Normally when we travel, we make reservations for the first night and then "wing it" for the remainder of the trip. We arrive in Milan Sept 7 and have reservations Sept 7 in Milan, 8th winging it in Milan, reservations Sept 9, 10 in Venice and then heading to CT on the 11th. Question is, is it possible to wing it in CT the 11th, 12th and then for the rest of the trip through the 19th throughout northern Italy and Provence? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I don't think I would. You're still in the high season and you may find yourself not being able to find any decent lodgings. I would just go ahead and book while you can. Donna
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
If you travel without reservations, try to show up at your destination around 10am and start looking for lodging. I've done this in the CT and had success. If you arrive at 6pm, you may be out of luck.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Jennie, Possible? Yes, but try http://www.elisabettacarro.it/ in Vernazza. If she is full, she still might help out with another suggestion.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
This is a recurring question. It's just a matter of how much you value the security of a reservation versus the unknown amount of time it could take to find a room. Put me on the "security" side, but as I often say, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to travel. Happy travels.
Posted by
OP
Oakland
2 posts
Thank you everyone!! We ended up making reservations using one of Rick Steve's recommendedations. We'll wing it in the south of France instead. Happy Travels!!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
If you know for sure that you will be in Milan on the 8th, is there a reason to "wing it" on that day? I don't see any advantage, and Milan in September gets a lot of fashion shows, trade shows, etc. I have had great trouble getting a room in Milan when one of these is in town, so I'd be leery of not having a reservation (especially if you already plan for sure to be there).
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Jennie, It's good to hear that you now have a booking in the Cinque Terre. I would have recommended booking as soon as possible, as I've found that it can be extremely difficult to get reservations there at this time of year. I normally start booking in March for travel in September, and even then I often have problems getting the Hotel that I want (this year was no exception). Which Hotel will you be staying in? Happy travels!