“She’s an Italian Mama.” Get to Know Rome Like a Local.

This year—2025—is a holy one in Rome. But you can still avoid the crowds.  On this episode of Unpacked by Afar, Rome local and journalist Laura Itzkowitz, takes us off the tourist trail and into the lesser-visited places that make Rome worth visiting, all year round.  How To Experience Rome Like A Local, Not a Tourist On this episode you’ll learn:  How to beat the crowds in hot spots like the Vatican and the Colosseum.  Where to stay in Rome to support the local economy and enjoy hidden gems.  How to eat like a local in Rome and avoid tourist traps.  Get To the Heart of Rome, No Long Lines Required Don’t miss these moments:  [03:55] Meet Mama Roma: The essence of the city.  [16:24] How to see Rome's greatest sights, without the crowds.  [19:48] Don’t fall for this tourist trap. Get authentic food, instead.   [27:09] Where to stay, when in Rome.  A Roman Love Story: In Two Parts More than 15 years ago, Laura Izkowitz fell in love with Rome on her very first visit. She was taken by the glamour and intrigue of the city—the sounds of "mini operas" all around her. Now, she's married to a Roman, is an expert in Roman travel, and navigates the city like the seasoned local she is. Follow along as she takes you off the tourist trail, gives you local strategies for avoiding the crowds, and shares cultural insight to help you explore the ancient city like the Romans do. Resources Check out Laura’s original story to find more local recommendations.  Read more of Laura’s work on her website or explore her Substack, The New Roman Times. Book a tour with Elisa Valeria Bove’s tour company, Roma Experience.  Rome’s Jubilee Year Has Begun—Here’s What to Know and How to Avoid The Crowds.  The Secret to Seeing the Vatican Without the Crowds Follow Laura on Instagram.  Read the transcript of the episode.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us. ** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **