In four weeks, my friend and I will begin our fifteen-day backpacking trip throughout Italy. Our goal: to spend no more than $1500 (does not include airfare to and from Rome). This $100/day needs to cover accommodation, food, transportation, activities and any other unexpected fees (always expect the unexpected). Money will be tight, but here's how we're planning to do it:
-Traveling light. We're only taking a small backpack each to avoid checked-baggage fees (must follow the carry-on regulations for Easy Jet and the trains). A small backpack will also fit into the hostel lockers.
-Hostels, not hotels. We spent hours on www.hostelworld.com and www.hostels.com to try and balance quality with price. Location was key; walking, instead of public transportation, will save us money. Also, we tried to pick hostels that included breakfast. Downside: lack of privacy and communal bathrooms.
-Sacrificing a bed for airport chairs. Unfortunately, due to a 6:20 am flight, we're probably going to sleep at the airport for a night. We didn't think it was worth spending money on a hostel and cab, only to wake up at 4 am.
Here's our plan for accommodation:
2 nights: Hotello di Roma, Rome. $33.50/night
3 nights: Ulisse Deluxe, Sorrento. $33.00/night
1 night: Rome Airport
2 nights: Dimora Serenissima Santa Croce, Venice. $40.00/night
1 night: Ostello Corniglia, Cinque Terre. $33.00/night
3 nights: Wanda Hotel, Florence. $35.00/night
3 nights: Hostel Alessandro Downtown, Rome. $28.00/night
Total: $468.00/person. This includes all taxes and some breakfasts.
Next on the list: transportation and restaurants. Any recommendations?
