SCHEDULING YOUR VACATION

Italy’s climate changes over the months, and without being informed about what to expect, you may find yourself bringing the wrong clothes or even being mildly disappointed because the place “doesn’t look like the photos”.

The best time to go to Italy is during Spring, which falls on the months of April and May. Another good time to go is during October to December, which is the Italian autumn. These are the times when the climate is at its most comfortable. It’s not that hot, the breeze is cool, and the scenery is just beautiful. However, be prepared for the bigger crowds, and sometimes, even bigger costs. Since this is peak tourist season, it’s much more difficult to get discounts on air fare and hotel accommodations. You may even find it near-impossible to get a room in the more popular resorts! Avoid the inconvenience by making reservations way ahead.

July and August, considered to be the Italian summer, sees less international tourists. However, it’s the time most Italians take their own vacation. The heat drives them to the coastal areas, so you may not enjoy going to the seaside. It’s much too crowded! However, you’ll find that the main cities are much less congested. Another advantage of going to Italy during this time is that it’s Sale Season. Get big discounts on designer clothes (and we all know that Italy is a Fashion capital). Be prepared for the humidity, though.

If you want to go to the Italian beaches while avoiding the resort crowds, go during April, May and November.

Air fare is very inexpensive during the winter months, but the dreary rain makes travel a bit disappointing. The only exception is if you’re going to the North of Italy, where the skiing resorts are located.

PLANNING YOUR ITINERARY

Avoid the mistake of many tourists: don’t overbook. It may be tempting to try to squeeze in as much as you can in each day, but you’ll only tire yourself out, and you won’t be able to enjoy the tour.

Ideally you should only have two destinations on your daily agenda, and then have one back up destination in case you are able to finish early. Art museums, in particularly, deserve hours of exploration. You can only appreciate art if you aren’t rushed! For example, it’s best to have an entire day blocked off for the Vatican and the Vatican museum. This will give time for you to enjoy a leisurely lunch and dinner, and stop and browse at the shops in the area.

If you’re pressed for time, consider extending your Italy vacation. You can find many deals on hotel accommodations, just look through the Internet and compare the rates. You may be surprised that it won’t cost much more to stay an extra day or two. Save money by eating lunch at the smaller local restaurants or even bringing a sandwich from a deli.

Depending on your country of origin and how much of Italy you plan to see, you’ll find that the cost of transportation can be the biggest part of your expenses. The air plane ticket, the train rides, even the fees of those tour buses can all add up. It can be frustrating for those who are on a tight budget or wish to stretch their coin to allow a longer stay.

However a little planning can help you save a lot of money on your tour of Italy. For example, start researching long in advance. Sometimes all it takes is to be patient enough to visit several websites to compare costs and wait for a sudden dip in prices. Many times you’ll stumble on discount offers and package rates. Last minute cancellations can also free a seat on a plane, letting you buy a ticket at a very low price.

Another way of saving money is to look at the low cost airlines. You may not be able to get some of the perks (like ergonomic seats, free meals, or an in flight movie) but some people feel it’s worth the discount (that’s money that can go to another aspect of your tour!). Direct flights also cost more than those with layovers, so if you don’t mind a little waiting time, that can also mean big savings. You may also shave off a few extra euros by choosing a flight that lands in a different airport. That may mean having to travel an extra 30 minutes to get to your destination, but again, it’s all about what’s important to you. (Just a tip: if you’re going the long route, pack light.)

If you are traveling cross-continent, you can take the train instead, or a bus for the shorter rides. Trains are more comfortable than most people think, and it also gives a chance for you to enjoy the scenery. Buses are cheaper but because it can be tiring, schedule one in a way that you’ll be sleeping during the trip. You may otherwise feel confined and restless.

Find a cheap hotel in Rome.

Some people crave the cosmopolitan party life of Capri, or the cultural diversity of Rome or Naples. But if you prefer a quiet, and serene, Italian vacation—surrounded by beautiful scenery, in a place where time seems to slow down—then head for the medieval town of Sienna.

Sienna has become a favorite artist’s retreat, beloved for its charming historical architecture, its Old World charm, and a peaceful way of life. Despite being just an hour away from Florence, it feels centuries away from the stress and frantic pace of modern society. In fact, the town is famous for having blocked off the highway that a silly city planner erected, connecting it to the main roads. They knew that the charm of Sienna lay in its being hidden, a sanctuary from the rest of the world.

Sienna is also famous for its Medieval architecture. All the buildings here are done in that style, making you feel that you are indeed in another place. The Duomo Cathedral is its most famous landmark, but unlike Rome (which has more tourist attractions) it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb: everything here has retained its historical flavor. It’s like you stumbled into another century.

Sienna has two music schools, so it’s not uncommon to be taking a quiet walk on its cobbled streets and hear the faint strains of a violin or the sweet tinkle of the piano. There are also many locally run cafes, where you can enjoy an al fresco lunch while observing the beautiful scenery. Locals play chess on the outdoor plazas, and a fresh and cool breeze brings the scents from the flower gardens.

However, Siena has its own share of action. Once a year, its quiet streets will suddenly erupt into screams and shouts, during the days leading to the annual bareback horse race. It’s traditional for the neighborhoods to compete against each other, and bands march through the “enemy’s” territory and challenge them to a race. The people of Siena are excellent horsemen and as you watch them riding bareback on near-wild stallions, you’ll think that running with the bulls is child’s play.