Italy Beyond the Tourist Map: How to Get Around, Spend Less, and Explore Like a Local

Plan smarter for your next trip to Italy with cost-saving tips and strategies to avoid common tourist traps.

When is the best time to visit Italy? How can you avoid overspending while still having an unforgettable experience? Hosts Megan Coyle and Sally French break down the logistics and hidden costs of traveling to Italy, from airfare and lodging to train travel and rental cars. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the TSA’s new no-shoe-removal-required policy for all travelers, Bilt’s plans for new credit cards, a new American Express Centurion Lounge in Amsterdam, and luxury air carrier JSX launching its first loyalty program. 

Then, Meghan shares insights from her two-week trip to Italy, covering where she went, how much it cost, how she got around, and what she’d do differently next time. She shares practical tips on avoiding fines on trains, booking affordable lodging, choosing the best time to visit, and navigating tourist-heavy cities without overpaying. Then, Eleonora Colamarino, better known as YourItalianBestie on Instagram and TikTok, joins Meghan to discuss how to visit Italy like a local. She shares strategies for finding hidden gem restaurants, avoiding overpriced destinations like the Amalfi Coast, and planning a more relaxed itinerary that leads to richer, more authentic travel moments.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Bilt Credit Card Review: Charge Rent and Earn Rewards https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/bilt-credit-card 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Bilt Plans 3-Card Portfolio, With Annual Fees From $0 to $495 https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/bilt-plans-3-card-portfolio-with-annual-fees-from-0-to-495 

• Is JSX Hop-On Jet Service Worth the Cost? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-a-jsx-private-jet-worth-the-cost 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Italy travel tips, best time to visit Italy, how to plan a trip to Italy, travel to Italy 2025, Italy travel costs, train travel in Italy, Italy trip itinerary, how much are hotels in Italy, affordable places to stay in Italy, Airbnb vs hotel Italy, monastery stays Italy, where to go in Italy, Florence travel guide, Rome travel tips, Cinque Terre travel, Venice gondola cost, validate train ticket Italy, regional trains vs high-speed Italy, TSA shoe removal policy, Centurion Lounge Amsterdam, JSX Club loyalty program, budget airlines to Italy, how to save on flights to Italy, avoid tourist traps in Italy, how to travel Italy like a local, best neighborhoods in Rome, Trastevere travel tips, Testaccio Market Rome, Amalfi Coast alternative, Puglia travel guide, and Umbria travel tips.

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