Its time for another adventure! I am hoping to to go to Italy sept 1-10, but the flights are horrible but I see a few going in to Amsterdam and Berlin at half the cost. I figure I can fly in and take Ryan air or Easy jet to rome or venice. Has anyone done this? or do you have another suggestions (i did the train thing in dec 2005)

Yes, I did this from London. BMI from Heathrow to Marco Polo, and EasyJet from Ciampino to London Gatwick the night before my return home from Heathrow. I had a night at a London airport hotel going each way.

We did a return segment on EasyJet last Summer from Athens to Gatwick.

If you can live with the luggage restrictions and the possibility of changing airports what's not to like?

A night in London might off-set the cheaper rates for the flight. However, if you can land in the morning in London or Amsterdam, you can look for an afternoon flight that will take you to Italy. That would lower your costs.

I obtained my London airport hotel nights through Priceline, with bids of around $38-42 USD + taxes and fees. I didn't trust Air Canada to get me there at the stated time to Heathrow, and I was right. Obviously this strategy is best if you have some interest in the city you are landing in.

I also did something similar last year with Madrid, because that's where I got a very cheap airfare to.