Traveling on a Budget

 Don't let your budget deter you from traveling!

It is always a good idea to have money saved up and a safety net when traveling. You don't need to take the most extravagant trips though when abroad. For ideas on how to save some money and still travel the world, follow along:

Lodging Options

In Tokyo? Stay in a capsule hotel starting at $15 a night. Sure, its probably more expensive now a days, but options like these are cheaper than a fancy hotel. Don't take hostels off your list if you want to travel but don't have the money for a full-blown hotel. I find that they just push you to spend morning to night outside. 

Travel Credit Cards

Please do not be one of those people who just will not get a credit card. Travel credit cards can give you better prices on hotels, flights, and more with their rewards system. Wells Fargo will give you $200 worth of points on their Autograph travel card just for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. You will spend that much anyways, so why not take advantage of the free money?

Having a Visa and/or Mastercard when abroad, especially Europe, is vital. I thought my Discover card would work in Italy, but no it was not accepted at most places there, and I wish I would have had my Autograph card, which is a Visa card, back then as a safety net.

Transportation

Public transportation can be a cheap and fast way to get around in foreign countries. Why not utilize it and make it part of the experience. It is not fun to travel with the type of people who have to have a taxi for anything. Better yet, walk if you are able to. You will see more of the city and save some money.

Work Abroad

Working abroad can be an excellent way to save money while traveling, as it allows you to earn in a foreign currency while experiencing new cultures. Many countries offer working holiday visas or short-term employment opportunities for travelers, enabling them to cover their living expenses and even save for future adventures. Working abroad also provides valuable professional and personal growth opportunities, from learning new languages to gaining international work experience. Overall, it's a rewarding experience that combines earning and exploring, making it a popular choice for adventurous individuals looking to extend their travels. (ChatGPT)

Stray Animals Abroad

Everyone has a different opinion about stray dogs when traveling abroad. Some people pet them and some stay far away. It can also depend on the cleanliness of the country you go to. As a general rule of thumb, you can take pictures and watch the dogs from a distance, but you do not want to risk getting bit or having an incident when on vacation or in another country.

In comparison to the Midwest, many countries worldwide have more stray dogs. It is just a part of the lifestyle in these places.

First Arriving

In new Delhi, you can find dogs right as you leave the airport. I was not expecting to see stray animals like this right as I got to the country. Take this into consideration wherever you travel if you plan on taking any pets with you.

At the shops 

If you are going anywhere that sells food, then you are more likely to encounter stray dogs. These areas are normally busier, so they seem more stressful for the dogs. Remember that you are a tourist in their territory, so don't overwhelm them and consider leaving them water or food from a distance since it might not be easily accessible for them.

At historical sites

My favorite part about visiting any outdoors landmark was seeing the dogs in the grass. At Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, you can see a number of golden dogs that lay in the grass as you enter almost as if they are protecting the site. They also play and run around in the grass even in the rain. 

Downtown

In Downtown Chennai, it was nice to see that a lot of shop owners look out for the local dogs and they seem to claim one or two to keep an eye on. Many people often overlook these dogs, and most of them are sweet animals and just want someone to pet them or give them attention. 

Cats of Rome

You can't forget about the Roman cats. Colonia Felina di Torre Argentina may be where Julius Caesar was murdered, but it is also home to a number of cats in Rome. Take a minute to look inside or around, and it might remind you of home if you are homesick and have a cat or animal that you are missing. Volunteers do care for these cats, but they are still free to roam around in Rome.

The different types of travelers

The Different Types of Travelers

When traveling, it is important to plan out who you are going with. It might be an easy choice to go with a close friend, but it’s not always the best bet. Ask yourself these questions before you plan a trip with just anyone:

1. Are you going to be sleeping in the same room as them?

2. Do you like the room temp hot or cold?

3. Do you prefer sleeping with the blinds closed or open?

4. Does the person you plan on traveling with snore?

5. Are you spending a lot of money on this trip?

6. Do you value sleep or getting the most out of your time?


Although many people are a mix of these traits, here are the types of characters you’ll encounter when traveling.


The cheap skate
I understand we are all on a budget here, but why are you spending a lot of money on a trip to not get the most out of it?

You are going to Vegas, but you’re not gonna pay $30 to take the ferris wheel? LAME! What gets the most out of me with these people is that they have no problem with doordashing McDonald’s on the trip and making it 4x more expensive.


The Splurger
On the flip side, some people come with the idea that money grows on trees. I don’t know about you, but I’m not paying $7 for a water. I also am not taking a $30 taxi when I can walk 15 minutes.


The Historian
Sorry, but I’m not going to any city to go look at a museum all day. I can look that up online. A lot of these characters can be pushy about what I would call boring experiences.


The don’t try anything new traveler
Hold up, you’re in a city that’s across the country, but you want to go to Chick-fil-A?! Help! These travelers oftentimes don’t even care about the price, they just aren’t experimental. Sometimes, they will also find one local restaurant, but they only want to eat there the whole trip.


The Dare Devil
Yes, this traveler is going to jump off the Stratosphere in Vegas, and they’re going to do anything with a thrill. Don’t travel with this person if you are scared of heights, don’t enjoy change, or get scared easily.


The Vacationers
I understand if you are going to Florida, for example. Then, you will want to stay at the beach or pool all day. However, if we are going to Rome, then we are spending our days out and about, with no exceptions.

Instagrammable Spots in Rome

I think we all have seen enough photos of people crowded at the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Spanish Steps in Rome. Of course, you have to visit them, but you don't have to post your photos at them because they are so crowded. I do think if you go see them at 5 AM right when the sun rises, then you have a free pass to post your pictures.

You can pretty much find a pretty spot for a photo at any corner in Rome, but here are some that stood out without the people:

Riserva Naturale Della Valle dei Casali

When leaving Fiumicino airport and heading to the heart of Rome, ask your taxi driver to stop at the graffiti. This part of town is the best to see because it is almost like a normal neighborhood, not crowded with tourists. It is giving suburb of Chicago but Italian. If you throw in a tip, I bet the taxi driver will take the picture for you.

Parione

West of the Pantheon, you will stumble around Parione. Look for a building with vines around it and hope there is a motorcycle parked there. Get the right angle and you have yourself an Instagram post. Pose on the motorcycle if you dare, but the Italians aren't afraid to yell at you.

Campo Marzio

Best at night, Campo Marzio is a historical little street with charm. You will find this street if you walk down the steep hill from the top of the Spanish steps. No filter needed at this location, and you won't have a lot of people walking around here at night. Just watch out because the cars zoom down this street, and it is narrow.

Sant'Eustachio

I am not going to recommend that you take a picture at a church, but I am not going to judge you if you do. The angle might be awkward, but the mirror is the perfect spot to sneak a picture. Perfect for a quick story or good to add at the end of a carousel on Instagram.

DON'T Eat Here in Rome

 When in Rome, you might assume that all the food is good. That is not true. A lot of places make money off selling mediocre food in crowded areas. 

As a rule of thumb, 

1. Walk at least 10 minutes away from the closest tourist attraction before eating.

2. If the soda is 5 Euros or more, then the restaurant is scamming you. 

3. Look at the menu beforehand. 

Specifically, don't eat at these restaurants:

LIÒN Restaurant 

Honestly, don't eat anywhere in Italy with an American name. When a group of student suggested we go here, I didn't say anything because it was one of our first few nights in Rome, but I was suspicious. The picture below is of their "Margherita Pizza." Although, i don't really know if I can call that pizza. IT was more like cardboard with tomato sauce and a sprinkling of cheese. I don't think I need to explain the pizza anymore if you just take a loot at the picture. Another red flag at this restaurant should have been that no one else was eating there. 

Osteria da Fortunata

If you see a lady in a window rolling dough for pasta, RUN! You might think "oMG thEy makE it FRESH here!". No, they just try to make you think that it is fresh and authentic. For some reason, people do recommend it on TikTok often, but if you dive deeper into the reviews, you will not want to come here. Again, someone in the group wanted to go here early on in the trip, and no one wanted to say anything. When I looked at the menu, the pasta was about 20 Euros for a small-medium plate, which is an absurd price, especially considering the quality. We had a group of girls and a group of guys sitting at different tables. The group of girls were smarter than us, and the four of them split an order of pasta and got wine. 

Bibliothè Indian Restaurant

Two girls in my class and I wanted to try a different style of food because we were getting sick of overpriced pasta and tourist pizza. We decided an Indian restaurant would be a good idea because we could get some chicken and something different. Well, we had a hard time finding the Indian restaurant we looked up online, and Bibliothè was just around the corner. We stopped here, and after sitting down and getting water, we realized that it was a vegetarian restaurant, which was fine, but not what we were wanting. The plates of food were 23 Euros each, so we just split two plates around the three of us. We considered getting up and leaving, but we had already ordered the food. The food came and below is the serving for 23 Euros. We were disappointed, and after this we went to an American-style dessert place to make up for it. 

In conclusion, be smart about where you go to eat. You will save a lot of money and have a better experience. You will run into a few not-so-good restaurants but the majority of the ones you encounter will be good. I recommend trying something different every meal. You want to get the most out of your time and food in any country!

Transportation in India: Driving

 Driving in India

Making your way around any new city or country can be intimidating. At some point, you will find yourself in a car, whether it is a taxi, bus, or rental car. In India, this is no different. Here are a few things you would want to be familiar with if you plan on driving in India:

Lanes don't always exist

In busier areas, such as Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, you aren't going to see clear lanes that guide where you go. Especially at turns, it is a fend-for-yourself type of drive. The turns in congested areas can block up easily, and it almost looks like a puzzle that is how intermixed the cars are. Luckily, guards will help clear the traffic, but it can take 20+ minutes especially if you are in a tour bus or larger vehicle. However, traffic normally moves in a steady manner, and you don't find yourself at many dead stops besides at busy turns. 

Honking is encouraged

In America, people do not liked to be honked at, and you don't see people honking often unless they are about to be hit. However, in large Indian cities, you will hear almost constant honking, which does help push people through and guide the cars quicker. Honking is also a nice way to let people know that you are coming through. Honking is good for pedestrians because you can't always see a motorcycle, for example, when crossing if it is in a blind spot, but you will hear the honk. 

Tuk-tuk is the fastest way around

If you want to go for a quick bite, then you can call for a Tuk Tuk on the side of the street, or if you want to know the price beforehand then you can download the Uber app and order one. This applies mostly to large cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, but I would still recommend having the app even in smaller cities. The Tuk Tuks are the small yellow and green mini cars driving around. These cars can swerve past the traffic to get around. They don't normally have doors, which makes it easy to get in and out of quickly, and although small, you can fit up to 4 people in one. Our tour guide shared the front seat with the driver while me and two other students squeezed into the back seat. 

Vehicles aren't the only way to drive around

If you find yourself in a more secluded neighborhood, then you might also find a camel or other animal that can take you where you need to be. Below is a picture of a camel driving six passengers to the Taj Mahal. You can also see a guard who helps conduct traffic. 

Overall, don't let the driving style of a city deter you from visiting. Even the most hectic roads are manageable, and they are worth the new experience! 

McDonald's but Make it in India

 When away on a trip, only two places can make you feel like you are back at home: Target and McDonald's (well, at least in my opinion). 

Since you can't find a Target outside the United States, we are focusing on MCDONALDS! I do not care if you think you are above McDonalds. If you are homesick, you have to find a McDonalds. 

Here is what you have to know about Indian Mcdonald's:

You are only getting chicken or vegetarian, no beef

This might not come as much of a surprise to you if you are in India, but it is still something to consider. You are not going to be able to get a Big Mac with beef; however, don't think that means you are leaving without a Big Mac. I introduce to you the Chicken Big Mac. Yes, you can technically still order this in the United States, but it just isn't the same. Eating at Mcdonald's in India feels like you are almost at Chick-fil-A or KFC back home. 

The soda and fries are high key better

May I present to you Mirinda. It is everything Orange Fanta wishes it was. Don't be bummed if you wanted Orange Fanta. Try the Mirinda soda and you will not regret it. Yes, they still have Pepsi and some other sodas from the US, but you have to try something different if you are eating at a Mcdonald's when in a foreign country. Don't forget about the fries! You might be thinking OMGG I need nacho cheese fries. Well, these weren't what I was expecting. These are Cheesy fries with Smoky Chipotle Sauce, and it is HOTT. You are going to need some ranch or yogurt to cool your mouth off after these fries. But how cool. We don't have cheese fries at our local McDonald's. 

Take the menu in

Here is a quick view of all McDonald's India has to offer. Will you be getting the McALOO Tikki Burger, Veg Surprise, Chicken McWings, or what?! Leave a comment about what you would order at McDonald's in India. 

Don't forget McBreakfast!

Lastly, you can not forget the breakfast when you go to any McDonald's. Surprisingly, the breakfast menu isn't super different from the US version, but there are still some interesting differences like the Dosa Masala or just the way the muffins look. 

A Day in Rome

Exploring Rome: A Complete Day Itinerary

Rome, the eternal city, where history whispers through its cobblestone streets and ancient ruins stand as silent witnesses to centuries of civilization. Stepping into Rome is like embarking on a journey through time, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. In this day itinerary, we'll unravel the essence of Rome, weaving through its iconic landmarks, indulging in its culinary delights, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere that makes it truly timeless.


Morning:

8:00 AM - Breakfast at a Traditional Roman Cafe

Start your day like a true Roman with a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's charming cafes. Order a cappuccino and indulge in a cornetto, Italy's answer to the croissant. Let the aroma of freshly brewed coffee awaken your senses as you soak in the morning sunlight and plan the day ahead.

9:00 AM - Explore the Pantheon

Step into the grandeur of the Pantheon, an architectural marvel that has stood for over two millennia. Marvel at the imposing dome, a feat of ancient engineering, and feel the weight of history as you stand beneath its hallowed interior. Take a moment to admire the oculus, a portal to the heavens that bathes the interior in a celestial light.

10:30 AM - Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

Wander through the charming streets of Rome to the iconic Spanish Steps, a symphony of Baroque architecture set against the backdrop of the bustling Piazza di Spagna. Ascend the steps to reach the Trinità dei Monti church and take in panoramic views of the city below. Pause to savor the vibrant atmosphere of the square, where artists, musicians, and travelers converge in a timeless dance.





Midday:

12:30 PM - Indulge in Roman Cuisine

No visit to Rome is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Head to a local trattoria and treat your taste buds to classic Roman dishes such as pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, or supplì, Rome's answer to the arancini. Pair your meal with a glass of locally sourced wine and savor the flavors of Italy's gastronomic heritage.

2:00 PM - Trevi Fountain

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque artistry that captivates visitors with its cascading waters and mythological sculptures. Join the throngs of travelers as you toss a coin into the fountain, a ritual believed to ensure a return to the eternal city. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of this iconic landmark before continuing your journey.

Afternoon:

3:30 PM - Colosseum and Roman Forum

No visit to Rome would be complete without exploring the majestic Colosseum, an enduring symbol of ancient Rome's power and grandeur. Marvel at the colossal amphitheater, where gladiators once battled for glory and emperors basked in the adulation of the masses. Step back in time as you wander through the ruins of the nearby Roman Forum, once the heart of the ancient city and a testament to its enduring legacy.

5:30 PM - Gelato Break

After a day of exploration, indulge your sweet tooth with a scoop (or two) of authentic Italian gelato. Head to one of Rome's renowned gelaterias and sample a variety of flavors, from creamy pistachio to tangy lemon. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets as you savor the rich, velvety goodness of this beloved Italian treat.



Evening:

7:00 PM - Visit a Historic Church

As the sun begins to set, make your way to one of Rome's many historic churches and bask in the tranquility of its sacred surroundings. Whether it's the awe-inspiring beauty of St. Peter's Basilica or the intimate charm of Santa Maria in Trastevere, take a moment to admire the artistry and devotion that have shaped these spiritual sanctuaries.

9:00 PM - Fun Night Activity: Nighttime Tour or Roman Bar Crawl

After dinner, keep the excitement alive with a nighttime tour of Rome's most iconic landmarks. Experience the enchanting glow of the city under the moonlight as you stroll past illuminated fountains, ancient ruins, and hidden gems tucked away in the labyrinthine streets. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Rome's vibrant nightlife with a Roman bar crawl, where you can sample local wines, craft cocktails, and traditional Italian liqueurs as you mingle with fellow travelers and locals alike.



As the night comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the day's adventures and the memories you've created in the heart of the eternal city. For in Rome, every moment is a celebration of history, culture, and the timeless spirit of la dolce vita.




(Written by AI)

How to spend a day in Agra, India

If you visit India, especially Delhi, you must take at least half a day to see the Taj Mahal.

Personally, though, I recommend going to Agra earlyyyyy in the morning, like 4:00 AM and getting to the Taj Mahal right before sunrise. No one is going to be there, and you will have the whole space to yourself for a good 25 minutes. The Taj is a sight to see this early in the morning. Since the marble used in the Taj Mahal is slightly transparent, the Taj Mahal will appear orange in the rising sun.

However, you can’t see the Taj Mahal without going at sunset, which is why you need to hit the Taj early in the morning, find something to do in Agra, and then come back right before sunset. Again, the transparent marble will appear purple, pink, and orange in the setting sun.

Getting to Agra from Delhi

If you are close enough to go to Agra, you are probably coming from Delhi. Delhi has an established train system that will get you straight to Agra in 2 to 3 hours. Your driver will drop you off as close as possible, and you will have about a 10-minute walk to the train station itself. At the train stations, you will see some of the most authentic people in the Delhi area, lots of local people. Enjoy the views on the train ride and soon enough you will be in Agra. Consider a tour guide in Agra who will pick you up from the train station and take you to the Taj Mahal.

Many recommend taking a car to get to Agra, but that can take up to 5 hours, and you don’t want to waste your time in India driving.

Taj Mahal at sunrise

Going early, you will not have to worry about shoulder-to-shoulder crowds to see the Taj. You can get in fairly quickly through the West entrance and see the Taj Mahal as the sun rises. Don’t lose the token they give you or you may have to pay extra to leave!

After seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise

After spending a good hour or two at the Taj Mahal, you will need a moment to relax. This is when I suggest having your tour guide take you to a nice local hotel with a restaurant. You can get your lunch in, sit in the lobby for a bit, and then find something fun to do in Agra. My group personally visited a stone engraving shop and bought some goodies. Outside of the Taj Mahal, many tourists struggle finding something to do in Agra. Even the local Indians will say that the Taj Mahal is the economy of Agra, and besides it, the rest of Agra is mostly underdeveloped.

Go back to the Taj at sunset!

This time around at the Taj, you will notice a lot more people. It can be quite busy after morning time. However, once you make it past the entrance, you will have room to move, and you can find some hidden corners to take in the view and snap some pictures.

I personally would not spend the night in Agra. You will most likely have a hotel in Delhi already, and you don’t want to lug all of your belongings on the train and wait for a hotel. Leave Agra after sunset, make your way back to Delhi, and find something to do in Delhi for the rest of your night, whether it's underground shopping, catching a bite to eat, or more!

Is Air India Worth It?

Air India: to fly or not to fly?

The first thing you hear online about Air India is that the planes are dirty and the food is bad. Yes, it is a budget airline, but that does not make it automatically a bad choice. Air India operates in the same way that every other international airline does. 

In total, I have taken four flights through Air India (two of them being over fifteen hours each). I was pleasantly surprised by the airline on all four of my flights. Here, I will dig into the common factors people look at when deciding to fly with Air India:

Timeliness 9/10

Three out of the four flights I took on Air India were on time. The only flight I took with them that was delayed was from Delhi to Chennai, which was only a one-hour delay – not bad at all. The weather conditions were good around all of the flights, so that might explain why we didn’t have many delays, but airlines can’t control the weather to begin with. Air India goes the extra mile to make sure you aren't gonna spend a whole day at the airport.

Cleanliness 7/10

In terms of general cleanliness, Air India gets a 7/10, but in terms of airplane cleanliness Air India would get a 9/10. People always assume Air India is flat-out filthy, and sites like Business Insider have made this claim too. However, Air India is on a par with the other airlines like United. You aren't going to walk on the plane and think "This is dirty," but I would recommend bringing disinfecting wipes as always -- this goes for any airline. I always suggest wiping down your seat, armrests, screen, and any handles thoroughly. The bathrooms get just as dirty as on any other plane, but the flight attendants do clean them frequently.

Customer Service 8/10

The flight attendants on this airline want everything to go smoothly and efficiently. They will help if you are looking for your seat, putting a bag up in the overhead, or need assistance throughout the flight. They are also fast when getting you drinks and they make sure you have snacks and water. I had a little cup of water on my flight from Delhi to Chicago, and I knew that wasn't going to cut it, so I found a flight attendant and she gave me a water bottle bigger than your average Ice Mountain bottle. 

Food 8/10

Airplane food is not the best to begin with, but Air India's food is not bad. They bring out more meals than your average airline, and they have plenty of options. Most people just aren't accustomed to the types of food you see on an Air India flight. Come open and prepared for noodles, potatoes, breads, and lots of spice. The food won't get you sick and the altitude does not change the flavors by much. If you plan on taking trains in India, then you will see a lot of similar food on the trains as you would have on the flights. 

Overall atmosphere 9/10 

As many of Air India's flights are longer than 10 hours, people make the best of the situation. You will see lots of people walking up and down the aisles, and they even recommend doing that so you don't have any medical problems from sitting down for so long and not having your blood moving. Take advantage of the flight to look out the windows (maybe see the Northern Lights), try new food, and meet new people who are on your flight. 

So, don't disregard Air India if you are flying to India or looking for a cheaper flight. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Long Haul Flight Essentials

Flying internationally? If you are taking a longer flight (9 hours +), you are going to

need to come prepared.

Triple-check that you have your passport, visa (if needed), and wallet. You aren’t

going to go anywhere without those three things, literally.

However, you aren’t going to have a fun or bearable flight without the following five

things:

1. Disinfecting wipes

This might seem self-explanatory, but many people do not think to bring these. The last thing you want is to get sick as you are quite frankly starting your vacation. Disinfect the seat, headrest, armrests, table, and screen on your seat. These parts of the plane are never properly cleaned as flight attendants don’t have the time to disinfect them and they also aren’t getting paid when the plane is on the ground. 

2. Neck pouch/wallet

A lot of people suggest a blow-up neck pillow since you can store it easily in your suitcase. However, I don’t find a memory foam neck pillow to take up any space as many of them have button-up straps so you can attach them to your bookbag or even suitcase. TSA is not going to make you fit this pillow in your bag, so there is no need to get one that is compact. Any long flight is not comfortable without a high-quality pillow as you can not get any sleep, and the provided neck pillows on these flights just aren’t thick enough to keep you comfortable.

3. Memory foam neck pillow

A lot of people suggest a blow-up neck pillow since you can store it easily in your suitcase. However, I don’t find a memory foam neck pillow to take up any space as many of them have button-up straps so you can attach them to your bookbag or even suitcase. TSA is not going to make you fit this pillow in your bag, so there is no need to get one that is compact. Any long flight is not comfortable without a high-quality pillow as you can not get any sleep, and the provided neck pillows on these flights just aren’t thick enough to keep you comfortable.

4. Dual charger and headphone jack

If you don’t have Bluetooth earphones or don’t want to risk losing your expensive earphones in a foreign country, then bring a cheap pair of wired earbuds. Doing this, though, you will have to plug it into your charger port if you have an iPhone or similar phone. Eventually, your phone will die and you will have to decide between charging your phone or using your earbuds, but not both. An adaptor like this is compact and allows you to do both. Trust me, you will go crazy without some type of sound on the plane.

5. American snacks

Lastly, airplane food is not always good, especially if you are on a budget airline. Food tastes different at such a high elevation, and it can mess with your taste buds and stomach. The smell of the food on my flights is what made me not want to eat it. It probably would have smelled okay on the ground, but those noodles or whatever United Airlines cooked were not going in my body without puking because of what it smelled like. Yes, I had to plug my nose. However, I had some snacks from home that never let me down and were processed enough that they could not smell much different at this elevation – I am talking about you Pringles, Reeses, and Welches. Just remember to bring a variety of snacks because chocolate, for example, during a 15-hour flight is not very good either.

Roaming out of Rome

Get out of Rome

If you are staying in Rome for more than 3 days, then I would highly recommend taking a day trip outside of the city. I don't mean going to another large city like Florence for a day -- I mean going to a more quaint town or village. You will see more locals and have a more relaxing time. Some of the popular, small places to visit include:

- Ostia Antica

- Orvieto

- Gaeta 

Where I went:

I went to all of these cities, but today I am going to focus on Gaeta. From my experience, most people do not pick Gaeta, but I had the most authentic experience there in comparison to any other place I went to in or outside of Rome. 

Getting to Gaeta

Taking a bus or a Taxi to Roma Termini is going to be your best bet. My friends and I took a bus because it was cheaper and you aren't going to get scammed by the bus driver. However, I never fully learned how the busses worked there, and I relied on my friends to pick the right busses (we only got lost a few times on buses in Rome). 

Once you get to Roma Termini, try to print out your ticket at one of the machines, but if that doesn't work don't freak out. Just casually walk to your train and get on (you will still have your ticket online and they only check for tickets half of the time). 

The train ride is a little over an hour from Roma Terminia to Formia-Gaeta, the train station in Gaeta. During this ride, I recommend learning how to ask for directions in Italian because you aren't going to find many more English speakers in Gaeta. 

Once in Gaeta, you will have to take the shuttle from the train station to the bus stop. We had to wait about 30 minutes for a bus to come, but we finally found one and got off at Palm Beach. Make sure you actually pay for the bus ticket here because they do check for tickets on buses in these local cities (someone got escorted off by a police officer for riding without a ticket). 

Palm Beach

If you get to Gaeta early enough, then I suggest getting off at the last train stop which is at Castello Angioino. Pay the $40 to get in and see the views or find a boat excursion on Trip Advisor for cheap -- you can also go swimming off the boats. 

However, if you are on a time crunch, then just stop at Palm Beach, eat some lunch, walk up the beach, and relax. You will know you are in the right place if there is an abandoned boat on shore. 

It even rained while we were on this beach, but that just made us say "Oh well" and full-on swim while we were here. Yes, you will be wet, but just bring a pair of clothes and you will be fine. 

Gaeta was so empty even compared to the beaches at Ostia Antica. The public beach in Ostia Antica was a square the size of about Planet Fitness, and the sand was dark gray. However, Palm Beach is also public, spans for quite a bit, and has pretty sand and water. 

P.S. Don't be the "cool" history experts in your group who plan to go to Pompei and not tell anyone else because you don't want train tickets to sell out. You will have more fun at a beach and meet more local people. And besides, you will go on enough tours in Rome, so why spend your day trip with another guided tour. 

Scams to look out for in Rome, Italy

Pay attention! 👀

Big Crowd Pickpocketing

Going to a heavy-traffic tourist area like the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon? Hold on to your belongings for dear life. The crowds at these places are almost shoulder-to-shoulder, so you won’t even notice if someone grabbed your wallet, phone, or anything else of value. I recommend purchasing a pouch that zips and has a strap to put around your neck. This way, you can hide it under your shirt when you feel unsafe or too crowded. 

Are you from Africa?

Many experienced scammers in Rome will try to catch you off guard in conversation. They know that “Will you buy my low-quality necklace” won’t get much of a response out of you, so they ask questions like the title. I was almost caught off guard by an individual asking me if I was also from Africa. I remember from another study abroad course in India, however, to not acknowledge solicitors and just kept walking. If I had stopped, been confused, and engaged in conversation, then I would have left there with a wallet stolen or a new item I did not want to buy.

Train station

Lost at a train station? Maybe don’t ask a worker for help. Yes, you read that right. That worker who you think you can trust might just put his or her hand out after giving you “guidance” and demand a tip. The two friends I went with might have given her some coins, but I fortunately only had one Euro cent on me, so she wasn’t getting anything out of me

No, those workers are not going to tell you upfront that they will help you but only for money. However, they will wait until they barely help you and then inform you that you owe them money.

Roses 🌹

Trust me, no one is giving you a rose for free – I do not care how nice they are. You will pay for that rose one way or another. In fact, just ignore the people and continue walking or repeatedly tell them nothing but no as you leave their vicinity. Be aware of the places you eat at too. If it has an English name, then you can assume its a tourist trap, and these rose artists might walk in while you are eating and try to sell you one.

Outdoor seating

This one might not be so much of a scam as it is just flat-out misleading. However, some coffee shops, for example, in the heart of Rome will have different prices for their to-go coffee and dine-in coffee. We found this out the hard way as we ordered our coffee inside and then sat at the tables outside when a “host” approached us in shock, telling us that we were not allowed to sit out there unless we paid 5 Euros! We felt as if we should have been going to jail because of the way he reacted to us out there.

Some locals and businesses prey on foreigners who clearly don’t speak Italian or know differences like these.

Get to Know Your Traveler

Hi everyone, 

Since I am starting a travel blog, I figured it would be a good idea to introduce myself and tell you a bit about myself before I write more or give you advice.

I study international business and marketing at Bradley University. I am a junior currently, and I have taken courses like global leadership and international studies throughout my time there. 

I may not be the most seasoned traveler, but I still have a lot to write about.

My international ventures began in March 2023 when I took a study abroad course in India. A group of students, professors, and I traveled to Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore all in one week. A lot of planes, trains, and buses for 7 days! However, we still got to see many gems in each city.

In June of 2023, I then spent two weeks in Rome, Italy, where I got to dive a bit more into the culture. 

Reflecting back, I have a number of ideas to write about regarding traveling. I sure wish I knew more things before going international. You can only plan ahead so much without knowing the place you are visiting.

You never know what is going to catch you off guard or surprise you until you are actually in the moment. 

If you plan on traveling to a new country, continent, or city, consider keeping up with my blog as I will tell you stories and give you advice on cities in Asia and Europe!

See you next week, when I talk about my first travel topic. 

Any suggestions you would like to see? Leave a comment!

                                                                  - Dale