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2017
12
April
Should we prebook all of our accommodation for our Italy trip or can we "wing it"?
12
April
Question:
Humans say...
Paulette
Just wing it, there is lots of availability wherever you go - we spent three weeks on the road 4 years ago and only booked the night before for almost all of them, that way if we wanted to stay a couple of days longer in an area we could - some high tourist spots you might want to pre book, but you will get a much better taste and feel for Italy, if you spend as little time in those spots.
Wendy
Thank you!! That is what we were hoping we could do!
Paulette
Rent a car if you are not going to be in the major centers, driving is easy in Italy, stay off the Autostrada (A) roads, they are high speed and tolled and you don't experience much of the country. Trains are good to get you from point A to point B but can be expensive if you are taking the high speed ones - take the regional lines instead
Marina
You can just wing it but accommodation and transportation will be more expensive if not booked in advance.
Wendy
Is 24hour ahead booking enough
Wendy
Even trains are more money if not booked in advance?
Timothy
trains cost a lot more if they high speed booked the day of
Marina
Yes we were surprised. They can be less than half if booked more than 30 days in advance. We did everything while there and paid more. Can be worth it though for the flexibility.
Timothy
you can buy train tickets for 9 euros high speed
Marina
Yes the trains were the worst part when booking day of
Timothy
90 days to 120 days is the max
Timothy
all you need to know about booking trains is here https://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm
SEAT61.COM
Train travel in Italy, a beginner's guide | Tickets from €9.90
Paulette
Try Loco2.com to find out train cost and schedules, and try GoEuro.com to compare costs for train, bus, flights
LOCO2.COM
Europe by train made easy | Loco2
A.I. says...
Winging It in Italy: Spontaneity or Stress?
Italy, the land of la dolce vita, can be both enchanting and overwhelming for travelers. When your friend asks about the possibility of "winging it" during the peak summer season, it's a valid question that deserves careful consideration.
Pros of Prebooking Accommodation
- Guaranteed Availability: With the influx of tourists during the summer months, popular destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice can become overcrowded. Prebooking your accommodation ensures you have a secure place to stay, eliminating the stress of last-minute searches and potential disappointments.
- Better Rates: Booking in advance often means scoring better deals and discounts, especially for longer stays or during peak seasons.
- Peace of Mind: Having your accommodation sorted out ahead of time allows you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about where you'll rest your head each night.
Advantages of Winging It
- Flexibility: Not having a strict itinerary can be liberating, allowing you to stay longer in places you fall in love with or move on quickly if a destination doesn't captivate you.
- Spontaneity: The thrill of discovering hidden gems and making unplanned memories is part of the charm of travel. Winging it can lead to unexpected adventures and new connections.
- Cost Savings: In some cases, booking accommodation last-minute or showing up without a reservation can lead to better deals, especially if you're willing to haggle or take advantage of cancellations.
The Middle Ground
If you're torn between the two approaches, consider a compromise: book your accommodation for the first few nights or in major cities, leaving the rest of your journey open for spontaneity. This way, you have a solid base to start your adventure while still allowing for flexibility.
The Verdict
During the peak summer season in Italy, prebooking at least a portion of your accommodation is recommended, especially for popular destinations. However, leaving some room for impulsiveness can lead to unforgettable experiences. Strike a balance that suits your travel style and budget, and most importantly, embrace the spirit of la dolce vita!
Regardless of your approach, remember to pack your sense of adventure, be respectful of local customs, and savor every moment in the enchanting land of Italy.
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Wendy
My friend and I are traveling to Italy. Leaving June 6th 2018 and returning July 13th 2018....... we are wondering if we have to prebook all of our accommodation for the trip or if we can just "wing it". We would prefer not to have an itinerary carved in stone. Is it possible this time of year? Thanks for your input!