My family went to Rome during the peak summer season. Our trip would've been better if we knew these 5 things before we left.

Alesandra Dubin

• My family visited Rome during the peak summer season, and it was hot and crowded.
• I wish I'd bought travel insurance for my whole family and hadn't relied on the hop-on, hop-off bus.
• We should've explored more in the morning and at night to avoid the sweltering midday heat. 

When I planned a trip to Rome for my family in late July last year, I knew it was dubious timing...