Need help deciding on travel to/within Italy
 

Hi,

I am feeling frustrated and tired from researching flights. I want this to be over soon. I called a travel agent yesterday and she found a flight from Toronto to Brussels to Rome for $859 (taxes included). However, there is a layover the following day and a overnight stay in Brussels coming back home. I am visiting family in Calabria - meaning that I will either take the train from Rome to Lamezia or fly with Air One. I found a quote of 48.46 euros = 77.26 Cdn. (one-way). I will still need to get back to Rome for my departure so double that amount.

I wasn't keen on staying overnight in Brussels b/c I would have to get a hotel. A fellow traveler suggested visiting Brussels and Brugge for a few days but I don't know if this is what I want to do. I don't know anything about Brussels besides their chocolate!

By the way, it's through Jet Airways.

Here is the schedule:

9W Flight Number: 0229
From: Toronto Departs: 12Aug 18:10:00
To: Brussels Arrives: 13Aug 07:50:00
E-Ticket: ETICKET Class: W
Status: Confirmed Airline Locator: EMTQWR

SN Flight Number: 3181
From: Brussels Departs: 13Aug 13:45:00
To: Rome Arrives: 13Aug 15:55:00
E-Ticket: ETICKET Class: B
Status: Confirmed Airline Locator: KPHTIQ

SN Flight Number: 3184
From: Rome Departs: 11Nov 21:00:00
To: Brussels Arrives: 11Nov 23:15:00
E-Ticket: ETICKET Class: B
Status: Confirmed Airline Locator: KPHTIQ

9W Flight Number: 0230
From: Brussels Departs: 12Nov 10:10:00
To: Toronto Arrives: 12Nov 12:45:00
E-Ticket: ETICKET Class: W
Status: Confirmed Airline Locator: EMTQWR

I found a flight on-line through side-step for $788.24. The agent also has a flight thru Air Canada for about $1050. I believe she said it was direct but I'm not sure if Air Canada flies there direct.

I have been searching so many airlines - Air France, Lufthansa and BA but there are more expensive. I'm so tired right now b/c I didn't sleep well. I awoke at 5:30a.m. because this has been on my mind. I wouldn't mind taking Jet Airways b/c I have flown with Air Canada before (and it was okay) but do I want to deal with the long layover and overnight stay?

On www.kayak.com I'm seeing flights from Toronto to Rome on USAir (through Philadelphia) for $862 US.

"Direct" does not mean the same as "non-stop." Direct flights might stop along the way, but you don't have to change planes.

Using kayak.com, for about $1100 (US) you can get connecting flights all the way to Lamezia Terme (Toronto XYZ>Rome FO>Lamezia SUF).

Unlike other travelers who are weighing long layovers, you will have been away for 3 months. Why agonize over a few more hours or a few more dollars? Decide which is more important to you--cost or layover schedule. Make a choice and let it go.

My family flew Air Canada Toronto - Rome non-stop in 2007...it may be more but I am sure thats possible.

Why dont you go to www.aircanada.ca and look it up?

I just checked for you and there is 1 direct flight a day on air canada for your dates:

Aug 12:
Leave Toronto at 20:25
Arrive in Rome at 11 on Aug 13

Nov 11
Leave Rome at 12:25
Arrive in Toronto at 18:15 same day

Cost after taxes is $1395 (about what my family paid in 2007)

Have you searched for flights using a flexible days option?
If your trip is 3 months long, then you might want to try the flexible days option.

I just got an US$815 quote from Delta.