neshkah

We'd been planning to go to Tuscany next October, but when I looked at the airfare today -- yikes! The idea of spending more than $3,000 (for the two of us) roundtrip is making me re-think our plans. One of my friends suggested flying into another European city -- say, Frankfurt -- on a budget airline and then taking the train to Florence (our ultimate destination is Lucca). Anyone have any thoughts on this? Is there a way to make travel more economical?

StuDudley

You might state where you are flying from!!

Stu Dudley

janisj

One option is to search for cheap flights to Europe (to almost any major 'gateway' city - London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Madrid, Geneva, whatever) then use one of the LCC European airlines to get to Florence -- there are many to choose from. Just be sure to note the luggage rules on the LCC. But the Transatlantic fare would have to be a lot cheaper to make all the extra faffing about worth the hassle.

neshkah

Flying from Boson, MA, in October, 2024.

cdnyul

Air Transan from YUL to FCO, depart 10/10/2024 return 10/24/2024
2 persons; 2533.00 Canadian Pesos ( US$1876) taxes and fees included

ellenem

Pisa is another airport to consider for your flight connection. Pisa is quite close to Lucca. Unlike Florence, at certain times of year I can get a nonstop flight from NYC to Pisa.

Be sure to check ticket prices for different days of the week. Sometimes shifting your departure date by a day or two (or three) can find lower fares.

Only you can decide which is actually more important to you: spending more on the quickest, most direct airline flights, or beginning your vacation by stringing together a number of different flights and train rides over more hours. How much money would you need to save to make the possible travel agony worthwhile?

StuDudley

Using Travelocity.com, I am seeing flights for $738 per person. PAP Portugal airlines. Or $781 through Barcelona. One plane change. Plenty of time for the connection. Oct 3 return 17

Stu Dudley

warnerkale1564

Certainly, exploring alternative airports and using budget airlines can help cut costs. Consider flexible travel dates, as mid-week flights are often cheaper. Additionally, booking in advance and monitoring fare alerts can offer better deals. Exploring nearby airports and combining different modes of transportation, like trains, can make your journey to Tuscany more economical.

adlmllr

we're looking at similar options for May or October, also prefer to fly from Boston, and the fares are indeed much higher than in the past couple of years. we're trying to get to Puglia ultimately, so our options are more limited. we can get a reasonably priced fare to LHR, nonstop, but there are no connections to Puglia without switching to Gatwick. right now the best option may be JFK to Milan.

good luck with your planning! just keep in mind that in many cases, time = money, so it may be better overall to spend more than you would like on airfare and save yourself some hassles.

nylilly

FYI - I booked Logan to Bari via Munich, returning Naples to Logan via Frankfurt on Lufthansa for summer 2024 for $911 r/t. I thought that was a fair enough price. Maybe check that out?

Traveler_Nick

October is still high season. Depending on what you're hoping for you might consider waiting a month. But November weather can be all over the place. Not a huge issue if you're visiting the various cities but more of an issue with the countryside. That's before factoring in things can close off season outside of the cities.

You don't want to take a cross border train to save money. The train ride will likely cost more than what you'll save. It will also take time.

One option is to pick a city you want to visit with easy airport access. For example Barcelona or Madrid. Spend a few days then take a flight to your final destination. You end up with two trips. Being more flexible lets you pick the cheaper onward flight.

mbrevitas

I don’t know what flights are available from Boston at what price, but generally, the most reasonable way to get to Tuscany from afar is to fly to Milan Malpensa or Rome Fiumicino (major international airports) and take a train (or bus).