<p>I am starting a new thread because I dont want to hijack the other thread on Rome.</p>
<p>My family is going to Rome and Europe for the first time at end of August. We are going to visit Rome first and then make our way to Barcelona (hope to take about one week for this part). May visit one more city en-route. I am looking for travel tips, particularly inexpensive lodgings, suggestions on routes and inexpensive transportation (not cars) between Rome and Barcelona, and places to visit. Has anyone tried renting from private parties instead of staying in hotels in any of these cities?</p>
<p>I’ve rented an apartment in Rome thru VRBO. Check tripadvisor.com for apartment suggestions. It’s a great option if you are staying more than four or five days. Italy can be a little difficult during the Ferie d’agosto (August holidays)
Plenty of restaurants and shops close and Italians leave town for their vacations. It certainly will not ruin your holiday, but it’s just a heads up. August is approaching fast and apartments frequently book up months in advance, so if that’s what you are looking for…I would move on that NOW.</p>
<p>Have you checked out the eurail train passes? A select saver pass with 5 days of train travel and covering three countries (italy, France, Spain) is about $360 per person. </p>
<p>I second tripadvisor for good reviews about places to stay. Their forums also often have some people very willing to give good advice. When i was trying to get to a particular castle in Germany without a car the hotel told us it was not possible and we would need to get a taxi (very expensive), a trip advisor “local expert” gave us exact instructions on how to get there by train and a wonderful walk through a forest. One of the best (and cheapest) days of our visit.</p>
<p>Some shops and restaurants may be closed during August in Barcelona as well. We just returned from Barcelona and I noticed signs posted at many establishments noting that they would be closed Aug 1-31. It should not hamper your ability to take in the wonderful sights of that city, however. </p>
<p>I second recommendations for using VRBO and TripAdvisor. We’ve had good luck with VRBO, most recently finding a great houseboat to rent in Amsterdam. In Barcelona, we stayed at a nice aparthotel that is part of a chain, but there may be less expensive options.</p>
<p>DD just traveled from Barcelona to Rome and she took a ferry, I think it was about 19 hours on water, overnight, but she really really enjoyed it.</p>