Before You Go to Italy Small Group Tour

Before You Leave For Italy,

Just A Few Tips Regarding

What to Expect

and Know About…

PASSPORTS

Be sure to check the expiration date on your passport well in advance. Most will expire within a 10-year period, so if it’s been awhile since you left the country, you will need time to get with your local passport office. In some cases, a new passport may have to be issued from a city afar like New Orleans or San Diego, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to avoid a deadline crunch.

Make a copy of your passport and leave it in a safe place or with someone you know. It may come in handy if you lose the real one. When you check into your hotel in Italy, the desk clerk will ask to see your passport, so be prepared to hand it over. Most likely, they will keep it overnight to check with Immigration and Interpol, so don’t be alarmed. They are not trying to steal your passport or identity.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

Before you travel, make certain to visit your general practitioner or family physician. You may even wish to schedule a full physical to make sure you are fit to travel. Otherwise, check with them to make sure you have any shots or prescriptions you may need. Fill prescriptions in advance, and make certain you will have enough to sustain you throughout your trip. If you are traveling alone to rendezvous with your tour group, keep a list of any medical requirements on you in case of an emergency.

This will be mentioned again later, but be advised that you will walk quite a bit on your trip. It is minimized as much as possible, but it cannot be avoided entirely. This can be somewhat difficult for older travelers, so be prepared in advance the best you can. In the end, you know what your limits are, and we will do whatever we can within reason to assist you with your particular situation.

PACKING

Learning to travel lightly is always the goal, but often hard to accomplish. Aim for one suitcase, one rucksack or backpack for day trips or getting about, and one expandable bag to carry items you’ve purchased when traveling back home. Pack the expandable bag away in your suitcase, and only use it for your departure back to the States. This should be all that anyone needs. Of course, the lighter you can travel the better. If you can get by with less than this, go for it. While in Italy, Venice is not accessible by car, only on foot or by boat, so you will be thankful you decided to travel lightly when you get to Venice!

Of course, be sure to abide by all packing regulations of the Transportation Security Authority or TSA. In addition, you may wish to do an internet search for specific recommendations for maximizing your packing space. Also, think about packing clothes that allow you to dress in layers so you can easily adjust to seasonal or climate changes. And always pack an umbrella or rain jacket. Unexpectedly finding yourself having to purchase a cheap umbrella on the street for 10 Euros is not a fun way to spend your hard-earned money.