On our previous trips to Italy, we have had all reservations before we left. For part of this trip, we are a group of 6-7 and have reservations for that part, but my husband and I (with perhaps our daughter) would like to have our alone time more spontaneous. We want to do Cinque Terre and Pompeii area during this time. I agree I definitely need reservations for the final night in Rome. We like 'homey' small hotels or B&Bs. What do you think? Is the tourist season over enough to 'wing it' for this time?

My experience is that Rome is quite busy in early October. As I recall, we had some issues getting the right accomodation when we were there three years ago. IMHO, it is a very nice time to go.

I would not, and I have traveled Italy at least 6 times in Oct.

I do not understand why some folks seem to feel that having a place reserved for the night takes the "spontaneity" out of the rest of the day..it doesn't for me but then again, I'm not you.

I am certain you can find a place to sleep at that time of year and just because somebody else hasn't been this adventurous does NOT mean that your plan won't work.

I would be prepared for the possibility of having to search for a place for the night...but a lot of that depends on your own needs and preferences.

I hope it works out for you and when it does, you'll be glad you did it.

I would definitely reserve. Cinque Terre, in particular, doesn't have unlimited hotel choices and you risk spending your precious vacation time looking for a place to stay and finding only those that no one else wanted. On the one trip we took without reservations at all stops, we ended up paying much more for hotels. October is a very popular time in Italy. Your time will be much more spontaneous if you have a place to stay at the end of the day and can focus on the sights.

Hi Lady,

It is likely that you will find a place. However it will probably be more expensive than the one you would have stayed in if you had booked in advance.

Consider, just how many places are there in the CT or the area of Pompeii that will have the accomodations that you would be comfortable with at the price that you want to pay?

I see other posts from people who want to "wing it" on reservations. I have never considered this and am interested in why you want to do this. Even trying to find the hotel that I have booked can be very stressful when we are tired. I am just interested in why this seem appealing.

Not about Italy, but I am looking at this Oct. in Paris and have found some of my first choices already booked solid for the whole month. If you really want to wing it, you'll probably be able to find SOMETHING in Oct. as it's not the absiolute busiest season, perhaps just not the most popular spots (especially since you're only 2 people).

I have been to Italy many times in October and never had the slightest problem finding accommodation. Last year, I stayed in Livorno, arriving late at night, and found a room opposite the railway station, then went to Napoli where the first hotel I tried was full but one round the corner had rooms. There are very few tourists travelling in October. It obviously depends how fussy you are but, for me, a hotel room is somewhere to sleep, wash and keep my belongings. I would find it much more stressful to book somewhere in advance, then worry about how to get there or whether it was really like the advertised picture. If you arrive in most towns in Italy in October, you'll easily find somewhere to stay, and be able to see the place before you commit yourself.