Need Italy help- honeymoon on a budget!
Aug 17th, 2004, 10:38 PM
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Need Italy help- honeymoon on a budget!
Hello! I have been reading through some past posts, and you all have been so helpful that I thought I might ask a question myself.
I am getting married May 29, and my fiance and I only recently decided we wanted to try for a honeymoon ($$ being a huge factor!) I have enough frequent flyer miles for one ticket, which saves us a lot of money. Our heart is set on Italy- but can we do it on a budget??
I've never been to Italy before, and my fiance has only spent a few days in Rome. However, we decided that in order to save money, we we would go for about a week this time, and save the "major" trip for our one-year anniversary. Therefore, what would be ideal for us is to spend that time in Tuscany and drink in the scenery and local culture.
I have been doing some research, and it looks like Il Giglio in Montalcino would be a great option for us- relaxing after all of the wedding stress, but still plenty to see and do within driving distance. And that view!! Wow!
We would leave the US Tuesday, May 31 and probably return the following Tuesday. However, the other option would be to leave the US a few days later (Friday) and get a one-week vacation rental somewhere.
Most importantly, we just want to experience Italy and have a wonderful time together- there is nothing in particular on our checklist to see or do this time around.
Any suggestions you might have for how to approach this trip- on a tight budget and in 8 days or less- would be just wonderful. As you can probably tell, we're pretty clueless! It may be completely unreasonable, but we thought we should at least give it a shot
Thank you!
I am getting married May 29, and my fiance and I only recently decided we wanted to try for a honeymoon ($$ being a huge factor!) I have enough frequent flyer miles for one ticket, which saves us a lot of money. Our heart is set on Italy- but can we do it on a budget??
I've never been to Italy before, and my fiance has only spent a few days in Rome. However, we decided that in order to save money, we we would go for about a week this time, and save the "major" trip for our one-year anniversary. Therefore, what would be ideal for us is to spend that time in Tuscany and drink in the scenery and local culture.
I have been doing some research, and it looks like Il Giglio in Montalcino would be a great option for us- relaxing after all of the wedding stress, but still plenty to see and do within driving distance. And that view!! Wow!
We would leave the US Tuesday, May 31 and probably return the following Tuesday. However, the other option would be to leave the US a few days later (Friday) and get a one-week vacation rental somewhere. Most importantly, we just want to experience Italy and have a wonderful time together- there is nothing in particular on our checklist to see or do this time around.
Any suggestions you might have for how to approach this trip- on a tight budget and in 8 days or less- would be just wonderful. As you can probably tell, we're pretty clueless! It may be completely unreasonable, but we thought we should at least give it a shot
Thank you!
Aug 18th, 2004, 01:57 AM
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One thing that will help cut costs is to eat cheaply (though DO plan to splash out on at least one stellar meal) - I've got some tips on how to do that on http://www.straughan.com/italy/travel/eatcheap.html
best regards,
Deirdré Straughan
http://www.straughan.com
best regards,
Deirdré Straughan
http://www.straughan.com
Aug 18th, 2004, 02:08 AM
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Hi!
You should look for special offers and travel deals. How much did you want to spend? You can find good rentals from 350-400 euros for a week stay, just look around.
The other possibility might be to look for some cheap hotel or affittacamere.
Near where we live (Civitella in Maremma - Tuscany), for instance, there are several little hotels where you can have a large double room for 36 euros per day, like a little hotel called "Da Momo" in Sassofortino. You might want to consider a similar option.
You can send me an e-mail if you need help, I don't want to list too many names on the board, since I do not know if this goes against the forum policies.
Also try to check http://www.slowtalk.com/ : there are many people who I am certain would be willing to recommend cheap but neat places.
By the way: congratulation on your upcoming wedding!
Hugs,
Gloria
---
http://www.casinadirosa.it/
You should look for special offers and travel deals. How much did you want to spend? You can find good rentals from 350-400 euros for a week stay, just look around.
The other possibility might be to look for some cheap hotel or affittacamere.
Near where we live (Civitella in Maremma - Tuscany), for instance, there are several little hotels where you can have a large double room for 36 euros per day, like a little hotel called "Da Momo" in Sassofortino. You might want to consider a similar option.
You can send me an e-mail if you need help, I don't want to list too many names on the board, since I do not know if this goes against the forum policies.
Also try to check http://www.slowtalk.com/ : there are many people who I am certain would be willing to recommend cheap but neat places.
By the way: congratulation on your upcoming wedding!
Hugs,
Gloria
---
http://www.casinadirosa.it/
Aug 18th, 2004, 02:53 AM
#4
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Congratulations Tarheels! I cannot personally recommend any accomodations, but these are 2 villa/apartment rentals, in southern Tuscany, which I am considering for next summer. They look amazing! I was recommended both of these through travelers on slowtalk.com. I agree that you should check that site out, as well as the rental reviews on slowtrav.com.
http://www.lafoce.com/
http://www.santantonio.it/EN/pgeHome.htm
http://www.lafoce.com/
http://www.santantonio.it/EN/pgeHome.htm
Aug 18th, 2004, 06:50 AM
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Blasphemy ! I who love Tuscany.
With only a week, and the hassle of the wedding, why not honeymoon in Key West or San Francisco and save Italy when you have the time and money to really enjoy it.
With only a week, and the hassle of the wedding, why not honeymoon in Key West or San Francisco and save Italy when you have the time and money to really enjoy it.
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:11 AM
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Thank you all so much for the suggestions!! Keep 'em coming
Just to clarify...the only reason we're thinking about limiting our trip to a week is purely for budget purposes- if we can find a way to stay for 10 days or 2 weeks, I'm all for it
Our main concern is not so much the money when we GET there, but the money required in advance- airfare and accomodations. We're both graduate students right now, and have finite incomes, but will be graduating before the wedding.
Thank you again!
Just to clarify...the only reason we're thinking about limiting our trip to a week is purely for budget purposes- if we can find a way to stay for 10 days or 2 weeks, I'm all for it
Our main concern is not so much the money when we GET there, but the money required in advance- airfare and accomodations. We're both graduate students right now, and have finite incomes, but will be graduating before the wedding.
Thank you again!
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:16 AM
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Sorry One more clarification!
Our budget is sort of tricky at this point. We DO have some money saved, but will also be moving. So, we need to do it as cheaply as possible.
We would love to keep the accomodations and airfare (for one ticket) between $1000-1500. However, I do realize that with airfare prices now being $900 this is unreasonable! We will be watching for flight deals, definitely. This budget does NOT include food, rental car, or anything like that which can be paid for upon arrival.
This is not a strict budget; right now, we are basically just working on the balance of our two major expenses- moving and a honeymoon. But, because moving is always expensive, the cheaper the honeymoon can be, the better
One more clarification!Our budget is sort of tricky at this point. We DO have some money saved, but will also be moving. So, we need to do it as cheaply as possible.
We would love to keep the accomodations and airfare (for one ticket) between $1000-1500. However, I do realize that with airfare prices now being $900 this is unreasonable! We will be watching for flight deals, definitely. This budget does NOT include food, rental car, or anything like that which can be paid for upon arrival.
This is not a strict budget; right now, we are basically just working on the balance of our two major expenses- moving and a honeymoon. But, because moving is always expensive, the cheaper the honeymoon can be, the better
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:33 AM
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In 2001 my husband and I did a budget honeymoon in Italy. We stayed in hostels (in a private room, but sometimes sharing a bathroom with others). This option ran us between 30-50 (U.S.) a day. We then spent much more than that on food and trains, as we saw Rome, Florence, Naples, Sorrento. If you are staying in one place and eating simply most of the time, you can easily do the trip on a budget. We had a blast...we had each other and the wine was inexpensive and good...a perfect honeymoon for us. (also students). Look into renting a place for the week as this could be even cheaper than hostels. keep an eye out and you should be able to snag a ticket for around 400 out of Newark if you are very quick with the booking when you see the special. Sign up for Travelzoo.com email listing...they send out specials every week.
Jodi
Rutgers University, NJ
Jodi
Rutgers University, NJ
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:45 AM
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Hi TH,
http://airtravelcenter.com/onetrav.htm is offering JFK/Rome for $715 RT via London.
From Rome you could drive to Montalcino, if you are planning on having a car, or take the bus to Siena and train to Buonconvento.
See http://www.senabus.it/index_e.htm
http://airtravelcenter.com/onetrav.htm is offering JFK/Rome for $715 RT via London.
From Rome you could drive to Montalcino, if you are planning on having a car, or take the bus to Siena and train to Buonconvento.
See http://www.senabus.it/index_e.htm
Aug 18th, 2004, 07:51 AM
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I actually think that the "blasphemy" from bob is rather on target.
You'er already planning not one, but two trips to Italy, and you're worried about how/whether you can make them affordable? Impetuous youth never wants to listen to "gray hair" (I know I didn't) - - but don't give yourself a wedding gift of financial commitments and insecurity that you don't need right now.
Travel to europe is always constrained by something - - often money, frequently adequate amount of time, and in your case (as with others) - - specific schedule demands (i.e., presumably you want to take your honeymoon right after your wedding). A scheduling constraint is almost always an enemy of money constraint. Flexibility of schedule gives you the opportunity to shop for a bargain.
How much of the wedding expenses can be put on a credit card that yields FF miles (if your parents are paying for most everything, would they do this for you?)
You might not be able to rack up the 40,000 (or more) miles needed to get a second free ticket - - but maybe a parent or someone has miles to add to, if they are thinking generously.
You're counting income from new jobs that are, right now, presumably uncertainties. Including freedom to get away from work uncertainties. How much of that anniversary trip could you pay for by simply starting your new employment three days earlier? five? ten?
I feel so very, very old - - and old fogey - - to be telling to reach for "lower stars". But starting off new with more money in the bank, and less debt IS a gift you can give yourself. And expand on the ability to enjoy Italy in 2006.
Whatever your decisions, congratulations on your new life in marriage... and...
Best wishes,
Rex
(father of a UNC alumna November 04 bride myself)
You'er already planning not one, but two trips to Italy, and you're worried about how/whether you can make them affordable? Impetuous youth never wants to listen to "gray hair" (I know I didn't) - - but don't give yourself a wedding gift of financial commitments and insecurity that you don't need right now.
Travel to europe is always constrained by something - - often money, frequently adequate amount of time, and in your case (as with others) - - specific schedule demands (i.e., presumably you want to take your honeymoon right after your wedding). A scheduling constraint is almost always an enemy of money constraint. Flexibility of schedule gives you the opportunity to shop for a bargain.
How much of the wedding expenses can be put on a credit card that yields FF miles (if your parents are paying for most everything, would they do this for you?)
You might not be able to rack up the 40,000 (or more) miles needed to get a second free ticket - - but maybe a parent or someone has miles to add to, if they are thinking generously.
You're counting income from new jobs that are, right now, presumably uncertainties. Including freedom to get away from work uncertainties. How much of that anniversary trip could you pay for by simply starting your new employment three days earlier? five? ten?
I feel so very, very old - - and old fogey - - to be telling to reach for "lower stars". But starting off new with more money in the bank, and less debt IS a gift you can give yourself. And expand on the ability to enjoy Italy in 2006.
Whatever your decisions, congratulations on your new life in marriage... and...
Best wishes,
Rex
(father of a UNC alumna November 04 bride myself)
Aug 18th, 2004, 08:15 AM
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Hello Tar Heels. If I interpret your name right, you have left the southern part of heaven for NJ? Most people go the other way.
If you have points for one ff ticket only I would see what flights are available. ff ticket availability can be difficult. Mid-week might be better for redeeming points. Also check to see if someone will donate a ff ticket to you. That would be a very nice wedding gift. If you do get another free ticket, send a very nice thank you as soon as you receive it and a lovely followup note after the honeymoon trip.
Where is the wedding or where are you flying from? Flights to Italy from the NYC are are cheaper than from other locations (like the RDU airport). And is May 29 part of Memorial weekend? That causes prices to go up. Once again, mid-week flight might be cheaper. Also might have blackout dates for the ff ticket.
You will be on your honeymoon. Doesn't the idea of room service breakfast in bed sound romantic? You can't do that if you are in a rental home.
Another way to save some money: scale back the wedding. All you need is you, your sweetie, the license and an officiant. Think small. No ice sculptures, no printed napkins, matches, etc., do the invites yourself on your computer. At the end of this, the vows are what count, not the 'stuff'.
If your heart is set on Italy for a honeymoon, you should try for it. With a new job coming, you might not have the time for a 'major' trip next year. However, if you can't swing Italy, remember you are with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, have children with, grow old with -- the best is yet to be.
If you have points for one ff ticket only I would see what flights are available. ff ticket availability can be difficult. Mid-week might be better for redeeming points. Also check to see if someone will donate a ff ticket to you. That would be a very nice wedding gift. If you do get another free ticket, send a very nice thank you as soon as you receive it and a lovely followup note after the honeymoon trip.
Where is the wedding or where are you flying from? Flights to Italy from the NYC are are cheaper than from other locations (like the RDU airport). And is May 29 part of Memorial weekend? That causes prices to go up. Once again, mid-week flight might be cheaper. Also might have blackout dates for the ff ticket.
You will be on your honeymoon. Doesn't the idea of room service breakfast in bed sound romantic? You can't do that if you are in a rental home.
Another way to save some money: scale back the wedding. All you need is you, your sweetie, the license and an officiant. Think small. No ice sculptures, no printed napkins, matches, etc., do the invites yourself on your computer. At the end of this, the vows are what count, not the 'stuff'.
If your heart is set on Italy for a honeymoon, you should try for it. With a new job coming, you might not have the time for a 'major' trip next year. However, if you can't swing Italy, remember you are with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, have children with, grow old with -- the best is yet to be.
Aug 18th, 2004, 08:21 AM
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Regarding the comment about going to Key West or San Francisco instead since you are on a budget with time constraints...ignore that. You will end up spending just as much money in the long run probably and you will feel like you settled. Just go for it and even if it ends up being only 7 days they should be memorable. Although it is SO expensive right now with the Euro/dollar exchange, it is possible to do things cheaply...some of my best memories of Europe are when I had little money, eating in small family owned trattorias and taking trains and buses instead of renting cars. You could get a one week rental in Tuscany for $400 easily, just make sure it's close to a small town and transportation since you probably won't be renting a car. There are many internet sights and books that offer info. on rentals and even some of Karen Brown's recommendations in her Bed and Breakfast book would fit your budget.
Aug 18th, 2004, 09:58 AM
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Thank you all so much! These are all very valid points.
At this point, I consider my research somewhat of a "feasibility study"- we have plenty of time to figure out when and if we can go. Most of the travel deals I have seen so far are through March, so we'll see if any early June offers come up.
Again, I really do appreciate all of the advice! I know it's tough to give without knowing all of the particulars of our given situation, but I welcome all of your wonderful and wise suggestions.
And YES, I am a Carolina girl! I grew up in New Jersey, but went to Carolina for my undergrad degree (gradated May '03). I'll be moving back to the NY/NJ area after I finish my Master's in December (fiance will follow shortly after, in May).
Thank you all again!
At this point, I consider my research somewhat of a "feasibility study"- we have plenty of time to figure out when and if we can go. Most of the travel deals I have seen so far are through March, so we'll see if any early June offers come up.
Again, I really do appreciate all of the advice! I know it's tough to give without knowing all of the particulars of our given situation, but I welcome all of your wonderful and wise suggestions.
And YES, I am a Carolina girl! I grew up in New Jersey, but went to Carolina for my undergrad degree (gradated May '03). I'll be moving back to the NY/NJ area after I finish my Master's in December (fiance will follow shortly after, in May).
Thank you all again!
