If you’re planning a vacation during hurricane season (typically June through November), it’s smart to know the risks and how you can protect your travel investment.

The last thing you want to be doing after you’ve booked a trip to the tropics is tracking a hurricane knowing you don’t have adequate hurricane travel insurance. While you can travel safely during hurricane season, we recommend being prepared for the unexpected — like a named storm. To help, here are our answers to some of the most common questions about hurricanes and travel insurance.

What coverage does hurricane travel insurance provide?

The last thing you want to be doing after you’ve booked a trip to the tropics is tracking a hurricane knowing you don’t have adequate hurricane travel insurance. While you can travel safely during hurricane season, we recommend being prepared for the unexpected — like a named storm. To help, here are our answers to some of the most common questions about hurricanes and travel insurance.

What coverage does hurricane travel insurance provide?

Travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel delay in the event of a hurricane or other named storm; however, coverage can differ from plan to plan, and not all travel insurance providers provide coverage for hurricanes.

When choosing the best travel insurance for hurricane season, it’s important to consider the eligible reasons for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay to make sure you have the coverage you need.

Keep reading to understand how we can provide travel insurance coverage for cancellations due to a hurricane.

What’s the best travel insurance for hurricane season?

The right coverage depends on your travel needs, like your budget, trip length, and planned activities. At Travelex, our best travel insurance plan for hurricane coverage is Ultimate.

With our Ultimate plan, we can reimburse you up to 100% of your insured trip cost for trip cancellation (up to a maximum of $50,000) and up to 150% for trip interruption (up to a maximum of $75,000) in the event of a named hurricane after your policy’s effective date.

This means if your insured trip cost was $5,000, you could receive up to $5,000 for trip cancellation and up to $7,500 for trip interruption for any unused, prepaid trip costs or newly incurred transportation and lodging expenses because of the hurricane.

Our Ultimate plan also has a travel delay benefit that can provide hurricane travel insurance. If a hurricane causes you to be delayed for at least five consecutive hours (six with our Essential plan), you can receive up to $2,000 (with a daily limit of $250) reimbursement for unexpected additional expenses caused by your delay.

With Ultimate, the eligible reasons for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay resulting from a hurricane include:

  • Your primary residence becomes uninhabitable or inaccessible.
  • Your destination becomes uninhabitable or inaccessible.
  • A hurricane cancels flights and causes your travel delay.

If you feel our Ultimate plan isn’t right for your trip, our Advantage, Essential, and Travel Med Go plans also offer hurricane travel insurance. Compare our travel insurance plans to decide which one may work well for your vacation.

For more information, get a quote to compare and read more about our coverage or call our friendly customer service team at 1-800-228-9792.

When should I buy travel insurance to have hurricane coverage?

The best time to buy travel insurance to receive protection from hurricanes is as soon as you make your first trip payment. This will help ensure your travel insurance policy can provide protection from unforeseeable events — such as hurricanes — that haven’t occurred yet.

Important: Once a hurricane is a named storm, it becomes a foreseeable event, which means you can no longer receive coverage for that storm. To see if you’re eligible for coverage for a storm, you can check our hurricane and tropical storm travel alerts page or contact our customer service team.

When doesn’t travel insurance provide coverage for hurricanes?

Travel insurance is designed to help protect travelers’ finances from unforeseen events. This means a hurricane (or other storm) wouldn’t be eligible for coverage if the event is already known. At Travelex, you must purchase your travel insurance policy prior to the hurricane becoming a named storm for coverage to apply.

Additional reasons for a hurricane not being eligible for coverage vary depending on the travel insurance plan you choose. When deciding between plans, it’s important to consider the eligible reasons for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay for each plan to make sure you’re buying the coverage you need.

Pack hurricane travel insurance before you go

If you’re planning a vacation during hurricane season, weather can be unpredictable. It helps to know what to expect when traveling to hurricane-prone places like the Caribbean. Purchasing a policy with hurricane travel insurance as soon as you book any element of your trip (such as accommodation or flights) can help alleviate financial risk.

If you decide to travel during hurricane season, be sure to review our hurricane safety tips before you go. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to help protect your trip from hurricanes?

Our travel insurance can provide financial relief if a storm affects your trip. Get a quote now.

Are you wondering how to respect cultural traditions and stay safe during your Day of the Dead trip to Mexico? Discover our useful travel tips to help you travel smarter.

With the rich cultural traditions of Day of the Dead coming to life at the beginning of November, you might be planning a trip to Mexico. Once there, you'll likely see colorful costumes, enjoy delicious food, and hear local music – yes, it's a big celebration with a warm, welcoming vibe.

But remember, it's also an important celebration for the locals. Mexico’s Day of the Dead is a time for families and communities to come together to honor and remember their loved ones who have passed away, so it’s important for visitors to be respectful.

“Trouble can arise if tourists’ behaviors are seen as insulting or disrespectful to the locals or the traditions of the event,” said Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at our Travelex Insurance assistance partner, Zurich Travel Assist. “Because of this, it’s a good idea to follow a few basic rules to make sure you respect the local customs and stay safe.”

“If you approach the Day of the Dead celebrations with respect, understanding, and a genuine desire to learn, you can have a memorable and meaningful experience while honoring the traditions and beliefs of the local communities,” shared Harrison.

Ready to learn how to make your Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations a smoother experience that’s also steeped in history and culture?

 

6 safety travel tips for trips to Mexico for Day of the Dead celebrations

 

Safety tip #1: Aim to avoid large crowds.

During the Day of the Dead in Mexico, the country sees a massive influx of tourists and locals alike participating in the celebrations. Large crowds can sometimes become chaotic and may lead to situations such as getting lost, pickpocketing, or stampedes. Aim to stay alert, stay with your group, and have a plan for meeting up just in case you do get separated.

 

Safety tip #2: Watch out for traffic congestion.

The increased number of visitors can lead to significant traffic jams, particularly in and around popular celebration spots. This could cause delays in reaching your destination and could potentially lead to missed events. So, we recommend you plan your Day of the Dead travel schedule with buffer time for potential traffic delays and consider walking or using public transportation where feasible.

 

Safety tip #3: Be respectful of the local culture.

The Mexican Day of the Dead is about remembering loved ones who have passed, rather than excessive drinking and rowdy behavior. When visiting Mexico for the event, it’s smart to refrain from treating it as a Halloween-like holiday or a spectacle. Instead, try to participate thoughtfully in the ceremonies if invited or observe quietly from a distance.

Be mindful that graveyards are considered sacred spaces, so always be respectful while visiting. Also, remember to acknowledge the traditional clothing and face paintings as cultural expressions, rather than costume elements.

Asking for permission before taking photographs is an essential etiquette as well to protect participants’ privacy.

Our Travelex Travel On App is a helpful tool for learning about cultural gestures to be aware of and other destination advice while you're in Mexico for your Day of the Dead trip. Our app can also offer details like food and water safety tips and security alerts.

 

Safety tip #4: Choose to participate in lower risk activities.

Some activities during the Mexican Day of the Dead, like visiting crowded cemeteries at night, may carry higher risks. Try to opt for daytime activities, smaller gatherings, or official guided tours to minimize risks.

 

Safety tip #5: Remember to secure your belongings.

With large crowds and the bustle of festivities, it's easy for pickpockets to take advantage of distracted tourists. Aim to use bags that close securely, avoid keeping valuables in easily accessible pockets, and always keep your belongings within sight.

 

Safety tip #6: Make smart decisions to help avoid incidents of violent crime.

While the Day of the Dead is generally a peaceful celebration, it's important to remember that some parts of Mexico can struggle with high rates of violent crime. Aim to be cautious when traveling outside of tourist areas, especially after dark, and always inform someone of your plans.

 

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico, safely

“Remember, the key to a safe and enjoyable trip is preparation and awareness,” said Harrison.

With these Mexico travel safety tips in mind, you can visit local cemeteries, experience an altar, and savor traditional foods to celebrate the Day of the Dead while avoiding foreseeable risks.

“Day of the Dead offers a unique opportunity to connect with Mexican culture on a deep level, and treating the celebration with respect helps to ensure the holiday is a joyful and enlightening experience for both locals and tourists.”

 

Ready to get travel insurance for your Mexico trip?

Discover how our Travelex plans can provide coverage for your upcoming vacation. Get a quote now.

Want to save money on your next vacation? Check out how travel insurance can help protect your trip and your wallet.

When it comes to going on vacation, balancing between the must-have expenses and the items on your wish list is all part of the planning process. Some travelers might splurge on first-class airfare but save money by staying in a budget hotel. Others, may prefer to indulge in lavish meals but stick to cheaper activities, like hiking or free walking tours.

One vacation expense that often gives travelers pause during the planning and budgeting phase is travel insurance. They wonder if they should buy travel insurance, trying to decide whether it’s worth the cost or just another unnecessary expense.

The United States government recommends American travelers purchase insurance before they travel, making it one of the most important items to pack for a trip — especially if you want to help protect yourself against unexpected costs.

“Not only can problems or challenges on your trip cause distress and disappointment, but they can also cost you money,” said Shannon Lofdahl, President and CEO at Travelex Insurance Services Inc.

“When you protect your vacation with the right travel insurance plan, you pay a small amount upfront to help ensure you have financial support for a variety of covered travel incidents, should something unexpected go wrong on your trip,” Lofdahl said.

Want to understand how travel insurance can save you money? We reveal the real-life value of this vacation must-have below.

 

#1. If your luggage is lost or stolen

When it comes to travel, you’ll likely want the luggage you packed for the trip to arrive at your destination when you do — no matter your mode of transport.

For example, if you’ve arrived at your vacation destination and your friends are ready to hit the beach, but your bathing suit has been rerouted to Alaska, insult is only added to injury when you have to buy a new swimsuit despite having packed your favorite. Or, if someone has stolen your garment bag, leaving you without a single suitable outfit to wear to an important business meeting, spending money you hadn’t budgeted for new clothes becomes an unwelcome stressor.

If your belongings or luggage are lost, damaged, or stolen while on your trip, travel insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Without adequate trip coverage, you’ll likely be stuck with the bill for any costs to replace both your luggage and the belongings inside it.

Real-life travel story: The case of the lost luggage

On a trip to Greece, one Travelex customer had their baggage stolen right out from under their nose. Distraught, the traveler contacted our team, and we were able to provide them with a travel insurance reimbursement of $2,000. This allowed them to recoup most of the cost of the luggage, clothing, and other items in the stolen bags. Without travel insurance, the replacement costs would have been this traveler’s financial burden to bear.

 

#2. If you miss your connection

If you’ve planned a trip that involves several legs, there’s a chance you could miss one of your connections. Maybe you’ll miss it because of an unexpected weather delay, or maybe you’ll miss it because of a slight technical malfunction on the aircraft — travel is unpredictable sometimes.

If a leg of your preplanned trip is delayed by circumstances outside your control, then you could find yourself paying a lot of money to get your trip back on schedule. However, if you have travel insurance, your policy may provide financial reimbursement to cover the unexpected costs related to your missed connection(s).

Real-life travel story: The case of the missed connection

A trip to Antarctica is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any traveler brave enough to go. If you have the time, money, and inclination to plan such an adventurous trip, you’ll want to make sure it‘s memorable for all the right reasons.

A Travelex customer headed to Antarctica ended up missing one of the many connections on their flight plan, leaving them stranded for some time. Thankfully, their travel insurance for missed connections coverage was $500, and the claim payout helped the traveler recoup some of the money they spent during their unplanned stay.

 

#3. If you experience trip delays

Have you ever been stuck in an airport for an extended period? Maybe your flight was delayed by a blizzard, or perhaps the computers were down that day and you had to wait hours (or overnight) before you could resume your journey. In scenarios like these, additional expenses — from extra meals to hotel rooms — would need to come out of your wallet. But, with travel insurance, you may be reimbursed for unexpected expenses related to trip delays.

Real-life travel story: The case of the dastardly delay

Sometimes, a trip can be delayed because of a more serious incident. Sadly, this was the case for one Travelex customer during a vacation to India. While on a group tour, the insured traveler’s companion suffered an unexpected injury, which caused them to fall behind their group’s itinerary and led to several additional expenses and travel delays. Thankfully, their travel insurance reimbursement of $1,000 for additional expenses helped ease the sting of the missed opportunities.

 

#4. If you experience a medical emergency

No one wants to get injured or sick, especially on vacation. But twisting an ankle or coming down with a stomach bug while traveling can — and does — happen. Often, only then do travelers realize the health insurance they rely on back home probably won’t cover them while they’re traveling abroad.

This is where travel insurance comes into play. Medical expenses can be some of the costliest bills people face, whether at home or abroad. Costly medical expenses can be daunting, but by making a relatively small investment in travel insurance before departing on your trip, you can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected medical expenses. And, while this won’t take away the physical or emotional turmoil of an accident, it can certainly help reduce the financial stress of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Real-life travel story: The case of the troubled traveler

You don’t have to be on an adventurous trip to a faraway land to suffer massive medical bills while on vacation. Another Travelex traveler took a trip to Pennsylvania and, while there, suffered an injury that racked up medical bills totaling more than $17,000.

Fortunately, the traveler had spent a comparatively small amount of money on a travel insurance policy ahead of their domestic trip, and the policy covered their medical expenses in full. Knowing they didn’t need to worry about the financial implications of the incident likely provided much-welcome comfort during such a difficult time.

 

#5. If you need to be evacuated

We hope all trips are full of fun and free of stress, but, sometimes, circumstances outside our control can lead to unexpected problems. For example, if you get hurt while on a jungle adventure or winter ski trip, you might need to be evacuated by helicopter or air ambulance to reach medical support.

Evacuations are often expensive — not to mention stressful and confusing — and travel insurance can not only help pay the bills, but also help organize the evacuation with local authorities.

Real-life travel story: The case of the unfortunate evacuation

On a trip to Mexico, a Travelex customer became extremely sick. Not only did the traveler rely on Travelex as their travel insurance provider to take care of a wide range of medical bills, but they also needed our help to be evacuated from Mexico to the United States. Our Travelex 24/7 Emergency Assistance team was able to take care of the arrangements and the financial costs, saving the traveler more than $20,000.

 

#6. If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason

When booking a vacation, some people fear they won’t actually get to go on the trip they’ve spent a lot of money booking and time planning. While most vacations go off without a hitch, there are unfortunate times when an entire trip needs to be canceled: maybe someone gets sick, or bad weather shuts down the destination, or there’s a work emergency.

If this happens to you, it can be extremely disappointing for many reasons. Firstly, you’re going to miss out on a trip you’ve undoubtedly been looking forward to. Secondly, beyond the sadness of missing the trip, you may face financial hardships, too. For example, without travel insurance, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for all or most of your trip costs. But, with a travel insurance policy, you can file a claim and be reimbursed for the prepaid non-refundable trip costs if you’re canceling it for covered reasons.

Real-life travel story: The case of the canceled trip

One family traveling with a Travelex policy planned the trip of a lifetime to California. Sadly, illness struck, and they were forced to cancel their dream trip. Their travel insurance reimbursement was $21,800 – the amount spent on prepaid costs for the canceled vacation — all of which would have been lost if they hadn’t purchased an adequate travel insurance plan.

 

#7. If you need to cancel your trip for any reason

Sometimes, we want to be protected for all eventualities — no matter how unique or unexpected. And, sometimes, we simply want the freedom to change our plans without crippling financial ramifications.

If you’re concerned you’ll need to cancel your trip for a reason not covered by base plan benefits — or you may want the flexibility to change your mind — it’s worth considering Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.

A travel insurance policy that includes CFAR coverage can help you stress less before your trip, as well as give you the freedom to abandon your vacation plans for any reason before departing on your trip. 

Real-life travel story: The case of the change of mind

A Travelex traveler decided they no longer wanted to take their trip to Colorado. Thankfully, they included CFAR coverage in their Travelex travel protection policy, which allowed them to cancel their trip for any reason up to 48 hours before their departure and provided them with a partial reimbursement of their prepaid non-refundable trip costs.

Save money with travel insurance by protecting your next trip

Vacations are often not cheap, and there are always times when travelers must choose to splurge or to save. When it comes to travel insurance, spending a little bit of your travel budget on a travel insurance policy before you depart can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.

To protect your next trip, compare our travel insurance plans to see which one may be right for you or get a quote online now.

 

Image credit: Getty

The information in this article is correct at the time of writing on August 3, 2023, and may change at any time. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. If you have questions about coverage available under our plans, please review the policy or contact us at 1-800-228-9792 or [email protected]. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276.

*The Cancel For Any Reason upgrade may not be available to residents of all U.S. states. If this upgrade is available to you based on your state of residence, you will be offered the opportunity to include this upgrade in your policy when getting a quote online. Purchase restrictions apply.

Travelex launches enhanced travel insurance plans and CFAR upgrade, plus age-band pricing

Today, Travelex Insurance Services Inc., launched its new line of travel protection plans with an enhanced cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) upgrade covering up to 75% of trip cost, competitive age-band pricing, and additional coverage benefits. Travelex’s previous travel protection plans officially retired at 11:59 p.m. May 31. Read more ...

Paris is an enchanting city full of culture, history, and absolutely delicious food. Instead of rushing around trying to pack in as many famous attractions as humanly possible, be sure to take time to sit and relax. Savor some down-time of people watching while enjoying a Parisian café or a glass of wine. Indulge in classic French foods like croissants, macarons, and savory cheeses. Breathe in the beauty of a French garden and chat with the locals. In other words, embrace French culture and explore with a sense of wide-eyed enthusiasm.

If you’re ​heading to this global city ​for the first time, the following tips can help prepare you for a better trip to Paris and reduce the anxiety of overwhelming options. 

​​​​What do I need to know before going to Paris?​​ 

While there are many things we could tell you, here are just a few practical tips: 

  • Plan in advance. Learn how to navigate the city and schedule out your time. Plan for how you will arrive and get to your accommodations, as well as how to get back to the airport. Keep the address and name of your accommodation on you when you’re out and about. Consider getting Rick Steves’ Audio Europe App for walking tours, audio guides, and tips on the go. 

  • Learn key French words you’ll use throughout your stay. Buy a French phrasebook so your knowledge of the language shows respect to the culture — and makes you look less like a clueless tourist. You’ll get better treatment if you use pleasant phrases such as bonjour (good day), pardon (pardon me), Métro; s'il vous plaît (please), merci (thank you), and au revoir (goodbye).

  • Don’t forget voltage converters/adapter plugs for electronics. Voltage in France is 220-240, so a simple all-in-one travel adapter and charger is a necessity. 

  • Like any destination, be aware of your surroundings and ​keep a hand on your belongings. Tourists are prime targets for pick pockets in Paris. See our guide on how to hide cash while traveling

  • If using the metro, keep your ticket in your pocket after entering. You may be asked to present it upon exiting or risk paying a fine. 

  • At restaurants in Paris, tax and tip is typically already included in the menu price. You can tip on top of this, but it’s not expected. Bonus tip: Ask for tap water at restaurants instead of being pressured into buying bottled water. 

  • If you’re traveling abroad for the first time ever, take a look at our tips for traveling abroad for the first time and using credit cards, debit cards and ATMs in Europe

​​​​What should I do on my first trip to Paris?​​​​ 

It’s no exaggeration to say that Paris offers endless opportunities for exploration. If you’re into experiencing major attractions, seriously consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass online before you go. Giving you access to over 50 top Paris locations and 20 additional attractions outside of Paris, a pass will save you money, time and grant you fast-track entry. Another perk of the Paris Pass: free rides on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and optional Transit Travelcard for the Paris Metro while your pass is valid. 

Quick tips on a few tourist favorites: 

The Louvre​​ 

This world-renowned museum is huge and insanely busy during the day. If you can, shoot for Wednesday or Friday evenings when the museum is open until 9:45 pm. If an evening visit doesn’t work, book a Louvre Museum Timed Entrance ticket to skip the long lines during the day. 

The Eiffel Tower​​ 

No first trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Like any other iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower tends to be packed with tourists. Plan to get up early. If you desire to go to the top with less stress, get yourself an Eiffel Tower, Second Floor Priority Access Pass.  

If you want a breathtaking view of the city from the top of a panoramic terrace (and the Eiffel Tower center stage), head to the famous Arc de Triomphe or Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Both are included in the Paris Pass

Versailles​​ 

A luxurious summer retreat for past French kings, Versailles is a place of beauty. The Chateau De Versailles offers a massive collection of French works of art, concerts and French history dating back to the seventeenth century. From the royal stables, hall of mirrors and famous fountains to the beauty of the gardens, it’s no wonder this palace estate is a major attraction.   

Where should I stay in Paris for the first time?​​ 

The question of where to stay depends on your preferred style of travel. Do you enjoy hostels, 4-star hotels, a boutique hotel, HomeAway or Airbnb? Are you traveling solo, as a couple or with a group? 

Whatever you choose, a good tip is to pick well located accommodations that suit the areas you’d like to explore. It may be a chic boutique hotel close to cozy cafes or an apartment rental giving you more space and a kitchen. If most of what you want to explore is in the city, stay in the city.  

To begin exploring your options, check out Where to Stay in Paris, The Best Area to Stay in Paris for First Time Visitors, and the Best of France Guidebook for suggestions from experienced travelers.  

​​With language barriers, jet lag and so much to see, being a first time visitor to Paris can be overwhelming. With our tips and your advanced planning, we have no doubt you’ll fall in love with the City of Lights.​​​ 

​​​Want to protect your upcoming Parisian getaway? Get a travel insurance quote now.​​​​ 

Whether spending a few days en route or planning a short getaway, Rome is a city filled with some of the most iconic sites in the world — and you’ll definitely want to go back. With limited time in mind, we’ve compiled some of Rome’s top attractions for a two-day stay. Choose the destinations that appeal to your interests, plot out on a city map, and  enjoy.    

Day one

The Borghese Art Gallery

Villa Borghese

One of the top collections of art in the world, you can only enter the gallery with a reservation. Here, you’ll see incredible art by the renowned Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Bernini — just to name a few. Be sure to take a stroll through the beautiful gardens around the museum.

The Pantheon

Pantheon

As master builders, the Romans accomplished this amazing feat of engineering around 120 A.D. It has survived wars, earthquakes, and nearly 2,000 years of weather. If the stunning dome isn’t enough for you, a number of famous historical figures are buried here. Check out pantheonroma.com for hours, history, and optional tours. Entry is free.

Trevi Fountain

Fontana di Trevi

A short walk from the Pantheon, some call this fountain the most famous in the world, and it's a beautiful sight both day and night. A huge baroque structure from the 18th century, it’s considered good luck to throw a coin into the fountain so you'll be guaranteed a return to Rome. Don’t worry, no one's getting rich off the 3,000+ euros/day that are thrown in every day — all funds are used to help feed the hungry.

Piazza Navona and Camp de Fiori

Piazza Navona Square

Filled with cafes, fountains, shops, wine, and coffee, these colorful locations are nice spots to take a break.

Day two

The Colosseum

Colosseum in Rome

Spend a few hours exploring the site where gladiators fought. Starting in 80 A.D., 50,000 spectators would be entertained in this engineering marvel. Purchase a combo ticket ahead of time at the Roman Forum to gain admission to both sites and bypass the main lines (Palatine Hill is also included). If you want to see the top three floors however, they're only accessible with a guided tour. Keep this in mind when purchasing tickets.

Roman Forum

Roman Forum

Located about a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a complex of government buildings, temples, and marketplaces from 2,000 years ago. Here, you’ll imagine the former glory of Rome’s political, religious, and social life. Many visitors suggest renting or streaming an audio guide here, as there’s so much to see. Either way, be sure to grab a map. There’s not a lot of shade in the Roman Forum, so be sure to apply sunscreen and carry water.

Vatican City — Sistine Chapel — St. Peter’s Basilica

Interior of St. Peters Basilica

If you plan to visit the world's smallest state — and where the pope calls home — shoot for the afternoon when crowds tend to be less. Be aware there's a dress code at the Vatican: no shorts, no bare shoulders, and no skirts shorter than knee length. On Wednesdays when the pope is in Rome, he holds a general audience in St. Peter’s Square. St. Peter’s Basilica is considered the largest church in the world with the most amazing Renaissance architecture. Note there's an extra fee to climb to the top of the Dome — and the view is worth it. Book tickets in advance. Check out Viator’s skip-the-line tours that start at the Vatican, hit the Sistine Chapel, and end at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Piazza del Popolo and The Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

A short walk along the Tiber River, the Piazza is a great place to get a bite to eat before heading to the famous Spanish Steps. With a fountain at the base and a church at the top, it’s a popular stop for visitors —especially when resting on the steps with some gelato in hand. Speaking of gelato, plan to visit the top gelato spots in Rome.

Plot out your itinerary in advance

Whatever attractions you choose to visit, plot out your two days on Google Maps so you can access it while you’re there. This way you can decide if you want to explore on foot or use public transportation, and the best itinerary order to suit your tastes. There are several good pre-made interactive Google Maps you can use including a Rome Walking Route. However you choose to spend your two days in Rome, you’ll have the time of your life. Mix and match these top Rome attractions, plot your course and make it happen. You’ll be glad you did.