Luxury in a tent
Staying in Rome can be an expensive business, at any time of year.
Just like with many major western European cities, the prices of hotels has risen quite sharply over the past couple of decades, which means many people have begun to consider alternatives.
One way of cutting down the cost of accommodation is to stay in a hostel, but clearly this is not for everyone.
To get the cheapest rate, you might have to steel yourself to share a room with 10 strangers. That’s hardly a recipe for a good night’s sleep – particularly if eight of them are loud snorers!
It can be hard enough as a single traveler or a couple to find reasonably-priced accommodation, but those who are traveling in family groups have particular issues.
If you have teenage children, you’re likely to have to pay for two rooms. And if you have youngsters, it can be hard to find hotels that have comfortable family rooms.
One of the best options is to camp. Rome might not seem like a city that offers that facility, but actually there are a number of excellent campsites that are accessible by public transport.
Don’t worry that you’re going to find yourself stuck in a farmer’s field in the middle of nowhere, desperately trying to find someone who speaks English. The reality is that the campsites often have great facilities for their guests, including heated swimming pools and tennis courts.
There’s usually a choice of tents for hire, or you can take your own tent. You’ll find it a great way to make new friends, and also to get tips from fellow travelers about the best places to visit or how to get around on the buses.
Many of the campsites have cafeterias or shops where you can buy food, and some will even arrange transport to and from the airport.