Rome Travel Tips
Traveling to Rome
You’ll want to fly into the Rome International Airport or, if you’re already in Europe and traveling by railway, take a train to Termini, the main station. As part of your Wonderfeast package, a car and driver will meet you to take you to the hotel.
What to Bring On Your Trip
Here’s a list of things to bring. These are just the basics:
– two pairs of comfortable shoes. By far the most important thing you’ll need on this trip!! Tennis shoes and/or padded, walking-friendly closed shoes; two pairs so that if it rains you’ll have a spare pair. And I would recommend breaking them in well before our seminar
– layers: a couple of T-shirts, a couple of long-sleeved shirts, comfortable long trousers and/or jeans, a sweater or two, and a rain-proof jacket. I also find that November is a good month for scarves or shawls as they help to keep one cosy and go a long way to dress up an outfit
– a ‘nice’ change for dinners out. Romans like to look good and, after all, “when in Rome…”
– sunglasses, sunscreen, if we’re visiting in the fall, a hooded rain jacket and, if you’d like. a light-weight, folding umbrella.
– your smartphone or a camera if you’re a happy snapper and, if you have them, maybe a very light pair of binoculars for better fresco viewing
– walking poles if you appreciate the stability they can provide on the uneven terrain we’ll sometimes encounter
– a comfortable bag in which to carry your things around town – small backpack or shoulder bag or purse, whichever you prefer
– lastly, a photocopy of your passport (see ‘Safety and Smart Travel Practices,’ below).
Should I bring cash with me to Rome?
I recommend bringing only a small amount of euro with you if you can; maybe €100-200. Then, after that, the best system is to use the local ATMs. You’ll want to make sure, therefore, that your credit card can be used in Europe and has a PIN number (the code you punch in once you’ve inserted your card into the machine) that is valid abroad. Also, ideally, your card will feature one of those embedded security chips that have been in use for a few years now in Europe and are recently becoming widespread in the U.S., too. Bottom line is, if you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to make sure your card can be used in Europe and you’ll want an international PIN (specify that it’s going to be used in Italy, just in case) that’s connected to the credit card. Also, you might want to see which credit card companies offer the most competitive rates since some charge higher conversion commission rates than others and there are several that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. It may be worthwhile to switch companies.
DO NOT bring traveler’s checks (do those even exist anymore?!), large amounts of US dollars in cash, or assume you’ll do your currency exchanging at a bank or conversion kiosk. It’s notoriously time-consuming and can result in serious headaches that will spoil your trip. Not worth it.
This is my favorite site for the latest currency exchange rates.
Tipping
Tipping in Italy is NOT REQUIRED. There is no percentage for tipping in Italy as all servers are on salary. At a café, I usually leave the change that I get from the bill I’ve paid (50 cents to a euro or two if there were several people) and at a restaurant I usually leave a euro a head, unless I’m in a large group. Yes, this requires having a few coins and small bills in one’s pocket or wallet. As for taxis, again, a euro or two on top of the fare does the trick. Simple. No calculating necessary and definitely no more than 10% if you feel so moved.
Safe and Smart Travel Practices
Baggage
Take a photograph of your suitcase prior to handing it over at check-in!!!!! Bags get lost and, while in my experience they are usually delivered quite quickly, it can be a real drag if you don’t have a very specific description of the wayward piece of luggage. On the same note, carry basics (glasses, medications, contact lens solution, etc.) with you on the plane so that, if your bag should get lost, you can get by for a few days. And definitely bring any valuables (laptops, electronics, jewelry) with you on the plane. There have been reports of thefts at the hands of baggage handlers.
Documents
Please bring a photocopy or smartphone photo of your passport with you to Naples – the front pages suffice (where your photograph, passport number, and the date of issue, etc. are recorded). If you don’t have the photograph(s) on your smartphone, please print them and bring hard copies so that if anything should happen to your passport, we can easily get a replacement.
Personal safety/pickpocketing
As my mother has often said about Italy, “the great thing is that your body is always safe, though your belongings may not be.” I cannot sufficiently stress the importance of being vigilant about pickpockets in Rome. Be they young children or women in the streets or adult men or women on buses or in crowded piazze, it is an unfortunate reality that pickpocketing is a regular occurrence. So, to avoid any unpleasant experiences…
NEVER
– carry large amounts of cash on your person. It’s much safer to leave it in the safe at the hotel.
– wear visibly showy jewelry or designer handbags on your person.
– carry your passport with you. Again, leave it at the hotel.
– put anything valuable in back pockets.
ALWAYS
– keep your hands on your valuables when walking the streets through a crowd, visiting a site (the Vatican Museums, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, etc...).
– turn backpacks and purses around (carrying them on your front) when on public transportation and put your hands across the pockets where you are keeping your valuables (money, camera, etc.).
– be aware of your surroundings! If anyone should try to grab something, shout “Via!!” (Go away!) and “Aiuto!!” ([ah-YOU-toe] Help!) as loudly as you can. People will rally to help you. Romans are always eager to lend a hand.
Bringing Phones, Computers, and Electronics
WIFI
Your hotel has WIFI throughout the buildings. However, because of the age of the buildings and thickness of the walls, it may work better in certain places - like common rooms - than others. You’re therefore welcome to bring your laptop or iPad or whatever you like to use for e-mailing and reading online material. Just make sure that you have a US-Europe plug adaptor that will attach to your power source. This can be bought before departure at most electronics stores or ordered online.
Phones
If you want to be able to surf the internet, use GPS to find your way around, or send texts and place calls during your stay in Rome, there are two ways to do so. 1) Get an international data plan for your already existing phone, specifying that you’re going to be using it in Europe, OR 2) Use an international e-SIM which you can get from Holafly or Saily. You can just go to their websites or download their apps and install the plan on your phone. They’re very user-friendly.
Getting the Best Photos on Your Trip
Policies regarding photography vary from place to place. Some sites do not allow photography at all while others allow photography sans flash. It really depends on the place. I will find out at each location we visit and will be sure to let you know whether or not it is permissible to take photographs.
I hope all this helps!