Curious About What a Budget Itinerary Looks Like?
Denver to Italy, November 10-20 for under $1000
10 Days in Italy for Under $1000
Much of November is “off-peak” season on American Airlines for all flights between the US and Europe. This means that if you’re on top of your game, you can snag one-way flights for 22,500 miles each way and as little as $5.60 in taxes and fees. It’s a hard deal to beat. On top of that, when booked months in advance it’s amazing just how cheap the city center hotels or AirBnb’s can be. Seriously, I probably won’t even spend $1000 in total on this entire trip, and I intend to eat pasta and gelato and drink wine and cappuccino until my heart’s content. All that being said…I’m off on a solo adventure to Italy in about 68 days!
I know you hear me talk about budget and almost free travel all the time. It’s literally the only way I get to go anywhere. But what does it actually look like? Well, today I’m going to show you a preview of my upcoming itinerary so you can see for yourself how I do it.
Below is just one way to make an inexpensive holiday happen. Use miles, book early, and take advantage of “free” is the name of this particular game. I’m currently working on another adventure where all the hotels should be free as well. As for this one, here’s what my days will look like and just how much I anticipate 10 days in Italy to cost me in the end.
Orvieto, Florence, Rome and Naples for the Day, November 10-20 Itinerary
Denver to Rome, November 10, 2022 - 22,500 AA miles and $5.60USD
Arrive November 11, morning
Train to Orvieto - $20USD
Bed and Breakfast near Orvieto city center, November 11 - 13, free breakfast included - $122USD
Train from Orvieto to Florence - $15USD
Hotel in Florence city center, November 13-16, free breakfast included - $166USD
Train from Florence to Rome - $20
Hotel in Rome city center, November 16-20, free breakfast included - $191USD
Day trip to Naples, round-trip train ticket - $30
Train ticket to airport, afternoon - $15
Rome to Denver, November 20, 2022 - 22,500 AA miles and $25.20
Food daily (free breakfasts) - $25 X 9 +$225USD
Free Rick Steves audio walking tours in each city and $100USD for entry into a few sites. On this particular trip I’m taking advantage of as much FREE tourist venues as possible and walking everywhere I can. All hotels are in the city center, so I’m hoping not to need an Uber. And I’m going light on the food and tours.
So, if all goes as planned…
Total $934.80
But if Food is Your Thing…
Enjoy!!! The total of my trip without food is $709.80. Go on that budget and then splurge all you like on pasta and tours. With prices this low you can make a holiday your own and spend your money on the things you really want to savor.
Dying to Learn How to Do This Yourself?
I can help. I’m completely obsessed with itinerary planning and teaching friends how to gather airline miles and create almost free itineraries to their dream locations. I’d love to help you, too. More on bigstoryliving.com.
Also, keep your eyes peeled. I’ll be announcing another Big Story Living Curated Journey in December. Travel with us, and I’ll teach you how to play the “almost free” travel game as well as personally guide you on a journey where we will keep one eye on the world and the other eye on Jesus as we go.
“Keeping One Eye on the World and the Other Eye On Jesus”
What does that mean? Simply put, Camino’s can happen anywhere. It just takes a little intentionality. But if Jesus is the air that we breathe then it’s not far-fetched at all to turn a vacation into a soul-renewing holiday. You just have to turn the speed down a few notches and learn to move at the pace of wonder. Get lost. Be found.
Big Story Living Curated Journeys are designed to give you all the space you never knew you could receive on a 10-day international trip. We practice exploring all the amazing places you’ve always dreamed while practicing the art of noticing, savoring, and smiling at wonders and moments often missed on a “get it done and see it all” vacation. No “kum-bah-ya” campfire gatherings. No prayer circles or mandatory anything…just gentle gifts offered that you can take or leave as you wish. Daily guides are curated for you to incorporate into your awareness as you explore some of the most famous cities in the world.
Join us in 2023!
Just comment below to be added to the “first come first served” list. It doesn’t lock you in, but you’ll be the first to know when registration opens.
Friends of Big Story Living
Finally, I’m starting this new section of the newsletter meant to highlight friends of Big Story Living who are creating beautiful things. This morning I woke up to the exciting news that after a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, my friends, Steve and Lisa Cuss, have officially made their 12-Week Journal, Calm Aware Present, available to the public. Friends, you just must. That’s all I can say. As I type, this gem of a guide towards living a more calm, aware and present life is right here beside my computer waiting for me. It’s beautiful. It’s full of more goodness than you have ever seen in a journal experience…designed to “help you notice, name and diffuse reactivity triggers in you and your people.” Best $32 you’ll spend this weekend! Thanks, Steve and Lisa.
And with that…Happy Holiday Weekend to you!
Happy Travels,
Amy