8 things you have to know to travel divinely at a low price around Italy (and not only) according to @Idressitalian
Travelling, something that a lot of people love but not many pursue deeply. At least, this is what they say. Actually no, a lot more people could travel if they know a few simple tricks in order for things not to be expensive. How, I will tell you about the 8 things you have to know to travel divinely at a low price around Italy. After reading this article, you will spot mistakes you made in the past and you will embrace the opportunity to not repeat them. I’ve been constantly travelling for about 10 years now (Just for Idressitalian I take about 10 plane journeys a month and many more trains) and I can proudly say that I have come up with a list of tricks that shall be summarized in these 8 tips. Discover them clicking the button below >
1. BOOKING PLANE AND TRAIN TICKETS
First of all, always book flights and hotels separately. There are a few simple reasons. First, you need to book those flights before worrying about anything. One month in advanced is more than enough. Make sure an airline has not sent you a discount code, therefore sign up to all airline company’s news letters. In my opinion, the only website which properly compares airline fares and does not apply commission expenses is www.skyscanner.com. The rest, trust me, is useless and costly.
Now lets talk about trains. Trenitalia offers amazing deals called SuperEconomy where prices, compared to normal, are discounted around 50%. Keep in mind that these cannot be refunded and cannot be changed so make sure you are sure of the date and time. Book at least one week in advances. Also, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays there’s 50% normal prices for those who have the Cartafreccia (loyalty card of Trenitalia). Even if you do not live in Italy, buy it and use it when you are in the country for holidays etc… it will save you so much money! Example? Milan-Rome in premium class cost me 39.90 euro instead of 107. Continue reading clicking the button below >
2.YOUTH OFFERS WITH ALITALIA / TRENITALIA
I always chose Alitalia because they offer amazing prices for people under 25, national and international routes (talking about 100 euro return flights) with suitcase included. Also, for those who have the Alitalia loyalty card, called the Millemiglia, 50% extra miles are added! These offers are easy to access even just a few hours before departure. Not bad.
Additionally, for Trenitalia you have the “Cartafreccia Young fino a 26anni” (you are eligible for this until you are 26) which offers 30% off regular prices, including if you book the same day. N.B. You then cannot change it or request a refund. Continue reading clicking the button below >
3. LOYALTY CARDS
Get as many as you can, the more points you have, the more you will be able to travel for very low prices and, sometimes, even for free! For example, I just requested a Gold American Express Alitalia, free for the first year, and with each euro spent, I receive 3 Alitalia miles. Same for the Cartafreccia Trenitalia, with which, as soon as you get to 1200 points (roughly 25 trips), you get a free journey. Continue reading clicking the button below >
4.BOOKING HOTELS/HOMES
Choosing the right hotel is one of the most essential things that has to be correctly planned. Are you looking for a real deal? Trust the App Hotel Tonight, you will be able to book the unsold rooms in exclusive hotels around the world, for ridiculous prices, up to a week before check-in. My advice is to book the day before you leave and, if you are brave enough, the same day, because in these two days prices are really, really low. Simple example, I recently went to Paris and booked a last moment room at the Hotel Eiffel Blomet (4*, just a few steps away from the Eiffel Tower) for just 160 euro per night.
Initially, you could think this is a lot, but keep in mind it was booked last moment, in a very exclusive hotel that normally could have easily cost 300 euro per night. As if this weren’t great already (I am very lucky), I was offered an upgrade to a junior suite with private terrace that looked over the city free of charge. Download the app now clicking here, and put my discount code in: VGIRASOLI6 for 20 euro off your next booking and you will thank me. Prices on Hotel Tonight range from 50 to 400 euro for luxurious hotels. (Before this scares you, remember you split costs with your friends, not many people remember this to themselves when they see hotel prices)
If instead you are planning a long holiday with a lot of people, Air bnb is what you want to look at. Book very early to find the best places for the best prices. Same rules as the previous, however national holidays and big events are not ideal. Register via this link www.airbnb.it/c/vgirasoli and get 25 euro off your first booking. Continue reading clicking the button below >
5.TAXI / CAR HIRING / CARSHARING
Sometimes taking taxis, especially in big cities, is necessary. It is also true, however, that a lot of European cities offer services to avoid the taxi fees or at least to lower them.
Carsharing is one of the most popular in Italy, the most famous is the Enjoy. All you have to do is download the app, register and for only 20 cents a minute you can drive a Fiat 500, even to/from the airport, and park it and leave it wherever you want. The daily tariff is only 50 euro, petrol included!
If you want to hire a car, the best one in Italy is Sicily by Car. Many different types of cars for incredibly low prices (it has happened to me to hire cars for just 10 euro a day). If you are not in Italy, then go for the Gold Car company.
Now for taxis. If you are in Europe, UBER is the app you want to have, prices are a lot lower than normal taxis. Great to move around the city especially if you had a pint too many. Download the app and use the code qui1yc for 10 euro off your first ride!
If, instead, you want to support local taxis, use the app Mytaxi. Use this code for 20 euro off your first ride: vincenzo.gir3 . Needless to say, you should get all your family to download it. Continue reading clicking the button below >
6. RESTAURANTS
Please avoid Mc Donalds to save money on food. Cities, especially very big ones, tend to trick you when it comes to the price-quality ratio. For this reason, we of Idressitalian have selected the best restaurants with divine food and low prices in many different cities all over Italy (
Non occorre andare al Mc Donald per risparmiare sul cibo. Le città, soprattutto quelle grandi, nascondo grandi tranelli a livello di qualità e soprattutto di conto. Motivo per cui, città per città, noi di Idressitalian abbiamo selezionato i migliori ristoranti dove si mangia da Dio e si spende poco (Here is an example of Rome). Just checkout the website and search for the Italian city you want to visit and there you go! In general, however, do not dine in the main touristy places, all you actually have to do is wander around the smaller alleys usually perpendicular to the main streets. Continue reading clicking the button below >
7. CREDIT CARDS AND EXCHANGE RATES
When travelling in Non-Eu countries, my biggest advice is to mainly use your credit7debit card. This because Visa and Mastercard usually apply the official exchange rate. Or at least, most banks do. Remember that abroad you can pay practically anything with your card. Obviously, try to always have some amount of local currency with you.
However, never, and I stress NEVER, exchange your money in airports or train stations, fees are ridiculous. If you need to, change them in your city at the local bank. In Italy, changing euros to anything else is best to do in Poste Italiane or Banca Intersa, or in the bureau of exchange around the city. Before changing your money though, compare the bureaus around you and choose the most convenient. Small secret, if there is a casino in the city you are in, that is the best place to exchange your money (as long as you do not the loose it all!) Continue reading clicking the button below >
8. ATTRACTIONS
Avoid long queues booking your tickets online, not only you will save time but you will also save money (online prices tend to always be discounted). Always book on the official websites of the attractions, third parties may add fees. Example, if you want to visit the Duomo di Milano, the official website is https://www.duomomilano.it/. Remember, money is time and if you manage to see a lot of things during your holiday you will feel richer and happier!
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