A SAVVY couple have revealed how they took a day trip to Rome and it cost them less than a dinner out in the UK.
Layla Coward jetted off to the Italian capital with her boyfriend Alex Sterling for a midweek date , and it cost them just £120.
The pair, from Bromley in South East London , flew out from London Gatwick and they were able to pack in a full day of sightseeing.
The pair saw the iconic Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and had time for a tour of the Colosseum – before flying home that same evening.
The trip, along with souvenirs to bring back home, cost them just £120
“We couldn’t believe how much we squeezed in – it felt like we were there for days, not hours,” Layla, 18, told Luxury Travel Daily.
“We were constantly on the move, but everything was so beautiful that we didn’t even feel tired until we were back on the plane.
“It honestly felt like a dream – walking around Rome with the sun shining, eating snacks and taking it all in.”
The couple have been together almost a year and were surprised with the romantic day trip by Alex’s parents as a birthday present.
Layla says the day started early with a 5 a.m. wake-up call before boarding their 9 a.m. flight to Rome. Once they landed, the duo took the Leonardo da Vinci Express into the city and walked to the Trevi Fountain.
They then headed on to the Pantheon and Colosseum where Alex’s parents had also pre-booked them tickets.
Layla said: “I knew the Trevi Fountain would be big, but seeing it in person was something else.
“We didn’t plan every stop, we just went with the flow and ended up finding loads of incredible places – it all worked out perfectly.”
With return flights costing around £50 each, plus snacks, train fares and a spontaneous €50 Uber when their return train was cancelled, the whole trip came in at roughly £75 per person.
Layla says it was incredible value – especially compared to a typical UK date day.
The 18-year-old said: “We’d easily spend £60 just on dinner, and if we did a proper day out with activities and a meal, it could cost around £200 – which is why we don’t do it often.
Everything you need to know about visiting Italy
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in 180 days.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Holidaymakers may also need to show proof of insurance.
- Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Italy from the UK take between 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination.
“Even concerts can be more – I’ve paid over £150 for just one ticket before. This was definitely the best value-for-money thing we’ve ever done.”
After catching their 9:35pm flight home and a delay at Gatwick, the couple finally made it back through the door at 2am.
It’s not Layla’s first experience with an extreme day trip either. Just a few weeks ago, she flew to Milan with her mum to celebrate the end of exams.
That time, it was all about shopping, but next time she plans to keep her budget low – capping future one-day adventures at £50.
Layla said: “If you’re smart about it, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune – you just need comfy shoes and a bit of energy .
“I’d definitely do it again, but maybe when it’s a bit cooler – Rome in July was like walking around in an oven.
“We’ve made memories that’ll last forever – and all in a single day. It was our first time abroad together and honestly the best date we’ve ever had.”
