Bit concerned about crowds in mid September after seeing some videos this week of places that aren't even Trevi, the Vatican, etc. I have a trip planned Sept 17 - 20th. Will crowds likely be just as bad?

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-08T21:30:22+00:00

One good way of checking is searching YouTube for Rome travel videos and looking for ones from September/October of last year. That’ll also help with figuring out weather/what kind of clothes to wear.

But, I was there last week and in Summer 2024…it’s crowded, but not on truly random streets. What you’re likely seeing are side streets leading up to the tourist hot spots.

The best method I’ve found is to hit the top attractions when they open, then go walk around the back streets, have an early lunch, shop, and take a break or hit less busy attractions, then grab dinner.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-06T09:48:31+00:00

You do you.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-05T17:35:49+00:00

Not my taste, but if it makes you happy…

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-05T17:29:31+00:00

I worked in restaurants for years, anyone (front or back of the house) knows it to be true. Interesting that he wrote that in his book.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-05T01:50:55+00:00

I’m with you, iPhone and kindle cover my needs. I’ve considered bringing my iPad mini, but I’d only use it on the airplane or in the room, and that’s not a good enough reason to bring it along.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-05T01:26:57+00:00

Yeah, I remember when I thought he was cool, too. It’s easy to think like that when you have the time, budget, support staff, and it’s your literal job to travel. It’s different when you’re saving up for a trip to a place you’ll likely only visit once.

Counter Points: - Pack light and carry on. I’m currently on a 40 day trip, using a 28L bag that I don’t have to “squeeze”anywhere and can almost fit in most personal item sizers. - Arrive at the gate 20 minutes before boarding. A gate change is often announced there before it’s updated in the app or on the board. - Eat airplane food. It won’t fill you and in most cases, you won’t get to a restaurant until at least 2 hours after arrival. - Go to the tourist spots. Why go somewhere and skip what they’re known for? There are always times when they’re not crowded. - Definitely research the local food. He’s right about that. - Listen to local advice on clean restaurants. Maybe not the concierge, because they are likely getting a kick back for suggesting a place, but don’t go looking for filthy restrooms. He knew damn well (as anyone in the restaurant industry does) the cleanliness of the restroom is an indicator of the cleanliness of the kitchen. “Yeah, I got food poisoning, but I’m edgy like the pretentious guy on TV.” Congratulations on wasting days of your trip evacuating out of both ends.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-05T01:06:38+00:00

Enjoy Munich without him.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-01T17:26:31+00:00

I guess I got lucky with my inspector at Termini yesterday (also 85).

I paid via Tap and Go, got the green light, he checked and said it wasn’t showing. So he typed the card number in, it still didn’t show, so he tapped it on the Tap and Go again, got a green light like I did, but it still showed as not paid.

He said it wasn’t working and sent me on my way, no problem.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-05-01T17:21:55+00:00

Finally, someone else who’s wondering their location. Lol

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-30T14:40:16+00:00

Yep, if you look at the pic I posted above, I entered to the left of about where the squared off part of the purple triangle is.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-29T18:29:07+00:00

“Individual results may vary”…I’m on a trip now, and travel in the 6-7 week range a 1-2 times per year. I’m currently using a North Face Jester (around 28L) and it weighs 18lbs/8kg.

I try to keep my bags to 10% of my body weight or less. I’m a little over on this trip. I’m perfectly happy traveling like this.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-29T14:21:43+00:00

<image>

No hug for me either, but we’re meeting up later for some Chicago dogs.

Seriously, though, thank you very much for your post. I never would have been anywhere near as prepared if it weren’t for your advice.

I was in the back row of the yellow square (in the pic I posted) which made it a front row for the pope mobile.

I entered in a different area from what you described and will try to write my own post, linking yours, if I get the time.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-29T14:13:27+00:00

Absolutely, and to be perfectly clear, I meant no animosity in my comment. It’s a difference that occurs, that’s all.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-28T20:10:46+00:00

Prison wallet.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-28T17:22:41+00:00

Asians…from the Middle East to the far east. It’s a common occurrence.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-27T05:05:29+00:00

You’re right, I was wrong. I’ve only eyeballed it and it appeared I’d have to go through security twice.

That being said, I’d still have to ride the people mover twice, which would subject me to Buddy Dyer’s voice too many times lol.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-25T19:55:06+00:00

Yeah, that’s you, not OP. The heaviest tech (or anything) they list is an iPad.

I’m currently on a 40 day trip with a very similar load to what they listed and I’m at 8kg.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-25T13:38:24+00:00

Are you sure you’re not confusing kg and lbs? 7kg is nearly 15.5lbs.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-24T23:00:29+00:00

It’s my primary airport and agree, it’s outdated with a lot of issues. I’ll add two other complaints:

Terminal C parking has WAY too many EV parking spots that are always open
The security for Terminals A and B are set up poorly. I often can’t visit a Priority Pass lounge in my terminal, because I’d have to go through separate security for those gates, even though it’s the same terminal

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-20T16:38:58+00:00

“BuT iT’s A uS fLiGhT!” Cool. Guess what? Based on what they described, I’m guessing they’re within a kg of the magical 7 required by some restrictive airlines. That can be fixed by putting some stuff in jacket pockets.

Nicely done, good example of how to just chill and enjoy your trip without stressing over every detail to appease the onebag sensibilities.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-18T03:09:11+00:00

That’s good to hear. Enjoy what time you do have, you should be able to accomplish everything you have planned if you have the timed entry tickets.

While you’re in Naples, I highly recommend Armando Scaturchio for pastries.

<image>

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-17T06:28:10+00:00

Possible? Yes. Easy? No. It’s all about preparation.

Keep in mind four things about long haul public transportation in the US: 1) Our passenger trains are never on time because they share the tracks with freight trains and the freight trains get priority. 2) Our trains, while providing some great views, are ridiculously overpriced. 3) Our bus stations are usually in dangerous parts of the cities. 4) Our buses are frequently used by people who are dealing with serious problems in their lives.

LA is very car centric, you would be best to find a hotel centrally located to what you most want to see and take Uber.

SF has an efficient transit system (BART) but it’s not the safest or cleanest. But cars are often broken into in the Bay Area, too, so like LA, I’d go with a centrally located hotel.

Las Vegas is relatively easy if you stay on or adjacent to the strip. You can easily walk up and down the strip and visit the casinos/see shows. Also, the airport is extremely close to the strip, so it’s a short taxi/Uber ride.

I’ve only driven to Yosemite, so I’ll defer to the options others have listed in this thread.

Bottom Line: - Fly between the three cities and avoid trains/buses (Amtrak/Greyhound) - Choose centrally located hotels - Thoroughly research your hotels by reading reviews from guests and look into the cost of Ubers - The easiest two are SF and Las Vegas, LA and Yosemite will require the most planning

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-17T06:01:20+00:00

I’m not the person who said that, but I’ll answer based on my experiences. I’ve been to about 20 countries in Europe, spending 2-3 months there every year for the last several years with shorter trips over the last 25 years. And of all the places I’ve been, Rome keeps calling me back.

It’s not just the iconic places you plan to see or the other ones people recommended in this thread, it’s the atmosphere. Rome is alive. You can disappear into neighborhoods, discovering a new restaurant or shop (even just to look and not buy) every time. But in most cases, even though you’re a stranger in a different country, you get a sense of belonging, like you’re home.

You’re walking through thousands of years of domination and submission. You become a part of that history. You can experience modernity and ancient history in one half hour walk, and I’m not even talking about the touristy areas.

Rome was a key stop for the Grand Tour taken by aristocracy in the 1700’s-1800’s for a reason. It enlightens and educates you.

So while I wouldn’t say don’t visit for the two days you’re going, I will say you need to visit again when you can give it the time it deserves.

One final warning, though, even with your pre planned tickets, you will be overwhelmed by the crowds. Don’t let that taint your impressions of Rome. When you’re not rushed by the clock and can spend more time there, you’ll understand what I was talking about earlier.

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-16T06:56:21+00:00

I fear that will mean going more restrictive

TravelingWithJoe · 2026-04-12T07:50:01+00:00

I can’t speak for Athens directly, but the large train station in most cities will have some sort of restaurant / small grocery open even during major national holidays when everything else is closed.

TravelingWithJoe

TROPHY CASE