Tuscany on a Shoestring – How to have a fantastic vacation in the middle of a credit crunch

It’s a dilemma, no doubt about it! Heather and Michael agree, it’s going to be scorching this summer BUT not anywhere north of the canal and the super saver buy one get four industrial size bottles of sun factor 50 total sunblock are cluttering the bathroom shelf and then all the way up, they tell you there is a credit crisis. Which is the answer? If you spend the holidays at home, you risk mold and not many people find webbed feet attractive on a woman. Well, as my old grandmother used to say: skin…? jeden jest tak dobry jak mrugniÄ(TM) cie do niewidomych kotów (she was from Gdansk, she never understood a word she said). But I think what she was probably trying to say was: Credit crunch or no credit crunch, we all need a break in the sun, and if we can save a few shillings too, then so much the better.

Here is our guide to “Tuscany on a shoestring budget: how to have a fantastic holiday in the middle of a credit crunch”

– flights – Several low-cost airlines fly to Tuscany. These days, things change so fast that you can’t assume that booking early or at the last minute will get you the best deal. airlines are constantly changing offers/dates/prices/conditions, just to keep us on our toes. Sign up to receive all low cost airline newsletters. Deals go fast, if you see a great deal, grab it. Even if you’re not sure about accommodation etc., if you wait too long, the offer will probably be gone.

– Be flexible – If you can, travel on weekdays or early in the morning or late at night or just before or after a major holiday. Try to travel when others do not and you can save a lot. Although most villas in Tuscany are rented from Saturday to Saturday, arriving a day or two early or leaving a day or two later gives you a chance to see new places (a day in Pisa visiting the leaning tower or a day or two days at the beach before visiting at your country house).

– Arrival airport – Since low cost airlines do not fly into Florence airport, most people think that Pisa is the only airport in Tuscany. However, as many villas are a couple of hours drive from Pisa, it is worth considering other arrival airports as well. Bologna, Forli, Perugia, even Rome is within easy reach. Most are within a couple of hours of central Tuscany and since they are not the obvious first choices, it may be easier to save on flights. Although further afield, we have even used airports in northern Italy such as Bergamo, Verona, Brescia, Treviso and Venice. If you manage to get great flight prices and treat it as part of your vacation (Verona is a stunning city, Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world), then it’s a really win-win situation.

– light pack – Ladies (Ok, and guys too!) On a week-long trip to the sun, you really can pack enough into a carry-on-sized suitcase. In the summer in Tuscany, you rarely need heavy clothing. Relaxing by a pool doesn’t need to bundle up. Check with your villa that they provide pool towels. By traveling light, you’ll save money, time, and the planet.

– villa seasons – Because most Tuscan villas are rented by the owners, there are no standard seasons. Each owner decides on his own seasons. When the seasons change from high to low, etc., they can vary widely from owner to owner. Take the time to check the seasons of a villa. Sometimes holiday periods in Italy are considered high season, if UK holidays are different (eg mid-term breaks) you can save. By booking the week before or after the season changes, you can save thousands.

– book in advance – If you check early, many owners will offer this year’s prices for next year or even the year after. Many also offer extras such as special dinners, etc. included in the price of the advance reservation.

– Think big – share a larger villa with a group of family or friends. Many larger villas have excellent facilities: tennis courts, jacuzzis, etc. A villa for 20 people shared by three or four families can be cheaper than several individual apartments. In addition to being fun, it can also be great value for money.

– Facilities – Rental where there are many facilities on site: swimming pool, tennis, mountain bikes, horse riding, wine bar, restaurant, football school, cooking school, etc. saves rental costs and keeps the kids occupied without having to travel.

– Rent in a Village or within walking distance of services. Save on travel money. Many villas are on the outskirts of a village, which means they still feel like they are in the country but are close to local shops, restaurants etc.

–use public transportation – Tuscany is well connected by trains, buses, etc. There are great value weekly passes and family passes can save you up to 20%. Ask at the local tourist office or at the train station for more information.

– pedal power – fun, good exercise and cheap. Rent bikes for your vacation transportation. The bikes can be picked up in Florence or even delivered to your villa.

– food – buy the basics in one of the many discount stores (for example, the own brand products of the local Coop supermarket), use the local village markets for the special ingredients. Choose what is in season, it is fresher and you will save. Although not strictly “Tuscan”, if you happen to be in Florence on a Sunday, you can get a nice lunch at Ikea (kids lunch EUR1) it’s close to the airport.

– to drink – Many Tuscan wineries (especially the local cooperative wineries called “cantina social”) sell bulk wine by the liter. One even has “wine” fuel pumps, one for red and one for white! Take a container of 5, 10, 25 or 50 liters and stock up. Prices start at an incredible 75 pence per litre.

– parties – Throughout the year, many cities and towns in Tuscany have local festivals, usually based around some local event or local dish (bean festival, steak festival, fish festival, etc.) Look for signs announcing the dates of the festivities. Experience a slice of the “real Tuscany” and dine on some good and tasty local food and wine, prepared by the local women. Great prices and the sunset is free.

– be creative – some of the most memorable experiences are free. Paint a picture of the sunset over the Chianti hills, while sharing a bottle of Chianti. Picnic in a local olive grove. A barbecue around the pool. None of them cost much, but you’ll treasure the memories forever.

– Stand – In many bars, especially in the cities, you pay more if you sit down to drink your coffee. Act like a local, stand at the bar and save!

– days off – Think of things to make last a while. A relaxing day in the hot springs, an afternoon of 10 pin bowling. None of them are expensive for a whole day or night. Always remember to ask about discount offers or family passes.

– bring your laptop – DVDs keep the kids entertained at night. Check if your villa has a computer that you can use. It costs zero.

–designer outlet – Tuscany has the best. Save billions on Prada, D&G, Armani, etc. If you’re going to tighten your belt, make it designer! The Val di Chiana outlet town near Arezzo and the Barberino outlet town north of Florence are the largest. Many outlets don’t advertise, so you need to know where they are. Villa specialist, Rent a Villa in Tuscany provide a handy information pack when you book your villa with them.

– Phone calls – make sure you have signed up for any international offers for calls and texts. You can also rent a mobile phone, it offers great rates when you are in Italy.

–Christmas shopping trip

Why not experience Tuscany in the fall and winter with great low season prices and delicious fall flavors with your holiday shopping? Great shops, wonderful shops in the center of the city. Many properties may offer less than a week’s stay in the off-season.

– I don’t see anything that suits – Just ask!

Things change every day: offers, discounts, last minute offers, etc. It is even possible to get a fantastic last minute deal on a large villa for a smaller group. If you don’t see anything that suits you, just ask!

We all need a break, especially when times are tough.

We hope you find our – “Toscany on a Shoestring: How to have a fantastic vacation in the middle of a credit crunch” Helpful tips and I hope to see you here in Tuscany relaxing in the Tuscan sun soon.

Happy Holidays!