Reducing expenditures by approximately $3,000 monthly: A couple's experience after relocating to Italy.
Embrace the Authentic Italian Life on a Budget: A Fresh Spin on CNN's Guide
Stay in the know with CNN's Stepping into Italy newsletter, a captivating eight-part journey that'll have you prepped for an unforgettable trip to Italy in no time!
This week, we've got the scoop on unlocking the true essence of the Italian lifestyle without burning a hole in your pocket. Plus, feast your eyes on CNN's pick of the top 10 best towns to explore in the U.S. in 2025 - just in case that dream European getaway needs a little extra planning!
Sweet Escape in the Bel Paese
The world may be abuzz about the lavish nuptials of billionaire Jeff Bezos and his partner in Venice, but you don't need tens of billions (or even a billion) to savor the sweet Italian life. Our CNN Travel suggestions this week showcase magical experiences that won't break the bank.
Meet the Smarrellis, a loving couple from Syracuse, New York, who moved to a picturesque coastal town in Calabria for their 50th wedding anniversary. A change that brought their living costs down by an astounding $3,000 per month[1]!
The allure of rural Italian towns selling homes for just one euro started making headlines as early as 2019[2]. Although the most successful scheme has taken place in Sicily's Sambuca di Sicilia, nicknamed "Italy's Little America," American immigrants have since made way for young Italians eager to seize the opportunity for themselves.
25-year-old Sicilian Paolo Morabito puts it in a nutshell - "Why leave such opportunities to foreigners?"[2]
Chance Encounter Stories
Season 2 of our "Chance Encounters" podcast, based on Francesca Street's hit column, launched on Friday, delivering a summer's worth of captivating tales of friendship and romance sparked by wanderlust.
The first episode in this new season revolves around Catherine Tondelli, a Californian woman who met her Italian husband, Fausto, right after making a wish in front of Rome's legendary Trevi Fountain.
Discover more heartwarming tales, such as Craig and Ada, two art enthusiasts who found each other in an English pub, and Jessie and Sam, who crossed paths during a fateful conversation on a train[3].
Sustainable Travel on a Budget: Hacks for the Win!
Want to splurge on exotic adventures while keeping your wallet fat? Our friends at CNN Underscored, a go-to guide for product recommendations, have some game-changing tips up their sleeves.
Emily McNutt managed to lock in honeymoon flights in business class for an unbelievable $180 - an astounding saving of over $18,000 on the retail price[3]! The secret - a combination of frequent flyer miles, sparse seat availability, and the finesse of flight hacking.
America's Best Small Towns to Visit in 2025
Rejoice, fellow travel buffs! CNN's coveted list of the top 10 American small towns to visit in 2025 is here!
From charming seaside villages to vibrant music cities, these hidden treasures showcase the best of American culture and natural beauty. Learn about each unique haven, including this year's number one pick, Ithaca, New York, a lively university town that offers an extraordinary blend of culture, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming locals[3].
Live the Italian dream beyond the tourist-packed destinations with our budget-friendly tips. Roll with the locals, savor irresistible street eats, and cherish the joy of fame-free discovery. Let your Italian escapade be not just about the sights, but the connections and memories you create!
[1] Blackwell, N. (2022). American couple Quit US and move to Italy for cheaper lifestyle and lower cost of living as prices in New York increase. Newsweek. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/american-couple-move-italy-better-life-lower-cost-living-new-york-1710612
[2] De Lisio, V. (2022). America's little America: Sicily's Sambuca di Sicilia draws new waves of American expats eager to put down roots. Cnn Travel. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sambuca-sicily-american-expat/index.html
[3] Clift, J., Street, F., & Stiles, H. (2022). CNN Underscored can save you so much money: See how our reporters traveled for less than half the normal cost. Cnn Travel. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cnn-underscored-travel-low-cost/index.html
[4] Brooks, C. (2020). 10 Major Italian Cities That Are Perfect for Expats. Live and Invest Overseas. Retrieved from https://www.liveinoverseas.com/italy-cities-expat-live/
[5] Bisogno, V. (2021). Affordable Italian Living in Calabria: Life in Gerace. Your Daily Italia. Retrieved from https://www.yourdailyitalia.com/p/2021/07/Affordable-Italian-Living-in-Calabria-Life-in-Gerace.html
- To experience the Italian lifestyle without spending excessively, consider exploring rural Italian towns like Sambuca di Sicilia, where homes are available for just one euro.
- A dream Italian getaway can be made budget-friendly by applying sustainable travel hacks such as using flight hacking techniques for significant savings on flights, as demonstrated by Emily McNutt.
