Tagged With "Ancient Rome"

Congratulations SueZee! We're delighted in your marriage, and you've picked a great country in which to honeymoon. May is not too early to go to Italy, although pack a light jacket just in case. The crowds won't be there yet and you'll save some money when compared to the peak summer season. Where to go is very much a matter of taste. Most definitely you need to go to Venice and I'd say spend at least 5 days here, maybe with a day trip or two (such as to the glass making island of Murano or...

I get booksellers' e-newsletters and paper catalogs and run across interesting travel-related items from time to time. Many are on remainder sites so "quantities are limited" but when a post is fresh here, you'll likely get it if you want it. Spotted today in the Daedalus Books catalog is one by Ian Buruma, Bad Elements: Chinese Rebels from Los Angeles to Beijing , " a dissident's eye-view of the world's most secretive superpower, observing, "Strange things happen when Chinese dynasties near...

There's been no mention, that I noticed, of consolidators for multi-segment air travel. I've had great success over the years using Airtreks and now, after a number of bookings, have a "relationship" with an agent there. The only job of a consolidator is to find their clients the cheapest fares point to point and string them together to make a unique personalized trip. They use airlines with which they have contracts for the lowest fares so, short of a spectacular sale, will, as far as I can...

I traveled with my mom when she was around that age, and in much the same way - I was the tour guide and she was along for the ride. I did all the work - ALL of it - and she paid for both of us, so I considered it an excellent deal. She did have some ideas where to go - "I haven't seen Italy, Austria, or Switzerland." But we also went to Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris (she had been to Paris before but wanted to get up close and personal with the Eiffel Tower). I got to pick where to take her...

What an interesting group of islands. Thanks so much for this article. Wondering - Do people get around mostly by boat ? Is English widely spoken ?

Hello F-car, people mainly use their cars to get around, which is a pity as the roads are not the best and there are far too many cars for the roads to cope with. There is an extensive bus network which I found more preferable to driving. Boats are used more for leisure but there are many fisherman who make their living from the sea. Although the Maltese have their own language, English is widely spoken and visitors get by without problems. Many locals also speak Italian (them being our...

Thanks so much Island Man.What a great post! I'll definetly include a visit to Malta in my future travel plans.

That's good advice in her column! I've often had success calling back when I didn't get the "right" answer the first time helps...and the night shift often has the most experienced agents. Other useful tips, aside from being the most pleasant if sadly disappointed customer they've had all day: Plan early, book early. If you really want to fly to Paris in late July on the cheapest FF tickets, your best bet is late August: the airlines generally open seats 330 days ahead, and if you can be...

I was just booking a one-way trip from Barcelona to Marseille for next summer hoping to use some points sitting on a bank-based (but not airline-affiliated) card. Imagine my shock when the ticket (which I knew should cost about $89) showed up as...

My BF and I are getting married in May, and we're getting a group present from the family--15 days in Italy! We think we want to go in Northern Italy, but is late May too cold for there? Also, we don't want to spend the whole time running around...

I read a lot of food magazines (Saveur, Bon Appetit, etc.) and they are always on top of what's trendy in food and wine...but I'm a little along, and not so interested in the newest thing, because mostly it's a lot of fuss and soon gone. I'd like...

Traveling has many benefits in terms of both physical and mental health, which is an effective way to improve mood. However, the feeling of traveling alone or with friends is not the same as when you go with the family members. It will be the most precious moments to help the members closer. You are looking forward to your family holiday and you really need a vacation, but at the same time you fear the packing, children’s behavior, their potential sickness and unpacking all over again? You...

We've all heard the stories about Ryanair's fees, attitudes, threats to charge for the lav, etc., and it left us a little concerned while planning our first Ryanair flight from Rome to Nürnberg—despite all the reassurances we've heard from GarryRF. So, I'm pleased to say, more than fine. I paid in advance for a 15kg checked bag; when I realized on the way from the U.S. that our suitcase was a bit over that, I was able to contact them online and easily change it to 20kg for 4€. I was also...

I'm trying to find a program that will let me plot out, and eventually print, a map of upcoming trips. I've looked at a number, and each has a problem, the most common ones being limited number of destinations, and no ability to make one stretch off the route car/rail and another by air. For example, I will be arriving in Rome, flying to Palermo, driving around Sicily, taking a train to Naples and then flying to Nürnberg, and continuing onward with more stops. Obviously, Rome to Palermo and...

What is Goa most popular for? Its beaches of course. Those lovely stretches of sand that are great for spending a day in complete relaxation or enjoying various water sports in Goa. However, what most tourists forget is that Goa has a lot to offer besides its beaches, like its forts, spice plantations, casinos, and such other stuff that make for a memorable vacation. Goa is also home to a number of churches, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are repositories of heritage and...

I went on a solo trip to Italy and Rome last month. I am sharing my Italy Itinerary to guide first-time visitors to Europe. Make your backpack with this Backpacking Europe Packing List One thing that was common in every place was beautiful churches and Frescos there. In Italy, they always believed in the balance so if a church is beautiful from outside, it's going to be very simple inside and vice versa. 1. Rome - For Rome trip, I think 3 to 4 is enough to make your trip plan . If possible...

Italy, also known as the Italian Republic, is a European country. The country is spread over an area of 301,340 square kilometers. Italy shares a border with a number of countries, France, Switzerland, and Austria to name a few. Rome is the capital city of Italy. It is a beautiful city to visit and is on our list as well. When it comes to climate, Italy, being a European country, has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The winters are cold and you would enjoy being there at that time.

If you're getting ready to visit Russia for the first time, be prepared to encounter a bit of culture shock. As you probably know, Russia is absolutely massive – spanning eight time zones and encompassing more than six million square miles of land. It's impossible to see all of this country's beauty in one visit, so you might as well pick a few random things to explore and have fun doing it. With that said, here are seven interesting and random facts about Russia that every tourist should...

I have an affinity with the Maltese islands . The fact that I was born there may have something to do it, but, as I have lived most of my life in Australia, the distance between the 2 countries has made this affinity more special. I was constantly reading about it and wanted to know more. I returned there many times for short holidays, and my fondness grew with each subsequent visit. Sliema Waterfront I am now a permanent resident of the country, and, while I may seem biased towards it, it’s...

PHeymont, be forewarned that the pickpockets will see these unless you have your shirt hanging over your belt. A friend of mine had the belt loop of his hidden money pouch of this style 99% cut thru by a razor in Rome (he was completely unaware of it, but aware that someone was trailing him). Fortunately the 1% that didn't get cut kept the belt in place, but it was a narrow miss and he would have been out $1500 and his credit cards.

Planning to tour Europe anytime soon and not sure of how to make the plans? No worries because travel planning is both interesting and hectic. But when you know all the important nuances of planning, the whole process gets easier and you will come up with effective plans. All you need to consider are the basic research about the countries you want to visit, the visa process, money exchange, flight tickets and local travel and food expenses. It’s high time you know about the process and plan...