this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2023
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An Italian holiday may be a priceless experience for those who have enjoyed all this country has to offer. But the summer of 2023 will go down as one of the priciest in history after a slew of price gouging scandals at cafes and restaurants that have affected foreign tourists and Italians alike.

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[–] [email protected] 50 points 1 year ago (1 children)

“In August, high-end tourism continues to grow, unlike normal tourism,” Antonio Coviello, a researcher with Italy’s National Research Center wrote in a report on luxury travel issued this week, adding that the risk of over-tourism in the luxury sector is a concern because it could drive up prices in the mid-range travel sector to accommodate the bigger spenders.

Says a lot, doesn't it? Specifically: The peasants can get fucked.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago

"Get back to work!"

[–] [email protected] 30 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I've travelled to Italy quite a bit. In every case yes, prices on the main tourist thoroughfares are high. Sometimes eye-wateringly high.

But invariably you do not need to go very far to get off the beaten track and find much better deals. Explore and profit.

[–] 1bluepixel 26 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But invariably you do not need to go very far to get off the beaten track and find much better deals. Explore and profit.

Pro tip: that's true absolutely everywhere in the world. It's crazy how much cheaper and better the food is a mere three blocks on foot from tourist attractions. Can't read the menu? Look at what people are eating, and point at what looks good.

Never failed me.

[–] Potatos_are_not_friends 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

On a micro level for Americans... Never pay for gas nearest to a highway exit. Drive a mile and immediately it's .50-$1.00 less per gallon.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What region is this? Here in the South you're just as likely to pay more by going further out.

[–] Potatos_are_not_friends 2 points 1 year ago

Not sure where in the South you're in.

But I verified that theory on East Coast, West coast, texas, Florida, California. The ones nearest out of the highway are typically catered towards Truckers or business travelers.

The ones away from the highway can charge less because of less visitors and conveniences.

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[–] RGB3x3 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

When I visited Florence last year, the food prices were insanely good (visiting as an American where food prices have gotten outrageous) when you get away from major tourist spots. And the food was better too.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

When we visited Florence, it would have been maybe 10 years ago now though. We were staying right off the main square. I think the only thing we did in that square was breakfast. Otherwise, it was always places off the main roads. Great city, not sure I could climb the dome 10 years later though!

Lovely city to visit though, for anyone reading.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Admittedly a long time ago, but in the 90s most places, even near tourist attractions, were inexpensive in Italy. $1-2 for 0.5l wine, $3-8 for most pasta. The best pasta we had was $3 and was about 1 block from the main train station.

[–] stefano 23 points 1 year ago (37 children)

At least you mustn’t give tips to have the waiter reach the minimum wage.

[–] DTFpanda 9 points 1 year ago

I took a date out the other night for a drink and some food. We split a turkey sandwich and each ordered one basic cocktail. $41 + $9 tip. Could've made all that at home for less than $10. The US restaurant system as a whole is mental. Not even 5 years ago I had dozens of options during lunch to get a lunch special which included a whole bunch of stuff for less than $10. None of those options exist anymore, they're all gone.

[–] nicoweio 6 points 1 year ago
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[–] [email protected] 17 points 1 year ago (4 children)

I normally go off the beaten path when I visit a country. Tourist attractions are always, always more expensive. Whether it's Marrakech, Venise or Rome.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

Mate, even the Italian prime minister, who has a farmhouse in Puglia, has gone abroad for her vacation.

[–] Tygr 4 points 1 year ago

The problem there is risk of crime, in my experience. However, it was always better food, but can get sketchy.

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Have to say this is typical anywhere tourists are. Some are more hidden than others. Ever been to a sporting event, concert, or ski mountain? Same shit.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'm in Cancun and my hotel charges $35 for sunscreen. Extortion happens in tourist spots, everywhere, always.

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[–] doubletwist 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Overcharging at tourist traps is hardly a new phenomenon. I went to Italy in the late 90s and they were charging $4 for a 12oz can of Coke I could get for 25-50¢ at home.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

We just told them we aren't paying the crazy prices. Shouted a bit and they let it go.

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