In the heart of Italian Tuscany, Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance. Home of Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and the Medici, the city is almost overwhelmed with history, art and culture. Discount travel for students and backpackers is possible in this cultural center of Renaissance art with a bit of practical planning.
Galileo Galilei is one of Italy's main international and domestic airports, connecting Florence to places like London, Paris, and all of Italy's major cities. Finding a cheap flight and online discount tickets to Florence is easy with StudentUniverse. There are frequent specials for student travelers, so be persistent when shopping for the best price.
Learning a few phrases of the local lingo is helpful when visiting any country, but is particularly appreciated in Brazil, the only South American country to use Portuguese. Many tourists visiting Brazil are from Argentina and other South American countries. Spanish is most Brazilian's second language. English is frequently not understood, but fortunately the locals are friendly and patient with lost travelers.
Florence has hundreds of discount hotels, along with hostels and private rooms available for budget travelers. It is possible to find cheap rooms even during peak season, although advisable to book ahead from mid-April to October. Between mid-October and February is low season and when budget travel enthusiasts are most likely to find the cheapest hotel rates.
There are numerous pizzerias in Florence making for a cheap snack by the slice available for takeaway. Chianti is plentiful and inexpensive. Combine a bottle of wine with some bread and fresh regional olive oil and you have a meal fit for a member of the Medici family at a budget travel price.
Because there are so many tourists eager to see the splendors of Florence, the wait for most of the major attractions can be onwards of two hours. For a fee, travelers can purchase advanced tickets by phone or online. This must be done at least three days in advance of the ticket time. The extra money spent for the service will save you hours of standing in the heat.
Whether you are marveling at Michelangelo's David or sampling some local Chianti, this Italian city has a lot to offer any traveler. Florence encompasses enough art, culture and culinary delights to dazzle everyone from well-heeled tourists to shoestring budget backpackers. Don't let a small bank account keep you from exploring the world of the Renaissance in beautiful Florence. Here some other cheap travel tips for other countries:
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