my daughter and i had plans for an extensive european trip. major emphasis art and local scenery and people. with the present state of the economy we have become paranoid. could someone suggest a way we could experience the flavor of italy in a more compact and more economical way -- perhaps a select area that would offer a way to enjoy without wrecking the bank? thanks!!! fran
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Have you considered other, cheaper countries? Spain is probably the least expensive country in western Europe right now, and is rich in history, art, and people!
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
Frances,
There is a thread about your concern on the General section.
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I'm not sure what you have planned but if art is a priority then I would suggest selecting a couple of places such as Rome, Florence and Siena. Full of wonderful art, sights and people. They are all easy to get to and although nothing will be exactly cheap, I'm sure you will enjoy the experience. Maybe the trip has to be shortened this time.
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
Go to Poland, instead. It will cost you much less and be a wonderful time
Posted by
nederland, colorado, usa
127 posts
HOSTELS, HOSTELS, HOSTELS. they are CLEAN, SAFE, and 70 euro on ave. cheaper... PER NIGHT!!!you can book [www.hostelbook.com] a 2 bed room..[which is the usual, even if "single"] from any where 25-40 euros., as opposed to a hotel that is usually well over 100eu.
i went in may, and there was NO WAY i could have spent the 2 short weeks w/ out Hostels.
Posted by
USA
351 posts
I don’t have the $$$ to keep going back to the EU over and over. So when we go this summer we will spend a little extra to make the trip a fun time and not penny pinch and miss out on things we will regret later. Last time we did not go in the Eiffel Tower or take a Gondola ride in Venice. The things you miss for saving a few dollars/Euro just aren’t worth it!
Posted by
Providence, RI, USA
160 posts
If you have your heart set on Italy do it now, the prices will only go higher. Find cheaper hotels, hostels, convents. Find hotels that offer breakfast in the price, eat a lot and just have dinner, no lunch. Bekieve me you can fill up on breakfast and it will tide you over till dinner. Go in Oct thru Feb, prices are cheaper and less tourists. I just went in November and booked my own air and hotels. Total cost was a little over $1300.00. That included air, 4 hotels and train tickets. Good luck.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
Go off season. Cheapest air is from Nov-Mar. Next is Apr, May, Sep and Oct.
Hotel prices are also cheaper off season.
You spend less time on lines so can do more.
For meals, get free breakfast and fill up then eat light lunch sandwich from take out place. If b'fast is not included, eat out at standup place.
Look for museum passes that include the places you want.
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
Try an apartment/home rental if youo can base yourself in one spot and day-trip to sights...it will also help you really get a feel of a place and make some local friends. I think you will be plesantly surprised at the prices in Italy...IF you stay out of the major cities and get off-te-beaten-path a bit (!) in general, prices decrease as you head South as well...maybe check out some of the really less-touristed regions...inland Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, Molise, Abruzzo, Le Marche, etc.! Prices of accomodation and food, for instance, can be up to 1/4 less when you stay in a "real" town and live like a local...compared to Rome, Venice, etc. (not that I don't love Rome and Venice too!!)