Episode #83: Rome Family Trip: The Magic, the Mishaps, and How We Traveled for Nearly Free

This summer, we took our first family trip to Italy, and our first stop was Rome. We stayed for three nights, booked our flights and hotel on credit card points, and made some unforgettable memories (including one we didn’t expect.)

Give the Episode above a listen.

Here are the highlights, lessons, and why I wouldn’t change a thing.

✨ What We Did Right:

• Traveling on Points: Flights, hotels, and even breakfast were booked using points and miles. It made the trip feel more accessible and less stressful.

• Flexible Planning: We didn’t overpack the itinerary. Instead, we made space for things like midday gelato, naps, and dinners on the rooftop, moments that felt magical.

• Staying Present: Instead of trying to do all the tourist things, we focused on what mattered to us and our kids. And we knew we could always come back.

😳 Staying Alert:

On our way to the Vatican, I noticed a group targeting of 3 an older couple for pickpocketing. I felt it in my body before I could even name it—and chose to step in. It was a powerful reminder to trust your intuition and stay alert when traveling.

🧳 Why Three Nights Was Perfect:

Rome was amazing, but with kids and limited time, three nights felt just right. We saw the major landmarks, ate good food, and left with full hearts and tired feet.

🇮🇹 3-Day Rome Itinerary 

✈️ Overview

• Duration: 3 nights / 2 full days

• Traveled with: Family of 4 Kids ages 10 &12

• How we booked: Flights with KLM booked with 25,000 points through Flying Blue. Booked The Tribune Hotel, a Hyatt Property, in Rome booked a suite on points and added a GOH for free breakfast. 

• Pace: Balanced, sightseeing with room to rest, eat, and enjoy the experience without burnout

📍 Day 1: Arrival + Dinner

• Arrived and checked into the JDV The Tribune around 5pm

• Brief walk to Pizza nearby

• Discovered the rooftop was empty, planned to return for dinner later in the week

🏛️ Day 2: Full Day of Sightseeing

• Early walk/run to the Colosseum for a Tour at 9am of arena floor and Colosseum.

  • Guided Tour Through Viator, with Rakuten activated for extra membership rewards points, book early for cheaper rates, you can always cancel

•  Lunch and Gelato Followed by some downtime at the hotel

•  Evening Golf Cart Tour booked through AirBnb with a start time at 5:30pm. Pick up was near our hotel at Borghese Gardens. It was a great way to see all the sites!

•  Dinner Near Spanish Steps at Osteria del Tempo Perso Belsiana, so good!

🏛️ Day 2: Gardens and Vatican 

• Breakfast at our Hotel

• Walk to Borghese Gardens to explore, ride 4 person pedal bikes, and row boats

•  Late afternoon walk to the Pantheon and the Vatican Museum

  • Pantheon was only 5 Euros a piece for adults, kids were free, we grabbed pizza nearby before heading inside.

  • At the Vatican self-guided audio tours allowed us to choose what we were most interested in. Booked directly with Vatican

  • Spent about 2 hours inside Vatican

  • Spotted a pickpocket trio on the way there, so stay alert.
  • Dinner at the roof top of the Tribune
    • Great food, beautiful view, do make reservations

⚠️ Travel Tip: Train stations and major attractions are hot spots for scams and pickpockets. Stay aware, even when it feels safe.

Day 3: Rest + Travel to Florence

• Slept in

• Enjoyed breakfast at the hotel

• Packed up and checked out at a relaxed pace

• Didn’t make it to:

  • Trevi Fountain up close, we still saw it just didn't wait in line to view closer (skipped due to crowds and family priorities)

  • Trastevere food district (Plenty of good food nearby)

• Midday train to Florence

💡 Planning Tip: Schedule travel days around hotel check-out/check-in times to reduce stress and avoid rushing.

Coming next: Florence and Lake Como — plus how we planned a dream trip using points, with tips if you’re dreaming of doing the same.

Resources mentioned:
– My Favorite Credit Cards For Points and Miles HERE
– Our Golf Cart Tour booked through Airbnb HERE 

– Dinner Near the Spanish Steps Osteria del Tempo Perso Belsiana, Via Belsiana, 94 -95, 00187 Roma RM

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