Traveling on a budget around Italy can be difficult, and I know this from experience.
When I was 18, my best friend and I embarked on a two-month journey from the north to the south of the great Italian peninsula. We definitely had a blast, but we could have had a lot more fun if we had a better budget and booked hotels and tickets online in advance.
Stay somewhere unique and immerse yourself in the culture and history of the area and stay in a monastery. Monasteries.com provides visitors with B&B accommodation in beautiful buildings in city center locations – and saves a lot of money too.
I share with you my top four tips that I have learned from my experience:
Start in the south, then work your way north
This is something we have done backwards, but I am convinced that it is the way to go. Start in Sicily, which is definitely the cheapest region in Italy. This is partly because the southern economy is weaker, but also because Sicilians are honest about their services and prices.
However, finding accommodation on arrival can be difficult and I recommend you reserve your holidays in Sicily through online websites it will be a forehand. Sicilians enjoy the slow pace of life, hang out at the beach, eat well, and don’t stress too much at work. For this reason, it can be difficult to get hotel managers immediately when you arrive. Booking in advance avoids this stress, gets you a discount, and gets you to the beach faster, too!
PS you may be interested in these related articles
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Be relaxed about travel times
The Italian train system is cheap and very expansive, but it doesn’t always run on time. I promise you will see some of the most beautiful sights you’ve ever laid eyes on through the windows of the Trenitalia carriages. You can check offers and services easily on trenitalia.com. However, you are likely to encounter delays. So go with the flow! Take a good book, a diary, a sketchpad, a deck of cards, and do as the Italians do — no stress, you’ll get there when you’re meant to.
Don’t be afraid to get a little lost
In a city like Venice, first check out the famous monuments and then accept the fact that you will get lost in its narrow streets and mysterious canals. But getting lost in Venice is a gift, and keep your eyes open for hidden finds. Honestly, you can try to follow the map but my advice is to put it down. You’ll get around easier without it, as the whole city plan is so confusing that a map won’t help you much. Orient yourself by looking at your surroundings.
I found the tiniest little glass shop during a late evening stroll on my way back to my hostel. It was on a dark and dirty side street that had no name. Inside were the most beautiful hand blown glass animals. They were tiny but intricate, and I came away with a pair of wine glasses for my mother. Inside the logs is a perfect miniature swan and flamingo. These kinds of treasures aren’t in any guidebook, but I promise you’ll find them if you just wander.
Eat local food, from a local vendor
Both your stomach and your wallet will thank you. The best way to avoid tourist trap restaurants is to get away from the famous monuments, then ask a local. Locals in districts far from the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Duomo in Florence and the Palio Square in Siena are much more willing to help tourists.
They see them less, and they don’t get sick of them! Italian people are very proud of their culture, which includes their food. Each city will have a very special dish that has been eaten and perfected over the centuries. So take a friendship, ask about it, and let your belly thank you! You will also spend less money the further away you are from the tourist attractions.