European travel

How a Family of 4 Can See Italy for $1,000 or Less

Holly Johnson — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 08:30:20 +0000

Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and for good reason. This boot-shaped nation boasts ancient ruins and historical landmarks, world class art, towering mountains, beaches, and wineries. You can see the famous works of Michelangelo one day, hike a cliff that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea the next, and tour the world-renowned Colosseum or Roman Forum shortly after. And all these wonders are only hours away at any given time.

Plus, the sights and landscapes in Italy are only part of the allure. The food is also a huge draw. Tourists flock to Italy for the world's best pizza and pasta, amazingly fresh produce, and of course, award-winning wines.

There are about a million reasons to visit Italy and only one to avoid it — the cost. As with many European countries, Italy can be expensive to visit.

Fortunately, Italy is a country with modern transportation, inexpensive lodging options, and plenty of airports. You can fly into nearly any corner of the country, visit all the must-see destinations via high-speed train, and opt for an affordable bed-and-breakfast if you want.

Food doesn't have to be expensive, either. You can dine at Michelin-star eateries overlooking famous piazzas, but you can also pick up a piece of pizza or a sandwich for a few euros. At the end of the day, you can spend as little or as much as you want on your Italian vacation; it all depends on your choices and where you choose to splurge.

But what if you could cover the entire trip with travel rewards? For the average family of four, we think it's possible to get this trip for $1,000 or less. Here's how:

Cover your flights with airline miles

One of the most expensive components of any trip abroad is airfare, and there's not a lot you can do to bypass this expense other than rack up airline frequent flyer miles. The good news is, there are several ways to earn enough miles to get to Italy on miles alone — even if you're traveling with four people.

One of the best programs for flights to Italy from the United States is Air France/Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France, KLM, and five smaller regional carriers. This is partially because Air France tends to have plenty of award availability for economy flights to Europe, but it's also because it's easy to rack up miles for this program. While Air France/Flying Blue doesn't have its own co-branded credit card, you can transfer points to this program from multiple other credit card rewards programs. (See also: Best Airline Rewards Programs for Trips to Europe)

One-way economy flights to Europe are typically just 25,000 miles plus government-mandated taxes and fees of approximately $125 per person. For a family of four, that means you would need a minimum of 200,000 miles plus up to $500.

While 200,000 miles sounds like a lot, this sum can be earned fairly quickly with some time and the right combination of rewards cards. If both spouses can sign up for several cards that offer 50,000 bonus points, for example, they could earn 200,000 flexible travel points or more in a matter of months.

Plenty of other airlines fly to Italy, however. You could focus on racking up American AAdvantage miles with co-branded credit cards, for example. Since SAAver awards to Europe start at just 45,000 miles round-trip, this program offers solid value for families, provided they can find award availability. And while the Delta SkyMiles program no longer publishes an award chart, you can frequently find round-trip flights to Europe from the U.S. for as little as 60,000 miles round-trip. (See also: How to Score a European Cruise for $1,000 or Less)

Get your hotels covered with flexible travel credit

Once your flights to Italy are covered for $500 out-of-pocket or less, you'll need to get your accommodations covered with rewards. This is where things get tricky when you're traveling as a family of four. While you might be inclined to pick up a co-branded hotel credit card to cover the expense, you may regret it if you do.

In Italy, it is extremely rare to find a hotel with a loyalty program that offers rooms that sleep four. You can check across all the major hotel brands with co-branded credit cards — IHG Rewards, Marriott Rewards, Hyatt, and Starwood Preferred Guest — and the story is the same. Finding a room that sleeps two is a piece of cake if you have enough hotel points, but a room for four is a unicorn indeed.

Your best bet in Italy is loading up on flexible travel credit cards and points in flexible programs. While these two types of rewards may sound similar, they are actually very different.

Flexible travel credit is a travel benefit you can earn with fixed-value rewards cards. Travel credit cards that fall into this category typically offer an upfront sign-up bonus and up to two points for each dollar you spend. On the redemption side, you can cash in your points for statement credits against just about any type of travel at a rate of one cent per point. (See also: Best Credit Cards With Easy Travel Redemption)

Flexible travel credit is great if you have a larger family and need to book a place with more space. You can rack up points to redeem for an Airbnb with a few bedrooms, for example. Doing so can make your family travel experience a lot more comfortable than if you were stuffed in a single hotel room. Plus, having a kitchen can help you save money if you prepare some meals at "home" instead of dining out.

The other kind of flexible travel programs we speak of include programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou rewards. These programs let you rack up points that can be transferred to hotel and airline programs or used to book travel through their respective travel portals. (See also: Best Credit Cards That Transfer Points to Airlines and Hotels)

This strategy can be beneficial since these portals make all kinds of hotels available — not just hotels with the big brands. You can frequently find smaller bed-and-breakfasts or boutique hotels that sleep four in "family rooms" with these programs, and for fewer points than you might think.

Recently, I booked a room for five at the Hotel Del Golfo in Naples, Italy for just 10,058 points per night. You do have to dig to find properties like this, but they absolutely exist.

No matter which strategy you choose, it's possible to get all your hotels or rental condos in Italy covered with rewards. Just like with your flights, you'll need to sign up for a few different travel credit cards and plan it out as you go. (See also: How to Vacation in Greece for $300 or Less)

Covering excursions with rewards

Getting your flights and lodging covered is great, but what about everything else? When you're so close to so many sites of historical significance and famous art, you absolutely have to go.

Fortunately, you can also use rewards to cover day trips and excursions. One strategy to consider is using flexible travel credit to book your own excursions and tours through a website like Viator. This booking site connects you to options that span from day trips to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to guided tours of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and food tours in Rome. (See also: Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences I've Earned With Credit Card Rewards)

You can also book many of the same excursions available through Viator through a popular credit card rewards portal, which can be a smart move.

If you employ all of these strategies, you should have your flights, lodging, and excursions covered for $500 or less. This leaves you with $500 to spend on food and other attractions, which is a real possibility if you're willing to eat cheap.

A fancy restaurant overlooking a famous square may tempt you, but your money will stretch further if you dine off the beaten path. And the best souvenir is one that's free — the memories you'll be left with for a lifetime.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 European Cities You Can Visit for $50 a Day

Nick Wharton — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:30:22 +0000

European getaways are often associated with high costs, and when you're talking about cities like London, Madrid, or Paris, that is often true. However, if you stay away from the traditional European hot spots, you can find destinations that are much friendlier on your wallet while still providing that old world European charm. Many of these places give even the best budget destinations in the world a run for their money.

Though you can find bargains all over the continent, Eastern and Central Europe, in particular, provide a lot of bang for your buck. These regions also have many lesser known, and therefore less busy, destinations just waiting to be discovered.

*All costs have been estimated using Numbeo, the world's largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide, and hotel booking site Booking.com.

1. Sofia, Bulgaria

The majority of visitors to Bulgaria head to the popular coastal regions, but the country’s historic capital is worth spending a few days in. Sofia has been billed as one of Europe's most affordable cities, and it offers a diverse and exciting experience to travelers.

History lovers will delight in the yellow brick roads in its historic center and the 1,800-year-old Roman city that lies beneath. Sofia is also surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it a great place for adventure lovers. Hiking, climbing, and mountain biking are popular pastimes in the area, with the nearby Vitosha Mountain providing the perfect setting for these activities. (See also: 5 Natural Wonders You Can See For Free)

This fascinating city is steadily building a reputation for its youthful atmosphere and modern amenities — not to mention the low cost of living you can enjoy while there. Thanks to its small size, the city is extremely walkable, so you won't need to fork over much for local transportation costs.

Cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around $7.
Price of budget private room per night is $31.
Cost of living ranks 437th out of 559 cities in the world.

2. Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia's capital city, Zagreb, is one of Europe's most underrated cultural hubs, boasting a number of museums, interesting architecture, and tons of musical and theatrical events. It's an extremely tourist-friendly city with many pedestrianized areas in the center, making it easy to walk around.

The medieval part of the city center has beautiful old buildings that line cobbled streets still lit by traditional looking gas lamps. You'll find many quaint cafes where you can stop to watch the world go by and enjoy traditional snacks like apple strudel and coffee. By night, you'll discover a vibrant bar and club scene, as well as some fantastic restaurants serving tasty Croatian cuisine.

On the outskirts, you'll also find mountains, and these are where many of the locals head when the weekend comes. Enjoy a picnic and the stunning nature, as well as great panoramic views across the city. It's a laid-back, sophisticated place that can be enjoyed year-round. (See also: 5 Incredible World Cities You Can Afford)

Cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around $8.
Price of budget private room per night is $25.
Cost of living ranks 342nd out of 559 cities in the world.

3. Bucharest, Romania

If you're not familiar with Bucharest, that's probably because it's not yet on the European tourist trail. But Romania's capital is a destination growing in popularity. The modern city center is interspersed with historic buildings like the various 300-year-old churches you'll find hidden down back alleys. With plenty of large, green spaces in its gardens and parks, you can easily forget that there are nearly 2 million inhabitants here, making it one of Europe's largest cities.

There are lots of historic landmarks that point toward Romania's communist past, with walking tours taking you around some of the most significant sites. Perhaps the most fascinating is the Palace of the Parliament, which is the largest administrative building in the world, and an ongoing reminder of the old regime that built it. (See also: 6 European Cities Where Retirement Is Actually Affordable)

Cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around $8.
Price of budget private room per night is $25.
Cost of living ranks 427th out of 559 cities in the world.

4. Budapest, Hungary

Originally consisting of two separate cities, Buda and Pest, Hungary's capital was divided geographically by the Danube River that runs between them. These days, as one city, Budapest is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is undoubtedly one of Europe's most picturesque cities. (See also: 11 Incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites Right Here in the U.S.)

The mixture of Gothic, neoclassical, North African, and various other styles of architecture combine to create a breathtaking effect. Be sure to take a camera, as this city will provide you with Instagram gold for months to come.

If you're weary from wandering around the sites, head to one of the bathhouses where you can experience the hot springs that are found all over Budapest. They're said to be a surefire cure for a hangover, which you may just wake up with if you experience any of the renowned night life.

Cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around $6.
Price of budget private room per night is $40.
Cost of living ranks 383rd out of 559 cities in the world.

5. Krakow, Poland

Krakow's significance in World War II is just one of the many reasons that it's become a popular European destination. Historic sites like the nearby notorious Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz, and Schindler's factory made famous by the Steven Spielberg film Schindler's List draw visitors interested in the tragic events that occurred here.

But Krakow has also developed into a beloved destination for showcasing some of Poland's greatest assets. Sample local delicacies like bigos (meat and cabbage stew), pierogies (sweet or savory dumplings), and golonka (ham hocks or pork knuckles), have a sip of the strong and crisp Polish lagers available, and enjoy the buzzing night life.

Despite becoming an extremely popular tourist destination in recent years, Krakow is still extremely budget-friendly compared to many other top European cities. You'll get a lot of bang for your buck here with its mixture of culture, history, and modern city life.

Cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around $6.
Price of budget private room per night is $20.
Cost of living ranks 424th out of 559 cities in the world.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Ways to Save on a European Getaway With Kids

Holly Johnson — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 09:30:09 +0000

Packing up the family for a European getaway can easily become the ultimate exercise in patience, resourcefulness, and self-restraint. Europe is one of the more expensive regions for Americans to travel to, and adding kids increases costs even more. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to whittle down the price of your trip. Here are some of the best ways to save on a European getaway with kids. (See also: 8 Money Lessons I Learned from Three Weeks in Europe)

1. Choose your locale wisely

Flying into one of Europe's major cities from the U.S. is probably a must, but where you stay for the duration of your trip can determine how much you'll pay for lodging and even dining. A hotel in the trendiest downtown areas of London, Rome, or Paris will always cost more than a choice in a less touristy neighborhood — or even in a neighboring town or suburb.

Since public transportation is plentiful nearly all throughout Europe, staying just beyond the city limits of your desired destination may not be too much of a hassle. Make sure to check for local transportation options before you book. (Is a metro station nearby?) This way, you can make sure any savings you accrue by staying outside a city center won't be eaten up by taxi and Uber rides.

2. Take advantage of low-cost, high-speed train travel

Speaking of public transportation, Europe boasts a glorious high-speed train system that makes it easy and affordable to travel around Europe without having to fly. Traveling by train is especially convenient with kids because you don't have to worry about airline packing restrictions or spending hours in airport security. Not only that, but trains are comfortable, many have a dining cart, and you can get up and walk around more than you can on a plane.

In terms of affordable travel, taking a train is usually a no-brainer. Trainline.eu lets you search for train travel across all providers, then book all your tickets in one place.

Book the underground Chunnel from Paris to London for as little as $78 per person, or book Rome to Venice for as little as $42. With kids in tow, you'll spend a lot less and get to see more of Europe than you might if you flew.

3. Use airline miles to get there

Often, the most expensive part of any European getaway is the cost of airfare. Economy tickets to Europe can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500 from many major U.S. cities, which means you'll shell out a pretty penny before you ever step foot outside the U.S.

One way to escape at least part of this cost is to dream up an airline miles strategy early. Many of the top travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses good for a round-trip flight to Europe, and you can rack up additional miles by using your card for regular spending.

If you plan to use airline miles, your best bet is to plan early and get everyone involved (i.e. get your spouse to earn a credit card sign-up bonus, too). With enough time and a smart strategy, you may be able to get most of your airfare covered with rewards, although you'll still be on the hook for government-mandated taxes and fees, and any fuel surcharges the airline imposes. (See also: Best Airline Rewards Programs for Trips to Europe)

4. Book rental condos and make some meals at "home"

Hotels can be difficult to book in Europe when you want to sleep more than two to a room. You'll usually have to book a separate room or rooms for the rest of the family. Not only that, but hotels can be prohibitively expensive.

One solution for families is booking rental properties through short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway. While renting a condo or villa isn't always cheaper, it absolutely can be. Make sure to shop around and compare costs to hotels (including cleaning fees and online booking fees) to see how prices stack up. (See also: 10 Vacation Rental Alternatives to Airbnb)

Fortunately, a rental condo can help you save in more than one way. With your own small rental home, you'll have more room to stretch out, a living area to gather in, and a kitchen you can use to prepare meals. If you can eat even one meal a day at home, you'll save a bundle over the course of your trip. Consider heading to the grocery store to buy bananas, pastries, or cereal for breakfast. Or stock up on sandwich supplies so you can avoid pricey lunches out.

5. Consider a Mediterranean cruise

Cruising the Mediterranean can be especially affordable, either as your entire vacation or as part of a longer European trip. The key to making cruises affordable is avoiding all the extras like alcohol, shore excursions, upgraded dining, and sticking to the free meals and entertainment provided onboard. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Cruises)

But how inexpensive can a Mediterranean cruise be? It depends on your itinerary and the time of year you travel. It also depends on whether you choose a luxury cruise line or a more downscale family-friendly option. (See also: 10 Little-Known Secrets to Saving Money On Your Next Cruise)

MSC Cruises is one of the most affordable cruise lines in Europe because their cruises start at a lower price point than other lines, and because kids cruise free on many itineraries. Frequently, a family of four can take a seven-night cruise to countries like Italy, Malta, Spain, and France for as little as $659 per person. That's less than $1,400 total when kids cruise free, although you'll pay government-mandated taxes and port fees.

Make sure to compare cruises and cruise lines if you consider this option, as well as what they include. The best part about including a cruise as part of your European itinerary is the fact that your cruise fare doesn't just include the cruise itself; it includes your lodging, most of your meals, onboard entertainment, and usually a supervised kid's club.

6. Travel off-peak

Off-peak season in Europe is usually considered any time between the end of October and the beginning of May, excluding holidays like Christmas and New Year's. During these off-peak travel times, you'll see fewer crowds and lower prices on everything from airfare to hotel stays and guided tours. If you're able to travel off-peak, you can typically save a bundle on your family trip. (See also: Why Timing Is Everything When Saving Money on Travel)

7. Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Last but not least, you shouldn't have to pay extra just to use your travel credit card abroad. By signing up for a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you can avoid paying an extra 3–5 percent on every purchase you make. While 3–5 percent doesn't sound like a lot, these charges can absolutely add up over the course of a week or more.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: