From 2008 to 2009, the travel industry in Italy experienced a ten percent decline as tourism receipts fell by four billion pounds. What was the problem? The obvious explanation was the global recession. But unlike most European nations, Italy did not record a decline in the total number of arrivals. In fact, international guests actually increased. The only problem was that they didn't spend nearly as much on their trips.

How did they accomplish this awesome feat? Because of their many exclusive restaurants and hotels, visiting metropolitan areas in Italy can be quite expensive. Fortunately, many hotels were compelled to reduce their rates in the midst and in the wake of the global recession.

On average, hotel rates are up to ten percent less, even in the Eternal City, Rome. As you may know, Rome remains the most visited city in all of Italy. Each year, over three million tourists, eighty percent of them from Europe, come to Rome. How can you find cheap apartments in Rome?

A vacation or holiday rental is an affordable alternative to a hotel. What are they? Well, they are really nothing more than furnished apartments that can be rented out on a weekly or nightly basis. The primary advantage is privacy, but they also offer cost savings.

On average, a vacation rental can be booked for thirty percent less than a comparable hotel room. These apartments also offer private kitchens for guests who want to save money by eating in.