The right shoes: Something to remember, you won’t see an elevator, or an escalator and we will be walking a lot, sometimes on uneven surfaces – one of the reasons people live longer – they walk everywhere. A good pair of walking shoes is of course recommended.

Clothing: Pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures. I like to dress in layers for cooler weather in the morning that can be removed in daytime.

A light sweater or jacket is recommended for evening walks or outdoor dining when temperatures dip. Remember, weather in the 60’s at night can seem cool after being in the sunshine all day.

Please also be prepared with at least a light jacket or layers for the day we will visit Deliba’s olive farm as it’s located in the Aspromonte mountains at a high altitude and will be a bit cooler.

Another suggestion is to pack a light jacket or rainwear in the event of a light shower.

Backpack: It almost goes without saying, but a light backpack for daily activities is very useful. Heavy leather backpacks are not advised as they get hot, heavy, and add additional bulk to your day.

An empty backpack can come in handy at the end of your trip when additional items make it impossible to zip your checked bag, just pop extra (non-liquid) things into the empty backpack and make it your new carry-on.

Check your passport:

In order to enter Italy, U.S. citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry. Double check the expiration date on your passport ensuring you are up to date.

A Global Entry card will reduce your time at passport control when you arrive back in the U.S. as you can use an automated kiosk and skip the lines.

If you do not have one you will need to create an account: Visit the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website and create a Login.gov account.

Submit Application: Log in and fill out the Global Entry application. We are getting on time, however, to receive the card after applying.

Adapter for electric: To plug in, say, a laptop, a cell phone, or a charger for your camera batteries, you will need an adapter that lets you use plugs from here into Italy’s outlets.

These are easy to find in many stores here and are relatively cheap to buy. Adapters are absolutely necessary since they convert 220 volt “Italian power” to 120 volt “American power.” Here is a link to one that can be purchased on Amazon for under $10.00. 

You might want multiple adapters if you have a cell phone, computer and/or camera and want to keep everything charged at the same time. The adapter plugs into their outlet and your plug will go in the other end.

Your cell phone: The thing to remember about phone usage in Italy is that roaming charges will apply on your phone unless you have an international call package. Texting will work but with a charge – usually .50 to send one and .05 to receive a text. I’m just quoting from Verizon, which is my service provider.

If you plan to use your phone to make phone calls, it’s a good idea to contact your carrier or check online to check your options or decide on a one-month international plan.

Each carrier is a little different making it impossible for me to recommend one that works for all providers. Verizon has a travel package that charges 10.00 per day if/when you use your phone.

It is possible to buy a SIM card for your phone and use it for internet and phone calls. However, not all iPhones accommodate SIM cards. Plus, the cost is usually 20 or 30 euro and is good for months, not a week. I use SIM cards when I’m in Italy for extended periods. Otherwise, it’s not usually worth it.

Changing American Dollars to Euros. The best (and cheapest) way to get euro is to wait until you are in Italy and use a debit card to withdraw funds from an ATM machine in Italy. ATM machines will be readily available to you. In fact, there’s one about 50 feet from the first hotel we will stay at..

With that being said, I’ve noticed some people do like to arrive with some euro with them. If that is the case the bank will gladly do an exchange, but they do charge a high service fee.

Here’s one thing about ATMs: I’ve been seeing new ATM machines called Euronet and they have a yellow background. Those have high service charges and – avoid those. The ATM by our first hotel is a bank ATM and its fees are low (maybe 3 euro each time it’s used.)

I’m going from memory here from last year. I hope nothing has changed.

Check with your credit card company to avoid transaction fees.

Some credit card companies may still charge a 3% “add on” administrative fee for purchases made outside of the U.S. They justify it by saying they have to do a currency exchange. You might want to check with yours making sure there is no additional fee if/when you use it in Italy.

Notify your credit card company that you will be out of the country:

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card company about the dates of your trip before leaving so they do not lock your account for security reasons when they see an international withdrawal or charge.

Water bottle: If you are a water drinker during the day (or anytime for that matter) bring along a lightweight water bottle (for health reasons not a plastic one).

Leave at home:

Your hairdryer: You’ve probably heard it a million times, and you’ll hear it again — it’s just not worth it! If you do bring one you will need an adapter to use and may likely blow a circuit at the hotel. I’ve had this problem. Hotel rooms have hair dryers in each bathroom. It may not be an 1800-watt blow dryer that we use here but it’s more than adequate.

The most important things to leave at home?

Stress! And I mean that not just in the sense of “hey, you’re going to have a wonderful experience.” You are going to a pristine and beautiful place in Italy, and all details of the trip are taken care of!

I will be your guide for the entire trip and can translate for you if/when needed.

You are in Italy — relax!

Last thing for now – Travel Insurance:

Also, (I hope this does not happen for anyone) but if for any reason you would need to cancel the trip for any cause other than travel getting suspended, I cannot provide refunds, but I may be able to apply the costs to another upcoming trip in the future. I am going to be positive that it won’t be needed!

If you are interested, travel insurance is available from a few companies. The one I have heard of most often is this one: Travel Guard based in Wisconsin. Their phone # is: 1 800 826 4919. There website URL is here: https://www.travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans

I was recently made aware of another good company for travel insurance. Here’s the link: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/

Hope you find these tips helpful. My goal is to make preparing for this trip as easy as possible and to ensure that it’s stress free! I am here if you have any other questions, however!

Buon Viaggio – For Now!

Carolina

info@wholehealthlongevity.com

P.S. Since I will be speaking Italian on our trip, I always be using my name pronounced in Italian.