10 Things You Have to Know if You Want Lodging in Italy Without Spending a Fortune

Almost everyone is feeling an economic pinch in the current economy. This may suppress your travel fund, but it does not suppress the desire to do the traveling. So how can you make the most of the situation; maximum fun, minimum spending and bringing home photos of Italy to make all your friends jealous? Because Italy is so tourist oriented the options are numerous here; whether you are in quest of a holiday apartment in Venice, a cheap hotel in Milan or a budget accommodation in Siena; you will find something to make you happy. And there are ways to come back with a few euro still in your pocket.

1.Peak season versus low season - spring and summer are peak season and if you can time your trip to be just outside of those seasons your accommodations can sometimes be up to half off. Certain cities also have small peak periods that push prices through the roof, Venice for Carnivale, Milan for Fashion Week and Siena for Palio are definite budget-busters.

2.Timing of your reservation - both extremes work here. Six months in advance or two days before get you the best prices. A deposit keeps a hotels cash flow going and a last-minute reservation saves an owner from an empty hotel room.

3.Choosing the least amount of accommodation you need - unless you are on your honeymoon, chances are very little of your time will be spent in your hotel room. There is just too much to see. If you are in Italy for the beauty of the gondolas and canals and food it's better to find a cheap bed and breakfast in Venice instead of spending money on a hotel you only use for sleeping.

4.Use care in the choice of location - in Italy the public transportation is much better than most US cities, you can get virtually anywhere from anywhere with minimal expense and time. Choosing a 3 star hotel in the center of Milan will put you near transportation that can take you through most of Northern Italy in about 2 hours.

5.Booking - If you spend a little extra time booking you can save big. Using the huge assortment of travel sites or clicking on your Skype and calling Italy, checking the options of booking either with or without flight will show you just how big a difference a little extra time can make.

6.To avoid nasty checkout surprises - always verify prior if tax/IVA is included and if the rate is for the room or if there is a per person charge. If you are in a quiet little Siena holiday farmhouse this most likely won't be an issue, but in many midsized hotel it can add 50% to your bill.

7.More than two people - If there are more than two people it can actually cost less per person to rent a suite style room or family style room instead of two double rooms, especially if tip 6 is followed.

8.Comparing transportation costs - sometimes spending just a touch more on your hotel can save you a lot. Buses and trains through all of Italy are a good value, but the cost of taxis can be outlandish.

9.Weekday versus weekend - like most areas finding a good deal is easier midweek. Also many hotels and websites offer deals such as 5th night is free, take advantage of this.

10. Buy a little snack food - the mini-bar is all to tempting at midnight or 2 in the morning.

Italy is one of the top travel destinations in the world. Crisis or no financial crisis. Some of the most beautiful cities on the planet beckon. Whether you chose to return from a day in the canals to a bed and breakfast in San Marco, Venice; return from a day of shopping and people watching to a budget hotel in Milan; or relax all day sipping wine in a Siena holiday farmhouse; it will be an unforgettable journey.