13 August 2015
With fall tours just weeks away we know many of you are making your lists and checking them twice in order to get ready for the trip of a lifetime. We would hate for you to forget something you didn't even know you needed so we are including some items that may not have made it onto your list.
You will probably shop while in Italy as there are some fabulous deals to be had on leather, wine, jewelry etc. Make sure you know how much you can bring back before you have to declare it by checking the Customs website.
US Customs - http://www.cbp.gov/travel Know what you can and can't bring back home.
Weather can be tricky when traveling and you never know what the day will bring, make sure you pack to dress in layers so you will always be prepared, and don't buy a pretty new pair of shoes and wear them for the first time while walking the cobblestone streets of Venice, your tootsies will let you know! Since we are talking about clothes:
Italian cathedrals and churches are often interesting to visit and many hold important art works. Many also have signs posted asking visitors not to enter wearing shorts or with bare shoulders. Women can carry around a scarf that can be used to cover bare shoulders when wearing sleeveless tops. Some places, like the Vatican, will not admit people wearing shorts so plan your dress to go with your sight-seeing.
http://www.weatherforecastmap.com/italy/
Are you someone who figures I will over pack so I am prepared for any situation? This may seem like a great idea when traveling by car or in the US but Internationally it can be a nightmare! Pack lightly so your bags are easy to transport and remember, you will be traveling with other folks and all your bags will need to fit in the back of the vans so make sure you aren't the one who makes it difficult! Not to mention you will have more room for anything you purchase and need to carry home.
http://shop.samsonite.com/
http://www.travelsmith.com
http://www.columbia.com/activity-casual-travel/
Is your passport up to date and do you know where it is? Most people don't know this but your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months AFTER you return. Go to the safe deposit box and take a look, it never hurts to be sure! If you need to renew, the process usually takes 6 weeks to 3 months unless you expedite it, this would be an awful way to start your vacation so make certain yours is valid.
Also, if you have remarried or your name is different than it is on your driver's license you will have a problem. Click the link below to see all of the rules and regulations the government has for you when traveling internationally.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html
There are more details and information that will arrive in your welcome box and you should read it all, it's just better to avoid issues before they arise so you can sit back, relax and let the good times roll!