Rome trip planning services
I’m going to let you in on a little secret.
Most people come to Rome and don’t even see it.
They all go to the same major sights and wait in line at the same TikTok-tourist-trap restaurants (yup, you know the ones).
But the truth is, there’s SO much more to Rome than all of that.
And that’s where I come in.
Who am I? I’m Molly, an Italian-American who grew up with a dream of living in Italy. I have a BA in Italian Studies and Art History and an MA in Applied Linguistics. I’m a freelance editor and food and travel writer, and I’m a Rome travel expert with a passion for exploring the Eternal City and 12 years of living here under my belt.
How can I help you?
My desire is simple – I want you to see Rome, beyond the basic. I’ll help you avoid the cookie-cutter experience that most visitors have by blending your needs and desires with my expert Rome knowledge and turning it into your dream trip.
If it’s your first time and you want to see the big stuff, I get it. Everyone should behold the ancient ruins and gape at Michelangelo’s Sistine ceiling, but I’ll tell you how to see those (and more) with fewer crowds. And based on your interests, I’ll recommend lesser-known sights, where there might not be any crowds at all.
Dying to try that viral cacio e pepe you saw on Insta? I’ll tell you where to get a better one minus the line and the steep price tag. And, if you want, I’ll tell you where real Romans wait in line for food.
Wondering where to stay? I can make neighborhood recommendations based on the vibe you want for your trip.
Maybe you’re curious about staying outside of the historic center and experiencing a bit of local life? I can make suggestions for neighborhoods to stay in based on what you like and based on my experience of living in three different residential areas of Rome (disclosure: I’m all about the east these days).
Coming to Rome with kids? After recently having a baby, I’ve come to realize how tricky it can be to navigate the city with one. From one parent to another, I can help! And if you have older children, I have ideas for them too.
Want something to remember your trip, but don’t want to come home with a suitcase full of plastic trinkets, like most travelers? I’ve got you!
Desperate to avoid common Rome travel mistakes? I probably made them when I was a Rome rookie years ago – learn from me!
Are you just overwhelmed by the planning process in general? Let me take the guesswork out of it for you and deliver a tailor-made trip that ticks all your boxes.
Let’s talk about the AI-lephant in the room.
Lots of travelers are turning to ChatGPT to generate itineraries these days, so I tested it out by asking it to make me a five-day plan for Rome with a heavy emphasis on dining at the city’s best restaurants, because, well, FOOD. Here’s why the plan sucked:
- It didn’t recommend the signature dishes that places are locally known for, it suggested generic ones. If food is important to you, you’re going to want to get the right thing in the right spot, riiiiight? Guess who knows what the machine doesn’t? This gal 👍
- The restaurants it suggested are good, but they’re also extremely popular, meaning that you need a reservation. Hmmm, who might be able to help with that? Hint: it’s not ChatGPT 🍝
- There were repeats – the itinerary had a few spots listed multiple times on different days. Get in loser, we’re making the most of our time in Rome! 🙂↔️
- It said to go to Villa d’Este one afternoon, which is great! …Except that Villa d’Este isn’t even in Rome and that wasn’t indicated anywhere 🤡
- It had you crisscrossing the city, rather than planning visits to attractions and meals in the same area. Why waste time and money on cabs or public transportation when the lovely person behind the screen here can make it all make sense, neighborhood-wise? 🗺️
- The price points were all over the place, ranging from street food to three-Michelin-star dining. I’ll take your budget into account and make a plan that works for you 💰
- It didn’t contain any information about booking or possible lines at attractions. IMAGINE coming all the way to Rome and thinking you can just waltz into the Colosseum whenever you want? Nice try, computer! 🎟️
So, given all that info, I think we can agree that you probably wouldn’t have the trip you wanted if you followed an itinerary that’s been regurgitated by a robot 🤖
Rome trip-planning services
- Email exchange: If you’re pretty sure you’ve got a good itinerary planned and just want someone with insider knowledge to look it over, you’ve found your girl! Send it to me and I’ll review it, providing tips and recommendations for maximizing your time according to your interests and needs. This includes one initial email and one follow-up email.
- Foodies only: If you’re coming to Rome with a plan to eat, eat, and eat some more, you are my people. Email me your wishlist, and let me design a food-filled, drink-soaked agenda for your stay, based on whatever you want – the best places to eat in proximity to your accommodation, to satisfy your sweet tooth, to try Rome’s four famous pasta dishes – whatever your foodie fantasy may be. I’ll provide info on how to book, too.
- Full customized itinerary: I’ll find out what you want, combine it with my knowledge, and produce a plan for your perfect trip that includes links and information for booking.
- Let’s chat: Not an email kind of person? We can schedule a call and talk over whatever your heart desires. You can ask me anything, and we can work together to make a plan.
*Pricing varies depending on service, length of stay, and level of detail required.
I focus on Rome because it’s my jam, but if you book any of my services, I’ll gladly make recommendations for prior or onward travel and share some places I love in whatever other parts of Italy you’re heading to, gratis.
So, are you ready to experience Rome beyond the basic? Contact me at luggageandlife@gmail.com today! I really can’t wait to help you.