When I studied abroad in Rome, I was a broke college kid who got by on bi-weekly allowances from my parents (who usually didn’t have very much to spare). But those $200-$350 extra bucks every two weeks certainly made a difference! Especially since I had already learned how to be a conscious spender from my mom. Shopping for meals that I could make stretch became an area of expertise for me!
Traveling around Italy on a budget (and even for free, if your study abroad program offers all-expense paid excursions like mine – ISA – did) is entirely possible. Even if you’re not in Italy to study abroad, there are some tips you can follow if you’re a budget-conscious traveler like me.
Here are some affordable ways you can explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank:
1. Utilize Student Discounts
- Student ID Cards: Always carry the student ID issued by your host university. Many museums, galleries, and transportation services offer significant discounts for students.
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC): Consider getting an ISIC card (definitely optional), which is recognized globally and offers various discounts on travel, accommodation, and attractions. I didn’t end up needing it because my study abroad program literally covered everything from the apartment I stayed in, to transportation for excursions, and the cost of all excursion activities (museums, boat tour around the island of Capri, and more)!
2. Travel Off-Peak
- Seasonal Travel: Avoid peak tourist seasons (June to August). Traveling during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can save you money on flights, accommodation, and attractions. I am currently planning a return trip for my family of four and am still under $6,000. And that’s including roundtrip flights for all four of us and two apartments booked so far. (Also, KLM for the win with the flights!)
- Weekday Travel: Travel during weekdays instead of weekends when prices for transportation and accommodation are often lower.
3. Budget Transportation
- Trains: Use regional trains instead of high-speed trains. They are slower but significantly cheaper.
- Buses: Companies like FlixBus and Megabus offer affordable intercity bus travel. This is a great option for longer distances.
- Ride-Sharing: Services like BlaBlaCar allow you to share rides with locals, which can be cheaper and a great way to meet new people.
4. Affordable Accommodation
- Hostels: Stay in hostels, which are cheaper than hotels and offer opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Websites like Hostelworld can help you find budget-friendly options.
- University Dorms: Some universities offer their dormitories to travelers during the summer months. Check with local universities for availability.
- Apartments: Some study abroad programs offer apartment living as an option. Check with your desired program to see if this is available.
- Airbnb and Couchsurfing: Consider short-term rentals or staying with locals through platforms like Airbnb or Couchsurfing.
5. Cooking Your Own Meals
- Local Markets: Shop at local markets for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Cooking your own meals can save you a lot compared to eating out! (Btw, visiting outdoor markets makes for a fun time to practice your Italian, especially if you’re a beginner. The locals certainly appreciate the effort.)
- Grocery Stores: There are plenty of grocery stores throughout Italy if local markets aren’t your thing. Conad was one of my favorite chains. Super reasonable prices. If I had to compare it to an American chain, it’s comparable to say, Aldi.
- Street Food: Try local street food, which is often cheaper than restaurant meals. Look for places where locals eat to ensure quality and affordability. I’ll do a later post on the different affordable types of dining establishments you can find and how to avoid tourist traps.
6. Free and Low-Cost Attractions
- Free Museums and Monuments: Many museums and monuments offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month or have discounted entry for students. It’s always helpful to check websites in advance for the most up-to-date information.
- Walking Tours: Take advantage of free walking tours offered in many cities. They are usually tip-based, allowing you to pay what you can afford.
- Nature and Parks: Explore Italy’s beautiful parks and natural landscapes, which are free and provide great opportunities for hiking and picnicking. Not to mention how serene they are, providing great moments of silence and reflection.
7. City Cards and Passes
- Tourist Cards: Consider purchasing city passes like the Roma Pass, Firenze Card, or Venezia Unica. These cards often include free entry to multiple attractions and free public transportation.
- Public Transportation Passes: Invest in daily, weekly, or monthly public transportation passes for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metros.
8. Plan and Book in Advance
- Early Bird Discounts: Book transportation and accommodation in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts.
- Flexible Dates: Be flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals. Use fare comparison websites to track and compare prices.
9. Use Technology
- Travel Apps: Use apps like Rome2Rio for transportation options, Google Maps for offline maps, and Splitwise for sharing costs with travel companions (this could prove useful when dining out with friends and the bill comes due).
- Flight Alerts: Set up flight alerts on websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals on airfare.
10. Group Travel
- Travel with Friends: Traveling in groups can lower costs as you can share expenses for accommodation, transportation, and food.
- Group Discounts: Look for group discounts on tours, attractions, and transportation. Many providers offer reduced rates for groups.
Conclusion
Traveling around Italy on a budget requires some planning and resourcefulness, but it can lead to incredible experiences and memories. Plus, you’ll feel empowered by crafting such thrifty yet meaningful experiences all by yourself. By taking advantage of student discounts, choosing affordable transportation and accommodation options, and exploring free and low-cost attractions, you can enjoy all that Italy has to offer without spending a fortune. Remember, the key to budget travel is to be flexible, plan ahead, and embrace the local culture. Buon viaggio!
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