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9 Top Tips to Help You Enjoy Your Trip to Rome

8/26/2016

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Coliseum in Rome
Millions come each year to see the Coliseum, the ancient amphitheater in the center of Rome.
By John Roberts
Rome is packed with so much ancient history that it will make your head spin as you try to sort out how to best see all the sites. The sprawling capital of Italy features awesome slices of history at every turn, with ruins, structures and artifacts on display right in the middle of the city.

So how can you make best use of your time when checking out the Coliseum, Pantheon, Forum, Palatine Hill and any of the dozens of other places that transport you back to an era of gladiators and emperors? I've put together a list of practical tips to help you navigate the bustling scene that is Rome.
The Pantheon is an impressive attraction in Rome
The Pantheon is an impressive attraction in Rome
Late Summer is Best -- Book a trip in late August when the weather is still fantastic and the crowds are beginning to die down (Italians start their summer vacation season after August 15 and will vacate the city, so crowds and even hotel prices may be lower). However, you'll always be among large gatherings of tourists -- especially at the most popular spots -- in Rome, but you can find thinning throngs as the end of summer draws near.
Rome cobble street
Put Your Best Feet Forward -- Rome is very walkable, but you'd better have on a comfy pair of shoes that will keep your feet happy all day long. No high heels or wedges! Many of the areas around the historic attractions feature cobblestone roadways, streets and alleys. You need to be in good shoes to keep your feet fresh and avoid twisting an ankle.
Crowded Trevi Fountain in summer in Rome
This is the scene at Trevi Fountain throughout the year -- crowds, crowds, crowds.
Temper Expectations -- I know you want to get that perfect shot of you in front of the gorgeous Trevi Fountain or at the Spanish Steps. Just know that there will be a bunch of people, all with the same idea, converging on these places. Embrace the suck and get the best shot you can. Or try something more creative and from a different angle just off the edge of the most crowded spaces that still can give you a unique impression of the site.
At Rome's Coliseum
The Coliseum is a top site. You can visit the area for free.
What's Free? Most of the spots that you will want to see are free to enter and wander around, like the Pantheon, Forum, Trevi Fountain, Palatine Hill, Spanish Steps, cathedrals or dozens of others. The massive oval Coliseum is imposing and a wonderful photo opp from almost any angle as you circle the structure (but entering requires a ticket and wait in line).
Rome's Coliseum viewing from bridge
People gather to grab the best perches offering good views of the sunset at the Coliseum.
Grab a Spot for the Sunset -- Arrive at the Coliseum about an hour before sunset. Walk up the steps that are just across the street that leads to the metro station and grab a perch on the hill looking right at the broad face of the ancient stadium. You'll be in the front row to watch the light fade on another day, as it peeks through the openings in the Coliseum. You could also snag a seat on the pedestrian bridge just a few strides farther back. Pack a few drinks and snacks and relax while enjoying nature's show.
Rome street restaurants
In a Hurry? Ha! -- Meals proceed at a slower pace than you probably are used to in the U.S. Don't expect a quick lunch when eating at a sit-down restaurant. It will take at least an hour, and you might have to prompt the waiters to come by when you are ready to order or want to pay the check. It's a more relaxed atmosphere, for sure. I suggest that you check out a menu to see whether the place has what you are in the mood for -- pasta, pizza and seafood are always winners in Rome. Plan to grab an outdoor seat and a cold beer. Then, sit back, enjoy a little people-watching and consider how nice it is to be visiting such a vibrant place in the world.
Rome train station
Take a Train -- You can easily use the train to get to and from Rome at a fraction of the cost of a taxi, bus shuttle or even Uber ride. The trains go to the cruise port in Civitavecchia, airport in Fiumicino, Florence and other points of interest for as little as 5 euros (book online to save time).
Independent bookstore in Rome
Rome is Wanderful -- You can have a general direction plotted, but take a few detours down side streets and alleys if they look interesting. These spots can take you away from the crowds, and you just might find the perfect quaint eatery for a meal, coffee or beer -- or the most charming bookstore.
Tourism information kiosk in Rome
Keep it Casual -- If you don't have any specific plans in place for your visit to Rome, you can roll up to any of the dozens of tourist kiosks around Rome and check out what kinds of tours are being offered. They are open till 7 p.m., so you could even plan you next day's activities after wandering the city on your own for a day. Rome Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours also can be a flexible option to see a lot.

Thanks for reading.
Travel happy!
Ciao,
JR
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7 Things About a Biking Trip with Backroads and AmaWaterways

8/22/2016

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Biking in Austria with Backroads and AmaWaterways cruise
My biking trip with Backroads took us off the beaten path as we pedaled in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Here, I meet a family out for a ride of their own in the Austrian countryside.
By John Roberts 

I finally went on my first biking tour.  

I have long had a desire to cycle around Europe to explore the countryside and cities. It appeals to me because I always thought it would be the ideal way to set your own pace, see the sights and get plenty of exercise.   

Well, it certainly didn't disappoint. I did the biking adventure as part of a river cruise with AmaWaterways. The cruise line collaborates with adventure travel company Backroads to offer biking outings on rivers in Europe, such as the Rhine, Douro, Seine and Danube. 

I spent a week pedaling along the Danube and the surrounding countryside villages, farms, orchards and vineyards. This hybrid-style trip isn't a full-fledged biking tour. It's also not your standard river cruise. The combo is a delightful taste of both.  

If you have been on a cruise on the Rhine or Danube already and want to see it from a different perspective, this is a voyage for you. If you have always wanted to try a biking tour but worried that the itinerary would be too intense, the Backroads biking cruises on AmaWaterways are a wonderful introduction. I biked about 150 miles during the week, with rides from eight to 50 miles in a day. It was never too extreme.  

I've outlined 7 things you should know before you go . . .  

Get Back on that Bike: You'll want to get re-acquainted with your bike, especially that seat. Spend a few hours in the saddle. Ideally, you'll be able to ride around your neighborhood, but you can use the stationary cycles at your gym to at least get the feel of the bike seat and to get your legs prepared for the amount of pedaling you'll be doing. If you already are a regular or semi-regular biker or take spin classes, you are already set. I am not, so I started going on regular 10-mile daily bike rides about a month before my cruise. 

Really, No Pressure: If you don't think you can do the longer rides that Backroads offers each day, choose one of the easier or shorter options. Be honest with yourself. You'll still have a great time. Backroads also offers electric-assist bikes that have a small battery that you can activate to help up steeper hills. Consider picking one of these bikes if you have any doubts about your endurance. 

Pick Your Pace: The route options are thoroughly explained each day before you ride, and you get a handy GPS unit with turn-by-turn details. It works really well. So, you may ride at your own pace. I stopped often to enjoy particularly stunning scenery and take tons of pictures. I paused to watch a family ride by on their ponies and pulled over several times to snap shots of castles, towns and other points of interest.  

You Won't Go Hungry: Backroads stocks you up with trail mix, fruits, energy drinks and even candies in the morning. You just grab a baggie and fill it with whatever you might want during the day to keep you satisfied. Also, you'll come upon the support team van several times during your ride, and the tour leaders will lay out some more snacks and a cooler filled with water, juices, sodas and beer (I recommend trying the regional varieties on hand). 

It's Better with Beer: Like I noted, the team offers beers at the pit stops, and you also can enjoy a glass or two of wine as a celebration at the end of some rides. If you are a beer or wine aficionado, you'll be visiting several amazing spots to savor the flavors. After a day of riding, I liked to stroll the towns or cities that marked the port stops for our ship, AmaSonata, and stop off at a bar to try a new brew. I had beers in Vilshofen, Germany; Vienna, Linz and Weissenkirchen, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary. 

Gear Up: Consider taking along a light rain jacket and fingerless gloves. You'll ride on rainy days. I should say: You can choose to ride on rainy days; you don't have to. A jacket and gloves will help keep you dry and comfy -- and avoid blisters. Also, I bought a pair of biker shorts. You know, the tight compression kind that leave nothing to the imagination. Yeah, those. They come with a padded seat the exact shape of a bike seat and help greatly in keeping your tush from getting too sore. Plus, you'll be strutting around Europe in true biker style! Also, see my packing list for a trip with Backroads and AmaWaterways.

Choices Galore: Backroads and AmaWaterways are in the second season of their bike-cruise collaboration, and the sailings are expanding. They feature 58 trips in 2016 and at least 58 more in 2017. You can pick journeys on the Rhine, Danube, Seine (France) and Douro (Spain).  

I urge you to check them out. I had a blast sailing the rivers at night with all the comforts and fabulous food and service onboard (spa treatments, free Wi-Fi, heated pool on the sun deck). Plus, you unpack once for the week and get to make wonderful new friends -- you're biking with about two dozen like-minded adventurous travelers. What's not to love? 

Thanks for reading, 
Travel fit. Travel happy. Travel often! 

JR
Biking cruise with Backroads and AmaWaterways on the Danube River in Austria
Don't forget to stop to enjoy the finer things. Like a little wine and sweet treats to celebrate another successful day of biking along the Danube River in Austria,
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Stingray City in Grand Cayman: What to Expect

8/16/2016

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Picture
Aerial view of Stingray City courtesy of GrandCaymanIslands.com
By John Roberts 

Grand Cayman's Stingray City endures as one of the most popular adventures for visitors to the Caribbean island. The mesmerizing creatures with the smooth gray bodies that flow so effortlessly through the waters are intriguing for sure. And in Grand Cayman they have been gathering and regularly interacting with humans for about 40 years.

In fact, Stingray City is the most-visited attraction in Grand Cayman outside of the island's amazing beaches. This means you have to join the crowds to get a chance to interact with these incredible animals. While it's a bit of a tourist trap, you can make the most of your visit if you know what to do.

Many years ago, fishermen began anchoring in the calm waters near the sandbars to clean fish after a day at sea. The stingrays soon found out they could get an easy meal of fish parts every time they heard a boat motor coming up the channel. Thus, they eventually made their home at "Stingray City."

I went several years ago, making it my first excursion on my first cruise. I remember clearly the shrieks and screams of people, including my wife, who were not sure what to do when the creatures, which are related to sharks, began hovering over to greet us after we slipped carefully into the water.

We had been briefed by the guides on how to behave in the water, but a slight panic seemed to be striking many of the visitors. There was no real fear, just a bit of surprise from those uncomfortable with being close to such unfamiliar animals.

And this was well before the most infamous stingray encounter, in which "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin was killed in 2006 after a freak attack. If you're going to try Stingray City on your visit, you have a few options.

Margie Hand, a travel agent with Andavo Travel in Birmingham, Ala., is an expert on the Caribbean who has been to Stingray City several times. She says you can dive and snorkel at Stingray City as well as explore the shallow and much more crowded main sandbar area.

The Stingray City Sandbar is where most tourists will end up, wading in two to four feet of water and interacting with the creatures. You can feed and hold stingrays under the direction of guides. The dive and snorkel site is away from the crowds in about 12 feet of water, which allows for comfortable dives so you can stay down with the rays for a long period, Hand says. Guides provide squid to feed the stingrays in both locations. If you are snorkeling, the guides will bring up stingrays to the surface so you can get a good look. During diving and snorkeling, you also can spot other fish and moray eels.
Picture
Courtesy courtneyplatt on Flickr
When feeding the creatures, you taught to do it in a precise way, so you don't lose a thumb. Plus, you'll start smelling of the squid, which attracts the stingrays, so you don't want to touch too many parts of your body after holding the squid – or you might get nibbled where you don't really want to get nibbled. They also are known for giving a big stingray hickey, as Sir Richard Branson recently found out when he visited Stingray City with artist and ocean conservationist Guy Harvey.

At the sandbar area, you can hold a stingray. Again, you have to do it the right way to make it safe; you'll spread your arms so you can cradle under their "wings" and let them kind of crawl up you. Don't touch the mouths and eyes, Hand says.

The guides know the animals so well that they give some of them names. The stingrays are very comfortable around humans after so many years of adapting to the environment.

"I like to encourage people to enjoy this adventure and not be afraid," said Hand, who is on Travel and Leisure's A-List of top travel agents. "These creatures are beautiful and graceful, and it will be an experience they will never forget."

Thanks for reading. Have fun and travel happy!
JR

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