By Marc Justin in Florence— Since arriving in Tuscany, you’ve not only developed a palate for fine wine, but also a handsome routine where every night you like to indulge in an aperitivo. The only problem is that it’s been putting a real dent in your budget. So here’s what to do to keep the » Read more

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

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

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— During the summer nearly all the locals in Rome enjoy wining and dining all’aperto. As most restaurants (and apartments) in Italy don’t have air conditioning, many residents prefer dining outdoors in a lovely piazza or going for drinks with friends along the banks of the Tiber River. Another activity that » Read more

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

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

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

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— When most travelers think of romantic cities, their thoughts head straight for Paris. Stealing a kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower or ducking into an intimate café to gaze into each other eyes is indeed priceless. But not so fast, Paris! There’s also an endless supply of romantic » Read more

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