A large chunk of your vacation budget will go to hotel fees. And If you�re trying cut costs, you definitely shouldn�t be staying at a five star hotel. One night at the finest hotels can pay for three nights in more affordable accommodations. That�s more time to see the sights, more money for souvenirs or tours.

Budget hotels may seem like a more logical alternative for wise travelers who�d rather spend on tours than Egyptian cotton bedsheets. Granted, you�ll be giving up on some luxuries�like a hot tub big enough for two�but as long as the rooms are well maintained and clean, then you�ll be fine. Especially when you know that the money you save can go to things that really matter to you, including the opportunity to extend your vacation and visit more of Italy.

You can also save a lot of money by staying at a tourist apartment. Log on the internet to find private vacation homes�their owners usually lease it when they�re not in the country�or inquire at professional vacation property companies who may rent out anything from condos to medieval villas. These accommodations are cheaper in the long run since you can share the cost of several rooms with other people. Travel in a group and share costs with your friends and family. You can also save a lot on meals by cooking your own in the kitchen. The advantage of these places is that you don�t have to worry about curfew, which can be a problem at hostels.

For those on a really really tight budget, you can stay at hostels. These are really the cheapest possible accommodations but you will have to make certain sacrifices. Though you will be given a bed, it is possible that you will have a communal bathroom. Many hostels are clean and the beds are relatively comfortable. You can ask the front desk to keep your valuables in a safety deposit box.

You can also get discounts by booking your vacation during the off season, where you can get plane tickets for lower prices. Many hotels also offer discount packages at this time.

Another way of saving a lot of money is to schedule your trip during the off season, when many hotels offer bargains and discount rates: hotel in Rome.