“We would have spent a lot more for a day out in London’
Laura Lopez enjoys an Aperol Spritz during her family day-trip to Rome(Image: Jam Press)
A mum whisked her family-of-four to Rome for just 13 hours – and said it cost less than a day trip to London. Laura Lopez, 42, flew from Manchester Airport to the Italian capital on Monday (December 15) with her partner Neil, 46.
Alongside them were their two teenage sons, George, 15, and Harry, 14. However she ditched the idea of an overnight stay to avoid hotel prices so close to Christmas and instead returned later that evening.
The family flew out at 7:10 am and returned home at 8:20 pm, squeezing in sightseeing, pizza and gelato in between.
She said she spent just over £300 and that a UK day out would have cost a ‘lot more.’ “We chose Rome because of the cost of the flights,” Laura, from Burnley, Lancs, told Luxury Travel Daily.
Laura and partner Neil outside the Colosseum(Image: Jam Press)
“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?
“We love Italian food, and it didn’t disappoint” she continued. “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.”
The family enjoyed a pizza lunch(Image: Jam Press)
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.
Laura and son George next to the Trevi Fountain
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. “All in, including flights, food and transport, we spent just over £300″ Laura said.
Laura and son Harry during their whistlestop sightseeing tour(Image: Jam Press)
“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 flights, as we did. I’d 100 percent 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.”
Dining and Cooking