So it's come to this -- we are almost to the point where we can purchase airline tickets for what we hope will be the first in a series of annual visits to Italia. We know we can get the best overall rate with a package deal (like a fly/drive), but that manner would mean non-refundable/non-changeable, even WITH a fee.

The chance of a "we need you to change your vacation plans" chat with our respective directors is something of a reality, considering our career fields. (*insert expletive here.* LOL) So we're fairly resigned to the fact that we will be purchasing coach tickets with at least the OPTION to change travel dates (even at $200/more a pop, it's still cheaper than losing $2000-2300 for an entire package). And airline consolidation agents almost always sell no-refund/no-change fares as well, so they are not the best option (necessarily) for us either... but you never know...?

As I have some friends who work for a larger foreign travel agency (here in the US), I plan to check in with them from time to time to see what fares they show... but additionally, am planning to resort to the "Tuesday/Wednesday after midnight" method (airfares seem to change at these times also). From Podunk USA to Roma (FCO) is currently running $1100 per person; I'd like to get it down to $900-ish at least with "changeability" options. We wold also not have to "pay" for the auto rental until we arrive there either (as opposed to a package). So then, this seems to be the plan for now....

We'll be on the lookout, and will report back if we stumble onto any really good deals that others may also benefit from! "Lazio or bust!" :cool:

Hey man, how is your search going so far?

If you're willing to take a cheaper flight price with the expense that its non refundable...you should check out sidestep.com. It checks all the other websites at the same time for a trip, and is always constantly the cheapest fare I can find. The best part is it adds the tax in, so there's no waiting around to find out it cost $200 more than you thought.

Take a look...I don't know if they do flight+car specials, but I'm sure they do. The only reason I know this is because I've been planning some trips on my own. I'd help you in your trip finding, but there is a Podunk in MA, NY, CT, and some other state I forgot.

Good luck!

Well Dan, it came down to us needing a possible "out" in case my wife's soon-to-be schedule (after grad) caused us to have to change dates. We ended up at $1115 or so plus taxes = just over $2300 for two. We did, however, find a hotel for our stay in Bolsena that was half the $$$ of what we WERE going to book, and out rental car price went DOWN (??) for some reason. Thx for the hints/tip though.

Can you give a hint about the website/ agency you used? I am planning to leave in October from Seattle to Bologna.....Airgorilla has a decent price but not for long, I'm sure....

Got a good car rental rate? Give us a hint!

I'll do better than that... if you're looking for a low price above all, you might visit autoeurope.com or go-today.com for a fly/drive package. Both spots offer brilliant specials at various times, and seem to have excellent reputations for service. We did not book with either ONLY b/c of some uncertainty re my wife's next assignment and possible medical complications with family members who are staying behind. Instead, we chose to book non-refundable but "changeable" ($200 fee) tix through AA.com, and our car through Hertz.

PS: Both of the discounters noted offer trip insurance (which we are purchasing instead through TravelEx), but the policies on the low-cost guys were rather restrictive on the "trip cancellation" coverage, which would have been counter-productive. Next year (as this is intended to become an annual excursion for us), we may very well book through Auto Europe and try to buy 3rd-party insurance through Travelex or someone else. We made a conscious decision to choose "service & comfort" over "price" though, as we have access to American's Admirals Club and Hertz' #1 Club Gold services.

If you do look to book directly through major airlines, car rental agents, etc., I suggest becoming a member of their frequent-guest programs well prior to making your arrangement; this way, you may receive emailed "special offers" and the like also. Being a AAA/CAA/Auto Club member may help discount your rate as well on the car if not booking as part of a package.

Overall, you stand to save a ton on package fly-drive rates, but your dates need to be firm. If you don't see the package you like at first, keep checking back! Buona fortuna abardue....

I'll do better than that... if you're looking for a low price above all, you might visit autoeurope.com or go-today.com for a fly/frive package. Both spots offer brilliant specials at various times, and seem to have excellent reputations for service. We did not book with eirther ONLY b/c of some uncertainty re my wife's next assignment and possible medical complications with family members who are staying behind. Instead, we chose to book non-refundable but "changeable" ($200 fee) tix through AA.com, and our car through Hertz.

PS: Both of the discounters noted offer trip insurance (which we are puchasing instead through TravelEx), but the policies on the low-cost guys were rather restrictive on the "trip cancellation" coverage, which would have been counter-productive. Next year (as this will likely become an annual excursion for us), we may very well book through Auto Europe and buy 3rd-party insurance through Travelex or someone else.

If you do look to book directly through major airlines, car rental agents, etc., I suggest becoming a member of their frequent-guest programs well prior to making your arrangement; this way, you may receive emailed "special offers" and the like also. Being a AAA/CAA/Auto Club member may help discount your rate as well on the car if not booking as part of a package.

Overall, you stand to save a ton on package fly-drive rates, but your dates need to be firm. If you don't see the package you like at first, keep checking back! Buona fortuna abardue....

Thanks Banker - I have gone through one online agency in the past that used to quote prices INCLUDING insurance that were decent (surprising acutally for italian rental) but they have since changed their policy...
Thank you for the advice and have a ball on your trip!

For renting a car in Italy I know that they have Hertz & Avis & all the other multinational companies. If you're looking to save money and not sacrifice quality or service I would rent from an Italian agency, specifically Maggiore. I used them this summer and they were half the price of the other agencies and better service. At least give it a look -

http://www.maggiore.it/index.jsp

Thank you Caruana - I am going to spend some serious time researching but thx again for your tip!