Planning a trip to Italy this year and looking for ways to save? While traveling in Italy is usually more affordable than in other countries (we’re looking at you Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland!), trip expenses can add up quickly. This is especially true if you’re planning to visit popular destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, and » Read more
Italy: Budget Travel Guide
What’s not to love about Florence? In one small city, you have the famous Duomo, the renowned Uffizi Gallery Museum, and of course, incredible food. Maybe the crowds can be a little overwhelming at times, but with millions of tourists flocking here, there’s no lack of affordable accommodations in the city. However, not all cheap hotels » Read more
There’s nothing we love more than a visit to Venice. It’s hard to beat the canal views, incredible cultural sites, and decadent food. But like many other iconic European cities, Venice can be an expensive adventure, especially when it comes to booking a hotel. You can save by scouring the internet for budget-friendly accommodations, but » Read more
Just like Rome, New York or London, Milan is a big and beautiful city, which can also mean big price tags for accommodations. In Milan, this is especially true during big events like Fashion Week (February and September) or annual trade shows. Plus, with all that Milan has to offer for visitors, it is a » Read more
No doubt about it, Europe has great slopes to offer skiers of all ages or skills. But if you venture up the most famous mountains in Austria or Switzerland, they’ll set you back a pretty penny, with expensive ski passes, overpriced food, pricey accommodation… you name it. However, snow hounds on a budget, shouldn’t despair. » Read more
In the tucked-away villages of Lake Como, painted frescoes and secret wine cellars deep underground are hints of a life that happens unhurriedly. Head away from the touristy towns, or come during low season to score the best deals. If you’ve ever caught Nespresso’s ad set in a luxurious lakeside villa starring Jack Black and » Read more
While we love taking the train between cities like Rome and Florence, driving is an excellent way to see some of Italy’s more off-the-beaten-path destinations. With a car, you can explore smaller villages and charming hill towns, plus you have the freedom to stop at vineyards, beaches, or other hard-to-reach attractions en route to your final » Read more
Famed for its sweeping vistas of the deep blue Mediterranean sea, picturesque hilltop villages, and an abundance of Southern Italian charm, the Amalfi Coast is a destination that any lover of beauty and romance should experience at least once. Of course, a seaside location this idyllic is also full of budget-busting traps that can quickly » Read more
Maybe you’ve been to Rome, Florence, and Venice, but what about Bologna? Boasting Europe’s oldest university and a rich food culture, Bologna entices travelers that love exploring Italy but might want to get off the beaten path. And as the capital of Emilia-Romagna, the culinary riches of the region will impress even the most discerning » Read more
When planning a vacation in Italy, it’s tempting to want to see and do it all. It’s very easy to over schedule your trip, especially on a tight time frame like a 10-day visit. To really get into la dolce vita, it’s better to limit yourself to a few cities or towns and take your » Read more
We love staying in charming medieval hill towns and bustling European cities, but we also need a sunny waterfront break every once in awhile. And the Italian coast has several amazing places to throw down your towel and catch some rays. But how can you make this dream happen without staying at a fancy beach » Read more
Located in the center of Tuscany, Siena is well-loved by tourists and locals alike. Throughout the city, you’ll find evidence of its medieval past. Siena’s architecture and art are greatly celebrated, and there is no shortage of sights to see on your trip, from visiting a museum to taking a hike for sweeping views of » Read more
When you picture your perfect getaway, what comes to mind? Views that leave you speechless, calming activities that immerse you in nature, charming hotels that make you feel welcome… it just so happens, you’re dreaming of Tuscany! With lush country landscapes and vineyards as far as the eye can see, Tuscany is an ideal vacation » Read more
So you’re looking to head to the spectacular Amalfi Coast? Well, who can blame you? With unmatched views of majestic mountains standing strong against the Mediterranean Sea, this Southern Italian coast is undoubtedly dreamy, romantic, and unfortunately, expensive. From tourist traps to pricey restaurants and hotels that empty the wallet before you can even start » Read more
Before you hop into a gondola or climb aboard a Vaporetto (ferry) to float down the canal in Venice, you’ll need to drop off your bags at the hotel. We’ve put together a list of cute and cozy stays in the city that won’t break the bank. With your leftover euros, you can spend more » Read more
Tiny but beautiful, Portovenere makes for a memorable waterfront escape in Italy. Popular with Italian tourists who want a little sun and sand, this enchanting village is much more affordable than other popular oceanside jewels like the Amalfi Coast and nearby Cinque Terra. And speaking of Cinque Terra, you can use Portovenere as your launch or » Read more
As Italy’s biggest city, Milan is a great destination for budget travelers with hundreds of affordable hotel options. But not all budget hotels are created equal. If you need a place to stay near the main train station (Milano Centrale), we have an easy answer for you: Reserve a room at Hotel Charly Milan. Our Hotel Charly » Read more
In late spring, before the summer season really gets going, Sardinia casts quiet spells. The Costa Smeralda, developed in the 1960s as a center for luxury tourism, has given Sardinia a very pricey reputation. This part of the island is relatively small and much of Sardinia is wonderfully budget-friendly to boot. We didn’t do Sardinia » Read more
Although it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Florence can be surprisingly affordable. Scattered around the city on narrow streets and down charming alleys, budget hotels still exist here, while they’ve disappeared from many other Italian cities (we’re looking at you, Venice). But can you really score a super cheap hotel » Read more
Lake Como may be the destination of the diamond-studded celebrity crowd, but if you know where—and when—to go, you can score a sensational holiday for half the price. For centuries, this pristine lake and its surrounding mountain peaks have been a prime holiday spot for Italians. Residents of Milan only need to drive an hour » Read more
Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world, making it both very accessible but also teeming with tourists at certain times of year. While most of Italy’s cities and towns are visitor-friendly, there are still some pitfalls that tourists commonly find themselves stumbling into. Avoid these common travel-planning mistakes to make your » Read more
Your tour of Europe is likely to take in at least a few iconic sights. There are, however, few guidebooks which tell you that next to the tower or castle you traveled half a world to see is a sight that’s equally (or more) worth your time and money to visit. Here a few suggestions » Read more
Little San Marino, the independent republic in the Apennines, is a gem. And like most gems, you have to take time to appreciate it. Forget the overpriced day trips touted by bus operators, and instead plan to spend two or three days in San Marino. By day This diminutive polity, with its capital (also called » Read more
Yes, we’ve been traveling a lot of late. Over the last 40 days, our travels have taken us from Cadiz to Hamburg and from the Alps to the Apennines. We have paddled in the Atlantic and the Adriatic and taken in a few cities too: Florence, Madrid, Paris, Zürich, Poznan and more. It has, in » Read more
Even Paris-based writers need a chance to escape the City of Light every now and then to experience something different. This year, this Cheapo flitted off to Naples to check out the pizza and coastlines that make this Italian port city famous. I return to you tanned, relaxed, and full of tips for stretching your » Read more
