Rome is a very historical city full of culture generations of customs and traditions. Other than the city of Milan, Rome can surely coined one of the fashion giants in Europe. Though Rome is roughly the size of New York City (496 sq. miles), you will probably be walking to most places.http://www.trueknowledge.com/q/rome_surface_area Due to the fact the most of Rome’s highlights cannot be appreciated from a tour bus, there are a few things that you might want to bring with you in order to cut down on costs. Whatever it is you decide to take with you please adhere to this small piece of advice: TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED. Pack lightly to get through customs and security faster, thus getting the hard part of your trip done and over with.

Since most of your time will be walking from place to place, a nice pair of Dr. Scholl’s inserts should make the miles that you cover much more tolerable. With those inserts, you should take the most comfortable shoes you have because most of Roman streets are made out of cobblestones known as San Pitrini. Disinfectant wipes is a must because the public bathrooms are disgusting and at times may have no soap or even water. Since you will also be touching a lot of things like souvenirs, wipes come in pretty handy.

Next would be a travelers pouch. This pouch can hold up to $1000 in 20s, ID, and passport. It comes in either a “fanny pack” variety or a “necklace” of sorts. You wear this pouch under your clothes wear it cannot be seen or snatched. Speaking of snatched a fair warning to all those who travel in dense European or any city of that matter, there are pick pockets and purse snatchers. If you can’t get a travelers pouch in time for the trip get a purse that is travel friendly (no high end bags that will act as a beacon for you) or a slim wallet that should go in your front pocket at all times.http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Rome-144659/Packing_Lists-Rome-BR-1.html#0 Last but not least, communication is key whenever traveling. Whether you bring your own phone or buy one when you land, bring an outlet adapter kit because the watts used in European cities are different than in the States. This will be very valuable if you travel with any electronic device.

Though taking AIitalia, Italy’s premier airline company would kick off your trip with authentic cuisine, movies, and customs, there are other offers that may be cheaper. In that case, of course save your money and take the cheaper flight.

Lufthansa, a German airline company, flies to Italy, UK, Germany and many other destinations, which could offer more than just a cheaper ticket. When traveling, one shouldn’t just focus on the destination in question, such as Italy in this case. You should take advantage of anything that you encounter along the way because traveling is all about the experience of seeing new things and if you can do it along the way, why not?

Once you get inside the country and brave your way through airport protocol, there are 3 main ways to get to the center of Rome. The quickest and cheapest would be to take an express train known as the Leonardo Express which ends in the center of Rome.http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Rome-144659/Transportation-Rome-Airports_fromto_Rome-BR-1.html The trip into Rome will cost 11 Euros and doesn’t take that long to get there.

Once at the center you can take a cab to your hotel. Now you may be saying "Why can’t I just take a cab straight to my hotel?” and that’s the second way one can get to their hotel from the airport at a budget-breaking cost of 40 Euros flat rate. If you do plan to take a cab make sure you confirm this flat rate. If you don’t, the cab drivers may double or even triple what you should pay.

The third and most expensive way to get out of the airport and into Rome would be to hire a private limo company to pick you up. The two best reviewed companies are romecabs.com and airportconnection.it. These could range from 45-55 Euros depending on time of year.

Once checked in, look for a Vespa rental. Possibly the best, fastest, cheapest and most fulfilling way to see Rome would be on Italy’s famous motor scooters, the Vespa. They are small, lightweight and easy to operate. You will cut through traffic and increase the sights you see. Whether you get two or hold your love one close on one scooter, traveling by Vespa may be the best way to enjoy and really experience true Rome. Live as one of the locals.

Since you are traveling to Europe, American-style hotels will be expensive and will take away the from the Italian experience. Look for 1 or 2 star hotels or hostels. Though 1 or 2 star may scare you, the rating system for European hotels are different than American, so low star hotels actually provide adequate accommodations for the common traveler. These hotels usually don’t offer a “continental” breakfast or if they do, they may charge you for it and if you’re going to pay for a meal it might as well be pure Italian such as a nearby café.

The traditional Italian breakfast is light and refreshing to jump start your mornings and may consists a combination of hot coffee with milk, OJ, sweet roll or bread, jam or butter, brioche, or a breakfast Panini. If you are on your honeymoon or if your budget can handle it, one of the best hotels in the city would have to be the St. Regis Grand Hotel. It has all the amenities of a hotel plus more Italian twist to it. It is a honeymoon specialty hotel having special rooms for those lovely newlyweds. This hotel is also close to Rome’s many attractions such as the Spanish Steps. Just because you’re on budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or a little piece of Italy.http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Rome-144659/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Rome-TG-C-1.html

Rome is very tightly packed, therefore a lot can be in one place. Some of the touristic and common sites would be The Colosseum, Trevi fountain, the aforementioned the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Roman Forum and of course the Vatican City.

• Note that the Vatican City isn’t technically in Rome or Italy for that matter, but it still is the site of a lifetime standing in the middle of St. Peter’s Square. It is home to the Pope, the highest position in Catholicism and according to the DaVinci Code maybe a little more.
• The Colosseum is where gladiators would fight ‘til the death against the Romans and animals.
• The Pantheon is known as one of the most spiritual buildings in the Western world. It is now a Catholic Church that overlooks a magnificent courtyard.
• Trevi Fountain is the biggest fountain in all of Rome standing 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevi_Fountaini/Trevi_Fountain At the right time the Trevi can serve as a nice cool place to escape the hot Italian sun.
• Finally, the Spanish Steps, serve as a hangout for locals and tourists alike. It was considered Spanish territory in its history, hence the name. It also displays Roman architecture just like the rest of the city.

Besides its historical and architectural aspects, Italy is also known for its fine cuisine, utilizing lots of seafood and meats along with fresh vegetables and spices to create some of the most aromatic dishes in the world. For the experience, eat at one of Rome’s many Ristorante’s or Bistros, just for that nice Italian flavor.

La Carbonara is one of Rome’s many fine bistros. It serves the classics from spaghetti with meatballs and pizza to authentic Vongole and Tagliloni with porcini mushrooms. One can even eat and be serenaded on the patio for that real Italian atmosphere.

A less expesive dining option, which would be perfect for lunch would be L'Archetto di Fontana di Trevi. It’s a 5 min walk from the Trevi fountain and is away from the hustle and bustle of the fountain. It is affordable, though limited, but still provides that authentic Italian spice for any newcomer or tourist.