Every one must go to Italy once in their lives
Trip Start
Apr 08, 2006
1
Trip End
Apr 28, 2006
Where I stayed
Rome, Italy
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Italy
I am writing this blog almost exactly one year after my wife and I went to Italy. We flew from Santiago, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina into Madrid, Spain and then into the Rome's Fiumiccino airport.
Going to Italy is a full experience not only for the historical and cultural perspective, but also because the Italians are a very interesting society. We exited the plane after almost 20 hours of traveling from Chile; we just wanted our suit cases and straight to the hotel for a hot shower and dinner. One and a half hour after our arrival our luggage shows up. It seems that this is almost the average time for luggage retrieval at Fiumiccino.
Before I continue with the travel log let me tell you how I saved tons of money on my trip. We stay only at 5 and 4 stars hotels in Italy, including the one only 3 blocks from the Vatican or the Crocce Di malta Hotel in Florence were we had a two floors, two bathroom suite with a window overlooking a magnificent garden just two blocks from the train station and walking distance to the Duomo, Ponte Beccio, San Francisco market, etc.
Two month before our trip I started getting into E bay travel section and biding in hotel rooms for Italy. The total stay in 5 and 4 star hotels with breakfast included was $1,500 euros for both of us. In Venice we stay at a newly refurbish 400 years old Palazzo with original Frescos on the sailings tender by his owner.
The auctions usually last 6 or seven days but the real action takes place the last 5 seconds. It takes many attempts to win one, but it is possible, I did it. Just keep track of the ending time of each auction and be present the last 10 to 5 seconds. Also, pre set your biding information to up big anyone for a pre set amount, I did $1.00 dollar up bid.
Once you have won a a bid and pay the auction just download the electronic Boucher. The bouchers are good for one year are also transferable to anyone. It is very important to immediately check availability with the hotels you have chouse.
I tried to check the available space before hand but the hotels will not tell you. They will ask for the boucher confirmation number before telling you if there is space available. Also during high season some hotels ask for an additional payment per night, in general this additional payment is under $50 euros, still a bargain.
If you can not use the boucher jus sell it ( for a higher price) or give it as a gift.
NOTE: Please let me know if you want more information on how to save money. I have been traveling for 20 years and know one or two tricks.
This is getting to be a long entry. I will continue the story tomorrow. I have lots of stories to tell and tips I can share.
COY
Ps. if you want to know more go to my page at: www.myspecae.com/worldnetworking
