS recomended lodging. So, in short for a bit extra money + lots of research, I get more comfort, charm, and quality sleep.

Keep in mind, even if you're not "splitting" your lodging expense, you will have different options as a single traveler and need to adjust my budget accordingly. You'll have to go low-end in Venice.

Are you going to visit multiple Tuscan hill towns without a car?

Dennis, good question. It was a budget for my wife and myself. Except for the hotel, the rest of our budget would be cut by 50% if you were traveling alone.

I planning for a budget of around 200 euros a day. I've found accomodations online for just about every place I plan to go to and it totals around $1500 for 18 days. That should leave me plenty for everything else.