Caregiving changes your life — but it doesn't have to become your whole life. When my husband, our adult children, and I traveled to Rome, my sister had everything in hand at home. Before I left, I made sure of it. Here's the list that made it possible.

Five days. Four basilicas. One unforgettable family Catholic pilgrimage through the Eternal City — complete with papal audiences, hidden monastery gardens, a near-disaster involving a nut allergy, and far more tiramisu than anyone planned. We arrived with each day carefully mapped out and every reservation in hand, but left enough room for the unexpected — and Rome filled that space beautifully. Here's everything you need to plan a Roman pilgrimage that leaves room for both.