In the second part of our Rome series, Travel in 10 host David Brodie reconnects with award-winning travel writer Tim Johnson, who shares fresh insights from his recent visit to the Italian capital. From smart tips on navigating the city to unforgettable pasta spots and hotel recommendations, this episode focuses on the practicalities of planning a great first trip to Rome—especially if you want to avoid the crowds, find the perfect meal, and stay somewhere memorable.

In This Episode:

Arriving in Rome: What to Know

• Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport is located outside the city—expect a 45+ minute transfer
• Public transit works well but doesn’t reach everywhere due to underground ruins
• Uber operates as a taxi-hailing service; local taxis are plentiful
• Don’t let transit logistics ruin your day—sometimes a cab is worth it

When to Visit

• May and September are ideal: fewer crowds, great weather
• Be mindful of Italian holidays—some local businesses may close in August
• Rome is always busy, but some shoulder-season planning can ease the experience

Where to Eat: Rome’s Food Scene

• Trastevere: A bohemian neighborhood beyond the river, full of narrow laneways and packed with locals and hidden gems
• 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo: Neapolitan-style pizza, named one of Italy’s best by The New York Times
• Trattoria della Stampa: Small, atmospheric Roman eatery known for its classic pastas: carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Affordable and beloved by locals—reserve ahead!

Where to Stay

• Hotel Hassler: Iconic, family-owned hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps with panoramic views of the Vatican and central Rome
• The Edition Rome: Sleek, modern, design-forward luxury
• St. Regis Rome: Classic elegance with historic character and excellent service
• Waldorf Astoria Rome (Rome Cavalieri): A hillside retreat with resort vibes—perfect for escaping the city buzz

Can’t-Miss Hidden Gems

• Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo: A lesser-known church with two original Caravaggio masterpieces. Open limited hours. Bring a €2 coin to light up the artwork.
• Insider Tip: Ask locals—concierges, tour guides, shopkeepers—for under-the-radar finds. Rome has layers of history and culture waiting to be uncovered.

Explore more at: https://www.voyascape.com

Next up: We head to Lisbon, Portugal, followed by a special guest episode from Paris with Oliver Gee of The Earful Tower. Stay tuned—and don’t forget to send us your travel questions and destination requests.

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, there’s no added cost to you, but it helps support the podcast. Thanks!

In this first of two special episodes on Rome, Italy, hosts David Brodie & Tim Johnson explore the Eternal City as it stands in 2025—where timeless beauty meets the buzz of modern travel. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, and from hilltop gardens to hidden sovereign territories, this episode offers an insightful and entertaining look at how to make the most of your time in Rome, especially if you're visiting during peak season.

In This Episode:

Is Rome Worth Visiting in High Season?

• Why the crowds and heat are worth it—and how to stay cool with tips like filling up at the city’s free nasoni fountains.

Iconic Rome

• Colosseum: Why booking ahead and joining a guided tour transforms your experience
• Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps: Expect crowds, but don’t skip them—coin tosses and city views await
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Must-see masterpieces—book timed tickets in advance
• St. Peter’s Basilica: No ticket required, but take time to explore quieter corners for moments of peace
• Keykeeper Tour Tip: Be the first inside the Vatican by joining a private early-morning opening tour

Off-the-Beaten-Path Highlights

• Access Italy’s Golf Cart Tour: A customizable and stylish way to explore the city’s hidden gems
• Giancarlos Beneditti Corcus: A local artist painting in the laneways near Piazza Navona
• Villa Borghese Gardens: Shady paths, scenic views, and quiet cafés—perfect for escaping the crowds
• Knights of St. John (Sovereign Military Order of Malta): A quirky micro-nation in Rome with its own flag, passports, and even UN observer status

How Many Countries Can You Visit in a Day?

• Rome lets you check off three countries in a single day—Italy, Vatican City, and (unofficially) the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

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Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around the Eternal City.

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In this special bonus episode of Travel in 10, host David Brodie brings back a listener favorite from the archives: a first-time family trip to London, England. Originally recorded in 2011, this episode is packed with immersive sounds from the city and timeless recommendations for how to spend 3–4 days in London with kids—including markets, museums, restaurants, and iconic attractions.

This episode was previously only available as a video on our Voyascape YouTube Channel, but we’re bringing it back to the podcast feed due to popular demand.

• Explore London’s Best Markets:
• Old Spitalfields Market – An all-weather indoor market with food, fashion, and a great local vibe
• Brick Lane – Pop-up stalls, record vendors, vintage fashion, and the iconic Vibe Bar
• Columbia Road Flower Market – A Sunday staple with tons of personality
• The Sunday UpMarket – Local designers, vintage finds, and fantastic global street food
• Family-Friendly Museums:
• Museum of Childhood – A hands-on, free museum featuring toys from the 1800s to today
• British Museum – Antiquities from Egypt, Greece, and beyond
• National Gallery – See masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and more
• Top London Landmarks:
• London Eye – A 30-minute ride offering stunning views of the city
• Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street – All within walking distance
• Getting Around:
• Use an Oyster Card for access to the Tube and buses
• Classic double-decker buses and bike rentals also available

• W London – Leicester Square: Stylish and modern with a central location steps from Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. A perfect base for your first visit.

• The Spice Market (formerly in W London) – Flavorful pan-Asian cuisine
• Jamie Oliver’s Catherine Street – A new flagship replacing the now-closed Jamie’s Fifteen
• Bocca di Lupo – Fantastic Italian fare in the theatre district
• Gelupo – Fresh gelato and imported Italian products
• Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food at Heathrow – Elevated airport dining and gourmet picnic baskets to-go

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