Rome Travel Tips

If you’re dreaming of visiting one of those picture-perfect European towns filled with old-world charm, incredible scenic beauty, or perhaps both, where do you begin your search for the best destinations? Here a details about rome if you are thinking to go there.

Cinque Tierre via Bigstock.com

Italy's capital city, Rome is also known for a history that dates back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar and Hadrian, among others. Left behind are structures like the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and dozens of churches, among other historic gems. 

Art enthusiasts will relish the trove of art housed at the Vatican Museums, and foodies will enjoy the splendid Italian fare, not to mention the gelato. And though its momentous past is the focus for many vacationers, Rome is also a fast-paced, modern and relevant city, with gleaming designer storefronts, sleek hotels and cutting-edge restaurants.

Rome Culture & Customs

Trying to look like a resident isn't difficult, especially if your own wardrobe is filled with high-end designer labels. Condé Nast Traveler says: "Think brands, brands, brands — and preferably Italian: Versace, Gucci, Cavalli, or Armani." 

Italian women strive for a sultry look, wearing tight-fitting dresses, tops and pants, accompanied by a pair of steep heels. Men wear immaculately cut suits. On the streets, snug jeans and fitted shirts are the norm for both men and women.

In 2002, Italy traded its lira currency for the euro. Keep in mind that the exchange rate makes this already expensive city more costly for travelers from the U.S. and other countries.

The best time to visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is from October to April when most of the tourist crowds have dissipated and room rates are slashed. Although you’ll need a warm coat, weather this time of year hardly ever dips below freezing. 

For summery weather without throngs of tourists and the sweltering humidity come in May or September. High average temperatures flit between the mid 70s and the lower 80s.

The best way to get around Rome is by foot. And because many of the best attractions are clustered together in traffic-free zones, walking makes the most sense. However, some places, like Vatican City, are pretty far from the central historic district, necessitating the use of the metro or a taxi. 

The metro can also take you from the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) into the city center. Buses are also available, but these aren't recommended because of crowded conditions aboard and heavy traffic outside. 

If you must bring a car to Rome, you should park it as soon as possible once you enter the city limits. Otherwise, you'll find heavy traffic, impatient drivers and pedestrian-only areas makes driving around virtually impossible.

What do you need to know about budget traveling to europe

As the dollar continues to remain relatively weak against the euro.though up to US$1.25 from a low of US$1.50+ against the euro.Europe has largely remained expensive for most travelers from the U.S. 

However, with smart planning and a little bit of research it is still possible to travel in Europe without spending a fortune.

Traveling on a budget often is more conducive to meeting the locals, immersing yourself in the rituals of their daily lives, and having a truly unique experience rather than taking your home along with you.

If you plan to cross the Atlantic Ocean, there are a few tips that can help you before starting your first Europe vacation. 

First of all, you need to understand and be fully aware during your trip that Europe is very different from the United States in every possible way. Even in the UK.

In consequence traveling through Europe is also completely different than traveling to any American city.

Transport

Even if you can afford it, you should never rent a car to move around any city. There is completely lack of space, there is no place to park and driving directions in most European cities are not as straightforward as we are used to know.

Public transportation in most major cities is very affordable and easy to use. It is the most used method of transportation for everybody either tourists or locals. If you do not like public transportation, you can always hire a cab.

The countryside is very nice all over Europe, and driving conditions differ from what I described above. Traveling from one city to another with a rented car, will allow you to stop in incredible and nice towns where you will discover very nice things almost in anyone, if you can afford the time.

I rented a car once in the French Riviera to travel from Nice to Monaco, very nice, but I did it for a couple of days, returned it and continued my trip.

However, roads are very narrow and dangerous, so be extremely careful. Trains are the most used transport all over Europe to go from one city to another. They are cheap, safe and reliable.

Safety

Most European cities are safe, at least in the tourist areas. However, pick pockets are all around Europe looking for tourists. Take extremely care about them. Split your money, hide it very well and be careful when taking money out because they will notice where do you hide it.

Do not leave bags or purses unattended or hanging from restaurant chairs. If you use a back pack, do not carry money or passports within it. I personally saw once, how they cut the bottom of a back pack with a knife to steal a passport.

I always use a special pocket which hangs from my neck and goes under the underwear shirt. This shirt has to be inside your pants to avoid any falling in case the string is cut.

Money should never be taken out from that bag in public and you should carry the money that you will use for each day somewhere else, therefore if you loose that part, you won't regret it very much, or at least you won't be broke.

Traveler's checks are sometimes difficult to change in Europe. Therefore if you prefer to take them, consider some time to change them in a bank, as they are not widely accepted everywhere as in the US.

When eating, check menu prices before sitting. Most restaurants display their menus at the entrance. If the menu is not displayed, avoid going into that restaurant or at least ask for a menu with prices before ordering anything.

There are some places in Europe, where they charge you differently according to the place you sit in the restaurant.

City Guides

Carefully plan your days and get city guides for every place you will visit. You can get them on the Internet or printed in any bookstore. Time is very valuable as there is always more to see than time available.

The Euros have made life easier for tourism and now you don't need to change money in every country as it used to be, but there are still some countries like UK, that do not use Euros yet.

There are hundreds of money exchange stations all over Europe in every city, train station or major attraction, but be careful about the exchange rate. Always ask local people for the best place to change money. Or do your own research writing down the exchange rate in every place you see near your hotel.

Exchange your money before going anywhere. Usually the exchange stations near tourist attractions have very bad exchange rate.

Do not forget to exchange back the money you won't use anymore or that can't be used in countries you will visit next, as some currencies are difficult to change once you leave Europe. Also, remember that coins are not changed, so get rid of them before leaving the country.