I want to go to Italy this summer - anyone know any good airfares?

[nini]

I've got a chance to go visit friends in the Bari area and airfares are pretty high - well more than I want to pay at least. Does anyone have any tips on finding good rates etc?


Thanks

[Kathy in Cambridge]

1. Don't Go In The Summer

Spring and Fall are shoulder seasons and generally less expensive. I went to Rome over Thanksgiving for $300 RT from Boston. which, like NY, is one of the cheaper airports to fly out of. Check Delta for sales-they code share with Alitalia.

Italy has a pretty mild climate. In winter it rains a lot, but during my visit most days were in the mid-60s.

[nini]

7. I have to go in late June because that's when they will all be there

but thanks for the tips.

[HEyHEY]

2. Take a boat

See if you can find a frieghter that still does that.

[nini]

8. I've thought that but I only have a limited amount of time..

I would like to try that one day.

[private_ryan]

3. where in Bari?

I used to live in Molfetta, a few miles north of Bari. really nice area..

[nini]

6. BISCEGLIE is the city I have for the address

I've never been there. I'm excited.

[private_ryan]

9. Been there. I like all that area.

this summer I'm headed back there for 2-3 weeks.

[nini]

12. I'm planning on late June...early July

would be funny if we're at the same time!
might have to meet for vino!

[private_ryan]

14. at 6 pm everyone leaves home

all dressed up and go for a walk. Way too mellow compared to here. They LOVE americans (at least they did)

[DS1]

4. 6 dollars is a good airfare

Tell me if you get tickets

[nini]

11. har har... I wished!

I'll be sure to share that one if it exists! :-)

[bearfan454]

5. My parents found a 399 round trip to Europe.

It was a few months back. You had to call by the end of that day or some restriction I'm not sure about.

[SOteric]

10. That's a fall and winter rate.

You can find really good fares to Europe in the winter. The summer it's quite a bit harder.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

13. It's cheaper to fly to London or Paris and take an inter-Europe flight

well, it was until the dollar tanked against the euro. i used to go to Europe on business and that's how my company would save money. EasyJet, RyanAir and smaller airlines sometimes offer cheapie fares from London to Italy with a Saturday night stay.

All I know is from the west coast it's gonna cost you a small fortune in June. That's high season.

Bari is beautiful, BTW, but then again, Italy is gorgeous period.

[nini]

18. the value of the dollar is an issue to be sure...

I may do a red eye on Jet Blue to NY for $99 and try and work it out from there... Can't wait.

thanks

[Kathy in Cambridge]

20. When I was in Rome everything was way more expensive

than the last time I was in Italy. Thankfully, we were in an apartment and could cook so saved money by not eating most of our meals out.

Let me know if you find a cheap fare from NY!

:hi:

[BackDoorMan]

22. Cooked? Trying the food in Italy is more than half the fun.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

25. Buying the food in the markets and cooking it is fun too

have you ever bargained with a vendor? that's Italy.

I have been several times so I know how good the food is. But paying $20 for a plate of pasta that I can make with the same fresh ingredients for $3 is an outrage.

Italian stores are great-I brought back coffee, jarred pesto and other goodies. Because Boston is a very Italian city, I can get most things here as well. Except the produce in Italy is OUTSTANDING!

[nini]

26. Luckily, most of the time I'll be fed by the family that lives there.

So, hopefully I can control some costs.

I will definitely let you know if I find some good bargains.

ciao Bella :-)

[BackDoorMan]

23. So is Greece...

[wickerwoman]

15. Are you a student or under 26?

You can get great fares from www.sta.com
If you're a student you have to buy a ISIC for about $10 but then you save hundreds on the flights and you can use it for Europasses and discounts on museums when you get there. If you're under 26 you buy a Go-26 card for the same amount and get the same discounts.
I'm still pissed about my 27th birthday.
Good luck and I hope you have a great trip.

[nini]

16. I wished!! I passed that up 20 years ago!

but my niece will love this info.. thanks

[On the Road]

17. The Best I Found from Los Angeles to Rome is $374

which is good until March 31. It's through www.bestfares.com , which has a subscription fee, but may be worth it to get the airfare.

Sometimes British sites like www.travelselect.com are better for fares to Europe, but the best fare I found there was $657.

On Edit: I didn't see your reply saying it had to be mid-June. Bestfares doesn't always post their fares that far in advance, but try this link. They advertise up to 70% off retail throughout the year. Destination include Rome and Milan:

http://www.bestfares.com/travel/desks/story.asp?id=50230&desk=internationals

[nini]

19. Thanks for the links!!

I'll check it out

[NewHampster]

21. Ciao Italia - I'd move there tomorrow after only one week last year.

Few great resources.

Art http://www.thais.it/default.htm

Travel/Hotels in Europe http://www.venere.com/ great b&b small hotel site

Castles of tuscany http://www.castellitoscani.com/

If all people were like the Italians the world would be a truly wonderful place. Nothing would get done or work correctly but we'd all be in love and happy.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

24. Welcome Cow Hampshirite-from a Masshole!

Love your blog, BTW.

I agree about Italy-I would move there in a second if I could afford it.

[NewHampster]

28. grazie RationalRose

Pats 28
Indi 10

Go Pats - This is the year for Patriots - Tom Brady and Howard Dean ;-)

[nini]

27. thanks.. I'd move there too and I've never been there!

Tuscany -- aaaahhh! I can't wait!!!

[nini]

29. btw.... Welcome to DU!

I didn't notice your a newbie before

:hi:

[RebelOne]

30. Check out ClarkHoward.com

He always has tips on great low fares.

[nini]

31. Great site..

I've never heard of that site.. lots of great info.

thanks

[ALago1]

32. When I last went to Europe...

I was surprised that Priceline.com gave me an excellent fare.

Just on a lark, when you know what dates you're going, offer them a ridiculously low price. I offered them $425 for a round trip to Amsterdam and to my surprise, they accepted it (good airline too).

However, I went in mid may, and I hear that once you hit July fares start peaking big time.

Let me know how it goes!

[HuckleB]

33. Call four or five travel agents.

And compare what they offer to online fares. The reality is that you can usually get a better international fare through a travel agent than you can online.