plane ticket ideas

Shanika, I hope I am answering your question (as I understand it) correctly, but seeing as either way you are going to have to pay change fees and ticket increases, why don't you do that now? For one, you will know for sure if it's even possible and can proceed with hotel reservations and such. For two, seeing as there is no way in knowing what the price of the flight will be come May or even if there will be seats available, it's best to do it now. Also, do you really want to risk changing any type of itinerary in Italy, with someone who may or may not speak fluent English? Since you are aware of this now, things like that should be handled in advance and I can't think of one good reason why you should wait.

shaking my head over the last reply to my post. the only lesson I feel i needed to learn was a good way to change the plan. I budgeted for 2 years, chose a good flight and hotel. the only difference is whether or not to add time. this community has given good ideas to fine tune things. I have my tickets to sights, train schedules and tickets, and all sorts of guides. so the lesson I want to give is persistence to get as close to want u want for your own dreams.

Shanika, I think the person who first answered your post gave you some good advice. Why wait? Do it now so you don't have to worry about it later. However, before you change your ticket, please be sure you can extend your hotel reservation. May is a very busy time in Italy. Finalize your plans now so you don't have to worry. All you'll have to think about is four more glorious days in Italy!

"shaking my head over the last reply to my post. the only lesson I feel i needed to learn was a good way to change the plan." I don't really understand that statement... If you want to extend your trip, do it now. If you wait until you're in Italy, you'll pay the change fee, plus the difference in price between what you originally paid and THAT DAY'S PRICE. That day's price (while in Italy) may be twice what you've already paid! The closer you get to a plane's departure date, the more expensive the tickets get. IF you have the money, do it now. And definitely add the extra days IF you can afford it. Money - that's always the hardest part!

Shanika - I know the "shaking my head over the last reply to my post" wasn't meant for me because I saw a reply after mine (that mysteriously disappeared haha) about "learning an important lesson with regard to planning" and that was the post you were referring to. And I can see both sides. Yes planning is important, but if 4 extra days suddenly fell into your lap there's no way to have planned for it and you just make adjustments accordingly, like you are now. That's why there are such things as "change fees" because yes, people need to change their plans every once in a while. I've been saving for quite a few years too for the trips I have taken/will take to Italy so do what you can to make it enjoyable, and if that means paying a little extra to spend 4 more days that you hadn't expected, go for it - but it also means taking cares of any needed adjustments as soon as they arise. You can't control everything, so do anything you CAN do now with the knowledge you do have. Have a great trip!