Italy: Journey time vs Enjoyment time - Linda Travella, Casa Travella

Ensuring journey time doesn't spoil enjoyment time

Owning a second home abroad is all about visiting as often as you can and ensuring that the journey time does not impinge on the enjoyment of your new property.

With airlines cutting routes it is comforting to know that major international airports are always going to be in operation and offering a wide choice of flight times. I am pleased to say that the recent cut backs have had little effect on the many Italian airports.

When choosing a home abroad for frequent visits you should consider easy access of the property from the Italian airport. I suggest that airports such as Milan (perfect for access to the lakes) and Nice (for Western Liguria), are a good choice. I also recommend that if you do want to buy somewhere that is only served by budget airlines, you choose a region where you also have the security of more than one international airport, such as Le Marche with the new airport at Ancona, or other options, Rimini or Pescara.

Properties not too far away from international airports will hold their value and can make an excellent rental investment. A rural property might seem romantic but is it really practical for your personal needs? If you intend to visit for short periods, you need to know that there is a wide choice of flights from the UK so that your dream of a weekend away can easily become a reality.

Once you are established in your new home in Italy you do not need the inconvenience of taking a heavy suitcase with you, which in itself saves an enormous amount of “travelling” time. You can arrive at your UK airport, having booked your flight on line and walk straight through to passport control. At your destination, you leave the airport immediately, thereby cutting out the time consuming and frustrating wait in baggage reclaim.

A good flight service enables you to fly out on a Friday and be back in the office by Monday, having spent many hours in your new home, enjoying the laid back lifestyle that is uniquely Italian.

Linda Travella

Linda is director of Casa Travella - www.casatravellapremier.com - and has specialised in Italian property since 1987. She has spent four years as chairman of FOPDAC, (the Federation of Overseas Property Developer, Agents and Consultants) and I am now Media Spokeswoman and committee member of NAEA International (National Association of Estate Agents), and a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, UK.