Lacio Albergues

Roma, yes it is very traffic-laden. But the Colosseum, Palatino, Via del Corso, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain are worth it! I hit Rome during the big Saldi and I bought tons of clothes for very good prices! Trevi Fountain was so beautiful at night. I just sat there and spoke with the locals. I learned a lot of Italian that night. Plus, being serenaded by a charming Italian man is always a plus! Dirt, dirt, dirt, who cares? There is plenty of dirt in every American city as well. After all, they are cities! But Italian dirt is so much more charming, LOL : )

Sermoneta is more beautiful than any town in Tuscany, yet has only a few tourists. It cannot stay that way for long.

Rome is a fantastic city to live in, but from a tourist perspective -- especially if you aren't comfortable with a city that is as chaotic as Rome -- it might not be so great. I myself hated Rome the first time I visited, but came back and looked at things from a new perspective and saw all the great things it has to offer, and now live here. There are also numerous opportunities to meet people from all over the world all over the city if you are social and talk to people. The Spanish steps are a great place for tourists to hang out, listen to some locals play the guitar and sing, and meet new people. Rome is not a dangerous city if you don't make yourself a target. That means not wandering around with a map in your hand or wearing obviously touristy clothing (fanny packs for instance). Also, attempt to have an air of confidence about where you are even if you're totally lost. You can still ask for directions, but don't make it obvious that you're lost. As far as Romans not being…

Don't talk to strangers if you are a female. I met two Italian men in Roma who helped me to find the way at first and kept on taking advantage of me afterwards!

Sperlonga was the most beautiful and peaceful place I have been. I hope to return in a few months with the hope of moving there permanently.

Look at Roma -- dirty, expensive, and crowded. It is the eternal city and there is so much to see and explore. And that is what every owner of a hostel, hotel, restaurant and every other business serving tourists knows. Convenient it is that most hostels and hotels are situated close to the Termini train station. It must be the cheapest area in Rome, because it is one of the most smelly, dirty, and -- for tourists, carrying their cameras and wallets -- unsafe areas. Plus, coming out of Termini, walking your first meters in the city, you will see homeless sleeping, be asked for money and cigarettes. The prices in Rome -- well, it is Rome after all, so every tourist is paying for it, but do yourself a big favor when you stay at a some hotel or hostel. Ask around what rate other guests pay, because you will be judged by your wallet and look by receptionists at many places at a difference of up to 60 €uro for a single room. Some tourists just pay everything.