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How to Book a Trip to Italy

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Italy

Plan a shoulder-season getaway to Rome or Florence without paying for the flight all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $680 before anything else
Across the 0% window $45.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $680 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Italy is best when it's warm but not melting. April through June and September offer the best light and shorter lines for pasta. You get the benefits of the Mediterranean sun without the August crowds or the peak summer prices.

Most people wait until they have every cent saved, but you can bridge the gap if you have a plan. Spreading out the cost of a $680 flight makes the trip happen sooner. We use a specific window of time to pay it off before any interest kicks in.

The 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers isn't a permanent discount. It's a deadline. If you still have a balance after those 15 months, the standard interest rate will apply to the remaining amount. We use this to stay flexible, not to spend money we don't have.

The steps

  1. 01

    Choose the shoulder season

    Aim for April, May, June, or September. The weather is perfect for walking, and you'll avoid the massive crowds that take over in July and August. It’s also when you’re more likely to find that $680 flight price.

  2. 02

    Monitor the fares

    Use a tracking tool to watch flight prices from your home airport to Rome or Milan. These hubs usually have the most competition and the lowest prices. When the price hits that $680 mark, you're ready to move.

  3. 03

    Use the intro window

    The Discover it® Cash Back (Discover) offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If you put a $680 flight on the card, you can pay $45.33 per month to settle the bill before the window closes.

  4. 04

    Book regional trains

    Italy's train network is fast and covers the whole country. You don't need a car to get from Rome to Florence or Venice. Booking these tickets a few weeks early can save you a lot of cash compared to last-minute fares.

  5. 05

    Eat away from the plazas

    Avoid eating at the restaurants right on the main squares. Walk two or three blocks into the side streets to find better food for half the price. Look for places with short menus and no pictures on the signs.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When is the best time to visit?

Go in May or September for the best balance of weather and price. You'll avoid the winter chill and the summer heatwaves. Most attractions are fully open and easier to access than in the peak season.

Is $680 a good price for a flight?

For a round-trip from the US to a major Italian city, $680 is a very solid deal. You'll usually see this price during the shoulder seasons we mentioned. If you see it, it's generally a good time to buy.

Does Discover work everywhere in Italy?

Discover is accepted at many Italian merchants that take Diners Club, but it's not universal. You should still carry some cash or a backup card for smaller shops and cafes. It works well for major hotels and train stations.

What does 0% intro APR mean?

It means the bank doesn't charge you for borrowing the money for a specific period. APR stands for annual percentage rate, which is the yearly cost of the loan. It's a way to spread out a big purchase like a flight without extra fees.