re: Trip to Italy: Budget question

poochie,

Since this trip is a year or more away I'm going to make a suggestion.

If you have solid credit you can sign up for new cards and get bonuses that can significantly help with the costs.

My flights to and from Italy were purchased with miles for first class tickets. My hotel in Rome for 4 nights was paid for using points. There are ways to take a first class trip without paying first class prices.