How to Save Money Traveling in Italy This Year

Yes, the dollar is down and the Euro is up but it is possible to get a good value traveling in Italy this year.

I always suggest using a good travel agent - they can save you lots of time and know what's a good value and what's not. The cheapest price is NOT always the best value.

The least expensive way to travel is to package your trip. Basically, that means using a tour operator to "package" the various elements of your trip - air transportation, car rental, accommodations, meals, excursions, and so forth.

One of the best ways to visit Europe is by cruise and I'd suggest this if it's your first trip. A cruise is budget friendly because it's almost all self-contained. You'll only pay extra for gratuities, sodas, adult drinks, alternative restaurants, shopping, internet usage, spa services and similar pursuits. On some luxury lines, wine and/or hard liquor is included in the price of your cruise. If you do cruise, be sure your travel consultant checks air out two ways - one using the cruise line air. And, remember when you do this, the cruise line determines when you fly, what carrier, etc. Or, you can pay a little extra for an air deviation fee - a fee for customizing your air-plus the difference between their rate and the fare on the airline, date and time you want. Second, have them check "market" or published air - this is the air fare on any given day. It changes constantly, usually going up as the date of travel gets closer. Air fares are not guaranteed until they are paid for. Be sure the name on your passport matches exactly the name you give the airline res agent or travel agent. If you have to correct the name, the airline will charge you a $75 fee to do that. (Thank you very much!) Many tickets are nonrefundable to be sure your dates are firm. The airline will charge you a fee to make each change.