After traveling the world for the past 10-years, I’ve learned a lot about staying safe – sometimes the hard way. Here are my best travel safety tips for avoiding trouble on your trip.

COVID UPDATE: Before you travel, research if there are any restrictions for the country you plan to visit. Many countries are open for travel but require proof of vaccinations, a negative COVID-19 test, quarantine or other restrictions. Traveling during a pandemic requires a few extra steps to stay safe.

Nothing ruins an adventure quicker than getting sick, scammed or robbed when you travel!

One time in Panama, some women distracted me at a bar while stealing my laptop from a backpack. I thought it was gone, until this happened months later. I got lucky.

In Mexico, a pickpocket grabbed my iPhone on the street. I managed to get that back too, chasing the thief down the road screaming like a maniac and brandishing a bottle of tequila! LOL.

You don’t even need to travel internationally to have bad stuff happen. In Miami Beach, my camera was stolen when I wasn’t paying attention.

After many years traveling the world, I’ve grown accustomed to deceitful taxi drivers, two-faced tour guides, insincere offers of help, and an occasional theft or scam.

For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers. I don’t want to scare you too much! However, it’s wise to be prepared.

With that in mind, here are my best travel safety tips to help minimize your chances of something bad happening to you during your travels.

Top Travel Safety Tips For 2021

1. Learn Common Travel Scams

Wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find people ready to trick you out of your hard-earned cash. If you’re lucky, they’ll be kinda obvious – but there are plenty of craftier, professional con-artists out there too.

Everyone thinks they’re too smart to be scammed — but it happens.

Here are some of the most common travel scams I’ve come across. I recommend you learn them all – then fire up the Google and do even more in-depth research into the worst scams happening at your specific destination.

For example, the milk scam in Cuba. “Broken” taxi meters in Costa Rica. Or the famous ring scam in Paris. Every country has its own special scams to watch out for!

Forewarned is forearmed, and this research can help defend you from being tricked out of hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars (while suffering the kind of frustration and misery that ruins a dream trip).

2. Write Down Emergency Info

If disaster strikes, you might not have time to search for numbers for local police or ambulance services, or directions to the nearest embassy for your country. You may also be too stressed and panicky to think straight.

Don’t put yourself in that position. Instead, record that information in advance, and create an “Emergency Plan” for you to follow if things go badly. Save it on your phone somewhere (I use the Evernote App).

I also recommend you write it down on a small card or sheet of paper, get it laminated (easily done at your local office supply store) to protect it from moisture, and keep it in your wallet/purse.

You can also save the information on a small USB thumb drive, along with copies of your passport and other important documents.

That way, if something goes wrong while traveling, you’ll always have access to your documents, plus know exactly who to call and where to go for help.

3. Check The State Department Website

The U.S. Department of State has a travel advisory page for every country in the world, where it lists all known difficulties and current threats to the safety of visitors.

However, a big caveat for this one: it’s the State Department’s job to warn you about everything that could go wrong, which is sometimes different to what is likely to go wrong.

This means their advice is generally on the hyper-cautious side. Factor that in, while you dig up more on-the-ground information.

But researching travel warnings will give you a general idea of what’s going on in the country you’re visiting, and specific problem areas you may want to avoid.

For example, just because certain parts of Thailand or Mexico have problems, doesn’t mean you should completely avoid those countries altogether.

4: Lock Up Your Valuables

Putting aside the fact that traveling with anything super valuable is usually a bad idea, there will always be something you absolutely cannot afford to have stolen. I travel with a lot of expensive camera gear for example.

Your job is to minimize the easy opportunities for theft.

Firstly, know that most travel backpacks aren’t very secure. It’s easy to feel that a zipped, even locked bag is a sufficient deterrent to any thief, and doze off next to it. Waking up to find someone’s slashed a hole in the side!

Unless it’s a slash-proof backpack, the material can be cut or torn by anyone determined enough. Many zippers can be forced open with sharp objects like a writing pen.

Always be aware of your valuables, and try to keep an eye on them in such a way that it would be impossible for someone to steal without you knowing. I’ll use my backpack as a pillow on train/bus routes that have a reputation for theft, and will sometimes lock it to a seat using a thin cable like this.

Secondly, call your accommodation to ask about secure storage options like a room safe, lockers, or a locked storage area. Carry your own locker padlock when staying at backpacking hostels.

5: Get Travel Insurance

You never think you need it, until you do. If you’re really worried about the safety of yourself and your gear while you travel, you can almost completely relax if you have some good insurance.

People ask me all the time if I’m worried about traveling with an expensive computer and camera. I was, when I didn’t have insurance for them. Now that I do, I’m not worried. If stuff gets stolen, it will get replaced.

Everyone should carry some kind of health and property insurance when traveling. Why? Because shit happens. Whether you think it will or not. It doesn’t matter how careful you think you are.

My recommendation is Safety Wing for short-term travel insurance. They make it super easy to buy online. (They also cover COVID-19!)

If you’re going to be traveling for a long time (like as a digital nomad), there are good long-term options like expat health insurance from Safety Wing Remote Health mixed with photography/computer insurance from TCP Photography Insurance.

6: Ask Locals For Advice

If you really want to know which neighborhoods are safe and which might be sketchy, ask a local resident of the area.

Most locals are friendly, and will warn you about straying into dangerous areas. On the other hand, if a stranger offers up advice, it’s also wise to get a second opinion – just in case they don’t really know what they’re talking about but simply wanted to help (or worse, are trying to scam you).

Taxi drivers can be hit or miss in this regard. Some can be excellent sources for good information, others are miserable assholes who might actually lead you into trouble.

I’ve found that hostel or hotel front desk workers are generally pretty good sources for local advice.

Don’t be afraid to ask them which parts of the city to avoid, how much taxi fares should cost, and where to find a great place to eat!

7: Register With Your Embassy

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, from the U.S. Department of State, is designed to make a destination’s local embassy aware of your arrival and keep you constantly updated with the latest safety information.

It’s free, it’s available for all U.S. citizens and nationals living abroad, and it’s a great way to get reliable, up to date safety information as you travel, along with an extra level of security in case of emergencies.

Canada has it’s own version, called Registration Of Canadians Abroad.

That way if an emergency happens, like a natural disaster or terrorist attack, the local embassy can get a hold of you quickly to share important information or help with evacuation.

8: Email Your Itinerary To Friends/Family

Once you’ve worked out where you’re going and when, make sure someone else knows too.

The best way is to email the full itinerary to a few family members (and double-check with them that they received it – don’t just assume it landed in their Inbox, make sure it did). Then, if you can, check in from time to time.

Before I travel anywhere, I make sure my parents know where I’m going, what my general plans are, and when I should be back.

That way, if they don’t hear from me for a few days after I’m supposed to return, they can help notify the proper local authorities, the embassy, etc.

9: Don’t Share Too Much With Strangers

If you’re ever tempted to make your itinerary more public, say in a Facebook post, just remember it can be a roadmap of your movements – just the sort of thing someone with ill-intentions would love to know.

I also don’t recommend sharing too many details about your travel plans or accommodation details with people you’ve just met. For example, don’t tell a local shop owner or street tout where you’re staying when asked.

If someone does ask, rather than be rude, you can be vague about an area of town rather than the name of your hotel. Or lie and name a hotel you’re not actually staying at.

Sometimes people will ask if it’s your first time visiting their country or city. If you don’t trust them yet, you can pretend it isn’t your first trip. Because sharing that you’re new might also signal you’re a good target for scams.

When feeling vulnerable in a strange place, little white lies won’t hurt.

10: Don’t Do Stupid Things For Photos

In the age of Instagram & TikTok, it often feels like tourists are engaging in increasingly riskier activities just for likes on social media. Every week now you hear about people falling off cliffs or getting attacked by wildlife because they were trying to get an awesome photo.

Know your personal limits! Don’t do stupid things that have a high potential to get you hurt or killed. I’ll admit I enjoy a bit of risk now and then, but I try to be smart about it.

Don’t stand on the edge of a cliff if it’s windy or looks unstable. Pay attention to posted signs and warnings wherever you go. Keep your distance from wildlife, because animals are unpredictable.

Put yourself in the shoes of the locals, be respectful of the places you visit, and don’t trespass on private property either.

11: Splurge On Extra Safety

If you’re traveling as a budget backpacker, like I was, it can be tempting to save as much money as possible with the cheapest accommodation, the cheapest flights, the cheapest activities.

But it’s important to know that this isn’t always the safest way to travel.

Ultra cheap backpacker hostels aren’t always the safest places. I’ve stayed in some without locks on the doors, that felt like make-shift homeless shelters for drug addicts and other seedy people.

Budget flights can often arrive in the middle of the night — usually not the best time to be hailing down a cab in a dangerous city and hoping the driver doesn’t abduct you.

Sometimes it’s worth the extra few bucks to splurge on a slightly better hostel, a more convenient flight, a taxi home from the bar, or a tour operator with a strong safety record.

12: Be Aware Of Your Clothing

When it comes to travel, the wrong clothes scream “TOURIST” and make you a target for scammers, thieves and worse. The less obviously a visitor you look, the less attention you’ll get from the wrong kind of people.

Wearing the right clothes is a sign of respect. Many Islamic countries have specific dress code guidelines that are often strictly enforced – and other destinations have laws that may catch you out (for example, walking topless through the streets of Barcelona is illegal for both sexes).

However, it’s possible to stay within the law and still offend locals with what you’re wearing – generating a lot of hostility towards you in the process. Ignoring local customs can come across as both arrogant and ignorant.

In conservative countries, it’s just safer to dress more conservatively yourself. Obviously as a foreigner you’re still going to stand out a bit, but much less than those who ignore the local customs.

Start by checking out Wikipedia’s general advice on clothing laws by country – and then narrow down your research until you find someone giving advice you can trust, ideally a resident or expat turned local.

13: Stay “Tethered” To Your Bag

Most quick snatch-and-run type robberies happen because the thief can do it easily, and has time to get away. Therefore, anything that slows them down will help prevent it in the first place.

If you can keep your bag tethered to something immovable at all times, and do so in a really obvious way, thieves will consider it way too risky a job – and leave you alone.

A simple and effective method is to use a carabiner clip. Even a regular strap around your leg or chair.

It doesn’t need to be secured with a steel cable and padlock all the time, just attached to something that will make a snatch-and-run attempt too difficult.

14: Learn Basic Self-Defense

You don’t need black-belt skills, but joining a few self defense classes is a worthwhile investment in your personal safety. Some good street-effective styles to consider are Krav Maga or Muay Thai.

Next, learn WHEN to apply it. Just because you can kick someone’s ass, doesn’t mean you should in all situations. In the words of author Sam Harris:

“Do whatever you can to avoid a physical confrontation, but the moment avoidance fails, attack explosively for the purposes of escape.”

A great way to neutralize a threat is to get yourself as far away as physically possible. If someone with a gun or knife just wants your phone, give it to them, run away, and live another day.

Use force only when your life is threatened & there are absolutely no other options available.

If you want an extra level of personal security, pick up a tactical pen (and learn how to use it). I often carry one, and it doesn’t set off any alarms when going through customs.

15: Project Situational Awareness

Did you know that a majority of human communication is based on non-verbal body language? This projection of confidence can prevent you from becoming a target.

Keep your head up, stay alert, and aware of you’re surroundings. When you’re confident, potential attackers can sense it through your body language and eye contact.

Most will choose to move on and find an easier victim to attack.

In many places, making direct eye contact with potential threats can help ward off an attack, ensuring they notice you see them and what they may be planning. Yet in other parts of the world, too much eye contact might invite trouble…

Generally you should stay aware of who is around you, walk with a purpose, and don’t look worried, lost, or scared (even if you feel that way) — but I’d also avoid staring contests with sketchy looking strangers.

16: Tell Your Bank Where You’re Going

Imagine the agony of doing absolutely everything right and keeping yourself perfectly safe and secure – only to have your trip ruined because your bank thinks you’re the thief, and locks down all your cards.

If this happens and you’re lucky, you’ll be asked security questions to determine your identity. The rest of the time, you’ll get a notification from the bank’s fraud detection team that irregular activity has been recorded on your card, and they’ve put a hold on all transactions until the situation is resolved – which might take days.

The solution is simple. Most online banking services have a facility for letting the bank or credit card provider know about your upcoming travels. Make sure you use it, shortly before leaving – and keep them in the loop if your travel plans change.

I also recommend using your debit card at the airport ATM machine as soon as you arrive in a new country, as this also helps let the bank know you’re traveling.

17: Hide Emergency Cash

While it’s good to do everything you can to prevent worst case scenarios – it’s equally smart to assume it’ll happen and plan ahead for it. This is the thinking behind having an emergency stash of funds, stored in a safe place.

Some of my favorite hiding places include:

• Secret pocket sewn into your pants
• Behind a patch on your backpack
• Rolled into an empty chapstick container
• Inside a hidden compartment (like this hair-brush or belt pouch)

How much emergency cash? This will be personal preference, but I usually prefer $200 spread out in 2 different places. Some hidden on me, some hidden in my bag. A hidden backup credit card is wise too.

Now if things got really dire, and everything’s gone, what then? You call up a friend or family member, and ask them to send you the emergency money you left with them before you went traveling, via a Western Union or Moneygram transfer.

Hopefully it will never come to that. But these things do happen occasionally, and it’s better to practice safe travel techniques than to remain ignorant about the possibility.

18: Food & Water Safety

After traveling extensively the last 10-years, to over 50 countries, eating all kinds of weird stuff, I’ve only had food poisoning a couple of times.

Don’t be scared of the food when you travel! In fact, eating strange new foods can be a highlight for many people on their adventures around the world.

My food-obsessed friend Jodi recommends the following tips:

• Eat at popular places with long lines
• Try to watch how your food is prepared
• Pack translation cards to express your allergies
• Fully cooked food is always the safest
• Only eat peel-able fruit to avoid bacteria

I also recommend getting a filtered water bottle. In many modern cities around the world the water is safe to drink, but outside of those places it often isn’t.

Sure, you could keep buying bottled water everywhere you go, but that plastic waste is a huge environmental problem. Why not get one sturdy filtered bottle, and re-use it for years?

It pays for itself and saves the environment at the same time!

19: Use ATMs Wisely

You may have been told to cover your hand when keying in your PIN number at an ATM. That’s good advice worth following, both for others looking over your shoulder, as well as hidden cameras trying to record your pin.

Always take a close look at ATM machines before you use them. Pull on the card reader a bit. Does it have any questionable signs of tampering? If so, go into the bank and get someone to come out and check it (and then use another machine, regardless of what happens).

If an ATM machine appears to have eaten your card, run a finger along the card slot to see if you feel anything protruding. The “Lebanese Loop” is a trick where a thin plastic sleeve captures your card (preventing the machine from reading it) – then as soon as you walk away, a thief yanks it out and runs off with your card.

Another overlooked factor is where other people are when you’re at the machine. Can someone peer over your shoulder? Are they close enough they could grab the cash and run off?

If so, use another ATM elsewhere. Better safe than sorry! Never let anyone “help” you with your transaction either.

20: Stop Using Your Back Pocket

It’s the first place any pickpocket will check – and short of putting a loaded mousetrap in there (not recommended if you forget and sit down), the best way to deal with the dangers of having a back pocket is to never use it…

And if putting money in the back pocket of your pants is a habit you can’t seem to break, grab some needle and thread and sew it shut!

Your front pockets are a lot harder to steal from without being noticed.

If you’re REALLY worried, or plan to travel to a city where pickpockets run rampant, you can wear a money belt. I’m not a fan, but I know many who use them for peace of mind.

21: Travel In Numbers

The more people around you, the more eyeballs are on your valuables – and the more legs are available for running after thieves.

A group is also a much more intimidating physical presence, which helps ward off predators of all kinds. It will help to keep you safer than trying to go it alone in a foreign country.

If you’re traveling solo, consider making some new friends and go exploring together.

Staying at backpacker hostels is an excellent way to make some new friends. Often you’ll find other solo travelers there, who may want to do some of the same activities you want to.

However, I’d also like to highlight the importance of not trusting new people TOO quickly. There are some professional scammers who use the backpacker trail to take advantage of other travelers looking for a friend.

Don’t leave your expensive or important stuff with someone you just met. No matter how friendly they seem.

22: Pack A First Aid Kit

Injuries can happen when you travel abroad, not matter how careful you are. That’s why traveling with a basic first aid kit is always a good idea.

You don’t need to go crazy and bring your own needles and scalpels, but stocking the basics to treat cuts, sprains, stomach issues, and burns can help if you or people around you may need them.

I prefer a basic waterproof adventure first aid kit with a few additions of my own:

• Small tube of sunscreen
• Re-hydration salts
• Anti-histamine tablets
• Small pair of scissors
• Extra pain pills (Ibuprofen)
• Emergency space blanket
• Small tube of petroleum jelly (helps prevent blisters)

23: Stay (Relatively) Sober

Getting too drunk or high when you travel is almost always unacceptably risky. If you’re wasted, you’re not present, and anything could be happening around you (or to you).

I’m not saying don’t enjoy yourself. Hell I have plenty over the years! Just do it responsibly, stay hyper-aware of how much you’re consuming, keep hydrated & fed, and make sure you don’t lose control of the situation.

Harder drugs are especially risky — it’s a good way to get in trouble with the police, who may not be as forgiving (or even law-abiding) as authorities back home. Not to mention having to deal with potentially nefarious people who are providing those drugs — and their own alternative motives.

On a similar note, if you’re partial to late nights out partying until pre-dawn hours, be careful assuming that unfamiliar destinations will be as forgiving as back home.

Many generally safe destinations (especially ones filled with tourists) become far less secure late at night – and if you’re stumbling around intoxicated, you’re far less aware of your surroundings – and a VERY easy target for all kinds of bad stuff.

24: Trust Your Instincts!

This one is easily overlooked – and incredibly important.

You are a walking surveillance network. Your body sees and hears more things than you could ever process into coherent thought. Let’s call it your “spidey sense” — the ability to sense danger.

Your body might sense signs of danger before your brain is fully aware.

This is why gut feelings are always worth examining! If you’re feeling uneasy and you don’t know why, try not to write it off as irrational fear. Stop and pay closer attention to the situation. Can you figure out what the problem is?

It’s easy to dismiss your instincts as “silly”. Never treat them as such. Those gut feelings and intuition have kept humans safe for millions of years.

25: Travel Safety For Women vs. Men

All the tips on traveling safely above are equally important for both men and women. I don’t think the ability to travel safely should be focused on gender.

Unfortunately women are victims of violence everywhere, including here in the United States & Canada. Traveling doesn’t necessarily increase that threat, it simply changes the location.

Women worried about being assaulted or harassed might prefer to visit a local street bazaar or nightclub in a group rather than alone. Especially if it’s a common problem for the area.

I know some women who feel safer carrying a safety whistle and door stop alarm when they travel solo too.

However men also have specific safety concerns they need to watch out for, related to their egos. Like getting goaded into a physical fight that isn’t necessary. Or being scammed by a beautiful woman.

Travel safety is really about staying street smart, prepared for the unexpected, and minimizing your exposure to risky situations in a new and unfamiliar country.

A Few Words About Risk…

If you want to travel, you cannot avoid risk. There is no way to be 100% safe from any threat, in any part of life. Risk is an integral part of adventure too.

This means when you hit the road, you’re bound to get scammed sooner or later, or find yourself in unexpectedly challenging circumstances. It happens to all of us.

Risk is unavoidable – but it can be managed, so you can stay safer.

How do most people hear about events in other countries? It’s usually through the news. This is a big problem, because the media is biased – but not the way politicians would like you to believe.

The media reports on unusual events (most often negative ones). Things get featured in the news because they rarely happen. That’s the definition of “newsworthy”.

If the news was truly representative of what’s happening in the world, 99.9% of each report would sound like: “Today in Namib-istan, absolutely nothing dangerous happened, and everyone had a perfectly normal day – yet again.”

The news media makes other countries feel a lot less safe than they really are. In fact, the world seems to be getting safer every decade, according to data collected by economist Max Roser and psychologist Steven Pinker.

This isn’t saying that bad things don’t happen. It’s saying they’re usually a misleading representation of what normally happens.

Don’t believe the over-hype. Generally speaking, it’s never been a safer time to travel! So get out there with your new-found knowledge, enjoy your trip with confidence. ★

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Rome, Italy

The ancients believed Rome would last forever, and it seems they were correct! The Eternal City is full of fun things to do & see — from architecture, to history, to art, and food.

Rome’s Baroque and Renaissance churches, towering temples, hidden catacombs, and mythical fountains make Italy’s capital city an amazing place to visit and a top destination for travelers. Sure, Venice is nice, but Rome has a completely different feel.

Combine the history and architecture of Rome with its delicious pastas, pizzas and gelatos, and you’ll enjoy a taste of the dolce vita. But there are many other fun things to do in Rome that most people miss…

From visiting lively piazzas to chilling in quiet neighborhoods, here’s my guide on what to do in Rome, Italy when you visit! I’ve also included some of some of my favorite fun & unusual attractions that will make your trip extra special.

My Rome itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

Italy Travel Restrictions 2021

Italy is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.

Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Italy here.

Best Things To Do In Rome Guide

1: Visit The Magnificent Colosseum

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to the Colosseum. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, the Colosseum is a testament to Roman architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’.

This circular amphitheater was the largest building ever built and could hold almost 80,000 spectators at a time. The patrons of the Colosseum would hold gladiator shows, executions and plays such as sylvae, naumachiae, and venatio.

Basic entry into the Colosseum costs €12 EURO. But try to get there early in the morning, because wait in line to get in can take 2 to 3 hours. To avoid the hassle, I recommend booking a skip the line combo ticket online which also gives you access to a few other popular Roman attractions!

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (October to February – with longer hours during peak season)

Colosseum Combo Tickets

Skip the line with a combo ticket to visit 3 of Rome’s hottest attractions: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palantine Hill.

Book Online Now

2: See The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum or Forum Romanum was an important center of social, religious and political activity in the times of the Caesars. It was also the site of many temples dedicated to different gods.

It’s easy to spend a few hours wandering around the Roman Forum to marvel at ancient structures like the Arch of Titus, the eight remaining pillars of the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Castor and Pollux, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Basilica of Maxentius, Arch of Septimius Severus, House of the Vestals and much more.

You can visit the Roman Forum on its own, or combine it with other major attractions like the Colosseum and Palantine Hill with a special combo ticket.

3: Visit St Clement Basilica

Dedicated to Pope Clement I, the St. Clement Basilica consists of three layers. The top layer is the Basilica that was built in the middle ages.

The layer below is the home of Senator Titus Flavius Clemens who secretly converted to Christianity and opened his home to clandestine worship services. This level is also home to a temple of Mithras.

The lowest layer may have been a mint that was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD.

The Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano is one of the best places to visit in Rome to see different eras of history and architecture in one setting.

Entrance Fee: €10 EURO

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Sunday: 12 PM to 6 PM

4: Marvel At The Architecture Of The Pantheon

Listed among the top famous places in Rome, the Pantheon was built in 126 AD on the site of the Pantheon of Agrippa that was destroyed in 80 AD.

The building is lauded for its amazing architecture, having both a height and a diameter of 43.5 meters. The Pantheon is home to the tombs of many royals and artists, including the famous Renaissance painter Raphael.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM

5: Villa Borghese Park & Borghese Gallery

Set on the Western banks of the Tiber, the Villa Borghese is the third largest park in Rome. Established by the Borghese family in 1901, it’s filled with fountains and sculptures by famous artists.

Galleria Borghese or Borghese Gallery is housed in an elegant mansion in the park and showcases collections by artists such as Bernini, Carvaggio, Botticelli, Raphael.

Borghese Park is also home to the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre, and the Bioparco zoo that’s home to over 200 species of animals.

Entrance to Villa Borghese Park is free from dawn to dusk, but it might get crowded if there are musical events or plays in the park.

Entrance Fee: €20 EURO

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Closed Mondays.

6: Watch A Sunset From Terrazza Del Pincio

During both clear skies or cloudy days, the Terraza del Pincio offers picture perfect views of the Piazza del Popolo with the Flaminian Obelisk at its center. Located at the top of the Pincian hill in Villa Borghese Park, it’s also the best place to watch the sun set over this ancient city.

On the way to the Terrazza del Pincio from the Villa Borghese, you can also see the Orologio ad acqua del Pincio, a hydro-chronometer built in 1873 that still tells time.

7: Throw A Coin In Trevi Fountain

One of Rome’s tourist attractions that’s crowded almost constantly the Trevi Fountain originated as one end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct in 19 BC. The current version of the fountain was built by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini.

The popular myth of throwing coins in the fountain to return to Rome or fall in love results in over 1 million Euros worth of coins being thrown in every year! The city collects this money and uses it to support good causes.

How did the Trevi fountain get its name? Since the fountain is at the junction of three streets, the fountain was called three ways or Tre Vie.

Rome Photography Tip: The Trevi fountain is super crowded all day long, but if you make a dedicated visit in the middle of the night or just before sunrise, you might have it to yourself for a while (my photo above was taken around 4am).

8: See Rome’s Largest Stadium, Circus Maximus

Chariot racing was a popular spectator sport in ancient Rome. No wonder the Circo Massimo or Circus Maximus was built to hold as many as 300,000 spectators.

The only thing that remains of the Circus Maximus is the large space that it fills between the Palantine and Aventine hills; so it’s perfect for a quick stop over between visiting the two.

9: Climb The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps or Scalina Spagna that were completed in 1725 serve a very practical purpose. These 135 steps were built by the funds donated by the French diplomat Etienne Gueffier.

It created a pathway from the Trinità dei Monti church which was located in the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top to the Apostolic See of the Palazzo Monaldeschi in the Piazza do Spagna at the bottom of the steps.

At the bottom of the Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna is also the Fontana della Barcaccia designed by Bernini and popular area to get photos, or just hang out near the steps to people watch.

10: Test Your Fate At The Mouth Of Truth

Weighing about 1300 kgs, the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) represents the face of the sea god Oceanus. Legend has it that if you put your hand in the mouth and tell a lie, it will be bitten off. This is why you’ll see many tourists lining up to take pictures with their hands in the Mouth of Truth.

This somewhat creepy marble structure was once located in the Piazza della Bocca della Verita and moved to its current location outside the church of Santa Maria in Cosmendin in 1632.

11: Capuchin Crypt Bone Church

Located on a small street on Calle Vittorio Veneto, the Capuchin Crypt Bone Church was really easy to miss. But once inside, you learn about quite a grim tale.

When the monks of the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini moved from their old monastery to the new one in 1631, they brought with them bones of over 3700 cappuchin friars who had passed away.

The display of bones is said to remind one of our mortality and how fleeting this life is.

Entrance Fee: €6 EURO

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 7PM

12: Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Named after the 15th century Argentoratum tower built by Johannes Burckardt, the Foro Argentina area was found and excavated in 1929. There are four temples in this area, as well as the Curia Pompei where Julius Caesar was killed in 44 BC.

After the 1929 excavations, feral cats were drawn to the area and took shelter among the Roman pillars. Over time the cat population has grown quite large, and volunteers care for, spay and neuter the cats that live here.

Visitors can feed the stray cats and purchase souvenirs that helps support running the cat sanctuary. I’m pretty sure this was Anna’s personal favorite activity to do in Rome…

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 12 AM to 6 PM. Saturday – Sunday: 11 AM to 7 PM

13: Altar Of The Fatherland

Home to the Tomb of the Italian Unknown Soldier, the Altare della Patria or Altar of the Fatherland is 70 meters tall and 135 meters wide. Built by the first king of Italy, it’s also called the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument in honor of this king.

Occupying the area near Piazza Venezia, the altar comprises a forum and a three-leveled agora. The views from the rooftop are spectacular, and you can either walk 196 steps to the top or pay 7 EURO for the elevator.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM

14: Via Appia Antica

Connecting Rome and Brindisi, the Appia Antica or “Appian Way” was Europe’s first super highway and military road built between 312 and 264 BC. It stretched over 300 miles long!

It’s made of large flat stones set in place by thousands of years of rain, wheels, and armies passing over them. Walking (or biking) the Appian Way lets you walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors, merchants, saints and maybe even St. Peter himself.

Spartacus and other slaves that rebelled against Rome were crucified along the Appian Way.

There are also many tombs and catacombs that you can visit along the tree-lined route such as the famous Catacombs of St Sebastian.

The Appian Way is located a bit outside the city center, but to visit you can take the metro to the Circo Massimo stop then catch the #118 bus, which runs every 40 minutes. Or just hop in a taxi.

15: Quartiere Coppede Neighborhood

Named after architect Gino Coppede who was involved in designing the area, the Quartiere Coppede is a tranquil section of Rome. Located just outside the historical center, you can see different types of architecture including Roman and Baroque.

Some attractions to see in Quartiere Coppede include the beautiful Coppede entrance Arch, Palazza del Ragno, and Fontana delle rane in Piazza Mincio.

16: Explore The Trastevere Neighborhood

Trastevere is Rome’s colorful bohemian neighborhood, and will give you a glimpse of what life is like for the actual people who live & work in Rome. There are numerous local Italian restaurants and cafes that line the ivy-filled streets here.

If you want to get lost in Rome for a day just exploring, this is the area to do it. Trastevere has become a popular Instagram photography spot in Rome too.

The neighborhood has a charming small town feel, but is located in the heart of the city with the Vatican and Colosseum only a 30-minute walk away.

17: Baths Of Caracalla

Built in the 3rd century by Emperor Caracalla, these magnificent public bath complexes were used by most of Rome till around 537 AD. The Terme di Cacacalla were so big and perfect that they offered users different temperatures of cold or hot water that were heated by wood-fired oven.

The site also includes a gym, library, cafes, and an Olympic size swimming pool where people lounged at the edges and played games (you can still see the notches in the stone).

One of the coolest parts of this site is the ability to rent a Virtual Reality headset that allows you to see what the place would have looked like during Roman times as you walk around!

Entrance Fee: €8 EURO, plus €7 EURO to rent the VR headset (do it!)

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9 AM to 6:30 PM

18: St. Peter’s Square & Basilica

Completed in 1626, St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican contains works by many great artists, including Michelangelo’s Pieta. If you climb up the spiral staircase to the dome of the Basilica, you’ll get an amazing view of Rome (pictured above).

Entrance into the Basilica is free, but going up to the dome costs €8 EURO via elevator or €6 EURO taking the stairs.

19. The Vatican Museum

Near St. Peter’s you’ll also find the famous Vatican Museums established by Pope Julius II in 1503 and which hold the world’s largest collection of artwork (70,000 pieces within the walls of Vatican City).

However, not all of these are on display, about 20,000 artworks are available to the public, while the other 50,000 remain in safe storage. The Museums are made up of 54 different galleries.

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museum decorated by Michelangelo is one of the most renowned art of all time. It’s an amazing thing to see in person!

Entrance Fee: €16 EURO for adults, €8 EURO for kids

20: Catacombs Of Rome

These underground passages were created by early Christians and Jews as burial chambers from the second to fifth century. After Christian persecution stopped, they could bury their dead without fear and stopped using the catacombs.

But you can still visit the ones that are still open:

• Catacombs of San Callisto
• Catacombs of Priscilla
• Catacombs of San Sebastiano
• Catacombs of Sant Agnese
• Catacombs of Domitilla

21: Janiculum Hill

Located just outside the city of Rome, this area is often called the eight hill of Rome. At the top of Janiculum Hill, you’ll see the famous Garibaldi Monument, Manfredi Lighthouse, and the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola.

You’ll also find the Church of San Pietro in Montorio at the top. This church was set up on the place where Saint Peter was crucified. The top of the hill offers one of the best views of Rome for photos.

22: Campo Dei Fiori

In 1456, Pope Callistus III had a field of flowers paved into a local market, the Campo dei Fiori. It’s also where Giordano Bruno was burnt alive for heresy in 1600.

Now a martyr, you’ll find a statue to him in the square.

Campo dei Fiori also served as horse market, and a fish and meat market in different centuries. Visit it now though, and you’ll find it a great place to enjoy local food while shopping for souvenirs.

23: Eat Tons Of Italian Gelato

24: Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill, located just across from the Colosseum, is one of Seven Hills of Rome and said to be one of the oldest parts of the city. It’s a kind of open-air museum, that was once the site of many imperial palaces and homes of rich ancient Romans.

In 2006, archaeologists discovered what is believed to be the birthplace of Rome’s first Emperor Augustus.

There are many monuments and ancient buildings located on the hill which you can explore, as well as a nice view of the Colosseum itself.

25: Pyramid Of Cestius

Located in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome, the Pyramid of Cestius is an unusual thing to do in Rome, as it looks like it belongs in Egypt instead of Italy’s capital city.

Built in 12 BC this stone pyramid was the resting place for the Roman praetor Caius Cestius. You can take a tour inside the tomb on weekends (in Italian only), otherwise you can get some photos of this Roman Pyramid from the Non-Catholic Cemetery nearby.

Getting Around Rome

Most people get to Rome after flying into Italy’s Fiumicino International Airport. Search for the cheapest flights to Rome on Skyscanner.com.

From the airport, you take 2 different trains: The Leonardo Express is the faster and more expensive option direct into the city center, while the cheaper FR1 Local Train stops at some of Rome’s bigger suburban areas too.

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Italy.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots on the outskirts of Rome, and other parts of Italy. It’s my favorite way to get around!

Taxis

You won’t find many taxis around Rome that are willing to take you. In order to get a taxi, you need to either take one from a taxi stand or get your hotel to arrange one for you. Rates start at € 1.10 per km and go upwards.

Metro

Run by the Azienda Tramvie ed Autobus del Comune di Roma or ATAC for short, the underground or Metro runs daily till 11:30 pm and till 1:30 Am on weekends. It’s the easiest way to get around Rome and especially useful for families as children under 10 go free.

You can buy multi-day tickets from the machines at the metros. Or if you need help deciding, get them from one of the Tabacco shops. These tickets allow unlimited use on all the ATAC networks – metro, tram and bus during the validity periods.

Bus

Part of the ATAC system and using the same tickets, they’re perfect for getting around Rome while taking in the sights and sounds of the Rome landmarks that you pass by.

Tram

Six tram lines run from 5:30 am to midnight. They’re useful in certain areas and connect travelers to other lines such as bus and metro. Line 3 and Line 8 both connect to Trastevere.

Once you get on a tram, do remember to validate your ticket at the validation machines. It’s easy to forget and get fined.

Bike, Scooters And Segways

Cycling is a not really that used to get around locally, but e-bikes have become very quite popular. You can rent an e-bike for a one time use or for multiple uses.

Some popular rental agencies are Roma Starbike E-bike Tours and Easy Bike Rent.

Segway tours are popular with tourists and a great way to go on trips around Rome without taking a toll on your feet.

Where To Stay In Rome, Italy

Accommodation in Rome can range from budget-friendly hostels and B&Bs to luxurious resorts with spa facilities. The best places in Rome to stay are Trastevere or Monti for easy access to Rome attractions and arts and culture.

If you want to be where the food is, stay in Testaccio, and if you’re looking for luxury head over to Prati. Wherever you stay, there are always some things to see in Rome that will be close to you.

Rome Travel Tips & Advice

• Tipping isn’t part of Italian culture, and most restaurants include a service charge. But if you choose to leave a tip, 10% is normal.
• Always carry some cash. Many of the smaller local stores and restaurants in Rome prefer cash rather than credit cards.
• The pretty water fountains you’ll find throughout the city actually contain drinkable water. Save some money and fill your water bottle up there!
• Wear good walking shoes to protect your feet, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Rome.
• Get the Roma Pass! It offers unlimited access to public transport and discounted entry to sites with free entry to a few.
• Watch your stuff. Rome is filled with pick-pockets that can get anything out of your backpack or purse easily. Make sure to read my travel safety tips.
• In Italy, don’t order cappuccinos or any other coffee with milk after 12 pm!
• If you visit some of the restaurants in Rome for dinner, remember that house wine is the cheapest!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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