Touring Tuscany without reservations

Is this your first trip to Italy? To Europe? What is the makeup of your party of 3? Two adults and one child? Three adults? What kind of lodging do you hope to find? A hotel? Agriturismo? If you are not aware of this - rooms are rented by how many people will be occupying it, not by how many you can cram into it. A double room is for 2, not more.

You must realize that the end of June is high season. With a party of three you will need a triple room or two rooms. Triples may be scarce. If money is no object and/or you don't mind getting a place that might not be so great, go for winging it. If money is an object and/or you have high standards you should probably reserve now.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip!

All adults. My sister, her husband and me. We have never been to Italy before but do understand the double and triple standards. We were willing to take what we can get as we go from one town to another assuming that it being high season won't cause problems. We wanted to do this instead of reserving so we didn't have to commit to being in a certain town for a home base.

Everyone is entitled to determine how they want to spend their time. If being spontaneous is more important than money and time, then go for it. Assume you will not find a triple room randomly and be prepared to get two rooms. If you can find two at the same place. You should probably start looking for a place mid-afternoon. It may take awhile. If you have access to the internet it could help with some searches, as opposed to driving around randomly.

Personally I like to spend my time sightseeing and not searching for a place to sleep. Especially in high season and with 3 people. I would choose to book now. With only two days you won't cover that much ground. Or book one night in one place and another night at another, as you travel through Tuscany. That way you can end up there for the night, as opposed to using it as a base.

Just be aware of the pros and cons. I see more cons with winging it.

Like Andrea, I like having more planned out ahead of time in terms of lodging. Remember that due to ZTLs, you won't be able to drive in certain areas - so you won't be able to just drive up to a hotel and see if they have availability. I'm not sure that it being a Sunday would pose a problem, but high season (and wanting a triple room) would encourage me to book a place to stay for each night, even in two different towns potentially if that sounds better to you. I understand not wanting to be tied down to a destination - but I guess to me if you are willing to drive to another town to search for available lodging, I would also be willing to drive to a certain destination at the end of the day to spend the night.

Either way, you'll have a great trip! Enjoy it.

If you get frustrated finding a place, find a spot with wifi and check booking.com or venere.com for places that are still available.

Or you could just walk into the 'I' and make it their problem.

Tuscany is beautiful with many wide open spaces and small curvy roads. I would think that it would take days to drive from place to place looking for somewhere to stay. Also the small family places prefer to know how many guests they will be having so they can plan food, room cleaning, etc. it seems like it would be easier to be spontaneous in a city where there are more rooms in a smaller area.

Thank you all so much for the replies. I think we will plan ahead. Does anyone have recommendations for the small mom & pop places?

Ed, that would be my first choice but they may be looking for a place when the I is closed.

I was thinking that most people start looking around four or five when the place is still open since I like to find a place before I stuff my face.

Also, I've found that many places have a link/connection to ones down the road.

I didn't suggest the I for that very reason.

I think you will appreciate not having the stress of finding a room once you're there. I suggest you read about the different towns to see where you might be interested in going, look at a map and determine where you might end up for the night. Where are you coming from and what is your final destination? I found that going to two towns in a day was about the most we could see and really enjoy being there. The exception would be a larger place like Siena or Florence of course. If you plan to see Pisa, an hour or so is plenty of time.

Worst case scenario - I've slept in my car a couple of times, but that's even less comfortable for three people.

I have done tons of nights in Europe in high season without reservations and never had to resort to sleeping in my car. Most people who suggest you plan all the details have probably not traveled spontaneously. For some people there is stress in having your whole trip laid out ahead... what if I don't like the hotel I reserved months ahead of time?.... what if I am not ready to leave a town but have to? A different style of travel but it leaves you open to lots of serendipity. I have happened upon some of the most amazing places I would have never found otherwise.

TK - your preferred mode of travel is easier in high season if you are solo or with 2 people. I think there being 3 people puts a whole other spin on it. Especially if their plan is for all 3 to share a room.

I don't think that you will have any trouble finding a place to stay. We have been traveling around Europe for forty years and have always found a room. The only time that we make reservations is on our arrival and departure date. Not having reservations frees you to stay somewhere that looks interesting to you, rather than having to go on to your reserved destination.