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How to Travel Italy on a Budget

How to Travel Italy on a Budget

Roberto Ferrari

Say "Italy," and classic images of Roman ruins, the Vatican empire, and vineyards usually pop into the mind. Plan to see a few of these treasured sites, but make sure to get out and explore Italy's natural beauty. Cycle through the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria, hike through Italy's Alps, the Dolomites, or climb to the top of Mount Vesuvius.

Italy is not a cheap country to visit, but can be more reasonable than its Northern European neighbors. To keep costs down on your visit, travel during off-peak times, book flights during the week, rely on buses and trains, and stay in hostels or campgrounds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Italy budget guidebook Map of Italy Notebook Timetables of bus and train schedules Computer
  • Italy budget guidebook
  • Map of Italy
  • Notebook
  • Timetables of bus and train schedules
  • Computer
Step 1
Get a good, up-to-date budget guidebook for Italy. The Let's Go series is a favorite for independent travelers on a budget.
Step 2
Choose a time to visit Italy during the off-season when crowds are smaller and prices are lower. In general, prices are highest during June, July and August. Travel in April or early May to take advantage of lower prices, but still have excellent weather. If you plan on traveling to less touristy areas, late May through July may also be an enjoyable time to travel.
Step 3
Book a flight. Round-trip airfares to Italy are most expensive in peak travel months from April to early September. The cheapest times to fly are late September through March, excluding any holidays. If you choose to travel during the peak season, flying Monday through Thursday is likely to be cheaper than a weekend flight. If you are traveling through Italy as part of a more extensive journey, consider purchasing a round-the-world (RTW) ticket. The RTW ticket usually involves up to five stops and is a less expensive way to travel from destination to destination.
Step 4
Decide what you would like to see and do while you are visiting Italy. Italy is famous for its many museums and Roman ruins, but it also has endless outdoor recreation opportunities for the adventure traveler. Rock climb in Italy's Dolomites, hike through the villages of the Cinque Terre, ski in the Badia Valley, or explore Italy's national parks.
Step 5
Decide which areas of Italy you would like to visit based on the sights and activities you have chosen. Bookmark pages in your guidebook for all the places you would like to visit.
Step 6
Plan your itinerary and decide how you would like to travel around the country. Map out your path and find transportation to and from each destination. For budget travelers, trains and buses are a cheap and efficient way to travel around the country.
Step 7
Arrange cheap accommodations. Renting a dorm-room bed in a hostel is typically the cheapest housing in Italy. If traveling during the high season, book hostels in advance. With over 1,700 campgrounds, camping is also a cheap alternative in Italy.

Tips & Warnings

 
Join the hosteling organization in your country for discounts at Hostel International hostels in Italy.

Resources

Article Written By Wren Mcilroy

Based out of Salt Lake City, Wren Mcilroy has been writing outdoor recreation and travel-related articles for 3 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and biology from Winona State University in Minnesota.

Write for Trails.com

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