{"id":16148,"date":"2024-04-05T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T04:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/?p=16148"},"modified":"2024-03-31T12:18:30","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T16:18:30","slug":"your-go-to-travel-check-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/your-go-to-travel-check-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Go-To Travel Check List"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Originally posted on the Lazy Italian web site<\/a> by Francesca Montillo<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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My family and I moved from Italy to the US when I was 11 years old. Every August, we would return home for our summer break. I lived for those summers. I still live for my trips to Italy! It\u2019s no surprise I made traveling to Italy the focus of\u00a0my business\u00a0<\/a>and my life! During those summers in Italy, my packing included bathing suits, a few beach dresses, and flip-flops. Realistically, I could have packed the night before for any trip! Needless to say, I had no need for a travel check list.<\/p>

Gone are those days! Not only is packing a lot more thoughtful (a detailed packing list will be published soon), but my preparation list of things to do before leaving for any trip has become a mile long! Even if I wanted to, I could no longer fly on standby because I need at least a good week of preparation before stepping foot in the airport!<\/p>

In this travel check-list, I want to highlight some things you should consider doing before leaving the US. While some of these things might not apply to you, I am sure many will!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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THE LOGISTICS<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>

Buy Traveler\u2019s Insurance<\/h4>

Let\u2019s face it: traveling is a financial investment. Protect that investment with insurance! I didn\u2019t even consider travel insurance in my younger years, but now, it\u2019s a must. Many credit card companies have their version of insurance, or there are a bunch of other carriers. I usually refer folks to\u00a0travelinsurance.com<\/a>. You plug in your trip info, and it will populate quotes from several agencies. This is easier, rather than going to those carriers individually. It saves you time. Based on your risk threshold, you can purchase insurance that allows cancellation for just health reasons, or opt for a policy that will enable you to cancel for any reason. A \u201ccancel for any reason<\/em>\u201d policy is always the most expensive, but as it says, it allows cancellations for any reason, not just health reasons.<\/p>

Check Your Passport<\/h4>

This sounds obvious. But we\u2019re all human and can often overlook this step because, well, life happens. Some countries, including Italy, require at least six months of validity left on your passport after you return home. So don\u2019t assume you\u2019ll be fine traveling next week if your passport expires next month.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Grab Your Visa<\/h4>

You may have heard that starting in 2024, Italy will require a\u00a0VISA<\/a>\u00a0for all visitors entering Italy for vacation purposes. I\u2019ll have more info on this towards the end of the year, as it becomes available to share, but no matter where you\u2019re going, Italy or otherwise, check if your destination requires a VISA.<\/p>

Book Everything, Then Confirm Everything<\/h4>

If you\u2019re not joining me on a\u00a0planned tour<\/a>\u00a0and are DIY\u2019ing your trip, ensure you have everything that needs pre-booking booked, then confirm everything. Get your accommodations in order, book your dinner reservations to those exceptional restaurants, purchase your \u201cskip the line<\/em>\u201d museum tickets, and get all your transfers in order, too. Purchase your train tickets well ahead of time. Confirm your airport transfers well in advance, too. There is nothing like arriving at the airport after a long flight and realizing your driver isn\u2019t there.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Call Your Credit Card Company<\/h4>

You will undoubtedly use your credit card while you\u2019re in Italy. Put a travel notification on your cards so you can safely use the cards in Italy without any interruptions. Take pictures of your cards on your phone camera, and print paper copies of the front and back of your cards as well. In the event of loss, you\u2019ll have the card number and company phone numbers handy, making replacement much more straightforward. Also, if you have a payment due while you\u2019re away, schedule that payment beforehand.<\/p>

Alert Your Bank<\/h4>

Like the above, alert the bank of your travels so you can use your debit card without any issues. Most banks have international fees for using your cards in Italy, so something to be aware of.<\/p>

Grab Some Euros<\/h4>

Using ATMs and banks has become very costly in Italy! I used to tell folks to grab their Euros while in Italy, but I have recently changed my strategy and will buy them in the US from now on. Doing so is more cost-effective. Of course, most US-issued cards will work at any ATM in Italy if needed. It just won\u2019t be the cheapest option. You can buy Euros at many banks and AAA offices. Call ahead, as some will require a few days\u2019 notice to get them. The airport in the US or Italy is probably the worst (most expensive) place to get your Euros.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Call Your Cell Phone Provider<\/h4>

I like using my phone in Italy, just like in the US, so I do not buy a new SIM card. A new SIM card means I will have a new phone number while I am in Italy. What if the bank or credit card, needs to reach me? So I keep the same number while in Italy, but I add an International Travel Plan on my phone that allows me to make and receive calls just as if I were in the US. You may be thinking:\u00a0What if I have to call someone in Italy? Like the hotel, my driver, a restaurant? Won\u2019t that be expensive?<\/em>\u00a0No, because I call them via\u00a0WhatsApp<\/a>, an app you can use freely in Italy even to make video calls!<\/p>

Make Copies of Important Documents<\/h4>

Print copies of all essential documents such as passports, credit and bank cards, plane tickets, and your trip itinerary. Also, take pictures of the same documents as a backup. God forbid you drop your phone in the ocean while enjoying a boat ride, forget it on a table at some caf\u00e9, or sadly, it gets stolen. You will have paper copies of all your essential leaflets.<\/p>

Obtain Your International Driver\u2019s License<\/h4>

Do you plan on driving during your vacation? Don\u2019t forget you must visit your local AAA office and obtain an\u00a0International Driver\u2019s Permit<\/a><\/em>. I admit, I have rented cars in Italy many times without one, and I have never been asked for one, but more and more car rental agencies are now requesting this, even though it\u2019s always been the law, so do get one. I know I will from now on.<\/p>

Write Down All Important Names, Numbers, and Email Addresses<\/h4>

Doesn\u2019t it feel like everything is saved on our phones these days? I don\u2019t remember any phone numbers anymore! But that\u2019s a significant disadvantage if I don\u2019t have access to my phone for some reason! I\u2019m old school. I have a small address book with important names, phone numbers, and email addresses in my pocketbook. If my phone battery dies unexpectedly, and I urgently need to reach someone, I can at least borrow a travel companion\u2019s phone or use the hotel phone.<\/p>

FOR YOUR WELL-BEING and PEACE of MIND<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>

Visit Your Primary Care Doctor<\/h4>

No matter your age or current health status, I always advise all travelers to make a quick appointment with their primary care physician. If you\u2019re in good health, no doubt a quick appointment will do. Have them check your heart, lungs, and the like. Vaccine boosters might also be a good idea. Better be safe than sorry!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Get Your Prescriptions in Order<\/h4>

If you\u2019re on any prescription meds, ensure you have enough for your trip, plus a week from your return. If your return home gets delayed by a few days, you\u2019ll at least have enough meds left. Never remove your meds from the prescription bottles. Having them outside their original containers can get confusing if you\u2019re on many meds. Plus, it might raise suspicion from airport personnel. Never pack your meds in checked luggage.<\/p>

Send Your Itinerary to a Trusted Friend or Family Member<\/h4>

Let someone know your whereabouts with travel details, flight information, hotel names, and numbers. You\u2019ll both feel better knowing someone knows your whereabouts while traveling. Check-in with each other often.<\/p>

Tell Trusted Neighbors Your Travel Schedule<\/h4>

Let your neighbors know you will be away and that you are not expecting any visitors or service calls in your absence. They can keep an eye on your property while you\u2019re away.<\/p>

Clean Out Your Wallet<\/h4>

I\u2019ve been doing this for years, and when I tell people, they think it\u2019s crazy, but then take my advise! Clear out your wallet of all clutter that you will have zero use for while traveling. Remove gift cards, receipts, membership cards, store-specific credit cards, and credit cards you know you will not use on your travels. Even health insurance cards that are not accepted outside the US are useless while in Italy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Grocery Shopping \u2013 Schedule a Delivery for your Return<\/h4>

I now set up a grocery delivery for the evening of my return home. Who wants to go grocery shopping the day you arrive home from an international trip? Not me! I don\u2019t order much, just enough to get me started for a few days. But at the very least, I need my milk for my coffee!<\/p>

Fill Up Your Car\u2019s Gas Tank<\/h4>

You\u2019ll have plenty to do once you return home; don\u2019t make having to get gas one of them. Fill up before your trip!<\/p>

PREPARING YOUR HOME<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>

Call Your Alarm Company<\/h4>

If you have a house alarm, call the company and tell them you will be traveling, and give them the dates you will be away. They will contact you in case of any alarm activity while traveling.<\/p>

While on this subject, head to the basement and remove any visible cobwebs. Why? Several years ago, I received a call from the alarm company while I was in Italy. The basement motion detector was going off. Knowing we were away, the company sent the police to the house. Nothing was suspicious, so they left. It\u2019s not the call you want to receive when you\u2019re thousands of miles away. The next night, it happened again. And again. And again. To the point where I deactivated the alarm while I was away. So what was it? You may have guessed it: The motion detector is so sensitive it picked up a few cobwebs.<\/p>

Put a Hold on Your Mail<\/h4>

Nothing screams, \u201cHey, I\u2019m on vacation<\/em>!\u201d like a pile of mail adding up in your mailbox. Put a stop on your mail, or have a trusted neighbor or family member pick it up. Also, put a hold on all newspapers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Fill Up the Plant Watering Globes<\/h4>

I love having a few plants around the house, but with all the travels, they were dying quickly! Que in the watering globes! I have about a dozen of these globes in various sizes, and they work amazingly well! Amazon has a few options.\u00a0Click here to see!<\/a><\/p>

Clean Up Your House Before Departure<\/h4>

Isn\u2019t it amazing how quickly the dust accumulates? Deep clean your house (or, better yet, hire someone else to do it) before your trip! I always change my bed sheets the day I fly out because I like the feeling of clean sheets after a long, tiring flight. Vacuum, empty the dishwasher, clear out all laundry, sweep, remove all trash, and do \u201call the things<\/em>,\u201d so coming home will be pleasant and not a drag to think you have to clean up!<\/p>

Unplug Minor Appliances<\/h4>

Go around the house and unplug all minor appliances like toasters, hairdryers, coffee makers, and extra chargers.<\/p>

Clear Out Your Fridge and Pantry<\/h4>

The week before your trip, plan your meals accordingly to avoid waste. Cook up and freeze anything you will not have time to enjoy before your trip. As a bonus, you\u2019ll have something ready to enjoy when you get back! Trash or donate any food you can\u2019t use up that will expire while you\u2019re away. There is no sense in returning to expired milk, rotten fruit, or smelly and rotten onions!<\/p>

Set Up a Few Automatic Lights<\/h4>

It doesn\u2019t hurt to set up some automatic lights at home to give the illusion that someone is there.<\/p>

Keep in Mind Lawn Furniture<\/h4>

Consider securing your lawn furniture, grills, toys, lawn mowers and the like inside a shed. Especially if you are traveling in the summer and you\u2019re in a zone that is prone to summer storms. You don\u2019t want to come back to damage, or realize things have flown off during a storm!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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In Conclusion<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>

Looking at this list, you might think, \u201cIs this trip even worth it<\/em>?!\u201d Perhaps I am biased, but I think Italy is always worth it!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Francesca Montillo is the founder of Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures<\/a>. Francesca is a native Italian and loves helping others see, taste, and experience all the flavors of Italy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Originally posted on the Lazy Italian web site by Francesca Montillo My family and I moved from Italy to the US when I was 11 years old. Every August, we…Read More <\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16163,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[162],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16148"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16148"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16173,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16148\/revisions\/16173"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/italianlanguagefoundation.org\/web\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}