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Most traveler's to the major historic cities of Europe have the impression the cost will be prohibitive if one intends to visit for any length of time. This is especially true of Rome because of it's prominence as the seat of Classical Culture. For many it's hard to imagine that it's possible to spend an inexpensive holiday in this truly spectacular city, but the truth is, like any city in the world, there is always a way to cut corners when it comes to saving your holiday dollars.

For instance, if you travel into Rome by train you can purchase a seat for around 20 Euro's. If you happen to be traveling over night and don't mind sleeping in your seat, you can save the 65.80 cost of a 2nd class sleeper.

Few travelers realize this, but there are over 100 convents in Rome that welcomes paying guests. Just take a look at MonasteryStays.com and look at the options for booking on-line. Often a clean room can be had for less than 60 Euro's a night. You might also get to spend an evening in a building that could possibly be centuries old. Although there may be curfews and other restrictions, it is well worth the savings if one is willing to put up with a few inconveniences.

Be sure to find accommodations that are close to public transportation as if is far more economical than the expensive Rome taxi's. A bus, subway, and tram pass will only cost you around 16 Euro's and will be good for the whole week.

Perhaps you might decide to just start walking and wandering with no set destination in mind. That way you can let chance determine what amazing sights you might happen upon.

You might just stumble upon something like the century old Antica Bireria Peroni, a restaurant that specializes in Northern Italian fare and very inexpensive prices. Of course Rome has it's share of very expensive restaurants, but One of the main joys of Rome is just how affordable and high quality the food can be in many of the cities out of the way restaurants that the locals favor.

Possibly you might choose to visit the church of San Luigi dei Francesi and have the opportunity to view 3 pictures of the apostle Mathew painted by Caravaggio. It will cost you next to nothing. Each painting has a spotlight tht shines on the pictures individually, but just wait for a rich tourist to activate the coin-activated lights.

If you happen to have an interest in contemporary art, there are branches of the Roman Museum of Art that are free to enter.

It's unfortunate, but it's fairly expensive to visit the Colosseum at over 15 Euro's, and the Forum at 10 Euro's, but if you are happy enough to see Rome as it "is" and not as it "was" you can easily pass these two options by.

For some, it is depressing to see how such a glorious empire had become a mere shadow of itself and transformed into nothing more than an open air museum. Traveling the streets of contemporary Rome is far less expensive and most likely far more enjoyable than spending time and money on the usual tourist attractions when you happen to be on a limited vacation budget.

The ruins of Rome have been around for centuries and will still be there for you to see if you should return another time when your holiday budget is not quite as tight.

Learn more about this author, Ray Fauteux.
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