We know how dreamy it would be to cruise the Grand Canal on a private speedboat and stay at the Hotel Danieli for a week of luxurious indulgence in Venice. But the truth is, this idyllic fantasy is out of reach for most of us. But this does not mean that a visit to Venice should be completely ruled out. Sure, the jewel in Italy's crown isn't the ideal vacation destination for the budget-conscious, but with just a little effort (and a little insider knowledge) you can enjoy an absolutely gorgeous few days in La Serenissima without promising your first – born from your bank manager. Below are some tips that should help you save a lot of money on your next Venice vacation. Visit in the low season No matter how much effort you are willing to make, to spend less during your visit; everything will be useless if you choose to go to Venice between the months of June and September. To be brutally honest, there is never a time of year when you will have this beautiful place all to yourself, yet traveling here in the off-season makes for a radically different (and better!) experience. This is Venice at its best. Avoid the insanely huge crowds, smelly canals (as well as overly inflated prices) and you'll definitely have a much more memorable and relaxed time. Traveling in April and May is beautiful beyond belief, as is visiting in the dead of winter, when the canals fill with an eerie fog and tourist crowds are at their lowest. It's pure magic. Don't eat dinner... have a snack! Sitting down at a restaurant in Venice could easily be the most expensive thing you'll ever do in the city; this is especially true if you happen to do so even in the immediate vicinity of Piazza San Marco. Just last year a group of tourists were really annoyed when they said...... middle of paper ......orth, yet there is so much more to see and do in and around Venice! It's safe to say that a holiday in Venice isn't something you plan every year, so for the sake of posterity, we believe it's worth visiting the islands of Murano, Burano and even Torcello when you're in town. Furthermore, some believe that the most beautiful views of Venice are from the water; taking numerous vaporetto trips to explore every corner of this enchanting island is a wonderful way to spend your days. The ACTV Card gives you access to all public transport in Venice, an island that can tire even the most avid walker. Of all the things you can "go crazy" about here, we think the tourist card is the most useful and rewarding. You can purchase the card upon arrival at the airport, train station or any sea station in Venice, with validity from 12 hours to seven days.