EuroCheapo's Italy Articles

Aug 19 By Marc Justin in Florence— Instead of my usual banter about the best things to do in Florence, I’m going to try something different. No recommendations this time. At least, not the usual kind. Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city. 1. » Read more

Aug 10 Having a sense of local travel patterns is a smart way of seeing Europe at its best and trimming costs. High school holiday dates are often a key determinant of accommodation costs. And with kids already heading back to school in some parts of Europe, that opens up opportunities for Cheapos looking for bargains. Summer » Read more

Jul 12 By Marc Justin in Florence— One thing you won’t see during the summer in Florence is people chugging down hot bowls of soup. With an average high of 88 degrees in July and August, this town really tends to sizzle. But besides the usual beach trips and dipping in and out of public pools (see » Read more

Jun 10 By Rebecca Winke in Assisi, Umbria— With the strong euro and the weak—ahem—everything else, visitors to Italy are keeping their eyes on the bottom line and trimming the fat off their travel expenses this year. But if you’re like me, nothing makes you cranky and out of sorts like feeling you are missing out on » Read more

May 27 By Marc Justin in Florence— Last week I visited the Uffizi Gallery for the very first time. I know, I know, it’s in my backyard but walking past never-ending queues of people does something to a man’s motivation. Finally, one of my recent guests harassed me into surrender. So how did this crowd-hater survive Florence’s » Read more

May 19 By Rebecca Winke in Assisi, Umbria— Not too long ago, Umbria–with its rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves and topped by tiny medieval stone villages–was touted as the cheaper alternative to Tuscany (her neighbor to the north). This is not so true anymore, as this region in central Italy has begun to show » Read more

Apr 05 By Marc Justin in Florence— What do you do with a pocket full of change that’s worthless in your home country? You take a walk on down… to the future! Future Games on Via Nazionale near Piazza dell’Indipendenza in Florence is more than a game room, it’s an enigma. First opened in 1987, it’s survived » Read more

Mar 23 Brig is one of those places through which every European traveler passes eventually. Strategically placed in Switzerland’s Valais region, this major transport hub lies at the northern end of the Simplon tunnel. It is served by major international express trains such as the services from Geneva and Basel to Milan and Venice. And Brig is » Read more

Mar 16 By Laura Mongillo in Florence— Tuscany is world famous for its wine, so it make sense that every restaurant, bar, cafe, bottega, supermarket and even hotel in Florence is trying to sell you a couple of bottles. But how do you know the good stuff from the vinegar? Here are a few tips for navigating » Read more