1.The Colosseum

I would be lying if I said that the Colosseum isn’t number one. It’s one of the seven wonders of the world and a clear choice for the number one spot. If you want to beat the crowds, then I suggest getting there early in the morning and purchasing your tickets online ahead of time. If you choose to wait until you get there because you don’t want to be on a set schedule, then be prepared to wait in a long queue for hours. It is a famous culture/historical monument so the line wrapping around it is expected and I promise that it is worth the wait! What makes the Colosseum so unique besides being a wonder of the world? It is an amphitheater where Roman gladiators fought to the death in front of thousands of spectators. It is the historical version of MMA but far more blood, violence, and even animals. If blood, guts, and glory aren’t your thing, then you might enjoy knowing that it was also used as a theatre. The Colosseum hasn’t only been a battleground but over the year’s different emperors and rulers of Rome have used it as a cemetery, workshop and housing quarters. The Colosseum is rich in history, and visiting it makes you admire the engineering that went into such an enormous monument. If all of the reasons mentioned above on why you should visit bore you, then may I add that it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Also, it makes for great instagrammable photos.I would be lying if I said that the Colosseum isn’t number one. It’s one of the seven wonders of the world and a clear choice for the number one spot. If you want to beat the crowds, then I suggest getting there early in the morning and purchasing your tickets online ahead of time.

Purchase your Colosseum tickets below. I recommend getting the package that includes the Forum and Palatine Hill. Don’t forget to buy them before your trip! It will save you hours of wait time and you will thank me later.

https://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm

2. The Vatican

Vatican City technically isn’t in Rome because it is a country of its own. And no, I’m not joking. The Vatican is a country of its own. The Pope and everyone who resides in Vatican City has an official Vatican passport. Vatican City is an enclave of Rome, and it is easily accessible. The last time I was in Rome, where I stayed was an easy ten-minute walk from Vatican City. Some people may be hesitant to visit Vatican City because they aren’t Catholic or religious. The truth is that many visitors don’t go for religious reasons, they go for the art. The Vatican is a living, breathing, art museum. Many of the world’s best paintings, sculptures, and books find a residence in the Vatican. It is no secret that the Catholic Church has been an art hoarder for thousands of years. One of the world’s most famous fresco paintings is inside the Sistine Chapel; Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam. You don’t have to be religious or even know much about art to enjoy the beauty of Michaelangelo’s paintings. You aren’t allowed to take photos inside of the Sistine Chapel, and there are guards around the entire room looking for anyone trying to sneak a selfie while inside. Instead of trying to get a sneaky photo, I suggest taking a moment to take in the art and awe in its beauty.

Get your Vatican tickets here. I recommend purchasing tickets that include the skip the line option. Also, entry is free every last Sunday of the month. http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/visita-i-musei/tariffe-e-biglietti.html

3. Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)

It is considered to be one of the most famous fountains in the world, and it has been featured in many films. It is just as magnificent in person as it is in photos. The fountain draws a big crowd daily. The best times to visit are early in the morning around 6:00-7:00 a.m. or late in the evening around 9:00 p.m. I suggest seeing it both during the day and at night. Rome is a city that is just as gorgeous at night as it is during the day, and the Fontana di Trevi is no exception. A favorite memory of mine at Fontana di Trevi is when my sister, a friend and I enjoyed a bottle of wine one night while sitting on the steps surrounding it. Don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder and into the fountain. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into Fontana di Trevi, then you will return to Rome one day. Besides being used to make wishes come true, the coins are collected at the end of each day and are used for charity to help the needy in Rome. Not only are you making a wish, but you are also helping someone else at the same time.

There are no tickets required to visit the Fontana di Trevi and it is free to see since it is in an open public space.

4. Foro Romano (Roman Forum)

A quick walk from the Colosseo will bring you to my next choice, the Roman Forum. It is an archeological site that consists of ruins and fragments of Roman history. It was a marketplace and the epicenter of many of Rome’s government buildings. The most famous Roman, Julius Caeser, was cremated there. It may not look like much in photos, but there are thousands of years’ worth of history right below your feet. When buying your Coliseum ticket, you can include the Roman Forum entrance as well, which makes it a more convenient option.

Purchase your tickets here. https://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm

5. The Spanish Steps

The famous staircase that leads from Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) to Trinità dei Monti, the French church at the top. The stairs were commissioned by the French to connect the church to the Spanish Square. Today they are used as a gathering place for hundreds of Romans and tourists each day. At the bottom of the steps, you can find the fountain Fontana Della Barcaccia (Fountain of the longboat) which is another stunning fountain amongst many in Rome. I suggest hanging out on the steps and soaking in the busy world around you. You can do tons of people watching, or you can just admire the beauty. There are tons of small shops around the piazza below so if you are in the mood for gelato (who isn’t?) or want to check out some local artists, then take a stroll around.

There are no tickets required to visit the Spanish Steps and it is free to see since it is in an open public space.

As I mentioned before, Rome is a stunning city. It is just as beautiful at night as it is during the day. It’s easily accessible, and most sites are within walking distance from each other. I suggest walking Rome because it allows you to really immerse yourself in the culture and you never know what you may see on the streets of Rome. Anywhere you go to eat; you will not be disappointed. Pasta, pizza, bread, and gelato. All the carbs! Do I need to say more? I didn’t think so. Another awesome thing about the city is that all of the water from the fountains is drinkable and if you like to travel, you know that’s a plus. Take a reusable bottle around the city, and you won’t have to pay a single euro for water. Just don’t take any water from the Fontana di Trevi unless you want to spend your night getting to know the Roman jails. 😉 I have also included a few more photos of Rome down below for some more inspiration.

The post Top 5 Things to Do in Rome first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

The post Top 5 Things to Do in Rome appeared first on Janel Has Wings.

1. Check out The Sydney Opera House.

 Located in Sydney Australia and featured on every New Year’s televised program around the world, the Sydney Opera House is an obvious number one. Have you ever been to Australia if you don’t get a selfie in front of the Sydney Opera House? The answer is no. All jokes aside, the Sydney Opera House is open and free to enter. It’s just as gorgeous on the inside as it is stunning on the outside. They offer tours, but if you are like me and trying to save as much as possible while traveling, then you can walk around yourself. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to catch a show while I was in Sydney, but the locals said it has fantastic acoustics. I also recommend checking out one of the restaurants in the harbor to have a nice dinner to enjoy the views of the Opera House at night just aware that they tend to be pricey so if you are budget conscious, you can skip the meal and opt for just a drink and enjoy the view.

https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

2. Scuba dive/snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. 

If you are looking for a tropical climate, laid back atmosphere and views for days then head to Cairns! Cairns is the closest city to the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s the best place to be if you want to see it up close and personal. My first-time scuba diving experience was in Cairns, and it is what made me fall in love with scuba diving. I booked my experience through Pro Dive Cairns who made the day beyond memorable. If you would prefer to stay at the surface, then they also provide snorkel excursions as well. Scuba diving is expensive and not in everyone’s budget, but if you do make it to Cairns, you should try to at least snorkel. Also, please use the reef-safe sunblock while you are there. The reef has is damaged, and over the years, the use of regular sunscreen has increased the damage further. No one wants to harm marine life more than it already is, and you really won’t want to after you experience how beautiful it is for yourself.

https://prodivecairns.com/

3. Interact with koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located in Brisbane, is a huge attraction. When I asked for things to do while I was hanging out with locals, they all agreed that Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was a must. I feel like this choice is self-explanatory because who doesn’t want to hold a cute, cuddly koala? For those of you who may not understand the appeal behind holding a koala, let me say that they smell like eucalyptus and are super fuzzy. Also, did I mention that they are adorable? Plus, you can post your photos on Instagram and Facebook and brag to all of your friends back home that you made a new friend.

https://koala.net/

4. Get your sip on in Barossa Valley. 

Barossa Valley, located in Adelaide in Southern Australia, is known for one of my favorite things. WINE. While I was there, I was fortunate enough to tour a winery named Jacob’s Creek, which is a gorgeous vineyard. Not only is the vineyard stunning, but the facility is very posh as well. Anyone who has even been to a vineyard knows the real reason why they go isn’t for the tour or to walk amongst the vines; it’s to taste the final product. I purchased a wine flight, and I was able to choose which wines I wanted to taste, and the best part was that their staff is highly educated and trained on all of their wines and will make sure that you find a wine that is perfect for you. Jacob’s Creeks wines are very reasonably priced, and you can purchase a bottle of any of the wines that you sampled to take back home with you or to have over dinner another day. I recommend getting there early so you can tour the vineyards and have enough time to purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy the view in their patio area.

https://www.jacobscreek.com/en-au/visit-us

5. The best tour you can book in Australia, Uncle Brian’s Cape Tribulation Day Tour. 

Another Cairns adventure awaits. It is rare to find a tour company that makes your entire visit enjoyable because let’s be honest, sitting on a bus waiting to arrive at your destination tends to be boring. The guides at Uncle Brian’s are anything but boring. My tour guide was Brad, and he is hands down one of the funniest guides that I’ve ever had. From the moment he picked everyone up to the moment that he dropped everyone off he was entertaining and knowledgeable. The Cape Tribulation tour takes you to Port Douglass and the Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglass provides scenic views of the Great Barrier Reef and a chance to take a dip while the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Mother Nature lovers this is your moment to enjoy both the beaches and rainforest. There is also a boat ride that will allow you to see crocodiles and channel your inner Steve Irwin as you yell out “Crikey, mate!” You know you will want to. This tour is more geared to the younger generation of travelers, so if you have an issue with inappropriate commentary from young backpackers; it is probably best not to book this tour.

https://unclebrians.com.au/1-day-cape-tribbbin-tour/

Australia is a vast continent, and there are plenty of places to see. My best travel tip is to narrow down your points of interest by choosing what you want the trip to be for you. Relaxing, adventurous, fun, chill, the way you choose to spend your time is up to you, but it’s always good to have a focus or intent for your upcoming journey. 

The post Top 5 Things to Do in Australia first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

The post Top 5 Things to Do in Australia appeared first on Janel Has Wings.