Q. I'm looking for July flights from Phoenix to Florence, Pisa or Bologna. I know it's summer and prices are usually high. But wow, they seem a little too high this year! I haven't found anything less than $1200.00. I'm willing to make as many layovers as possible. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!

A. Unfortunately, fares to Europe are very high this year. We have noticed them inching down slightly, but at a very slow pace. Also, flying directly to Florence or Bologna can be awfully expensive. You might have better, cheaper luck if you buy a round-trip ticket to a bigger and busier airport such as London, Amsterdam, or even Rome, and then taking a low cost carrier such as Ryanair, easyJet, or heck, even a train or a bus to your final destination.