A savvy mum says she whisked her family of four to Rome for the day – and it cost less than a trip to London.
Laura Lopez spent just over £300 on a whirlwind 13-hour adventure to the Italian capital and insists it was cheaper than most UK days out.
The 42-year-old travelled with her partner Neil, 46, and their two teenage sons, George, 15, and Harry, 14, flying from Manchester to Rome Ciampino and back on the same day on Monday (15 Dec).
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Deputy care manager Laura ditched the idea of an overnight stay to avoid hotel prices so close to Christmas.
“We chose Rome because of the cost of the flights,” Laura, from Burnley, Lancs, told What’s The Jam.
“It was too good not to book them, and we’d never been to Italy before.
“I wanted to treat my pizza-loving teens to lunch out – and what better way to do it than in Italy for the afternoon?”
The family flew out at 7:10 am and returned home at 8:20 pm, squeezing in sightseeing, pizza and gelato in between.
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Laura said, “We love Italian food, and it didn’t disappoint.
“We didn’t know what weather to expect, but when we left Manchester, it was pouring with rain.
“It was 14 degrees in Rome and dry all day – it felt lovely.”
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The Ryanair return flights cost just £30 per person, while Laura used her Blue Light discount to reduce airport parking to £44.
After landing, they took a pre-booked bus transfer into Rome for £25 total.
Once in the city centre, the family walked to the Colosseum, spending around half an hour soaking up the atmosphere and snapping photos – completely free.
They then strolled to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps before hopping in a £15 taxi to Vatican City.
Lunch consisted of four pizzas, fries, a cocktail, a beer and two Diet Cokes – setting them back just £70.
Dessert was four large ice creams near the Vatican, costing £13.
Laura said: “All in, including flights, food and transport, we spent just over £300.
“We would have spent a lot more for a day out in London once you factor in fuel, parking or train tickets.
“We’ve spent similar amounts at theme parks in the UK.
“It would cost £100 just to drive to London, then parking on top.”
Despite the long day, Laura says it was worth every minute.
She added: “It’s tiring, but absolutely worth it if you can find cheap flightsase we did.
“I’d 100% do it again for another city and another stamp in my passport.
“The memories we made are priceless – and they cancel out any tiredness the next day.”
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