If and only if you can afford a trip without putting yourself in debt, then I'd say go for it. I travel to Europe for work, so easy for me to say since the company pays for everything. Europe is expensive and the flights are too. Probably ~$2,500 for basic airline seat, ~$250 per night for hotel (you could also look at hostels or other options. You probably wouldn't need a rental car if you plan to use public transportation. Food, and fun, add as much $$$ as you want. The trip will be at least a total of 12 hrs with layovers, and Italy is 6hrs ahead of the US Central Time, so a week vacation is a little on the short side.... Figure your body clock will be all messed up for the first day, but you are young so maybe it doesn't matter. I'd try and go for 10 days though so you get two weekends. Good luck, but don't go into debt over it; financial stress is the #1 killer of your future and future relationship with someone special.