Northern Italy is an expensive region to travel in but it is also one of the most beautiful areas in Europe if not the world. Italy tours offer a great way to travel the region comprehensively but whether you are travelling independently or with a group, there are some great and very simple ways to save money in this beautiful but pricey region.
Accommodation in major tourist destinations like Venice, Verona and the Lakes can burn a hole in your pocket faster than anything else. If you don't have unlimited funds but want to appreciate these stunning areas then stay just outside. Cities like Treviso, Trento and Padua offer a larger variety of budget accommodation and are significantly less busy. You can also take direct trains and buses for day trips to just about everywhere you may want to go. If you also travel out of high season, when the cities are often overcrowded and over priced then you can save plenty of money as well.
Eating out can be a daunting endeavour in Italy when you consider the price. But it doesn't have to be. Little restaurants in the residential areas of cities are a great way to eat on the cheap as the locals are also unwilling to pay tourist prices and you can often get great deals if you eat at lunchtime. Try cooking for yourself. Italy is one of the best countries in the world for using everything that grows naturally. Traditional Italian pasta dishes are often simple to make and will give you a real flavour for the country you are in.
Visiting attractions is another sure fire way to spend all those hard saved pennies. But what would a trip to Italy be if you didn't see everything you wanted? Prioritise the sights that you really want to see, don't waste your money on things you feel you 'should'. Also take advantage of the many free churches and museums available, these are often less touristy but still offer a wealth of interesting and beautiful things to see. You can also get discounts if you are under 25 or even enjoy free entrance if you are over 65 or under 18.
Northern Italy is an amazing place to see whether you are on a budget or not. It offers everything from beautiful nature on adventure holidays to fantastic culture on city breaks. You can really make travelling in Italy anything you want it to be by setting and sticking to your budget. This will allow you to do and see all the things you really want without damaging your bank account too badly and leaving you with many amazing and interesting memories of your time in Northern Italy.
Martin Wynn
