About: Tourism in ancient Rome

Tourism was limited to the upper-class of ancient Rome due to its expense. Travel was also difficult because of shipwrecks, storms, poor maps, and a lack of modern means of transport. Tourism was difficult due to the time required to travel long distances in ancient Rome. Common destinations for ancient Roman tourists were Greece, Egypt, and the coast of Campania. Wealthy Romans would also spend the hottest parts of the year in villas outside of the city of Rome or in resort towns such as Baiae. These trips usually boosted the local economy as the locals attempted to supply the tourists with housing, goods, and services.