things not to forget when traveling abroad
 

Hey all -
It's been a few years since I've been abroad, and I'm heading to Italy (Lake Como, Venice, Tuscany) in about a month for two weeks. Can someone just give me a refresher on things I should be sure to bring/do before I go? In terms of credit cards, insurance, cell phones, money purses etc. Any help from the seasoned travelers would be much appreciated!

nancy

Here is a start !
Remember to smile and do not forget that you are a guest in Italy.

http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/bob_tips.htm

Hi nk,

Passport, tickets, credit cards.

Everything else can be obtained in Italy.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

Hi Nancy! Don't forget to call the banks for your ATM cards, and the credit card companies to let them know where you'll be. And take more than one of each. Have a great trip! pp

thanks everyone - i'm starting to get paranoid about forgetting to do something or bring something important. i appreciate the advice!

Don't forget to cancel your newspaper and have the postmaster hold your mail, unless of course you made other arrangements. ((b))

To add:

Bring plenty of memory cards for your digital camera (or fim)!

Monica ((F))

Take copies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards. Keep in a separate place. In case they get lost or stolen, makes it much easier to cancel and get replacements.

A list...

ATM card, 4 digit PIN

Passport and photocopies of it

Hotel info + directions

Photocopies of guide book pages (optional)

Battery charger

Plug Converter + Transformer for europe

Some zip-lock bags, all sizes

Extra memory for camera

International "call home" number

Mail redirect, newspapers cancelled

Some euros (optional) Don't use traveller's cheques or prepaid VISA cards

Going to bed early, getting up early, to start adjusting for jet lag

Credit car company phone number

Checked weather forecast (day of)

Cell phone (if yes, is it GSM, if yes it is unlocked or use phone plan from home?

Money belt, optional, but better than fanny pack, Could use walletinside zippered pocket

restaurant reviews from here?

I would bring some euros with you on the plane, just in case. Enough to get you to your hotel by whatever means you are taking. In case ATM at airport is broken, there are long lines at exchange bureau,etc..I wouldn't carry over a large amount of money, either in cash or travellers cheques.

List of events while you are there?
Any tours planned?

Map of airport so you know where to access transport?

Any guides you can buy that provide menu translations?

You can find some good checklists online that are helpful.
My tip would be don't forget your sense of humor and plenty of flexibility!

Hi Nancy,

When calling your CC companies, be sure to request that they pass along your travel info to their third party security monitoring services. Otherwise, you will still get "cut off"!

Most critical - you should drink lots of good wine and eat gellato every day!

Buon viaggio!

I have learned to pack a travel pack of anti-bacterial wipes. It helps when encountering those less than modern bathrooms still found in Italy and elsewhere.

Since you sound a little nervous... I'd start making a few lists right now, one for:

1) Home- things that need done or taken care of such as pet sitters, stop newspaper, gardener, turn off the iron, turn off the stove, etc.

2) Packing- both your carry-on and suitcase. List of clothes, toiletries, medications, first aid that you want to be sure and take. Prescription meds and glasses or contacts.

3) MONEY and paperwork, include things like-
Passport
Plane ticket or confirmation code
Credit cards
Cash/TC's
Hotel reservations & phone nos.
train or car reservation if applicable

For anyone that lives in a warm climate in the US, turn off your A/C before you leave. Big priority for folks like me who live in the Sunbelt and are traveling in the summer.

Its 90F right now and I have no AC. Do you think I will be acclimated for London and Spain in July? thereyet

bookmarking this good list of reminders

A couple of additions to the excellent list posted by Michel_Paris

Passport and photocopies of it
-get color photocopy
-scan it and email it to yourself (an email account you can access from the road)
-extra passport photos (will expedite getting a new one, if necessary, and I've found other uses for them when traveling)

In fact, I scan and email to myself ALL important documents and lists, copies of tickets, phone numbers, credit card #s, etc.

Credit card company phone number
-be sure to get the NON 800- number, you can't call an 800 # from Italy.

-Ronda

We used to email copies of our passports etc to ourselves before our trips. But I read in another thread on this forum, that it is not a good idea, because unless you travel with your laptop,in the event you needed the info, you would have to access the it from someone else's computer--maybe even a publicly used one--which carries the possibility of your info being accessed by someone else after you leave. Maybe other's with more techie expertise no more about this? pp

sorry for all the typos in the previous post! I really did get good grades in school.........really!

bookmarking