sandi

Roccco -

One way or another I'm sure you'll get your itinerary firmed-up, but what caught my attention was:

>>Lastly, I will be looking for a tour operator that does not require such a hefty deposit. One operator wanted a 30% non-refundable deposit and I think that is excessive, especially since I am not a fan of travel insurance<<

I certainly agree about not handing over a 30% non-refundable deposit, but I don't understand why you aren't "a fan of travel insurance."

No doubt you plan to go so no need to cancel, but "anything" can happen to necessitate cancelling - unexpected illness, traffic accident on way to airport, even death in the family; and as to the interruption part, again "anything" can occur - such as a simple twisted ankle, broken bone, even some sort of animal bite.

Granted both you and STD are young and "pre-existing medical conditions" aren't on the top of your list, but the "unexpected" does happen. Not to alarm, but for about 6% of total cost of trip that insurance usually costs, does leaves you some peace of mind.

I never thought of insurance when my travels were within the States and even Western Europe, but when it comes to more exotic destinations that I have "prepaid," I go for it - and thankfully have never had to use.

Do the two of you even know each others blood type? Because Africa is the last place you'd want to think of a blood transfusion. Even a broken leg, would necessitate a few last-minute costly first-class seats to get you home - even if this happened on the Italy portion of your trip.

So while planning, do reconsider the insurance aspect. As to the deposit, I'm sure you'll be able to find someone who doesn't require a hefty deposit.