Doing Italy on the Cheap

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Q. My boyfriend and I are planning to visit his brother next fall in Naples, Italy. We'd also like to see Rome and Milan while we're there. Flying from San Francisco, which arrival airport closest to Naples would we find the best fare? And would it be cheaper to travel by air or train between cities in Italy?

A. We tend to find more sale fares from the US to Rome, but other cities do offer cheap fares on occasion. Rome is much closer to Naples than Milan, which is in the northernmost part of Italy. Air travel can be incredibly inexpensive within Europe if you stick to the small budget carriers like Ryanair or Easyjet, and may be able to beat the price of a train ticket. Try searching Whichbudget.com to see what carriers operate where. Just be aware that these smaller airlines often operate from airports farther outside the city, and sometimes require lengthy shuttle transport to/from, whereas trains tend to take you to the city center and give you a chance to take in the countryside.

When searching for a flight from the US, you might even consider flying into a less expensive hub city like London, and booking a flight onward to Naples on a budget carrier. Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to make your connecting flight!

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How can I check on the status of my flight by using my conformation number?

by Bud on Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Generally you can only check the day of the flight or the next day. Go to the airline that you are flying on website and go to their link for checking the flight status. You will need either flight number or the airports that you are flying between. Most of the major airlines also will let you sign up to receive either email, voice, or text message alerts so that you do not need to keep looking online.

by Off the Beaten Track on Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Definitely take the trains once there instead of flying - or dirving - as many have already said. A much more enjoyable way to travel.
I would skip Milan for this trip - there is lots to see near Naples that you could do instead. Fly into Rome and spend a couple of days there, train to Naples, then take day or overnight trips to Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi Coast, etc.)

by TLM on Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I think you are trying to see too much by going all the way from Naples via Rome and then up to Milan. Personally, I've been ten times to Italy over the past ten yrs and I still haven't seen ALL of Rome. There is soooo much to see and experience you should not try too many cities in one trip. You didn't say how long you are planning to stay in Italy. DO see Pompeii and Herulaneum while you are in Naples. I disliked Naples VERY much and wouldn't return. It is one of the dirtiest cities in Europe. The Amalfi coast is AMAZING and shouldn't be missed. Last bit of advice: rent a car to get from Naples to Rome if you can. You are on your own schedule and can stop to see whatever you wish on your travels. The roads are well marked and easy to maneuver. Trains provide too many constraints and cabs within the cities are expensive. We always drive and find it rewarding!

by chocobon on Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I work with a small travel company based in PDX and I find that most of our clients flying out of SFO get the best fares on Lufthansa/United/Air Dolomiti to Italy, but Air France/Delta & US Airways have good rates into Rome at times too. Lufthansa flies through either Frankfurt or Munich. Air France flies through Paris or Atlanta. And US Airways flies through Philadelphia. If you are looking for a really cheap airfare look at Iberia (Spain's national carrier); their flights have 2 stops (one in the US -- O'Hara or JFK -- and then Madrid) which makes the total flying time longer. If you don't mind flying to say Boston on JetBlue and then taking Italy's discount carrier AirOne onward to Italy you might find a good deal. No matter what I would do an open-jaw flight (into Rome or Naples and out of Milan). You will save time and money that way. Check on either kayak.com or priceline.com or cheaptickets.com first for your tickets. If you don't find the price you want check with a consolidator for your booking. A good one is Elizabeth Holmes Travel in Seattle.

I totally agree with going to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. Also, consider going to Pasteum if you are going to do the Amalfi Coast. If you have time go to Florence, Sienna, & Cinque Terre on your way to Milan (1 to 2 days in each one).

Concerning renting a car: Do it only if you feel comfortable driving in a foreign country, but it is the best way to see Italy though and probably the cheapest. AutoEurope have some of the best prices for renting cars in Italy.

Trenitalia is good for seeing the countryside without driving but you will not see as many villages. Be forewarned: The trains in Italy can be canceled at the last minute so I would not buy my tickets until I was ready to travel -- at the most a day or two ahead.

If your time is tight for your trip then look at one of the discount carriers that operate in Italy to fly between cities. Try EasyJet, AirOne, Eurofly, or Meridiana.

Yes, Naples does have pickpockets, so do most cities. A must is a moneybelt that you wear on your body to keep your "valuables" (money, credit cards, passport, et al) from being taken.

Flying into London Heathrow is not as cheap as it use to be because of the additional tax that has been added to a ticket in order in order to cover the additional costs to meet the noise and pollution problems & the price of using the gates.

by Off the Beaten Track on Wednesday, March 18, 2009

All great advice. Personaly, I like flying into a country and then taking the train once I'm there. It's a great way to see the countryside and a meet the locals. The Italians especialy are always quick to clue you in to the "don't miss" local restaurants, bars, etc. Another word of caution about Naples. Don't buy anything on the street ("International" cell phones, jewlery, etc.) There are alot of slick salesmen in the piazzas around town that sell phonies, and once they get your cash goood luck getting it back!

by Ciao on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Oh, and dont rule out renting a car for traveling within a country. You can usualy get a good daily rate and unlimited miles if you book it before you go and then just pick up and drop off at the airport. You will typicaly pay extra if you pick up and drop of in different cities though.

by Ciao on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Yes, at times Delta has offered great fares from the US to Venice. But it is some distance from Naples, so I think Rome may be your best bet if time is of import. And don't miss the Amalfi Coast just south of Naples, and the islands just offshore there. Caution -Naples is a city of pickpockets, so exercise care!

by bob littlejohn on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

When I was planning a similar trip last summer, Milan, Venice, Rome, and Naples were all about the same price. Traveling by train in Italy was fast, easy, and not very expensive. If you've never been before, don't miss Florence in between Milan and Rome and the Cinque Terre too if you're in to that scene! Pompeii was great as well! Have a blast.

by on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Be sure to check more than just airfarewatchdog--sorry, you guys sometimes miss fares--because I have found a KILLER fare to Venice, personally. As for traveling within Italy, you also need to check the difference. BUT. If you plan to do a lot of traveling, you can look for rail passes. Another option that I take advantage of is the timing of fares for rail. Night fares are cheap, you can sometimes find ridiculously low fares to Rome very early in the morning, set to allow businesspeople to get there for a meeting that day, and then very low fares to other cities FROM Rome, to get home AFTER meetings.

One more thing. Naples is ridiculously close to Pompeii. You have to go there--it's like walking into a time machine.

Have fun!

by mickisue on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

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