John Henderson's Travel Adventures in Rome and Beyond

November 21, 2023

Italy soccer team qualifies for Euros as a nervous, embarrassed, rabid fan base finally exhales

Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, already had not qualified for the last two World Cups and was in danger in not qualifying for the European Championships of which it’s defending champion. But it beat North Macedonia in Rome Friday and tied Ukraine Monday to barely go through. I went to the Friday game. Here’s my report.

November 14, 2023

Fettuccine Alfredo: It’s only Italian by birth in 1914 and we went to its birthplace in Rome

You can find fettuccine Alfredo in nearly every Italian restaurant in the U.S. but hardly any in Italy where it was invented. Why? We went to its birthplace, Alfredo alla Scrofa, in Rome to find out. We also tasted it for the first time. Here’s what we found.

November 10, 2023

International plane tickets: How to score discounts

If you haven’t noticed, flights are getting more expensive. If you’re looking for ways to cut the biggest costs of your trips, check guest blogger Harry Wilson’s tips on finding cheap fares.

November 7, 2023

Italy in November: Yes, it’s a wonderful month to visit

So many people make the mistake of coming to Italy in July. I have a better idea. Come now. November is a terrific time to visit. Flights are cheaper. Cities are less crowded. Weather is cooler. Yeah, it rains. Bring an umbrella. Wear a sweater. I offer 10 good reasons to visit during Italy’s off-season month.

November 3, 2023

Backpacks: Top three tips to pick what’s right for you

Looking for a new backpack? Guest blogger Harry Wilson gives three tips on how to pick the perfect one for you.

October 31, 2023

Travelers’ Century Club: My new travelers group of 100 countries covers the scope of world and travel modes

Last fall I joined the Travelers’ Century Club, a club for travelers who’ve been to at least 100 countries and territories. The list is loose and the checklist seems way too important for some members. But it got me in touch with 1,500 club members, many of whom have traveled more than I. During our long weekend in Madrid, Marina and I attended the TCC’s Mediterranean Chapter meeting and dinner.

October 24, 2023

Segovia: Ancient Roman aqueduct and castle that inspired Disney inspires day trip into hills outside Madrid

We love day trips. We dedicated TraveLazio, our biweekly blog, to day trips from Rome. During our long weekend in Madrid this month, we took a day trip to Segovia, one of the prettiest towns in Spain. It’s touristy but it has a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct that puts the ones remaining in Rome to shame. It also has a castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland.

October 17, 2023

Madrid: A return to Rome’s rival reveals a city still dancing

Two weeks ago we came to Madrid for a meeting and found a city rapidly improving and vibrant. The public transportation is fantastic, the streets are clean and the museums still rule the culture scene. We could’ve used some coffee before 9 a.m. but the tapas made up for it. We spent four days in Madrid and came away with this report.

October 10, 2023

Montenegro hiking: Solo strolls to sea vistas and tombs

Lovcen National Park is one of Montenegro’s five national parks and offers some of the best hiking in the Balkans. I took two hikes from my luxurious hotel, including one to the tomb of Peter II Petrovic Nejgos, considered the father of Montenegro. The hikes aren’t difficult but they attract few hikers. Too bad. The views are astounding.

October 3, 2023

Montenegro white-water rafting: The journey up and down mountains was as hair-raising as the river.

Thousands come to Montenegro for its superb white-water rafting. So did I. I came in September when the rapids are only Class 2 but the scenery made up for the lack of thrills. The Dinaric Alps consist of 50 peaks of at least 6,000 feet and Lake Piva and Tara River are two of the bluest bodies of water I’ve seen outside the South Pacific.

September 26, 2023

Montenegro: My long-awaited return reveals one of world’s hottest new travel destinations

It had been 45 years since I last went to Montenegro. Back then it was part of Yugoslavia and the capital of Podgorica was called Titograd, a city so ugly it’s shocking Yugoslavia’s leader allowed his name to be associated with it. Since then, so much has happened yet some things haven’t changed. I spent 10 days in Montenegro this month and hit everything from the star-crossed capital to the gorgeous mountains to the steaming sea and bay. Here’s the first of a three-part blog.

September 19, 2023

Stadio di Domiziano an underground look at Ancient Rome’s athletic past and an odd emperor

Everyone knows the Roman Colosseum. Few know another stadium was built in 86 A.D. shortly after the Colosseum was built. Emperor Domician built Stadio di Domiziano to promote athletics among his Roman citizenry. It was used for running events, wrestling and javelin as well as military training. In 2014 the city opened up the stadium ruins to the public. They’re located five meters below the current Piazza Navona.

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