Not everyone traveling to Italy is on a limitless budget. But no worries, there are plenty of ways to experience Italy, no matter your budget! The following are some tips on all the little (and big) ways to save money during your trip.
Save money during your Italian holiday
#1 Have flexible travel dates
If you can avoid traveling during the high season, you should! Come in the early Spring or in the Fall, when the weather is great and prices are lower for travel and hotel. But if you need or prefer to travel during the summer months, book your flights over the phone directly with the airline and let them find the best/cheapest combo for going and returning. For example leaving on a Thursday instead of Friday can save you a lot of cash. Or even traveling on days that superstitious folks avoid, like the 13th or 17th (Italians believe 17 is an unlucky number).
#2 Pack light
Ditch things that will weigh you down: an overweight bag by now can cost A LOT at the check-in counter. Pack one of those handy luggage scales so you can weigh your bags before heading to the airport. If your bag at the end of your trip is overweight, ditch your toiletries first. They are easy to re-buy and you’d be surprised just how much they weigh!
#3 Apartment VS hotel
For longer trips renting an apartment rather than a hotel can often be a better deal. Websites like Venere.com and Hotel.com include apartments in their search engines if you want to get an idea on prices.
#4 Eat In
Eating out everyday really adds up. Why not get groceries from a local food market and make your own lunch? You’ll save cash and experience how the locals eat too! If you don’t have accommodations that allow cooking, look for deals like fixed lunch menus; they’ll save you a few bucks!
#5 Discover public transport deals
If you will be in town for multiple days, and plan on using the buses/metro/trams/water buses, it’s usually cheaper to get the multiple day tickets. In Rome there is also the Roma Pass, which offers 3 days of unlimited public transportation plus admission into 2 participating sites (excludes Vatican but includes the Colosseum), which is a steal if you’ll be in town for 3 days!
#6 Search for free things
Be Free: There are lots of things to do that don’t have a high price on them in Italy. Picnic in the park or on the beach. Visit some of the hundreds of art-filled churches in town. Map out a route through the city to explore on foot. Get fresh ingredients from a food market and try to recreate that pasta dish you ate last night. Ride a bike down the Appia Antica. Rent paddle boats at Albano Lake. The possibilities are endless!
#7 Sleep for cheap
Don’t be afraid of hotels that have only a star or two; they’re plenty OK for travelers who don’t need or want a lot of amenities or services. This is also the appeal in B&B’s which offer breakfast and more charm than a huge fancy hotel anyways! Hostels are of course fine for young travelers who don’t mind sharing space with other travelers.
#8 Travel Smart
If you’ll be traveling by train, do some investigation to get the cheapest rates possible. Slower trains like the Regionale or the Intercity take longer but cost usually half as much. Check the PROMO rates on fast trains because often there are “economy” rates or even “2 for 1″ offers. Also, trains and buses may not be cheaper than flying within Italy or even renting a car. Explore those options.
#9 Check for discounts
Students, University professors, travelers with disabilities, folks under 18 or over 65, may be eligible for discounted rates at sites and museums or even free admittance. The rules vary, and often apply to EU residents only, but it’s worth checking before paying full price.
#10 Have your coffee standing
A lot of Bars, or coffee shops, charge you extra if you sit down to have your coffee. Depending on the location, it can double the price! Save some cash and take your morning coffee like the Italians do: at the bar on your feet.Sleep Cheap: Don’t be afraid of hotels that have only a star or two; they’re plenty OK for travelers who don’t need or want a lot of amenities or services.
#11 Get an Italian sim card
Extended trips might merit getting a cheap Italian phone or Sim card for phones that can take Sim cards. Sim cards are rechargeable and there will be no need to cancel them after your trip (they expire after not being used for 6 months on their own). All you need is a photo ID and maybe 40 Euros and you can have a number for local calls and texts. Roaming charges on non-Italian phones can cost a small fortune and even receiving texts or calls can also end up being a pricey luxury. Make sure to figure out the best solution before your trip so you don’t end up with a surprise on your next bill!
#12 Walk, Walk and Walk!
Save money on taxi’s and buses by planning out your trip so you can walk between most sites and attractions.
#13 Skip the things you’re not interested in
Skip Stuff: If you honestly have zero interest in some attractions, for example a particular museum, SKIP IT! Make your trip your own, don’t feel obligated to see crowded museums and sites simply because people insist that you should. You’ll save money, time, and help make overcrowded spots less crowded and more enjoyable for everyone. Think about what YOU want to do, and DO it!
#14 Get travel insurance
Insure your trip: Look into travel insurance options. Plans vary but look for ones that cover costs in the event you lose something, something gets stolen, your flights get canceled, luggage lost, or (heaven forbid) you get hurt during your trip. These plans often even cover emergency flight costs and any medical expenses.