When on holiday, it’s very easy to fall into the ‘tourist trap’. Wandering around, carrying heavy bags for no apparent reason and snapping photos of everything. A holiday should be time to relax and enjoy your new surroundings – in Rome, for example, there are so many sights and sounds to soak up, it can be easy to miss a few when you are on a tight schedule. Here are a few tips so that you can get a bit more out of your Roman holiday.
Accommodation: Rome vacation rentals are much cheaper than hotels – and are much more private. You won’t have the maid bursting in, or have to eat breakfast with other guests in the dining room. Apartments in Rome are also much more spacious than a hotel or hostel, and if you are travelling with your family or friends, the extra rooms will be a saving grace.
Food: Eating in hotel bars and restaurants is a big mistake when in Europe, the quality just isn’t there. Take a stroll around Rome and you’ll come across many little cafes and restaurants that are big on quality, and most will offer lunch or breakfast specials. The Romans are a friendly bunch, so strike up a conversation, if your Italian is up to scratch!
Transport: The public transport system in Rome is pretty good – you can easily get around by train, tram or bus. Just make sure you buy a travel pass in advance so that you aren’t caught without a ticket. Taxis are available, but make sure you call and book first, hailing a taxi can be costly, as some of them will try to organise a price before getting to your destination – it might seem reasonable at first, but metered taxis are much cheaper.
So don’t rush around – and don’t stay in your apartment or room the whole time, Rome is a city to be enjoyed and experienced!