Italy is a popular vacation spot, and it can be one of the more expensive European destinations for airline travelers from North America. However, there are a few tips that will help you save money, plus several ways to manage your air travel that can enhance your Italian vacation.
Fly midweek and you could save money. Wednesday often is the cheapest day to fly since most business travelers fly at the beginning or end of the work week. Flights also may be less crowded since many vacationers begin their holiday on a weekend.
If shorter international travel times are important to you, opt for direct flights from major U.S. hubs to Rome or Milan, Italy's two busiest and largest airports. Both airports serve as connecting points for flights to other Italian cities and, thanks to Italy's geography, in-country flights are usually no longer than an hour. Both airports also link to Italy's excellent train system.
Why retrace your steps? Many airlines will allow you to fly into one city and depart from another for no additional charge. If you are planning a few days in Rome, followed by a visit to Florence and Venice in northern Italy, ask you carrier about leaving from Milan.
Another option for saving money and seeing more of Europe is to fly into one of the region's major gateway cities like London, Paris or Frankfurt, where budget fares are more common. Stay a day a two, then hop on one of Europe's many low-cost airlines that serve smaller Italian airports like Venice, Florence or Pisa.
The Italian tourism low season runs from November to April, when air and hotel fares can be much lower, except, of course, for major holidays like Christmas. While the weather may be colder, the savings can make up for the chill. Plus, there are no crowds at many of top tourism spots in Venice, Florence and Rome in the low season---that alone is worth braving a chilly rain.
