Tips And Tricks For A Vacation In Rome, Italy [Video]
Rome is one of those must-see destinations in Italy, full of culture, history, amazing architecture and art. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when on vacation in Rome, before hitting the streets of this popular city.
Firstly, consider the time of year. While many people love to take their vacation during June or July, this means that, naturally, Rome attracts a huge number of tourists around that time too. This can lead to endless queues for the various attractions, made more uncomfortable by the seasonal heat. Rather, pick a different time of year to head out on vacation in Rome.
Think security. While Italy is not renowned as being a dangerous country, the cities tend to attract gypsies and pickpockets who live on the outskirts of town and head to the center to prey on innocent tourists.
You might be led astray by a cute child handing you a flower, but always bear in mind that an adult will usually appear should you immediately take the flower. They have a little trick when they demand money from you. They won’t say the amount clearly and as you open your wallet, they “help” you find the right amount and in the process rob you of a few Euros. The best idea is to completely avoid them, otherwise you might find your funds for your vacation in Rome drastically reduced.
According to Rome Info, there is also one bus link (No. 64) which is particularly bad for pickpockets and purse snatchers, and they advise you avoid that bus at all costs. Also avoid the Termini station late at night as the level of security is low at that time and it tends to attract all kinds of undesirable characters. During the day, the station is no problem at all.
Talking of getting around town, when you are strange to a city, it’s often tempting to use taxi cabs to get from place to place. Bear in mind that there is a huge number of illegal, unmarked taxi cabs in Rome. Working without a meter, they easily extort huge fares from unsuspecting tourists. Always rely on proper, registered taxi cabs with a meter, or negotiate a price prior to accepting a ride if they don’t have one.
When on vacation in Rome, the Colosseum is one of those must-see attractions. However, try to avoid the rather snazzy costumed gladiators hanging around outside. They can charge you five Euros or more for the honor of having your photo taken with them, so don’t pose unless you want to cough up a fair sum of money. Do what this photographer did and sneak a shot from across the way.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This famous phrase comes from the Latin and is attributed to St Ambrose who lived between the years 340 and 397.
I want to go to Rome on a vacation and start every single sentence with “When in Rome…”
— Andrew Tam (@andrewkaitam) July 22, 2015
What his words actually translated to was, “If you should be in Rome, live in the Rome manner; if you should be elsewhere, live as they do there.”
That expression still remains completely true to this day. When on vacation in Rome, try to mix in with the locals and let them show you their favorite restaurants and drinking spots in the city. They will take you to those special places that don’t charge the over-the-top tourist prices, but still offer the most delicious food.
Generally speaking, it is ideal to visit Tripadvisor or a similar review site to find out which restaurants and cafes are the most popular and recommended before even heading off on your vacation in Rome. By the way, Tripadvisor brags you can save up to 50 percent on your bill if you book through their website.
Also, always ensure you use an official tour guide to show you around and avoid those really irritating street vendors who try to force you to buy their wares.
TOP 25 Best Destinations in the World – TripAdvisor 7. Rome, Italy http://t.co/G9I5KBdQl6 #travel #vacation pic.twitter.com/cshxFP8kfS
— Vacation Escapes (@vacation_escape) July 22, 2015
But along the way, do see those amazing tourist sites like the beautiful Sistine Chapel pictured below, but again, make it during the quieter days in Rome and preferably with a qualified tour guide.
In conclusion, have the perfect vacation in Rome, out of season, like a local, and crime-free! Enjoy a tour of the city in the video below.
[Images: Rome Colosseum CC by 2.0 Moyan Brenn / Roman Road and Gladiator CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Riccardo Cuppini / Rome Sistine Chapel CC BY-ND 2.0 Colin Tsoi]
