So we hope you're getting excited! We're just a few weeks out out and as we get closer to your departure date, many guests start to worry about forgetting things that they may want to do or bring with them to Italy...
It's usually at this point that expectations really start bubblin' with anticipation! We understand it... Even though we get to go here often over the last 24 years, we still get really excited about our next departure!
And as you get closer to your departure, we strongly suggest you dedicate a box or basket in your house and start putting things in it that you don't want to forget... We've tried to put together this comprehensive checklist, but theres no doubt, we've missed things... and by all means, don't feel like you have to bring all of these things... just bring what you want to... there will be stores to buy things, and in fact, that's fun... but remember, it does eat up your valuable time... the most important things you need are your passports, credit cards, Euros and access to cash (we suggest atm/debit card)... and ultimately with just those things, you'll get by... everything else is just for your safety, comfort and convenience... We strongly urge you to not overpack... We've seen guests show up with just a small duffle bag, and they did just fine.
So here's our attempt at a checklist:- Passports (take a photo of this and email it to yourself)
- stop your mail and newspaper delivery / turn off water / adjust thermostat/water heater
- leave/email a copy of itinerary with hotel addresses, phone #'s, etc with family or friends
- pack a personal copy for yourself
- place a 3rd copy prominently visible inside your suitcases in case it gets lost (put your cell phone # and hotel phone #'s on it)
- check expiration dates on credit cards, atm cards, passports, driver lic, etc (italy now requires 6 months beyond your return date on your passport)
- inform your bank of your travel dates and adjust your atm daily withdrawal rate
- inform your credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations
- double check your credit limit on credit cards you intend to use...
- bring "international" contact phone numbers for credit and debit cards along with you
- have phone pics available of any credit or debit card u r bringing along
- make a photocopy or take phone pic of your passport ...
- email yourself pics of passports
- drivers license (rental car company will not give you a car without a dvr lic)
- international drivers lic - you need an international drivers license if you're planning on driving
- medical insurance cards
- bring along your travel docs, flight receipts, frequent flyer #'s, etc
- bring copy of your travel insurance policy and contact #'s
- plan on bringing a little US emergency cash
- consider using a money belt or neck wallet
- consider signing up for international cell phone plans
- Consider road map (we suggest Michelins)
- bring any guidebooks you want (freq traveller hack:just rip out pages needed and staple)
- don't forget to bring any prescription medications you may need/in original bottle
- other pharma: sleep aid, ibuprofen, band-aids, vitamins, anti-diarrehal, kleenex, Qtips, sunscreen, extra contact lens, extra glasses, sunglasses, hat, etc
- ear plugs / sleeping mask / travel blanket / tiny flashlight
- italian phrase book/ translation app
- travel umbrella or rain jacket/hat
- luggage locks (needs to be TSA approved)
- tide pen/wine stain remover
- wall and & car chargers for cell phone, earbuds
- camera/charger/travel binocs
- extra storage media for camera
- European electric plug adapters
- safety pins / ziplock bags / sew kit
- swimming suit
- corkscrew
- shoes you can truly walk in
- notepad, journal, pen (great journaling apps in the app store)
- nailclipper / tweezer / hairbrush / razor
- lay out all your clothes you want to bring...
- only bring half of them... (seriously) traveler's rule of thumb is two tops to every one bottom
- your rental car voucher (they won't give you the car without voucher)
- set up "out of office auto-email response"
- have a list of friends cell #'s, email addresses, hotel, villa addresses, phone #'s, flight #'s, etc... (know where you are, where ur going, and how to get back)
- leave expensive jewelry / watches at home
- consider bringing empty tote bag (to meet carry on restrictions)
- ziplock bags for carryon liquids / wet swim suits
- GPS
- road maps (if you need to buy 'em - go online & get Michelins) We suggest Michelin Map #358 Tuscany or #563 Central Italy...
