July 21, 2017: Italy is always a grand vacation destination but can be expensive. Here’s a few ideas for wallet watchers: skip the peak season — keep away from travel to Italy in May-September and look to November-early March for best off-season times and values — up to 30% less!
Look for lesser known regions like Puglia (has an Amalfi-like coast), or Bergamo, north of Milan (culture and great food). Hire a guide who is also a driver (they might refer to themselves as a “tour manager”). Travel in a group of six or more and rent a villa for half the price of rooms in a hotel Hire a cook for at least one night and include a cooking lesson. Eat and drink with locals — drink local wine. And look for inexpensive osterias and trattorias with cab drivers and hotel staff as location information resources.
