Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and for good reason. Italy has everything to offer; ancient monuments, amazing coastlines, and delicious food.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy but are doing it on a budget, here are some tips you can follow to get the most out of your trip to Italy while staying within your budget.
You’ll Need a Kitchen
To save money on food, rent a hotel room or Airbnb that comes with a kitchen. Not only will this help you save money by avoiding eating out for every meal, you’ll also get to go food shopping – in Italy!
Visit the local markets in the community where you’re staying and buy fresh ingredients for breakfast, a packed lunch, and then splurge on dinner, if you want. When you have a kitchen where you can make your own food, your will see your budget slashed in half for this travel necessity. You gotta eat, right!
Carefully Plan Your Itinerary
Before you venture to Italy, make a detailed itinerary of the sights you want to see and the cost associated with each one. With so much to see in Italy, this can be challenging. However, when you pick just a few sites that really peak your interest, you will find yourself not overwhelmed at all. For example, you may want to focus on just one region, like Rome or Venice.
If you’re a huge history buff, carefully choose the ancient sites you want to see. If getting closer inside the culture is your thing, explore the local markets and alleyways near your hotel.
Hire a Cheap Guide
Don’t speak Italian? Never been to Italy before and want to make the most out of your trip? If so, you can always hire a guide to help you explore the countries different regions. Locals know all the ins and outs of touring their own country and will also know the fastest and most efficient ways to get you where want to be. Also, having an Italian speaking guide will save you plenty of time and frustration when it comes to communicating with the locals.
Travel Off-Season
Another way to see Italy on a budget is to travel during the off-season. Not only will this save you money on airfare and costs associated in country, but you’ll also get to skip the large crowds. The peak season is during the summer, when prices are the highest. To save money, consider traveling anytime from November through March.