I only choose to fly somewhere when I find a deal, and I couldn't pass this one up: Atlanta to Rome for $208. I thought it was a misprint, or a one-way fare, but that was the round-trip price. I snatched it up and had less than a month to prepare and research for the trip. The final tally for a week in Italy? Just under $500--including airfare. One of the best weeks of my life occurred at a time when I was broke. Though it may be hard to find that kind of airfare, you can still afford Italy, provided you can get there.
Stay in hostels. Hostels in Italy average twenty euros a night. Make reservations for your arrival and departure night to ease the transition and jet lag, but leave the rest of the week open to explore. Flexible travel plans are beneficial to travelers on a budget in Italy, especially when it comes to lodging choices. Staying in hostels is also a great way to meet others who share your interests.
Eat pizza, drink the local beer, water and coffee and stand when you eat in a bar. In Italy, takeout pizza stands are in abundance in the cities and towns. The slices are high-quality and low-priced. The local ubiquitous beers of Italy are Moretti and Peroni, and they come cheaper than bottled water. If you are in a coffee shop, which are are called bars in Italy, stand at the bar to drink your beverage and eat your food. Prices go up when you sit at a table.
Go to lots of churches, sanctuaries and cathedrals. These are the best things to gawk at for free in Italy. Every neighborhood has a place of worship that is centuries old and open to the public. All of these buildings are like museums, and their art and architecture inspire awe. Even if you aren't a religious person, Italian houses of worship are worth a visit for their history and beauty alone.
Visit the Cinque Terre. Five ancient fishing villages connected by a hiking trail along the Italian Riviera, and protected from over development by its national park status, the Cinque Terre is an easily affordable and accessible slice of the best of Italy. In order to make your trip more affordable, purchase a Cinque Terre card, which gives you unlimited access to the trains and trails among the five villages for three to seven days.
Don't carry travelers' checks. Most places won't accept them and the exchange rates are too high compared to cash. It's best to exchange your money before you embark on your trip and wear a money belt for your cash when traveling. Don't keep your cash in a wallet or a purse, as it can be too easily swiped. If you have a debit card that will work in the ATM's of Italy, even better. Just make sure to check with your bank before you go as to whether or not your debit card will be usable. Keep the debit card, along with your passport, in the money belt.
