Italy first timer
 

Currently reading and planning for our first trip to Italy for May of 2005. I'm taking my dad - he's always wanted to go there.

My question is when should I book airfare and hotels? If I wait until January will that be too late? Thanks much.

Hi Deb,

You should be seeing prices drop about Nov-Dec.

I would say January is when the airlines may have sales for airfare. Keep an eye out this fall so you know what the price range is. If you find a good price, just book it. You can sign up for email alerts on travelocity. Hotels, I would probably book before Jan. Have a great time!! You'll love it!

I think Jan. is soon enough. But, keep your eyes open--the industry is shaking out and some abnormal pricing could happen.

I tracked flight prices for eight month out. It?s hard to know what the market will do, lots of ups and downs. Current prices generally reflect seasonal price mixes in the future. I got the general idea of the market by using Hotwire.com and then shopped around. When I thought I could live with the price I jumped on it. No looking back.

On my past few trips I selected hotels recommended in this forum with great success. Hotels may fill up so I reserved my rooms 8 months out. The most you could loose is the deposit if you book the room directly.