It could be one of their first destination choices when retirees realize they are in a position to plan their “bucket list” trips. In fact, most people think so.
This is the point from a recent survey from Travelsavers, a travel agency service provider. The study identifies Italy as a top “bucket list” destination ahead of global travel checkpoints such as Alaska, Portugal and the Dominican Republic.
Why Italy? Travel experts say Italy is the ideal “once in a lifetime.” Because it has everything travel enthusiasts want in one country.
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“Start with the atmosphere,” said Alicia Walter, husband of a passport couple at a travel planning service company. “If you want a coastal view, rolling vineyards, bustling cities, or mix, Rome is a great launch point with enough history to fill the main international connections and the entire trip.”
It balances it with country trips to Tuscany or Umbria, coastal excursions to Amalfi, Cinque Tele or Sicily. It’s easy to see why Italy ranks the best international travel destination.
“There are many places in Italy that leave time for spontaneity. Some of our best memories from our trip came from wandering through small villages and stumbling at local festivals,” Walter pointed out. “You can also add structure to your trip by building ‘anchor experiences’ such as food tours, vineyard visits, boat day and more. ”
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Plan your trip to Italy step by step
Where should I start from the stage setting side of your Italian field trip? As a retiree living on bonds, you could only get one shot on your perfect Italian dream trip. So, keep these “required” checklist items in mind, take your time and plan each step carefully, seeking help.
Create a checklist
Start your Italian travel itinerary with a basic checklist, highlighting the key components. What does this include?
Your travel itinerary
Start with “must-see” Italian destinations and the number of nights you spend in each area. “Once you have established your schedule and flight, you can know all the airports and travel dates,” said Betsy Ball, co-founder of Euro Travel Coach, a European destination travel service company.
Typically, the best times to travel depending on where you visit (for example, Northern Italy and Southern Italy) are April, May, September and October, where temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees, using Rome as a barometer.
Walter recommends taking a two-week trip and choosing two or three areas to visit. “Try choosing accommodation that reflects each region,” Walter said. “For example, book a vineyard to stay in Truli (a traditional App and Rystone Hat with a cone roof) in Puglia or Chianti.”
If you are unsure, follow the saying that all roads lead to Rome.
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The first step in planning a perfect Italian holiday is to decide when and how long you can go.
“For us, the best launch point for Italy is Rome,” said Dean Haynes, founder of the Scenic and savvy travel blog. “Rome is convenient, has many direct flight options and is well connected by train to many other Italian destinations.”
Starting a trip in Rome and then forking from there makes a lot of sense from a logistical perspective, but Rome is not your only option, Haynes pointed out. “Milan could be a great starting point for Northern Italy, and Naples could be a great starting point for Southern Italy,” she said.
Book your accommodation
With airports and dates lined up, you know how many nights you spend at each destination (for example, from Venice to Rome, from Praiano on the Amalfi coast). “At that point, you can book your accommodation and fit the date of your trip,” Ball said.
St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
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Book your activities
Whether you’re on a guided tour of Rome or take them around Capri, lock down what you want to do and hire a boat to incorporate those activities into your travel schedule.
“Think about what you enjoy most and what you want to see,” advised Ball. “If you like art, history, wine, food, hiking, bike, beach time, culture, busy schedules, relaxed schedules, or holidays, choose what you want to do most at each destination.”
Ball also recommends choosing one exceptional and culturally rich experience every day and planning accordingly. “Don’t forget to leave space on the itinerary and discover your own jewels along the way,” she pointed out. “Be sure to experience the sweetness of “La Dolce Faniente” – do nothing. ”
It also uses Italian high-speed and efficient train systems in major cities, allowing you to rent cars in rural areas. “Only a 2-4 hour trip will keep the transport day light,” Walter pointed out.
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Create and maintain your budget
A two-week bucket list trip to Italy can be managed for up to $14,000 per person, without including flight costs. However, if you’re on a tight budget, know that if you don’t mind giving up amenities like an extra trip to Capri or a train trip to spend time with Dolomite in northeastern Italy, you can spend by reducing $3,000 each.
Expect flights to the US to operate between $500 and $1,500, depending on the city of departure, ticket seat level, and the date of departure (and season).
Expenses should focus on experiences rather than luxury hotels. “Italians are all about food, culture and atmosphere, so we prioritize food tours, cooking classes and scenic train rides,” Walter said. “Use travel credit card points to offset flights and hotels.”
Older hotels that are more affordable are usually family run and include breakfast. “They’re part of Italy’s charm, so don’t miss it,” Walter added.
It’s also okay to be flexible with your Italian travel budget, especially if you’re a retiree living on bonds.
“Use smart,” Carter advised. “If you like sleep, invest in flatbed airfares. If you want a Juliet balcony on the Spanish stairs, prioritize your suites. Shift your funds accordingly. Travel budgets are not a constraint. It’s a compass.”
Cathedral of Duomo di Milan in Milan.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Make a travel health plan
A typical retiree highly recommends including a medical component in itinerary for Italy travel, considering that it is at least a day or two away from a US doctor.
Italy’s founder Tamar Miller said, “Italian travel advisory service Tamar Miller. “I always understand that ‘medical evacuation’ is meaningless to the US or to the home country. It simply makes sense to the nearest hospital for a particular problem. ”
A good travel insurance must be more than a refund policy. “We’re looking forward to seeing you in the process of exploring travel agency Royal Expression Travels in Baltimore, Maryland,” said Ladell Carter, founder of Royal Expression Travels.
Also, bring medications to take regularly or for emergency purchases. “This means at least a month’s worth of prescription,” Miller says.
We also recommend staying in a hotel with a 24-hour front desk rather than an Airbnb type property. “This is from my personal experience,” Miller pointed out. “If there’s an emergency or medical problem, hotels usually help you choose whether you’re getting a call or which medical center you need to go to.”
Large hotels are often allied with emergency care facilities for guests. “If you’re in a rental apartment or home, you rely on your foreign self to make those decisions,” Miller added.
Florence Cityscape and Duomo Santa Maria Delphiore.
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Travel mistakes to avoid
With enthusiasm to cover as many positions as possible across Italy, retirees risk mitigating the fun appeal of travel. Making mistakes is common in international travel, but some accidents can reduce the Italian experience.
These errors are at the top of the list, so avoid that fate by avoiding the biggest mistakes tourists make in Italy.
Overpack of itinerary. “Italy is not a country that I’m in a hurry,” Walter said. I’ll be waiting for a train reservation until the last moment. Stay in a big city. “Some of Italy’s best spots are lesser known towns,” Walter points out. “Pull some good shoes,” advised Walter. A common challenge, especially for first-time visitors, is not knowing how much time they spend at each destination. “It’s important to study locations in advance, but understanding your travel style and pace is essential,” Haynes said. “That way you can build a journey that suits you, not just what you see on paper.” Perhaps the biggest mistake when visiting Italy is that you don’t get the help of a professional trip, at least in your supportive role. “It’s misguided to try a do-it-yourself trip to Italy,” Martin said. “AI cannot replace intuition, nor can Google Maps match a guide who has been walking the cobblestones since childhood. Don’t overlook the power of a partner with a relationship on the ground,” she added.
People gathered at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
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Take home a dream trip to Italy
Maintaining an orderly and efficient itinerary is a top priority for retired trekking this year. But don’t stick too hard to the script.
“Make sure to include room for spontaneity,” said Olivier Heuchenne, co-founder of Insider Villas, a Mallorca-based boutique hospitality consultancy. “Whether it’s siping limoncello at sunset and looking at pasta, Italy is about feeling the moment.”
Also, don’t skip local experiences in favor of big city attractions. “Assisi cooking classes, wine tasting near Mount Etna, and mares having dinner on the cliffs of Polignano, these are memories that last forever,” Huchenne added. “And also, always have time to walk, eat gelato and soak in the atmosphere.”
