3 Common Mistakes that Ruin Your Summer Trip to Rome

Buon giorno and welcome to Stefano’s RomeCabs Transfer and Tour Blog! In this travel blog we will discuss the top 3 most common mistakes that ruin your summer trip to Rome and how to avoid them.

Summer in Rome is an experience like no other. Long, sun-drenched days offer ample opportunities to explore the city’s majestic monuments, vibrant squares, and world-renowned museums. The warm evenings set the stage for romantic dinners at charming outdoor restaurants, and of course, there’s always time for gelato!

As the most popular season for travelers, summer brings millions to Rome, eager to soak in its history, culture, and beauty. However, to make the most of your trip, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. Here are three critical mistakes to steer clear of for a smooth and enjoyable summer trip to Rome.

1. Not Reserving your Hotels, Transfers, and Tours in Advance

Rome is not just a bucket-list destination for travelers but also a pivotal hub for cruisers embarking on and disembarking from the nearby port of Civitavecchia. This dual appeal results in a high demand for accommodations, transfers, and tours, making it essential to plan and book well in advance. Failing to do so can lead to frustration and disappointment, as last-minute bookings often face limited availability or are completely unavailable.

Plan Your Rome Hotel, Tours and Transfers Ahead

Hotels and Accommodations in Rome:

Rome’s diverse neighborhoods each offer unique experiences, but all are subject to high demand, especially during the peak summer months. The historic center, Trastevere, and the area around Vatican City are among the most sought-after locations. Booking your accommodation several months in advance is crucial to securing a place that fits your preferences and budget. Here’s a closer look at these popular areas:

Historic Center: Staying in the historic center places you within walking distance of iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. This area is bustling with activity, offering numerous dining and shopping options.
Trastevere: Known for its charming narrow streets and vibrant nightlife, Trastevere provides a more local feel while still being close to major attractions. Its picturesque setting is perfect for those looking to experience Rome’s bohemian side.
Vatican City Area: Ideal for visitors who prioritize proximity to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. This area also offers quick access to other parts of the city via public transportation.

When booking your hotel, consider factors such as proximity to public transport, amenities offered, and reviews from previous guests. Early booking not only ensures availability but often comes with better rates and special deals.

Book Transfers in Rome in advance:

Reliable and timely transfers can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Rome’s airports (Fiumicino and Ciampino) and the Civitavecchia port serve millions of travelers each year. To avoid the hassle of last-minute arrangements and the risk of overpaying for transportation, secure your airport and port transfers well in advance.

Rome Airport Transfers: Booking a private transfer or a shuttle service ahead of time ensures a smooth and stress-free arrival and departure. Services like RomeCabs provide punctual and comfortable transfers, allowing you to start and end your trip on a high note.
Civitavecchia Port Transfers: For cruisers, arranging transfers between Rome and the Civitavecchia port is essential. Public transportation can be time-consuming and crowded, making a pre-booked private transfer a more convenient option.

Private Driver in Rome_Rome Airport Transfers_Rome Luxury Transfers RomeCabs

Book Rome Tours in Advance:

Rome is home to an abundance of must-see attractions, and guided tours are an excellent way to explore them comprehensively. However, popular tours, particularly private ones, are often fully booked months in advance. By reserving your tours early, you ensure that you don’t miss out on essential experiences.

Walking Tours of Major Attractions in Rome: Major sites like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Roman Forum attract vast numbers of tourists. Guided tours not only provide insightful information but often include skip-the-line access, saving you precious time.
Private Tours of Rome: Whether you are staying in Rome for a few days or on a shore excursion from Civitavecchia, Rome limousine tours offer a more personalized experience, private tours offer flexibility and in-depth exploration of specific interests comfortably.

Imagine cruising through Rome in a comfortable air conditioned deluxe vehicle being drop off close to each attraction by your personal English-speakign driver instead of walking extensively under the scorching sun, standing for long periods of time at bus stops, or dealing with crowded public transportation modes. RomeCabs private tour by car lets you see more of Rome in less time effortlessly. Plus, private tours by car are particularly beneficial for families or groups with varying interests and mobility needs making your Rome visit extraordinary.

Discover Rome your way with Driver in Rome tour from Civitavecchia private excursions

Tips for Successful Advance Planning:

Start Booking your Early: Begin your planning at least six months before your trip, especially if you’re traveling during peak summer months. This gives you ample time to research and book the best options for accommodation, transfers, and tours.
Use Reputable Tour and Transfer companies in Rome: When booking transfers and tours, choose reputable companies known for their reliability and quality service. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can help ensure a positive experience.
Check Cancellation Policies: Life is unpredictable, and plans can change. Opt for bookings with flexible cancellation policies to avoid losing money if you need to make adjustments.
Combine Services (Rome Transfers and Tours): Some travel companies offer packages that combine transfers and tours. These packages can be more convenient and sometimes more cost-effective than booking each component separately.

Additional Considerations when traveling to Rome:

If you wish to travel spontaneously, consider Off Season Travel to Rome: While spontaneous travel can be exhilarating, it’s best suited for the off-season (November to March) when Rome is less crowded. During the summer, detailed planning is essential to avoid the pitfalls of peak-season travel.

Staying Flexible when visiting Rome: Even with advance planning, maintaining a degree of flexibility in your itinerary can enhance your experience. Allowing for some unplanned time lets you discover hidden gems and enjoy spontaneous moments that make travel so rewarding.

By carefully planning and booking your hotels, transfers, and tours well in advance, you can avoid the stress and ensure a seamless and enjoyable summer vacation in Rome. This foresight allows you to focus on the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and vibrant culture, making the most of every moment in the Eternal City.

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2. Not booking your Advance Tickets to Popular Monuments and Museums

Summer in Rome brings not only warm, sunny weather but also throngs of tourists eager to explore the city’s rich history and cultural landmarks. This influx leads to long lines at major attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. Without advance tickets, you could find yourself spending hours waiting in the scorching sun, which is both uncomfortable and a waste of precious time. Here’s how to avoid these pitfalls and make the most of your visit to Rome’s top sites.

Tips for Avoiding Long Lines at Rome’s top Tourist Attractions

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome:

The Colosseum, Rome’s iconic symbol, attracts millions of visitors annually. Here’s how to navigate your visit efficiently:

Advance Ticket Purchase: Book your tickets online well in advance when tickets go on sale at the official Colosseum Ticket website (usually 30 days prior to visit date). This not only increases your chances of securing tickets, but may also allow you the possibility of choosing your preferred time slot.
Security Checkpoints: Be prepared for security checks. All visitors must go through metal detectors, which can slow down entry. Arriving early minimizes the risk if missing your time slot ticket visit.
Book Guided Tours with Tickets included: Booking a guided tour via walking tour companies in Rome often includes skip-the-line access and provides a richer understanding of the site’s history. Many tours offer early morning or late afternoon slots, as well as combine tours of the Colosseum with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Visiting the Vatican Museums:

The Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel and an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, is another hotspot with notoriously long lines.

Book your Vatican Museums Tickets in adcvance: Securing your tickets online in advance is crucial. The Vatican Museums website offers timed entry tickets, however tickets tend to SELL OUT FAST – almost as soon as they are made available for purchase 60 days in advance. To increase your chances of securing your tickets, set your calendar and alarm to buy your tickets as soon as they are made available for purchase 60 days before your visit date. If you are spending a few days in Rome, this will offer you greater flexibility of securing tickets
Consider booking Vatican Guided Tours: Opt for a guided tour that includes admission tickets. Many tours also provide entry to St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway, skipping the long security lines at St. Peter’s Square.
Consider Noon time or Late Entry: Sometimes time slots during “lunch time” such as 12-2 PM tend to have more availability. If you don’t mind visiting the Vatican Museums during lunch time, you can increase your chances of obtaining tickets during this time
Special Access Tours of Vatican Museums: Some companies offer early access tours that let you enter the museums early morning before the general public. These tours are pricier but provide a more serene and without the usual crowded experience.

Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica:

St. Peter’s Basilica, located within Vatican City, is a must-visit. Here’s how to streamline your visit:

Access via Vatican Museums: If visiting the Vatican Museums, take advantage of the guided tours that include a special access passageway to St. Peter’s Basilica. This route bypasses the main security lines at St. Peter’s Square.
Early Morning Visits: Arrive early to avoid the longest lines. The Basilica opens at 7 AM, and the lines are shortest early in the morning.
Dress Code Compliance: Ensure you adhere to the Basilica’s dress code (shoulders and knees covered) to avoid being turned away after waiting in line. There’s nothing worse than standing in long lines through security only to be turned away at the entrance because you don’t mee the dress code standards.

St Peter Basilica Vatican Common Mistakes that Ruin Your Summer Trip to Rome

General Tips for Avoiding Long Lines:

Book Online: For all major attractions, online booking is a game-changer. It not only secures your spot but also often provides additional benefits like guided tours or skip-the-line access.
Plan Your Itinerary: Allocate specific times for visiting major sites and consider their busiest hours. Try to book your tickets during less desirable time slots to increase your chances of available tickets.
Stay Hydrated and Protected: While waiting in lines (even security lines), especially in the summer, ensure you have water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Enhancing Your Experience with Rome Private Tours:

Booking a private tour for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica through walking tour companies in Rome ensures a seamless experience. These tours offer personalized insights and priority access, maximizing your time and enjoyment.

3. Not Bringing Suitable Attire to Rome in the Summer

When packing for a summer trip to Rome, it’s tempting to prioritize cool and breezy clothing like tank tops, sleeveless tops, shorts, and flip-flops. However, this type of attire can be problematic, especially when visiting the city’s many churches and historical sites, which adhere to strict modesty dress codes and present challenging walking conditions.

Dress Code for Churches in Rome:

Rome is home to numerous churches that are architectural marvels and hold significant historical and religious value. Many of these churches enforce a modesty dress code to honor their sacred nature. This dress code applies to both men and women, as well as older children.

Cover Shoulders and Knees: When visiting churches like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and other notable religious sites, it is mandatory to cover your shoulders and knees. This rule is strictly enforced, and failure to comply means you will be denied entry, even after waiting in long lines. This can be particularly frustrating if visiting these sites is a key part of your itinerary.

What not to wear when visiting Rome Churches - RomeCabs — Visitors turned away from St Peter’s Basilica

Practical Tips:

Pack Accordingly: On days when you plan to visit significant churches, dress modestly from the start. This means wearing tops with sleeves, longer skirts, pants, or dresses. Lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal for staying cool while maintaining modesty.
Bring a Shawl or Scarf: If you prefer to wear sleeveless tops or shorts, carry a shawl, scarf, or a light cardigan in your bag to cover up when needed. This can be easily draped over your shoulders or wrapped around your waist.
Versatile Clothing: Choose versatile clothing items that can transition from casual to appropriate church attire with minimal adjustments. For example, a long, flowy skirt can be paired with a sleeveless top and a shawl to meet dress code requirements.

Footwear Considerations:

Rome’s ancient streets and archaeological sites present unique challenges for footwear. The city’s cobblestoned streets, uneven pavements, and rugged terrains of sites like the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill require practical and comfortable shoes.

Comfort is Key: Opt for sturdy walking shoes or sandals with good arch support. Shoes with thick soles help absorb the impact of walking on hard surfaces, preventing foot fatigue. Brands known for comfort and support, such as Ecco, Clarks, and Merrell, are excellent choices.
Avoid Flip-Flops: While flip-flops may be convenient for short walks, they provide little to no support and expose your feet to injuries from sharp stones and uneven surfaces. Reserve flip-flops for the beach or casual, short-distance strolls.
Break in Your Shoes: Ensure that any new shoes or sandals are well broken in before your trip. Wear them for extended periods at home to avoid painful blisters or sore feet during your travels.

Additional Footwear Tips:

Pack Extra Socks: Bring enough pairs of moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. This is particularly important if you plan to walk long distances or explore multiple sites in a day.
Consider Orthotic Inserts: If you have specific foot issues or need extra support, orthotic inserts can provide additional comfort and prevent strain.
Waterproof Footwear: Depending on your travel plans, consider packing waterproof shoes, especially if you intend to visit outdoor sites or if there’s a chance of summer showers.

Rome Weather Considerations:

Rome’s summer weather is typically hot and sunny, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Sometimes it even reaches to upper 90’s and low 100s! Dressing appropriately for the weather while adhering to dress codes and ensuring comfort is crucial for an enjoyable experience.

Hydration and Cooling Accessories: Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and consider packing a small, portable fan or a cooling towel to help manage the heat.

General Rome Summer Travel Tips:

Lightweight Fabrics: Choose clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking blends to stay cool. Avoid heavy fabrics that can trap heat and cause discomfort.

Sun Protection: In addition to dressing modestly, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen regularly. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants in lightweight fabrics can also provide sun protection while meeting dress code requirements.

We have seen numerous visitors wait up to 1 hour in St Peter’s Square to clear security to visit the Basilica, only to be turned away at the door because they were under dressed. For many, that was their ONLY chance to visit the Basilica as shopping for proper clothes and then return in line again was not an option as they were on a time limited shore excursion and had to return to the ship soon after.

If you are planning to visit specific significant churches in Rome, either dress accordingly on those days, or bring something to cover your shoulders and knees for spontaneous church visits.

Many streets and sidewalks in Rome are either cobble stoned, or are not entirely smooth (expect a few holes and uneven pavement) on these old streets. Archaeological sites like Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Ostia Antica and others have rugged dirt terrain with loose rocks, stones and pebbles.

It is imperative that you wear comfortable sandals and walking shoes in Rome to avoid damage to your feet. Leave the flip flops for the beach. When in Rome, wear footwear to keep your feet safe and comfortable. And break them in before your trip…blisters are painful to have when walking on your feet all day.

We have seen far too many cracked, cut, bandaged, crippled feet and sprained ankles in Rome as a result of inadequate footwear. Don’t let your shoes ruin your vacation.

While there are MORE mistakes travelers make that ruin their summer trip to Rome and Italy that we will explore later, however these are the most common ones.

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3 Common Mistakes that Ruin Your Summer Trip to Rome – by RomeCabs

3 COMMON MISTAKES THAT RUIN YOUR SUMMER TRIP TO ROME