Travel Throughout Italy on a Budget

With the world stuck in this financial crisis, it is no wonder that Italian tourism is suffering. Right now the only thing that can increase tourism and turn things around for the travel sector is the strengthening of the American dollar and the abundant travel bargains going on in Italy.

All throughout the Italian peninsula you can find special hotel, bed&breakfast, car rental packages and so forth.

Check out the following specials I found:

Bed & Breakfasts:
In Volterra (Pisa) you can get a double room in an apartment for about 40 euros per person. This is a 10 percent discount on their prices. Check out www.bbitalia.it for properties, pictures and prices. I suggest however that you try to get references before making reservations through the top travel forums. My favorites are www.italymag.co.uk and www.slowtrav.com.

Long Term Property Rentals:
Here is a partial list of some property rentals (long term) available right now in Umbria through www.diamanteimmobiliare.com:

-Castiglione del Lago vicinity: furnished apartment on the ground floor with large garden. Euro 500/month Ref.CDL0750
-Castiglione del Lago vicinity: furnished detached villa on two levels with garage,laundry, porch and garden. Euro 700/month Ref.CDL0729
-Citta' della Pieve vicinity: furnished apartment on the ground floor with private garden,cellar, and garage. Euro 500/month Ref.CDP0701
-Paciano: restored ground floor apartment with own entrance with living room, kitchenette,bedroom and bathroom. Nicely finished Euro 350/month.Ref.PA0631
-Cortona: unfurnished restored three story house with storage on the ground floor. Euro 450/month Ref.T0731

You can get more longterm property rental information through www.casa.it which lists all the major real estate agencies which on the most part also do property rentals.

Car rentals:
For car rentals, try www.italycar.net. You can rent an economy car for 23 euros per day. Again, get references from the travel forums if you can.

I will be on the lookout for more bargains..