All Travel Blog Posts

Blog posts include travels throughout the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and England. We give you our advice and tips on how to make your travels more enjoyable.

We also have tips on how to improve your travel photography.

Debbie O'Boyle 3/23/26 Debbie O'Boyle 3/23/26

Visiting the Roman Colosseum: tips and advice for 2026

The Colosseum lives up to the hype, but getting tickets is more complicated than it should be.

John and I walk you through everything, how to buy tickets, which tour is worth it, what to bring, and what to see nearby.

Debbie O'Boyle 1/17/24 Debbie O'Boyle 1/17/24

Visiting the Vatican in 2026

We share tips on visiting the Vatican. We explain about hiring a tour guide, how to see the Sistine Chapel, highlights of the Vatican Museums, and other tips on enjoying your visit to the Vatican.

John O'Boyle 8/20/23 John O'Boyle 8/20/23

How to avoid crowds in Venice

Venice is more popular every year but we share tips on how to beat the crowds.

John O'Boyle 8/17/23 John O'Boyle 8/17/23

Visiting the Pantheon: how to buy tickets and avoid hassles

The Pantheon now charges an entry fee. We explain the best way to avoid long lines and hassles at one of Rome’s busiest attractions.

John O'Boyle 7/14/23 John O'Boyle 7/14/23

Trastevere: what to see in Rome’s charming neighborhood

An easy walk across the Tiber River leads you to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. The area is filled with wonderful restaurants and narrow picturesque streets.

John O'Boyle 7/16/22 John O'Boyle 7/16/22

Italy High-Speed Train Guide

High-speed trains are a perfect way to easily and inexpensively travel between cities in Italy.

Debbie O'Boyle 6/30/22 Debbie O'Boyle 6/30/22

The Rome Rose Garden: A Free Spring and Fall Treat in the Heart of the City

Right across from the Circus Maximus, Rome's Rose Garden opens its gates for just a few weeks in spring and again in the fall.

It's free, it's easy to reach by Metro, and it was a peaceful break for us after days of busy sightseeing.

John O'Boyle 6/16/22 John O'Boyle 6/16/22

6 tips for better travel photos in Italy

Great tips to improve your travel photos. Add foreground elements, use leading lines, photograph at golden hour and many more tips.

Debbie O'Boyle 6/12/22 Debbie O'Boyle 6/12/22

Essential Italy Travel Tips for 2026

Italy is a very welcoming and traveler-friendly country. Here are some travel tips we’d like to share, garnered from our own visits.

Debbie O'Boyle 6/6/22 Debbie O'Boyle 6/6/22

Visiting Cinque Terre: Planning a one-day visit from Florence

Beautiful Cinque Terre , Italy is an easy one day visit from Florence or Rome. The seashore cliff towns on the Italian Riviera are among the most beautiful sites in Italy.