My First Trip to Italy: The Rome Experiences Worth Every Step

In March 2025, I boarded my very first international flight.

Italy.

Before that, I wouldn’t have called myself a traveler. We had taken trips for work, school events, and life obligations — but not many fully planned, intentional vacations from start to finish.

This trip was different.

When I started my blog, it was originally a scrapbook — a way to document life so the small details wouldn’t be lost. During our caregiving season, we realized how many stories disappear over time. I didn’t want that for us.

But somewhere along the way, the blog became something else too:
A place to plan intentional trips.
A place to take good notes.
A place to share the details with someone else who might want to take the same journey.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, here are two experiences that were absolutely worth it.

1. Street Food Tour in Trastevere

Yes, we did the iconic tourist attractions in Rome — because we are tourists. And you should be too.

But the street food tour in Trastevere? That was magic.

Walking through cobblestone streets. Sampling authentic Roman bites. Learning the stories behind the food. It gave us a feel for the neighborhood beyond the main attractions.

If you’re looking for:

• Authentic Rome food experiences

• A guided walking tour

• A way to see Trastevere like a local

This is it.

2. The Vintage Flea Market in Trastevere

This is where we bought our souvenirs — and not the typical ones.

Think:

• Italian scarves

• Leather jackets

• Vintage finds with history

Now let me set expectations.

It was not the quiet, charming, tucked-away European market I imagined. It was miles of booths. Packed with locals and tourists. Overwhelming. Busy. Loud.

And completely worth it.

It took extra effort to get there and back. Extra walking. Extra patience.

But those are the stories we’ll tell.

Why I Document Our Trips

This blog started as a scrapbook.

Now it’s also a travel planning journal — detailed, efficient, and meant to help someone else recreate the experience without starting from scratch.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, don’t skip:

• A food tour in Trastevere

• Exploring local flea markets

• Mixing iconic tourist stops with hidden gems

You can do both. You should do both.

Because the best trips are the ones you remember — and write down.

Planning your first trip to Italy?
Save this for later and follow along for more detailed Rome travel notes and itinerary tips.