5 Jubilee Tour Companies for a Perfect Trip to Rome

The 2025 Jubilee is here, ringing in a time of hopeful reflection for Catholics around the world.

It’s the trip of a lifetime for those who planned ahead of time. Still, that doesn’t mean all you need to do is buy tickets, reserve a hotel, and show up.

With pilgrims piling into Rome alongside over 30 million tourists this year, the city will be a madhouse even more than usual. Tourists who take expert tips to heart on how to navigate the jubilee will still face massive crowds and long waits.

Even those who escape to nearby towns and cities might be in for crowds, too. For example, Assisi is one of the best destinations close to Rome… but it will also be overrun with pilgrims throughout the year. (And especially during the spring and summer rush.)

What’s the best way to get into Rome’s top jubilee destinations and then retreat back to solace? Let an experienced, well-connected tour guide chauffeur you around in a golden haze of peace. (Or, at least, as close to a golden haze of peace as possible in a city like Rome.)

Your best bet at enjoying the jubilee to its full capacity is booking a city tour with a local expert. Skipping the line is just the beginning for those who sign up with the right agency.

Want an unmatched experience on your trip to Rome this year? I’ve got a jubilee tour company for you.

At a glance: top 5 Jubilee tour companies in Rome

Best luxury tour provider: Great Italy
Best DIY option: The Vatican Tickets
More than just the Jubilee: Tourist Italy
Most affordable tour company: Liv Tours
The pilgrim’s pick: 206 Tours

Top Jubilee tour providers for a perfect trip to Rome

Best luxury Jubilee tour group: Great Italy

Want total customization over your trip? One of the best options out there is Great Italy. The luxury tour group specializes in crafting itineraries across Italy.

They also offer a private jubilee tour of Rome that runs for four days, taking you inside the most popular sites without neglecting Rome’s non-Catholic history.

In other words, you’ll get a bit of everything with their four-day tour package. It’s also customizable in case you have any specific requests. They also hammer out all the other details of your stay, from luxury hotel rooms to four-course meals.

Best DIY option for a Jubilee tour: The Vatican Tickets

Want to do the jubilee at your own pace? Book a tour with Headout, the authorized and trusted tour booking partner of The Vatican.

The Vatican Tickets offers a straightforward setup that lets you select a program that’s right for you, whether you want to stick to St. Peter’s Basilica or bundle in trips to St. Callixtus and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Headout is a great option for budget travelers, as well. Some options are as cheap as around $70. Just make sure you read each tour’s description closely; some come with audio guides, while others include official tour guides.

And be mindful that these tickets are only for The Vatican; if you want to see other sites, you need to book a separate tour.

More than just the Jubilee: Tourist Italy

If you’re looking to bundle a jubilee tour with an escape from Rome, look no further. Tourist Italy is a popular pick for travelers heading around the country—and that expertise can help you bundle a trip to Rome and the Amalfi Coast in a single go.

They offer an 11-day Rome Jubilee & Amalfi Coast tour that takes all the legwork out of seeing both sites. If you’d rather stick to the capital city, there’s also an 8-day romp around Rome.

Regardless, you’ll have access to expert tour guides that offer personalized service.

Most affordable tour company: Liv Tours

Want a private tour of the jubilee without going over budget? Liv Tours is a perfect choice. Though the private tour isn’t cheap by any means, it’s a lot more affordable than other options I’ve seen over the last few months.

Their private experience includes access to all three Holy Doors outside the Vatican and private transportation via chauffeur. (You need to book separately to see St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican—which you can do via The Vatican Tickets, above.)

That makes this tour perfect for tourists and pilgrims alike. Whether or not you’re personally interested in the history of the jubilees or touching the four Holy Doors, there’s something for you. The tour includes plenty of discussions on art history, papal history, and more.

The pilgrim’s pick: 206 Tours

If you want to dive straight into the holy sites dotting Rome, go with 206 Tours. 206 Tours specializes in Catholic pilgrimage-based travel, from El Camino in Spain to shrine tours of Canada.

That means you can expect a highly niche and spiritual experience that’s guided by faith-driven itineraries around the city—ones that are led by priests, fathers, deacons, and other Catholic leaders.

3 Phone Settings That Protect You From Hackers on Public Wi-Fi

There are more public Wi-Fi hotspots than ever before.

In the first few years that airports, plazas, and even high-traffic parks started offering free public Wi-Fi, it seemed like a clear win for travelers. We often need access to the internet while we travel to load maps, get in contact with friends, check our travel apps, and research nearby restaurants.

Very quickly, however, cyber security concerns popped up.

Here’s the rub: even though travelers benefit greatly from public Wi-Fi hotspots in popular destinations, they’re notoriously risky. Using free Wi-Fi puts us at risk for cyber security threats like hacking.

Luckily, there are a few tips that you can use to avoid hackers anywhere in the world. Today, I’m relying on advice from Michael Moore, an IT expert at Next Perimeter, a cyber security firm with almost 20 years of experience.

All you need to do is make sure the necessary settings are enabled on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. After that, you can explore the internet however you want, knowing that your personal and financial data are secure.

First—what’s at risk when you use public Wi-Fi?

I’m not a huge tech buff, so let’s start with a refresher on why using public Wi-Fi is risky.

The most common cyber hacking risks that travelers face are identity theft, financial data leaks, and even sensitive professional information. (If you’ve ever signed an NDA, take note!)

Even your photos could be hacked by a savvy phisher. And that’s incredibly risky for a myriad of reasons—especially if you head out on vacation with photos of your credit cards and passports.

(I advise sending those photos to a trusted friend or family member before leaving—that way, you can easily access them if needed without putting yourself at risk.)

3 important phone settings to have turned on to avoid hackers on public Wi-Fi

First: Disable auto-connect

Almost all smartphones and laptops have auto-connect enabled. Auto-connect means that your smart device will automatically search for unlocked Wi-Fi networks to join, including airport Wi-Fi and public Wi-Fi. Though you might be able to spot a weird Wi-Fi network by name, your device won’t.

There are two ways you can combat auto-connect. First—and most obviously—disable the auto-connect features in your Wi-Fi settings. Second, make sure that your device is set to ‘forget’ old networks. That way, you won’t re-join any unsecured Wi-Fi networks in the future.

Second: Turn off Bluetooth

Did you know that Bluetooth is ‘like leaving your back door unlocked’, according to Michael Moore? Though I’ve been aware of cyber safety rules, I didn’t realize how dangerous leaving your Bluetooth on is when using a public Wi-Fi network. Unless you’re using Bluetooth for headphones or other reasons, leave it off.

Third: Use a VPN whenever possible

VPNs are virtual private networks that work to ‘hide’ your IP address—sort of like an invisibility cloak for your data. This works via encryption, which essentially distorts your data from anyone who might intercept it.

You can use VPNs for your phones, tablets, and/or laptops.

Moore suggests opting for a paid VPN service over a free one because they operate faster and offer better security. I use Express VPN, which costs around $100 annually. It lets me connect to VPN servers around the world, which I use for professional work along with security. It works on my smartphone and laptop.

Bonus tip for Apple users: Turn off AirDrop, too

This note is specific for Apple users: make sure your AirDrop settings are set to ‘receiving off’ or ‘contacts only’. Or, as Moore suggests, keep this feature totally turned off until the moment you need to use it.

AirDrop, for those who don’t know, is a wireless feature that lets Apple users share and transfer files between devices. I use it all the time to send large quantities of pictures and videos. But there’s really no point in having AirDrop activated daily.

Inside All 16 Stops on Boston’s Historic Freedom Trail

Back in 1951, a Boston-based journalist conceived an idea for the ages.

His vision was to unite Boston’s most famous historic landmarks with a walkable trail. The concept quickly took off, and within two years of its conception, the Freedom Trail was born, welcoming upwards of 40,000 locals.

The trail—which consists of mostly inlaid or painted lines—weaves through Boston’s oldest districts. Beginning with Boston Common downtown, the trail edges through the North End and onward to Charlestown, where it concludes with the Bunker Hill Monument.

Along the way, visitors will come into contact with some of the country’s oldest and most significant historical markers—many of which paved the way for the formation of the United States of America.

If you’re a history buff who has plans to visit Boston, don’t forget about the humble Freedom Trail. While a few stops along its 16-stop, 2.5-mile path charge a small entry fee, the vast majority are free.

How to experience Boston’s Freedom Trail

Boston, MA – April 25: Josh Rudy, a tour guide with The Freedom Trail Foundation, joked about how beautiful John Hancock’s wife was as he played Capt. Daniel Malcolm while leading a tour of the Freedom Trail. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

If you’re planning to walk the Freedom Trail, I highly suggest stopping at Faneuil Hall (the 11^th stop on the tour). On the first floor, you’ll find a visitor center that offers free maps of the Freedom Trail. I also recommend picking up brochures and maps that cover Boston’s non-Freedom Trail landmarks.

Notably, the Liberty Tree and sites associated with the Boston Tea Party are omitted from the Freedom Trail. Those brochures can help you figure out how to bundle in a few other stops along the way.

If a DIY tour isn’t your thing, you can also sign up for one of the official tours that leave every day at 10 am (seasonal), 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm. Guides are dressed in colonial garb, which adds a layer of nerdy fun.

Traditionally, the Freedom Trail runs from South to North, which means you’ll begin with Boston Common and end with the Bunker Hill Monument. That being said, you can go whichever way suits your fancy.

Below, you can read a small snippet about each of the Freedom Trail’s 16 stops. I’ve included photos of my favorite can’t-miss landmarks.

All 16 stops on Boston’s Freedom Trail

Boston Common

Boston Common is a 50-acre public park in downtown Boston that first opened back in 1634. It’s the oldest city park in the United States.

Massachusetts State House

Massachusetts State House is the state’s capitol building, housing the state legislature and governor’s offices. The grand building was completed back in 1798, making it one of the oldest state capitols still in use.

Park Street Church

This evangelical church was completed back in 1809, making it one of the older stops on the Freedom Trail. It ended up on this list thanks to its notable members and speakers, including Harriet Beecher Stowe’s brother (who served as a deacon), and was the first place where the song ‘My Country, ‘Tis of Thee’ was performed.

Granary Burying Ground

This famous burial ground dates back to 1660 and is the final resting places of revolutionaries like Paul Revere, the victims of the Boston Massacre, and other pivotal figures like John Hancock and Samuel Adams.

King’s Chapel

King’s Chapel might be my favorite stop on the Freedom Trail thanks to its imposing size and construction. Built in 1764, the Georgian architecture feels like something you’d see in Ancient Rome.

Boston Latin School & Statue of Benjamin Franklin

The Boston Latin School is no longer standing; it was a public exam school from 1635 when it served as a colonial school for British Americans. Nearby, you’ll see a bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin from 1856.

Old Corner Bookstore

This gorgeous building dates back to 1718, when it was used as a residence and apothecary. Despite its name, it didn’t become a bookstore until 1828. Today, it serves as an entertainment venue and houses a Chipotle Mexican Grill—which feels a little cheap for the Freedom Trail, if I’m being honest.

Old South Meeting House

This historic church played a pivotal role in US history. Back in 1773, over five thousand locals gathered at the Old South Meeting House—which was the largest building the city at the time. There, they plotted the Boston Tea Party.

Old State House

Built in 1713, the Old State House sits among Boston’s tallest skyscrapers, offering a unique portal into the past. This stately building served as Massachusett’s capitol building until 1798 when the new state house was completed.

Boston Massacre Site

The Boston Massacre helped spur the American Revolution—and you can visit the very place where the massacre happened, memorialized today with a placard. Back in 1770, British soldiers shot into a crowd of hundreds, which included Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Five died.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is home to a visitor’s center where you can grab a free brochure on the Freedom Trail. It’s also an official government center and has been since it was completed in 1742. Famous names like Samuel Adams gave rousing speeches to compel others to fight for independence during the late colonial era.

Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere House looks like a set design house from The Witch thanks to its dark wood and colonial-style construction. The home has been preserved, letting you explore the life and legacy of Paul Revere, one of the US’s most famous founding fathers.

Old North Church

Completed back in 1723, the Old North Church played a crucial role in spurring on Paul Revere and other founding fathers. On Revere’s famous midnight ride, a church official lit two lanterns in the steeple—which were used to alert Revere and other soldiers to British military movements.

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

Regarded as Boston’s second burial ground, this cemetery dates back to 1659. It is the final resting ground of many pivotal Revolutionary soldiers and thinkers.

USS Constitution

This incredible vessel dates back to 1794, when it was commissioned by George Washington as one of six ships for the US Navy. Once complete, the USS Constitution battled France, British, and Barbary forces.

Bunker Hill Monument

The obelisk at Bunker Hill commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was one of the first major battles between the US colonies and the British Empire—though it was constructed much later on in 1843.

The 5 Benefits of Booking Direct for Flights, Hotels, & More

Who doesn’t love a solid third-party travel site?

The world of tourism has boomed over the last two decades, and OTAs (or online travel agencies) can help hammer out all those necessary bookings.

With so many hotels, airlines, tours, museums, restaurants, galleries, concerts, and more to think about, planning a solid trip is like a part-time job. That’s even more important if you’re focused on savings as a budget traveler.

Travelers regularly book flights, hotels, and car rentals on third-party sites to save when it matters most.

The options keep expanding, too. For example, you can use Google Flights to find deals on Booking, Kayak, and more—or use those third-party sites to compare deals. You can take advantage of offers like Mystery Hotels, a new program from Priceline that lets you book upscale hotels at slashed prices… without revealing the name of the hotel, of course.

It’s a layered, complex game at this point.

And if you know how to use third-party sites to your full advantage, you’re probably saving a few hundred dollars each trip.

That being said, more and more travelers are switching over to the Book Directly Club. That’s an informal name I came up with to describe the thousands of travelers who are sick of missed reservations, failed refunds, and other mishaps that can happen when using third-party sites.

If you’ve been burned by a third-party booking, it might be time to try something new. These are the five main benefits of booking direct with airlines, hotels, and more.

5 benefits of booking direct for travel

1. It’s much, much harder for reservations to disappear

The last time I booked on Kayak, my reservation disappeared. Luckily, I noticed the mixup about a week after the booking. It gave me plenty of time to find another solution; additionally, I hadn’t been charged for the transaction, so it was an easy fix.

Still, it was an alarming experience that made me wonder… does this happen to other travelers? Since then, I’ve double- and triple-checked my reservations when using third-party sites. I’m not alone in this.

Many travelers who use third-party sites with great success recommend checking on those reservations right after booking, one week before the trip, and one day before the trip. If you want to skip the double-checking, book directly.

2. Customer service is (usually) more efficient

I haven’t had any trouble getting ahold of customer service teams at third-party sites. Any time I’ve had a problem with my booking on an OTA, I’ve been able to call a customer service agent easily.

That being said, my experiences with customer service have universally been more streamlined and efficient when there isn’t a third-party site involved.

Again, that’s not because customer support teams aren’t up for the challenge of helping me fix my sordid booking affairs—it’s because OTAs are much more limited in the scope of help they can offer.

That’s because third parties don’t hold the keys to the castle, so to speak; what they can accomplish is dictated by the airline, hotel group, and other companies they collaborate with. And those companies would rather you book directly with them.

3. Bookings are flexible—and special requests are (usually) honored

The most impactful benefit (for me) when booking directly is flexibility. Once again, third-party sites are only able to offer a basic booking service, but when you make a reservation or purchase tickets with a company directly, they’re more able to meet your demands.

That’s important for last-minute changes to reservations, along with special requests. Even if an airline, for example, can’t offer you a refund, they can probably give you flight credits for the same amount that you paid for the flight—which you can use to rebook the flight yourself.

With hotels, you might have special requests like room placements. I’m sure any concierge will try to find you the right room regardless of where you made the reservation—but if there are limitations, those who book directly (and especially loyal travelers) get those perks first.

4. Prices might actually be lower when booking directly

Here’s the real kicker: sometimes, flights and room rates are cheaper directly at a hotel. Unfortunately, that might not be clear at the outset. OTAs are known for listing low prices that quietly become higher as you complete the transaction.

That’s not the case for the vast majority of direct bookings. For this reason, I always recommend comparing the prices listed directly on websites with the final price you see on a third-party site. Beware of the hike!

5. You can reap the benefits of a loyalty program

You don’t need to join a loyalty program off the bat. I joined a few programs over the last year but have yet to reap the rewards, so to speak.

And, to be fair, reaping those bonus points and offers isn’t really on my radar compared to the other benefits of booking direct. My ultimate goal is to pay a reasonable price for a sound, reliable service.

That being said, those who book directly can easily join a loyalty program that doesn’t require any new credit card accounts. Over time, those points will accrue—even if you don’t travel that often.

In other words, you’ll have a slowly building set of points that might pay off in the future. Even if they don’t, you haven’t sacrificed anything to build them up.

My 7 Favorite Travel Products—Plus, the Duds I Never Use

Everyone has their go-to travel gadget.

But just like with any packing-related topics, travelers tend to learn their lessons the hard way. A few mishaps on a vacation will steer what we pack (and don’t pack) for the foreseeable future.

Travel products and packing hacks can go a long way in streamlining your vacation—or making it needlessly more complicated.

The big question is: do you know how to spot a helpful travel product from a dud? Last year, I highlighted some of my favorite items that were available on sale for Black Friday. Fast forward a few months, and I’m taking a closer look at the most popular travel gadgets on the market.

My focus is on the most impactful travel products that have revolutionized how I get around. Plus, the items that came highly recommended but didn’t work out for me personally.

My favorite travel products that I regularly use

Carabiner

These cheap tools are usually used by climbers, but I’ve found them to be helpful in other ways. From helping secure my bag in areas rife with pickpockets to hanging up things in my tiny hotel room, carabiners are a surprisingly effective gadget to have in my back pocket.

Latex balloons

Just like with carabiners, latex balloons might surprise you with their utility. I use balloons to secure my liquids when flying. In the past, I used bags to limit the destruction in case of a leak—but latex balloon caps are much more effective in preventing spills.

Barely-there totes

I’m going to quote myself here: you never know when you’ll need more bag in your bag when on vacation. In fact, nailing your day bag is one of the most important parts of packing for a trip. Adding a barely-there tote, such as a Baggu or BAGSMART, lets you carry around a backup bag without taking up space.

Noise-cancelling headphones/earplugs

I have a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones, which have noise-blocking capabilities. I also travel with a pair of Apple AirPods; again, they have noise-cancelling features. I also travel with a pack of foam earplugs.

From surviving noisy situations on plane rides to sleeping through parties next door to my Airbnb, I will always spare space for my headphones and earplugs. If you’re sensitive to noise like me, invest in noise-cancelling solutions. Or, if you already have, don’t be shy about bringing them on your trip.

Universal adapter

I love to use Europe as an example of why universal adapters are key travel products. While this continent might look homogenous from the outside looking in, especially considering how many countries are part of Schengen and/or the European Union, its sockets are distinct.

If you’re heading to a destination that enables you to take day trips to other countries, bring that universal adapter. You might need it more often than you’d think on longer, more mobile trips.

Portable charger

Like you might have noticed in the earphones section, I like my tech gadgets. Unfortunately, not all rentals and hotel rooms have the right plugs to charge multiple electronics at once.

Or, even if they do, I might not have enough cords with me. With a portable charger, I have a mobile charging option that fits in my bag, letting me charge my phone or AirPods on the go.

Car phone mount

If you’re planning on renting a car, bring your own car mount. My partner and I made this purchase a few years ago, and it’s paid off many times. After all, even if your rental car has a phone mount in it, it might not fit your smartphone or be placed in the right spot for your comfort.

Travel products I never actually used

Packing cubes

If you’re going to use packing cubes, use the compression version. Compression packing cubes will help you get a few more inches of packing space when you need it most. However, I haven’t actually used either in a long time.

If you’re into aesthetics, they’re probably a great buy. Or if you’re less practiced at packing, they might help you segment your clothes and narrow down your final packing list.

Luggage locks

I recently had the great pleasure of traveling across the Atlantic with a Carl Friedrik check-in carry-on. The suitcase comes with dual TSA-approved locks for added security. I didn’t bother locking either of them even though they’re integrated into the luggage.

Am I lazy? No. It’s my personal belief that airport ground crew don’t have the time or privacy to actually raid peoples’ luggage nearly as often as we think.

Bluetooth connector

Bluetooth connectors are tiny devices that you can plug into a plane’s entertainment console to connect wireless earbuds or headphones. Though these types of travel products are growing in popularity, I haven’t used my device once because the Sony headphones that I use come with a handy audio cord.

Even if they didn’t, I’d rather use the airline’s dinky, disposable headphones rather than tote around a device that I’ll only use during flights.

Portable fan

Handheld fans are easier to pack, don’t require added charging or batteries, come in gorgeous styles, and are classy as hell. Enough said.

3 RV Parks in Florida that Immerse You in Nature

It’s not hard to find a solid RV park in the Sunshine State.

From the Keys to the Panhandle to lesser-known spots like Lake City, RV parks come in all sorts of packages. They’re perfect spots to explore nearby beaches and forts, cities and amusement parks, and plenty more.

But let’s not forget one of the main reasons Americans love to visit Florida: to soak up the spoils of nature while staying close to civilization. In the case of RV parks, you can find high-end, luxury stomping grounds that put you close to Florida’s most gorgeous natural wonders, state parks, and wildlife reserves.

Want to immerse yourself in nature without leaving behind your favorite creature comforts? Head to these RV parks in Florida.

Best RV parks in Florida for exploring nature

The Great Outdoors RV Nature and Golf Resort

Titusville, Florida

Located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Titusville puts you close to the action around the Space Coast along with one of the state’s lesser-known wonders: the Windover Archaeological Site. The latter is a historic national landmark that covers a muck pond where the remains of ancient humans (from the Archaic period) have been discovered.

Despite all the activities in the area, you’ll be nestled in the semi-tropics of Titusville at The Great Outdoors RV Nature and Golf Resort.

This 3,000-acre establishment is designed to let RVers sink into nature—meaning you’ll see quail, egrets, and eagles around the property. The RV park is also close to the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail for any birding fans.

But let’s not forget about the golf course. TGO offers a 72-par, 18-hole course designed by Ron Garl. Golfers, look no further.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Santa Rosa Beach

It wouldn’t be a proper Florida list without a beachside mention. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is run by the Florida State Parks Department, so it’s not quite as luxurious as the other two spots on this list.

That being said, it’s surprisingly well-equipped with all the upscale amenities RVers want. That, plus a gorgeous view.

Along with water and sewer hookups, you can enjoy outdoor shuffleboard courts, an outdoor pool, and climate-controlled bathroom facilities. The main appeal is the three-mile stretch of beach that RVers can enjoy.

Whether you want to ride a horse into the sunset or simply soak up the sun, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park showcases some of the best spots on the Emerald Coast.

Best of all, you’re still close to hotspots like Destin, Miramar, and Alys Beach.

Ocala North RV Resort

Ocala, Florida

I’m a big fan of central Florida for its lush greenery—and that’s on full display at Ocala North RV Resort.

If you like horses, you’re probably already aware that the area’s thoroughbred farms have led Ocala to be called the ‘horse capital of the world’. If equine pursuits aren’t on your radar, head to Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park, or Rainbow Springs State Park.

All are a short distance from Ocala North RV Resort. That being said, this resort is designed for outdoor downtime, which also makes it a solid wellness destination for RVers. The grounds include bocce ball courts, shuffleboard, cornhole, pickleball, golf, and an outdoor pool.

That lets you get outdoors and enjoy the greenery without heading into a state park.