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Ancient Glory: Introduction to Visiting Rome

November 10, 2015 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

Ah, Rome! Just the mention of its name transports you back 2,000 years in time. The history. The majesty. The glory. It is all here (and fairly well-preserved) for you to see. Each corner is steeped in both beauty and history, which makes it my favorite city to visit!

Roman Forum

Of course, Rome is more than just towering arches and ancient relics. Today, Rome is a booming metropolis with modern buildings and amenities blending in perfectly with the ancient ruins they are built both around and – sometimes – within. Of course, Vatican City – the spiritual home to the world’s 1 billion Roman Catholics – can also be found here. This tiny city, which happens to be the smallest sovereign country in the world, is located entirely within the city limits of Rome. So, while Ancient Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica may be the city’s biggest draws, there are plenty of modern sites to discover when visiting Rome as well. Let’s get rolling and discover Rome together, shall we?

Rome at a Glance

Name:Rome
Country:Italy
Region:Europe
Nicknames:The Eternal City, City of Seven Hills
Currency:Euro
Population:2.8 Million (city), 4.2 Million (metro)
Density:5,781/sq. mile
Weather:Mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers
Known For:Ancient Rome, The Vatican, Architecture, Art
Best Time to Visit:April/May or Sep/Oct

A (Very) Brief History of Rome

Buckle up folks! Let’s take a very brief look at the complicated history of this ancient and complex city. Ready…set…here we go!

According to legend, the ancient city of Rome was founded along the banks of the Tiber River by two young brothers – Romulus and Remus – who were raised by a she-wolf. In reality, the city was founded sometime between the 7th and 8th centuries B.C. and has been continuously occupied since then, which is where the nickname “The Eternal City” comes from. Originally governed by kings, the people eventually took control and decided to rule themselves, forming the Roman Republic in 510 B.C. The Roman Senate was born, and the people’s wishes were carried out at the famous Curia building.

This republic lasted for about 500 years until Julius Caesar, a Roman statesman and general, marched his army across the Rubicon River and conquered Rome for himself. Although the Roman Republic was technically still a thing, Caesar essentially ruled Rome as a dictator. The senators weren’t too keen on that idea and they assassinated him inside the halls of the Senate on March 15, 44 B.C. What followed was a tumultuous period of power struggles and wars from which Caesar’s great-nephew (and adopted son) Octavian eventually emerged victorious. In 27 B.C., the Roman Empire was born when Octavian named himself Caesar Augustus, becoming the empire’s first emperor.

With the wars now over, the coronation of Caesar Augustus kicked off the period known as the “Pax Romana” or Roman Peace. This period of relative peace throughout the Roman Empire lasted for nearly 200 years, ending with the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 180 A.D. During this time, the Roman Empire flourished, with its territory expanding across almost all of Europe, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Eventually, the Roman Empire was divided into two halves, east and west. Additionally, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380 A.D., meaning that it also became the defacto religion for all of Europe.

However, Rome had expanded too far and eventually fell, with the city itself being sacked in 410 A.D. The Eastern Roman Empire would also fall, sending Europe into a period of darkness for over 1,000 years that we now call the “Middle Ages.” Italy itself would be ruled by a series of small dukedoms, where powerful families controlled Italian cities and fought against one another. It would stay this way all the way until 1861, when Victor Emmanuel II reunified Italy (ending with the capture of Rome in 1870) and was pronounced King of Italy. Benito Mussolini seized control of the government in 1922 and allied with the Germans during World War II. However, Italy was eventually liberated by the Allied Forces and Mussolini was executed in 1945. In 1946, the people of Italy once again voted to become a republic, and the country remains so today.

Whew! How was that for a brief overview?!?

Things to Do In Rome

Colosseum

Enough about facts and figures! Let’s talk about what you need to see when you’re visiting Rome.

  • The Colosseum – One of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire world, the Roman Colosseum is absolutely incredible. You can almost hear the crowd roar as you step into the arena where Christians were sacrificed, battles were seen as sport, and gladiators used to fight to the death. Built to seat more than 50,000 people, the sheer size of the building is awe-inspiring. Amazingly, it was constructed in just 10 years, opening in the year 80 A.D. With nearly 4 million visitors a year, the lines here can be unbearable. Make sure to plan your visit ahead.
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – The Roman Forum was the heart of the Ancient Rome, and quite possibly my favorite tourist destination in the entire world. This was where the ancient Romans lived and worked. Fairly well-preserved, you’ll be able to walk past dozens of ancient temples, buildings, and statues. See the famous Curia where the Senate met, and gaze at the Rostrum where Roman statesmen would address the crowds. Climb to the top of Palatine Hill and absorb a breathtaking view of the city. Imagine yourself standing here 2,000 years ago as Caesar Augustus triumphantly paraded down the Via Sacra (Sacred Road), with thousands of Romans waving banners and cheering him on. One note of importance: You can gain entry to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill on the same ticket as your ticket for the Colosseum.
  • The Vatican – OK, so technically the Vatican is in Vatican City, but this is one stop in Rome you can’t miss. Spend some time contemplating eternity while gazing at the columns and statutes in St. Peter’s Square. Visit the largest and grandest church in the world inside St. Peter’s Basilica. And, stroll through 4 miles of the world’s most precious art works (including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel) at the Vatican Museums. If you have time, you may even be able to see the Pope speak; he holds a Papal Audience every Sunday and Wednesday when he’s in town. Lines here can be outrageously long, so either book a tour or buy skip-the-line tickets in advance.
  • The Pantheon – Built about 2,000 years ago, this ancient temple is probably the most important and influential building in archetectural history. The Pantehon’s domed roof was the inspiration for some of Italy’s other great domes, including the Florence Duomo and St. Peter’s Basillica. It also provides the best example of what Roman temples looked like inside. Unlike many Roman temples, this one was turned into a Christian temple – which is probably why it survives so well in tact. Be sure to grab a selfie with your camera pointed directly up at the hole in the ceiling, the only place in the building where light is able to come in. Entry is free.
  • Trevi Fountain – Rome is filled with fountains, and none is more spectacular than Nicola Salvi’s Trevi Fountain. This is a popular nighttime gathering spot for tourists and romantics alike. Toss a coin in the fountain, and – as legend has it – you’ll be sure to return to Rome again! (Note: As of November 2015, the Trevi Fountain is currently under renovation and pumped dry.)
  • Spanish Steps – One of The Eternal City’s most famous sites, this giant staircase winds its way up 138 steps to the Spain’s Vatican Embassy. It’s also a great spot to hang out and get your people watching in, especially at night.
  • Piazza Navona – Built in 80 A.D. by the emperor Domitian, this piazza was originally used as a racetrack. Now, the track is surrounded by dozens of restaurants and a thriving nightlife. In the center of the piazza is the Four Rivers Fountain, created by Bernini. In the 1600’s, Bernini filled Rome with dozens of fountains, all in the over-the-top Baroque style of the times. This is probably his most famous.
  • Borghese Gallery – If you are looking for art in Rome, look no further than the famous Borghese Gallery. Founded by the Borghese family, a family full of Roman Catholic cardinals and popes, the gallery features masterpieces from artists like Raphael, Rubens, Bernini, Titian, and Caravaggio. You’ll need reservations to get in, so be sure to plan ahead.
  • Baths of Caracala – Fed by the ancient aqueducts, the gigantic bath complex was once able to host 1,600 bathers at a time. The complex is immense, but most of the artwork that once resided here has been moved to museums elsewhere. Still, you’ll be amazed by the size of this complex and get a feel for how bathing was a social highlight in Ancient Rome.

Find Vacation Travel Deals in Rome!

Best Way to See the City

Ancient history, spectacular scenery, and fantastic food - Rome has it all. Read our "Introduction to Visiting Rome" to start planning your trip today!When you travel to Rome, the last thing you want to do is waste time standing in line. As with most major cities, Rome offers a city pass that allows you to skip those lines. The Roma Pass is the easiest way to get around. At just €36, the pass is totally worth it. You gain free entry to 2 museums, passage on any city bus or metro, and discounted pricing to several other attractions for up to 36 hours. Another option is the Omnia Vatican & Rome Card. In addition to all the benefits of the Roma Pass, the Omnia Vatican & Rome Card also allows you skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. It does cost €98, but again, skipping-the-lines is well worth it. Be aware that you need to schedule an appointment to enter both St. Peter’s Basillica and the Vatican Museums with this card. This isn’t listed on their website, but you can simply schedule a time to go when you pick up your passes.

  • Hot Tip: When visiting Rome, make sure to bring a water bottle with you. The city is filled with drinking fountains that run constantly. You’ll notice them everywhere, and the water is safe to drink. Just stick your bottle under the stream, and you’re good to go!

Getting Around Rome

Getting around Rome is fairly easy and safe. Most of the city’s attractions are centrally located, so be sure to bring your walking shoes. The city also has a stellar bus system that you can use to get pretty much everywhere. Just find a bus stop, look at the white signs which list the bus number and the order of stops, and hop on. The metro system is small, but also easy to use. However, only a few lines run through the center of town, so using the metro may be out if your hotel isn’t near a subway station.

If you are going to take a taxi, be sure that you only ride in an official taxi what is licensed by the city of Rome. They are all white with a yellow taxi sign on top. If not, you are almost certain to be scammed. Also, beware of gypsies looking to scam you at airports and train stations. Simply refuse their help and walk away…or you may end up paying dearly for help you didn’t really need or want.

Wrapping It Up

With incredible history, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, Rome is my favorite city to visit! Visiting Rome is an awe-inspiring journey that you’ll never forget!

Recommended Resources

  • Omnia Vatican & Rome Card
  • Guidebook: Rick Steves’ Italy
  • Guidebook: Rick Steves’ Rome

Find Vacation Travel Deals in Rome!

Filed Under: Featured Cities, International Cities Tagged With: Europe, Italy, Rome

The Inn at Laguna Beach: A Review

August 14, 2015 By Greg Johnson Leave a Comment

The Inn at Laguna Beach combines a laid-back beach vibe with a modern luxurious feel. Check out our review of The Inn at Laguna Beach here!

A few weeks ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to visit Southern California for the first time. I know, I know. It’s hard to believe that we’d never been there before, but it is true. Frankly, it is a long way from our home base in Indiana, and we’ve never really had any reason to go to California. So, we decided to tack some extra time onto the end of our trip to Las Vegas and head to sunny Laguna Beach for a few days.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to like SoCal. Personally, I could never figure out what all the hype was about. I’ve been a lot of beautiful places in my life, and Southern California just didn’t seem to be burning a hole in my pocket.

After landing in L.A. and spending the afternoon there, I was really starting to wonder what the big deal was. We spent some time meandering through Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but the neighborhoods and houses weren’t any nicer than a lot of the places near where we live.

Then, there is the traffic. If there’s one thing (other than movies…and smog) that L.A. is famous for, it is this. Trying to get out of L.A. was pretty much a nightmare. Where we come from, driving 40 miles should take 40 minutes to an hour, tops. Our little trek to Laguna Beach took us about 2 hours. Oi!

However, once we made it into Orange County, the traffic began to subside and the natural beauty of the area took our breath away. After exiting I-5 onto CA-133, we could barely contain our excitement. As we began our downward descent into Laguna Beach, we were blown away by the scenic hills and cliffs surrounding the town. Winding our way down to the beach, we immediately felt at home with Laguna’s artsy vibe. We hit the “T” at CA-1 and spotted our hotel, The Inn at Laguna Beach. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Resorts & Hotels, U.S. Resorts & Hotels Tagged With: Beach, California, Orange County, Southern California

On the Hunt for the Forrest Fenn Treasure

September 19, 2014 By Greg Johnson 4 Comments

On the Hunt for the Forrest Fenn Treasure

Near the Chama River

(Editor’s Note: While we are away at a blogging conference, please enjoy this encore post which originally appeared on June 20, 2014. Also, please make sure to enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card using the Rafflecopter widget following the post!)

At some point during the course of our childhood, every young boy dreams of going on a treasure hunt. We pretend to travel through caves and shipwrecks, mountains and jungles, solving clues and battling evil forces on our way to finding treasure chests stuffed with riches. Countless movies and stories have been made and told around just this premise (Indiana Jones and the Goonies, anybody?). But, as we grow up, we usually let go of these silly boyhood dreams, realizing that there are no hidden treasures to be found. Well, Forrest Fenn has given us all a chance to relive our boyhood fantasies and made a hidden treasure a reality.

For those of you who may not have heard, Forrest Fenn is the eccentric New Mexico art dealer and gajillionaire who decided to hide a treasure chest filled with approximately $2 million worth of rare coins, gold nuggets, gemstones, and jewelry somewhere in the mountains north of Santa Fe. After receiving a cancer diagnosis in 1988, Fenn came up with the idea to hide this bronze chest in the mountains and die along side of it. Mr. Fenn survived the illness and waited until he was about 80 years old to move forward with his plan to hide the treasure.

Our hunt for the Forrest Fenn treasure begins

Upon reading Forrest Fenn’s book The Thrill of the Chase a few years ago, my brother-in-law Brian became interested in the treasure. He told my wife Holly about it, and she interviewed him for a couple of different websites – after which, the two of them became friends. Brian decided that he was going to search for the treasure himself and asked me if I would come with him to New Mexico. Always up for an adventure, I happily obliged, and we started making plans. After weeks of studying poems, books, and maps, we determined our precise search area and hopped a plane to New Mexico. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Personal Stories, Travel Tips and Stories Tagged With: Forrest Fenn, Mountains, New Mexico, Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe, The Thrill of the Chase, treasure, treasure hunt

Cruising the Caribbean Aboard the Carnival Sensation

September 12, 2014 By Greg Johnson 4 Comments

Cruising the Caribbean with the Carnival Sensation

Editors Note: Be sure not to miss your chance to win a $100 gift card at the end of this post!

“Hey girls. It’s time to wake up,” I whispered as I gently nudged my five and three-year-old girls awake.

“Daddy, why are we getting up so early?”

“We’re going on a trip!” I said.

“We are?!? Where are we going?”

“I can’t tell you. It is a surprise,” I said with a smile.

And so it started. Both girls jumped out of their beds, grinning from ear to ear, excited to see where this surprise journey would take them. Holly and I were excited too, not just because this would be the girls’ first time on an airplane. This would be our first time on a cruise, as we headed on a short weekend trip to Nassau, Bahamas aboard the Carnival Sensation.

Having never cruised before, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Our recent vacations have pretty much included us plopping our backsides down on a beach chair, sipping on tropical drinks, and eating entirely too much at all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. How would we like cruising? Would there be plenty to do? What would the room be like? We were all excitement and a little bit worried as we headed out the door, figuring that – even if we didn’t like it – we’d only be gone for three days. How bad could it be? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Personal Stories, Travel Tips, Travel Tips and Stories Tagged With: Bahamas, Caribbean, Carnival, Carnival Sensation, cruising, Nassau

The Versatile Blogger Award (and a Giveaway!!!)

September 11, 2014 By Greg Johnson 29 Comments

The Versatile Blogger AwardHuzzah! We’ve just received an award, and it is a doozy! We have been nominated for/received the very prestigious “Versatile Blogger Award“…and I’m totes stoked.

I love me some awards. I love them so much that when I get one, I just want to celebrate. And what is a celebration without friends? So, I’m going to let all of you in on the action with a pretty swank giveaway as well. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, we’ve got to fulfill our Versatile Blogger Award duties. So without further ado, away we go. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Awards, giveaways

Montreux, Switzerland: A Crown Jewel

September 5, 2014 By Greg Johnson 16 Comments

Montreux, Switzerland: A Crown Jewel

Chillon Castle (Photo Credit: By Rama via Wikimedia Commons and Creative Commons)

The following is a guest post and part of our “Reader Stories” series from our friend Kassandra Dasent.  Kassandra is a self-employed wife and step-mom striving to live life beyond what money can buy. She writes about a variety of topics and personal experiences that all intersect with money. You can communicate directly with Kassandra at More Than Just Money.

 

When traveling to Switzerland, you may immediately call to mind cities such as Geneva, Zurich, Bern and Basel. Undoubtedly these cities are ones you would not want to miss as each have their unique allure. The Montreux Riviera, however, is a gem all by itself.

Nestled on a bay in the Lake Geneva Region, Montreux lays claim to the backdrop of the majestically snow-covered Swiss Alps. Montreux enjoys a very mild climate and averages a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August, the warmest months of the year.

Upon landing at the Geneva Cointrin International Airport, instead of renting a car, you can travel to Montreux in under an hour by direct railway service connected to the airport. Montreux is a predominantly French-speaking city, but the local merchants are able to serve visitors in English for the most part. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some key French words and phrases.

From its vista, you may envision that the Montreux Riviera is a quietly picturesque township, yet it is a vibrant city and home to a number of attractions and events that are world-renowned. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Reader Stories, Travel Tips and Stories Tagged With: castles, Europe, Montreux, Switzerland

Holocaust Concentration Camps: 7 Somber, Preserved Sites

September 1, 2014 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

Holocaust Concentration Camps - 7 Somber Preserved Sites

By Alexander Voronzow and others in his group, ordered by Mikhael Oschurkow, head of the photography unit [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

September 1, 2014 marks the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II and one of the darkest periods in human history. Upon his rise to power in February 1933, Adolf Hitler and the ruling Nazi party began building the first of the  holocaust concentration camps. The original camps housed and tortured around 45,000 political prisoners and union officials by the end of that first year. Hitler turned over control of these camps to Heinrich Himmler and the SS in 1934, instructing them to purge Germany of those people he thought were racially undesirable. In addition to the political prisoners, these groups included criminals, homosexuals, Gypsies, and Jews.

From 1933 until the end of the war in 1945, the Nazi’s would build 23 main camps.  According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the main camps would have over 900 permanent subcamps and 20,000 total camps that were used for a variety of purposes – including forced labor, prisoner transit, and extermination of prisoners. Here, millions of people were held, tortured, and murdered including over 6.25 million Jews alone. Although the Nazis attempted to cover up these atrocities by destroying the camps upon the advance of the Allied Forces, 7 of the main camps stand at least partially preserved as museums. With all that is going on in he world today, these 7 holocaust concentration camps stand both as witnesses to the vast Nazi atrocities of the 1930’s and 40’s and as sobering reminders of the horrors that can befall us when evil is left unchecked. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Europe, International Tagged With: concentration camps, Germany, holocaust, Nazis, Poland, World War II

Swim with Dolphins on Blue Dolphin Tours

August 26, 2014 By Greg Johnson 8 Comments

Swim with Dolphins on Blue Dolphin ToursOne of our favorite things to do as a family is to head to Panama City Beach, Florida for vacation. The beach is absolutely gorgeous, the water is nice, and there is always a lot to do there. Being only a 12-hour drive for us, we typically visit the Panama City Beach area at least once a year. We recently had the chance to spend my daughter’s birthday there and found a great little touring shop called Blue Dolphin Tours. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Southeast, United States Tagged With: dolphin cruise, dolphins, family, Florida, Panama City Beach, PCB, wildlife

Saltwater Grill: A Seafood Lover’s Delight

August 13, 2014 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

Saltwater Grill: A Seafood Lover's Delight

Us in front of the 25,000 gallon aquarium at Saltwater Grill

Fact: I love vacation. I especially love beach vacations. And, one of the things I like best about going on a beach vacation is the food. Just thinking about all of that yummy, deliciously delectable seafood is making my mouth water! From mahi to grouper, prawns to oysters, I’ll take it all…and I’ll take it now! As you can probably gather, I’ve eaten a LOT of seafood – particularly on the Gulf Coast. During my travels, I’ve found that few places do seafood better than Saltwater Grill in Panama City Beach, FL. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Restaurants, U.S. Restaurants Tagged With: Florida, Food, Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach, PCB, seafood

Exploring Paradise: Fiji

August 8, 2014 By Greg Johnson 4 Comments

Exploring Paradise: Fiji

Ben in Fiji

The following is a guest post and part of our “Reader Stories” series from our friend Ben Luthi. Ben is a personal finance blogger and freelance writer who is spends half of his time thinking about saving money and the other half thinking of vacations to spend it on. He spent two years living in Germany and would love to freelance full-time in order to become a nomad. He writes regularly at The Wealth Gospel.

 

June 10, 2009 – I was about to board a plane alone for the first time in my life. I was excited to reach the final destination, Tavua, Fiji, but I was also nervous to fly for hours across the Pacific Ocean. Across from me, an attractive girl was talking on her cell phone about her trip to Fiji. I had gone to some pre-summer meetings but I hadn’t met her. I thought about talking to her, but I was still terrified of girls, so I just kept to myself. Luckily for me, I was about to face my fears. Over the next 6 weeks I lived in a small house with two guys and fifteen girls.

Yeah. I know. Should be heaven, right? In some ways it was fun, but in a lot of ways, opposite sex overload is never really a good thing in the long run.

The 10-hour flight from LAX was horrible, with a lot of turbulence and about a half hour of sleep. The next 6 weeks, though, were nothing less than a dream. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Reader Stories, Travel Tips and Stories Tagged With: adventure, Asia, bucket list, charity, Fiji, Food, mission work, South Pacific

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  • 6 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas
  • Best Things to Do in St. Maarten – St. Martin
  • 5 Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Racing Around Piazza Navona, Rome
  • Holocaust Concentration Camps: 7 Somber, Preserved Sites
  • Xel-Ha Eco Park: Wet & Wild Family Fun
  • On the Hunt for the Forrest Fenn Treasure
  • 5 Best Ski Resorts You May Not Know
  • Visiting The Tower of London
  • Stonehenge Facts, Fictions, and Mysteries
  • Ancient Glory: Introduction to Visiting Rome
The Versatile Blogger Award

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