How To Travel To Rome

[homeschoolmom]

We were there about 12 years ago (at the same time as Raphael, as it turns out), and we didn't go with a group, either. Just booked a bed and breakfast and did our own thing. We took lots of public transportation (very easy) and had a really fun time. The language barrier was not too difficult to overcome. We had a traveler's phrase book, and we tried to say what we wanted, but if we couldn't make it work, we just pointed to what we were trying to say. People were very friendly.

 

 

[EcceNovaFacioOmni]

The North American College and the US Embassy to the Holy See both have helpful websites for pilgrims:

http://www.pnac.org/visitorsoffice/

http://vatican.usembassy.gov/visiting-the-vatican.html

[morostheos]

As far as time of the year to do, I have found the absolute cheapest time to get a flight abroad is Thanksgiving. Everyone is coming home and the planes on the way back to Europe are empty just before Thanksgiving. A few years ago I got a round trip ticket for $400. 

 

I wouldn't worry about not speaking the language, throughout Rome and most other frequently visited sites all of the staff at restaurants and pilgrimage sites will know English. If you want to go off the beaten path, Italians will generally know some English (the younger ones have all had to take it in school), and if you learn a few key phrases in Italian you should be able to communicate well enough.

 

Regarding places to see, how long are you hoping to stay? There is so much!!

 

If you're interested, I can give you a few restaurant recommendations as well, let me know. In general, the smaller the sign, the better the food.

 

 

wear your wallet inside your undershirt and don't pay money for the public transportation. only tourists do that.

 

Not paying for public transportation is taking a risk - most Italians do buy tickets just like everyone else. A lot of them buy monthly or yearly passes, so you may not see them validate their tickets. I lived there for a year and had many Italian classmates. I do not recommend this as public transportation is really cheap and it's not fun getting in an argument with the transportation official if they do an audit of the bus/train that you are on. The fines are steep.

 

 

[carmenchristi]

When do you want to come? I have volunteered as the official pm Rome tour guide, free of charge, but so far no one has taken me up on the offer. Also think about staying 4 weeks instead of 3 and renting a small apartment. You could get something decent and not too far out of the way for about €1000. And devided by 3 is a pretty good price.

[carmenchristi]

Oh I see you said this fall. I will be back in mid October.... So really, lets meet!

[BigJon16]

My brother and cousins and myself were always fortunate to have family just outside of Rome that we could literally live with for a whole summer. Unfortunately, I have never had the time to take them up on their offer, but other members of my family have. I really should.. 

[Brother Adam]

And take me with you...

[Brother Adam]

When do you want to come? I have volunteered as the official pm Rome tour guide, free of charge, but so far no one has taken me up on the offer. Also think about staying 4 weeks instead of 3 and renting a small apartment. You could get something decent and not too far out of the way for about €1000. And devided by 3 is a pretty good price.

 

I want to go this fall, and would be happy to take a few others. I am not sure I could get away for a full 4 weeks, but 250 for housing for 3 weeks would be a killer deal.

[BigJon16]

And take me with you...

 

 

Boom. Let's do it.

 

We can backpack across Europe. We'll be like Martin Sheen and Yorick van Wageningen from The Way except a lot less Dutch and a whole lotta more grease...