My husband and I are leaving on Saturday for 4 weeks in Italy. We have poured through travel books and maps; reread information gathered from our last trip and read almost daily the information so graciously given on this forum. I am so thankful that so many people have taken the time to offer wonderful help and suggestions.

So far my checklist for our trip consists of:

Gathering information-check

Making needed reservations-check

Monitor the daily updates on what you can carry on the plane-check

Make contact lists for the unlucky souls who have to stay here-check

Lose 10 pounds-uh, well, uh, close-ish

Pack the originally intended carry-on 22 inch suitcase, but now sadly destined for the bowels of the plane-check

Cancel newspaper-check

Brag constantly to everyone at work while trying to sound casual about our 4 week journey-priceless!!!

Truly, we are so thankful to Franko, Bobthenavigator, SusanP, LoveItaly, Missypie, Nessundora, NorCalif, TripGirl, and everyone else who've either posted trip reports or answered numerous questions that I have gleaned valued information from. Will report when we get back!

"don't know when I'll be back again."

I love that song. Hope you have a fabulous time.

Have your mail held if you don't have someone to pick it up for you. You can make the arrangements online if your in the USA; and I would imagine other countries have the same service.

Have a wonderful time!

Have a great trip Vickio. Remember it is safe to drink the wine.

BettyBoop-Thanks for the good wishes. We WILL have a good time!

RufusTFirefly-Yes, our SIL and DIL will be living in our house and checking mail while we are gone. But thank you for the advise.


And Wildman-talk about great advise! Who needs water!!!

Hi there vickio, I love it when people go to Italy for a long trip..oh you will have so much fun. And you will be able to stop at outside cafes in wonderful piazza's when you are in the mood as you will not feel rushed. Have a glass of wine for me!

And DON'T forget to call your credit card companies and whatever bank(s) that you have your checking account(s) ATM(s) with to let them know you will be in Italy for a month so they don't put a fraud freeze on your accounts. You no doubt have, but since you didn't list it just wanted to remind you.

And have fun!!! I know you are counting the minutes until Saturday. Wishing you a safe and comfortable flight vickio.

LoveItaly-Yes,we have called our bank and CC companies to let them know. Probably should do a reminder though as it's been a couple of weeks. Thank you for the heads up.

Of course, we will drink a toast to you. I read in one of your posts that you had to postpone your trip until next spring. I sympathize with you as we had originally planned our trip for last spring and had to postpone until now. But the good news is that our trip is before us instead of behind us! And the replanning we had to do due to the new restrictions will probably make our flight more comfortable as we will have smaller items to have to deal with onboard the plane. If that is the worst thing we have to deal with on a 4 week trip to Italy, we are very fortunate indeed!

Cheers!