Question

Hi!  I'm planning a trip next year 2021 to go to Venice, Florence and Rome.Hi! I'm planning a trip next year 2021 to go to Venice, Florence and Rome. The quote is for 3 person is almost 15, 000 This includes flights and hotel. Does this sound good? Also, i'm feeling guilty spending that amount of money. We don't have any debt except for our mortgage. We also have $25, 000 saved and i'm not going to touch that $25, 000 if we ever go to that trip.  

Answer 1

That’s really expensive  we went and spent around $9k total and that included a $1, 000 painting that we were drunk and bought lol  our trip was 14 days. However we are east coast and we price shopped for a flight ($750 each).  

Comments

@evermore5 where did you booked? Also, where is your departure?  

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@brigandine895 we departed out of DC. We booked everything ourselves so maybe that’s why it was less expensive because we didn’t go through an agency

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@evermore5 I love the drunk part and bought a painting  

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@evermore5 gotcha! Maybe because my nearest airport is CHS. And cost an extra ‍♀️ will still look further. Thank you

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@evermore5 when we bought out tickets ($1300 each) RT was $500 from Philadelphia but from Oregon it was more expensive to fly to Philadelphia than it was Philadelphia to Italy ‍♀️‍♀️

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@evermore5 that is hilarious. Please share a pic of the drunk $1000 painting  

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@gleason Lol I will post after dinner !  

Answer 2

How long is the trip? I planned a New Zealand trip for 3 weeks and it was $15, 000, includes 4 people, food lodging, car flights etc!  

Comments

@verbosity it is 10 days. Where did you booked it?  

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I did all my own scheduling and planning for 2 years.  

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But also we plan to go not during PEAK season.  

Answer 3

We did Rome, Tuscany and Bari for 4 in 2018. I think that’s about right.  

Comments

Our tickets and hotels were paid for though by our points so It was mainly entertainment that we spent on while there

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@mould our is 10days.  

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@brigandine895 yep same here. We drove to Florence too from Tuscany  but we were in Tuscany to do a bird hunt. We also stayed at a castle in Tuscany. It was our present to my in laws for their 60th

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I think ours was that high due to the bird hunting we did. We love to fish and hunt and wanted to hunt birds in Italy

Answer 4

Id ask in Girls LOVE Travel® they are very knowledgeable on prices of travel. Where you’re staying. Flying to and from etc.  

Comments

@delamare thank you so much ♥️

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@delamare i thought this was a GLT post at first!  

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@hellbox395 I did too! I love that group  

Answer 5

When we did that for 10ish days it was 3300 per person plus we did Pompeii, amalfi coast, pisa, vatican and all the sites in rome, florence and the islands by venice

Comments

@berberine where did you booked?  

Answer 6

Is the 3rd person a child? In my own personal experience it costs more travelling with kids; appropriate flight times generally means more expensive flights, luggage costs, family friendly hotels etc. Italy is not cheap. To me this sounds about right, give or take a bit. Enjoy the trip!  

Comments

@irremissible yes the 3rd person is a child. Thank you and we're very excited!  

Answer 7

We did a 2 week honeymoon in Italy in 2007 and it was around $10k

Comments

@sternick that's amazing! How was it?  

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@brigandine895 memories for sure. Reminded me a lot of “Just Married” with Ashton Kutcher lol. Our rental car was a sardine can and our luggage almost didn’t fit. Our car key was like a credit card and the battery died and we were locked out and luckily someone in the village was nice enough to help stranded American tourists lol. The place we stayed had the fire alarm going off one night and the fire brigade said it wasn’t urgent to come check. Glad we didn’t catch on fire lol. Almost was mugged at the train station. I could go on and on but it was an adventure and wonderful memories were made. We did 4-5 days in Venice and surrounding areas (Murano/Burano). Then we took the train to Torino and rented a car and went to Sestriere for a week. Bummer was it was the off season so a lot of stuff was closed. We drove into France and Switzerland for the day. Food was amazing. People were nice. I didn’t expect some things to be so expensive. I would love to go back and see the southern parts of Italy.  

Answer 8

It’s gonna be 7k for me my husband and daughter for 2 weeks (airbnb, flight, food, Greece and Italy)

Comments

@blindheim2307 thank you.  

Answer 9

Thats stupid expensive, and I feel sick reading what other people spent for Italy. I went for two weeks for 2000.  

Answer 10

That does seem really expensive, we went may 2019 and spent the most was 7, 000 for 2 of us we went for 9 days. we did Rome, Florence, a day trip to Pisa and ended in Venice.  

Answer 11

I flew round trip to London from LAX for $395 a few months ago.  

Comments

@makeyevka49359 i willbe flyig CHS. Ive been seeing that if you fly from LAX it'll be cheaper.  

Answer 12

Try Costco. My friend used Costco and Italy was around 8k for two weeks and many additional excursions. Your price seems high

Answer 13

That is sooooooo expensive. if you dont have 5* hotel itbis way too much

Answer 14

Read up on Rick Steves if you haven’t! Know what kind of traveler you are, and that makes the expense level right for you all. And see if you can let go of the guilt. Make consistent donations to causes you care about that help needy people. Have gratitude and live fully. You’ve got this!  

Answer 15

Are you going in the height of summer and flying from a non-major airport? If not, it’s way expensive! I could probably do that trip for $5k, but most definitely $10k.  

Comments

@vespertilionine yes it's going to be summer break. And my airport is very small.  

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@brigandine895 That’s why the price is so high. Can you drive a few hours to a bigger airport or change dates? That may drop your price significantly!  

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@vespertilionine i might look into that! Thank you.  

Answer 16

Book it yourself.  

Answer 17

Try Travelpirates. com

Answer 18

How many days is this? Have you been before? Is it a tour? I would seriously suggest picking one city if you can.  

Answer 19

You can definitely cut those costs by at least half. Airbnbs are your best friend and I highly recommend Norwegian for flights. They’re a budget airline but I flew with them when I went to Europe and the flight was comfortable and I had no complaints!  

Comments

You might also want to check KLM. Going from Rome that has been a good deal. You would have a connecting flight in Amsterdam. (That also depends on where in the US you are flying from, we fly out of JFK).  

Answer 20

That’s insanely high. Check www. tripmasters. com. You can customize locations and play around with dates to get a good deal.  

Answer 21

I am from Europe - Czech and when i take it from the other side we took trip from Czech to US. me and my boyfriend went for 2 weeks to NYC and even with 5 day trip to Washington DC we spent around $3K ( without some spending money )  and the hotels over there are way more expensive than in Italy  

Answer 22

That seems very high!  

Answer 23

Wow! Sounds like an amazing trip!  

Answer 24

Okl I see it is 10 days. I would cut a city. You could totally do it cheaper. Go watch Rick Steves and check out Wolter's World on YT (also, the Wolter's travel everywhere with both of their kids! ). I went to Rome last year for 8 days and it was nowhere near enough time. I did a 14 day London/Paris/Amsterdam and Paris felt like whiplash. Go and really suck the culture up in a city or two.  

Comments

Also, let me suggest the hotel we stayed at in Rome. there are subway stairs directly in front of it, it was super convenient, it was Hotel Napoleon. My mom booked it, it is an older building, but oh it was a lovely stay.  

Answer 25

My bf and I went to lake como, Florence and Rome in May 2019. 10 days for 9k! Most of our money went to food and all of the attractions  

Answer 26

That's crazy. When I went it was about $7k for 4 weeks. That included flight, accomodations, all travel and outings. Albeit, it was through my college, so i got discounts for being a student, I'm sure. But we bought flights ourselves through Delta and paid about $950 round trip from Chicago to Milan, and Barcelona to Chicago.  

Comments

@lost31777 my personal flight to see family in Norway is $1200 from Columbus, Ohio to Stavanger roundtrip when it's the off season and you buy way in advance. It depends what time of year you go and where out of the country you are flying if you can get a decently priced flight.  

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@fewer we left in May and came back in June. Bought tickets 2 or 3 weeks before

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@lost31777 that is just amazing. Good for you. That will never ever happen for me. ♥️

Answer 27

Do it! Also, agents don’t cost extra, so that can make it easier for you And they’ll keep a look out for discounts that come out (I haven’t booked European trips before, but I work with some travel agents who have)

Answer 28

I have friends who went to France for $1500 for a week (flight and hotel). You can find some amazing deals if you look around. Obviously that didn’t include whatever else they did, but they didn’t spend near $15, 000

Answer 29

Plan it yourself rather than doing some sort of package. It will be wayyyy cheaper.  

Answer 30

My husband and I went to Ireland/Paris for 2 weeks in October and it was about $8-9k? Including spending, we also had to fly from Alaska. I would keep checking for some more deals!  

Answer 31

We paid ~$2K/person for airfare, $150/person for train fare (unlimited rail pass got us to all of our locations, most in 1st class). We had REALLY great luck with Airbnb with places in Rome & Florence for ~$60/night for the whole place. Venice was more expensive. We stayed a night in Murano, which was a little less expensive & I would highly recommend! ❤️ How long are you planning on being in each location?  

Answer 32

Would you have to pay the $15k upfront or is that just what you’re budgeting for? Overall $15k for family of 3 doesn’t sound outrageous but you could definitely spend less. Unless this is a packaged deal, I say have $15k as your budget but definitely look into ways to cut that down as you plan.  

Comments

@hellbox395 this is a budget. My family loves to eat so i think i wouldn't cut for food.  

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@brigandine895 as someone who spend a semester there, DO NOT SKIMP ON THE FOOD! It’s too good to miss out on. Hahaha Then I say, keep that as your budget but look for the deals when you’re doing the bookings. Then you can feel comfortable if you want to splurge one or two nights and not feel like you have to stress because you budgeted so little. You could even have goal of coming home with money not spent. ‍♀️

Answer 33

That’s reallyyyy high. I went for 14 days to London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Madrid and Barcelona for about 10k max. We did all air bnb no hotels. Air bnb were about 100 a night with prime locations also did public transportation when possible (subway, tube) And planned everything ourselves. For only Italy it should be way cheaper. Excited for you Italy is beautiful!  

Answer 34

I also recommend Costco. I booked a seven day to those three cities for four people for under $10k. The guy on the phone was SUPER helpful and helped me find the perfect fit for our family.  

Comments

@assurance thank you! Will call cotsco today.  

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@brigandine895 If you’re an executive member you’ll also earn 2% back. Pair it with the Costco citi visa and you add another 3% for 5% total.  

Answer 35

That does seem high. We did a 2 week road trip around Italy, started in Milan, then Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa, up to Turin & back home through Switzerland. Granted we are stationed in Germany & we didn’t have to pay for flights, for a 16 day trip we paid less than $3000, gas, tolls (there are so many! ), rental car, a ton of delicious food & countless glasses of wine included. We didn’t skimp on anything. I’d assume once everything is over with the corona mess there will be a big push for tourism & everything will be even cheaper. I’d continue with your plan, but wouldn’t be surprised if you spend a whole lot less than you planned.  

Answer 36

So $5k/person? I don't think it's that high. Might be able to find a better deal.  

Comments

@olvera yes 5k a person. Meals are included.  

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@brigandine895 I mean, I think that's good for flights, food, and hotel.  

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@brigandine895 you are debt free and can obviously save. I have a problem of not being able to let go and enjoy my money. Maybe you are having a similar issue.  

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@olvera that's true! I dont wanna go on a trip and be very stingy about money.  

Answer 37

Don’t feel bad! If this has taught us anything you only live once. Live it up! Enjoy and have fun!  

Comments

@rigamarole yes! This is why we are working to be debt free. So we can enjoy our money when and how we want.  

Answer 38

That pricing seems like a package they would handle everything for you, I’ve never done those because I want to decided where to eat my meals, when to see certain sites, etc. but it really depends on how you like to travel

Answer 39

You only have one life to live, make the most of it as you aren't guaranteed a tomorrow.  

Answer 40

Yes. Sounds right. Euros are expensive.  

Answer 41

That’s really high, in my opinion. My husband and I spent 16 days in Italy and spent roughly $6000, spending money and food included. Granted, we did almost everything on our own and did not use a travel agent. We did a total of 3 tours and explored by ourselves.  

Comments

@defence that’s literally the best way. Me and my bestfriend even did a hostel for a few days on our trip

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@blindheim2307 we did that too! Hostels and Airbnb’s  we were amazing at the gorgeous Airbnb’s we were able to get for SO CHEAP!  

Answer 42

I think $5-7k per person depending on how long your trip is, is very reasonable to budget for. If you spend less fantastic! Def look for deals along the way, but don’t skimp. Also, as someone who travels for work and for fun. biggest tip. do not check bags until you’re coming home (if you even need to do that). One roll aboard and one personal item like a backpack should be plenty. My husband and I did 2 wks in Europe last summer and just planned for some sink laundry. When I went to Ireland w a gf we dropped clothes off at a laundromat and picked them up a few hours later. It was worth it.  

Answer 43

How long will you be staying? I went in July to those three places and Lake Como as well. 8 days. I didn’t spend that much.  

Answer 44

How long for? As someone with a degree in tourism and living in France I think it's a lot. Also meal included can be good for short stays if you want to cram in as many activities as possible and not worry about finding places to eat but otherwise it's a shame not to explore and find cute little places. The locals often have great recommendations. If you need help or have questions I would be happy to help

Answer 45

We did like a 30 day Europe trip for under $15k.  

Answer 46

We did a cruise in the Adriatic Sea for 9 days to Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia and we spent about $10, 000 for everything - cruise, flights, excursions, shopping. There were two of us. We are saving for one now to the Baltic Sea and plan on saving about $15, 000 so your price doesn’t seem to off. We always save extra as we want to make sure we enjoy it and can do everything we want to without going into debt.  

Answer 47

I really reccomend Gate 1 Travel for Italy. and everywhere haha. We loved Italy!  

Answer 48

Holy smokes! We did an ENTIRE MONTH in Germany, Italy & Spain, traveled all over the place and spent about $9000 for EVERYTHING for 2 people. Including inter country flights. We had a special event in Germany for 1 week that cost nearly half our budget. I’d shop around.  

Answer 49

Groupon! But right now they have no international travel on the website.  

Answer 50

I was doing 10 days in Ireland and Rome with my mom and 2 friends for $4000 including airfare and accommodations.  

Answer 51

How many days is the trip? My friend and I went to Italy and Greece for 16 days and I spent about $6500 (splitting hotels and taxis/Ubers). You should definitely not feel guilty! This is the trip of a lifetime and you will never forget it! You have no debt and $25000 saved. You are in an incredible position to travel!  

Answer 52

My husband and I did 6 days in Rome and Florence (with a day trip to Mt Vesuvius & Pompeii) and spent $3K all in(food, lodging, excursions, and flights) back in 2017 ☺️ Italy is incredible!  

Answer 53

Seems like a lot

Answer 54

Depends on the season! I have visited Rome numerous and best month is April/May as it’s not too hot and not cold either with less rain! It’s also a lot more reasonable than say June July august which are peak months! Before I went on my first trip to Rome I listened to so many saying how the food is expensive blah blah however like when you visit any city you can eat in the expensive restaurant areas or the more local ones! We choose the local ones a bit further out (10 mins of a wonderful stroll crossing little bridges) and The restaurants where reasonable. For my husband and I - starter, main and wine €50 for both! All inclusive in Europe cities is not good nor good value so stay clear! Also you can walk literally everywhere in Rome! If you didn’t want to walk everywhere buy the sightseeing bus pass to go between sights quickly which we did because we had just 3 days in Rome (daily or 3 daily) or you can use public transport which I believe is soooo cheap and BARGAIN with every excursion vendor! Research research research the excursions! Some are double the price and really not worth the “extra” experience! I could go on and on and on. however it is one of the most beautiful countries historically!  my favorite Enjoy making memories

Answer 55

When my husband and I went to Prague, Vienna, and Rome in the summer of 2018, it was an 11 day trip. And we definitely did NOT spend that much. I would recommend trying Airbnb instead of staying in hotels to cut down on cost.  

Answer 56

Can I go?  

Answer 57

If it’s on your bucket list, do it!  

Answer 58

Way too high. Two adults and we did Venice, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast for 2 weeks and we spent half that amount. Use Scott’s Cheap Flights to find flight deals, and as someone suggested above, use advice from Girls Love Travel FB Group. We planned our trip entirely online including all hotels, tours, museum / attraction tickets, and train tickets which saves quite a lot over buying day of when there. Use Rick Steves travel guide (can get older versions through library or just use his website) and use the knowledge he’s gained from three decades of budget travel. Oh and my personal advice is NEVER use Gate 1. I booked a trip to Thailand through them and two weeks before departure the country erupted in to civil unrest. Daily bombings and riots. Gate 1 refused to cancel the trip or refund, despite US State Department warnings. I had to involve the BBB and threaten to sue. It was hours upon hours of fighting to eventually get a refund (Note: travel insurance we purchased didn’t cover civil wars). So I personally had a negative experience with them that led me to form the conclusion that client safety wasn’t exactly their first concern. Take that anecdotal story for what it is - I’m sure plenty have had great inexpensive trips with them when there were no issues

Answer 59

Get that air bnb! So cheap

Answer 60

Nope. Did Spain, Venice, Florence and Rome for under 5k hotels included. Over 3 weeks. Flights cost us $350 round trip to and from Europe and then $150 to travel in between per person.  

Answer 61

I see you saying this a budget in comments, makes me feel better. I way over budget on my trips. If you can afford it live it the eff up in Italy. Eat all the amazing things, do all the great things. It’s a once in a lifetime trip.  

Answer 62

Depending on the time of year, that's a steal! ✈️ Do it! I fly to Europe alot.  

Answer 63

I would budget $1, 000 per person for economy flights and that is probably pretty high. How long are you going for? What else is included in the quote?  

Answer 64

You can spend less Money on a trip to italy but importend ist what you want and what you need and prefer for a trip. Italy is a beautyful country and i know that because i live in Austria and italy is our neighbour country. Drive into the toskany as Well. You will get the best wine and food  My sister paid for my flight from vienna to Chicago and back $820. She lives in farmington MI with her us husband and the flight was her chrismas present for my because i'm on a debt free journay and can't afford a vacation in her place  Maybe you find a cheep flight online. I would recommend a Economy premium flight. It is more comfortabel as the normal Economy

Answer 65

Enjoy that trip!  

Answer 66

Look at Great Value Vacations. You can go for a less than a third of that price

Answer 67

That seems wayyyy too expensive. I did a Euro trip last year and flew roundtrip from vancouver for $400 straight to Gatwick. i think my whole trip was only a few thousand dollars.