A dream vacation to “il bel paese” doesnt have to break the bank.
Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
For many, visiting Italy is a dream trip one thats worth saving up for.
Here’s how to plan a trip to Italy on a budget.
Credit:Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
Planning Your Trip
Want to visit Italy in the summer?
So does everyone else and increased demand drives up the prices on flights, hotels, and even tours.
Thats an increase of 21 percent in the span of a year.
Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
When looking for ways to save money on flights to Italy, its important to be flexible.
Try using the anywhere feature on Google Flights to compare flight costs to different cities in Italy.
And in many Italian cities, monasteries run guest houses that offer affordable rooms but might have a curfew.
Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
Sites likeBooking.comwill give you plenty of options that will likely fit your budget.
If you want to stay in the countryside, consider booking a room at anagriturismo.
Better yet, theyre often more affordable than hotels or resorts.
Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure
High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa travel at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour.
There are also intercity trains and regional trains, which cost less but take longer than high-speed trains.
UseTrenitalia.comorItaliarail.comto search for and book the best train routes.
(The price is set to rise to 2 in July.)
For 7, you could buy a 24-hour pass that grants you unlimited rides.
If you just want to cross the Grand Canal, look for thegondola traghetto.
Eating at a pizzeria is also a good option thats usually more affordable than eating at a restaurant.
And most bars have a selection of pastries and sandwiches.
Tickets sometimes cost just a few euros or at most about 25.
There are also lots of things to do in Italy that are totally free all year.
Public parks such as Villa Borghese in Rome are also free.
Instead seek out free public beaches (calledspiaggia libera) just verify to bring your own towel.
