Login Getting the most from your Italian Holiday
Italy is a fantastic country to visit, whether you are heading to the hustle and bustle of Rome or Milan, the romantic centre of Venice or the quiet relaxation of the Italian lakes this beautiful country has something to offer everyone.
Although some might associate a trip to Italy with a lot of expense, there are plenty of ways to see this fantastic destination without spending a fortune. Here are some tips on how to get the most of your Italian holiday without breaking the bank.
Do Your Research
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to save money on any trip is to do your research before you go. There is a whole world of information about any area you are travelling too in Italy that is just waiting to be researched. Read guide books, sign up for online travel guides and engage in online forums and communities like AmoreTravelGuides.com where fellow travellers will be more than happy to answer specific questions and give you advice. Without doing your research you could well miss out on the cheapest accommodations, the restaurants that offer the best value for money or which museums and art galleries offer free admission on certain days. Prior research into transport can also save you a great deal of money and often purchasing a pass that covers you for the duration of your trip will be cheaper than buying tickets each time you board a bus or train. All areas vary in what they offer but with a little prior planning it is very easy to save a great deal of money on transport this way.
Shop around for deals
As well as researching the area you will be visiting, it pays to shop around for the best holiday deals. Go to several travel agents and see what they will offer you, always ask if that is the best deal they have, and make sure you are aware of all the extras that are added on, unnecessary in-flight meals for example can soon mount up for a large family. Also always shop around for your holiday insurance, the first policy offered to you may not be the best for you and there is the chance to save some money here. Never be tempted not to take out holiday insurance in a bid to save money, if anything were to go wrong on holiday it would cost a lot more to put right than if you had paid the (small in comparison) charge for holiday insurance at the outset.
Shop like a local
A great way to save money whilst holidaying in Italy is to live like a local. Avoid the restaurants and bars surrounding the tourist attractions where the prices are hiked up for tourists, instead experience the real Italy and head to traditional tratorrias where the locals eat. The prices will be significantly lower but the food and the authentic atmosphere will be a far better experience than any restaurant aimed at tourists. Another great way to save money is to prepare the majority of your food yourself, the fresh produce in Italy is superb, visit the markets for fresh meat and fish and fruit and vegetables and to the bakery for fresh breads and cakes and enjoy your own creations. A great way to enjoy this is to head to a public park and enjoy your very own picnic, grab a bottle of vino rosso and you have everything you need for a delicious meal in the Italian sunshine.
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