A couple flew all the way to Rome for a date and say they still spent less than they would have on dinner and drinks in the UK.
Layla Coward jetted off to the Italian capital with boyfriend Alex Sterling for a whirlwind midweek date.
The super quick trip saw them tick off iconic landmarks and snap up souvenirs – all for just £120 between them.
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The pair, from Bromley in South East London, flew out from London Gatwick on July 9 and packed in a full day of sightseeing – from the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon to the Colosseum – before flying home that same evening.
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“We couldn’t believe how much we squeezed in – it felt like we were there for days, not hours,” Layla, 18, told Whats The Jam
“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 5am wake-up call before boarding their 9am flight to Rome.
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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.
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“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.
“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.”
