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How to Book a Trip to Rome

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Rome

Visit Rome's ancient ruins without the summer crowds by planning a November trip and spreading the cost over 15 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $166.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,500 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.

Rome in November is quiet. The air is crisp, the lines at the Colosseum are short, and the flights are cheaper. You get the city to yourself while everyone else waits for the summer heat and the crowds that come with it.

A typical trip for two costs about $2500. We can manage that cost by using the Discover it® Cash Back. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, which lets us split the total into smaller monthly payments.

The 15-month intro window is a firm deadline. If you still have a balance on the card when that time expires, the regular interest rate will apply to every dollar you haven't paid back yet.

The steps

  1. 01

    Track the flights

    November is the sweet spot for low airfare to Europe. Set an alert now and aim for a price under $600. You'll save enough on the flight to upgrade your meals.

  2. 02

    Pick a base in Trastevere

    Stay across the river for better prices and better pasta. You can walk to the ruins from here but you'll be far enough away to avoid the tourist menus.

  3. 03

    Divide the bill

    Put the $2500 total on your Discover it® Cash Back. Because you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, you can pay $166.67 a month to finish the balance before the window ends.

  4. 04

    Pre-book the big ruins

    Even in the off-season, the Vatican and Colosseum require reservations. Book these online at least a month before you fly to skip the ticket lines.

  5. 05

    Pack for rain

    Rome is beautiful in the fall but it can be damp. Bring a waterproof coat and sturdy shoes for the slick cobblestones. You'll be doing a lot of walking.

  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

Is Rome actually cheaper in November?

Yes. Flights and hotels often drop by thirty percent compared to the summer peak. You save money just by choosing a different month to travel.

What does 0% intro APR mean?

It means the bank won't charge you interest for a specific period of time. In this case, you have 15 months to pay off the $2500 for your trip.

Do I need a visa for Italy?

US citizens only need a valid passport for short vacations. Just make sure your passport doesn't expire within six months of your flight date.

Are the ruins open in the winter?

The major sites like the Forum and Colosseum stay open year-round. They usually close a bit earlier because the sun sets sooner, so start your days early.