Hi Folks,
We are about 3 weeks away. Is there a checklsit available to make sure we've got everything with us for packing, all hotel, transportation, visa, reservations etc etc are taken care of that we must from here. Any else that is been overlooked?
Are folks purchasing Roma Pass and San Marco Plus Pass for Rome and Venice from home? Is there something similar for Paris Museums, transportation?
Thanks!
You can make your own list and write down everything you want/need to take, as you think of it. I do this weeks before every trip and it serves as great peace of mind. I also make a separate list of everything I have to do before the trip: i.e. call credit company and bank, call cell phone company, make copies of passport and other documents, etc.
I keep a personal checklist and update it after each trip. Removing anything unnecessary and adding any items we could have used. The list was originally made up of items from RS's and other web sites.
Sonia,
I also prepare a detailed packing list (or "check list") using an Excel Spreadsheet. During my trip planning, I review the list and tailor it to the specifics of that trip, removing or adding items as needed.
Using an Excel sheet also allows me to keep track of the value of items I'm travelling with (for insurance purposes). I was somewhat shocked when I saw the total value of my travel kit!
If you have any I-Phone or I-Pod Touch, there are several Packing Lists available in the App Store.
I never buy passes "from home", as it's so easy to do in Europe. The Italy Guidebook will have all the details on the various passes, and where these can be purchased.
Cheers!
One thing to consider relative to passes...is the museums and events that allow you to bypass the line waiting at the front. This can save a hour or two depending upon the sight. Some just let you enter through a different door, some give you an entrance time...many places do this now...also sometimes in Rome you can buy the entrance pass at a sight which is not busy and then go across the "piazza" to the busy one...one thing in Rome I am envious of now is the semi-private tours being offered to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel...instead of hundreds you go with a few...pricey and in the evening...wasn't available even only a few years ago to my knowledge...Remember, with a passport and money you are always good to go!
Do you have pets? Will any bills need to be paid while you're away? Call the cc and ATM card banks AGAIN within the week before you leave. Buy any of the passes you mentioned, there. PASSPORTS? ;-) (some people here aren't laughing...) Any meds to pack? Double-check your 3-1-1 bag - put that lipgloss that's in your purse and your mascara in it /:-(
Print your boarding passes as soon as your airline will allow, and put them with your passports. Get to the airport with time to spare. Pack your patience and humor. And comfy shoes. Eat gelato. Drink wine. (or the equivalent)(just a preview of the 'Arrival Checklist...)
And don't forget it's supposed to be a vacation!!!
Thanks guys! Do credit card companies charge fees for every purchase made in Euros? Do you guys had to pay those fees or can it be negotiated to be waived? Thanks for all the links.
Choose two outfits that you thought were must haves in your suitcase and pull them out- give yourself some room to bring back a few goodies. The one thing I forgot on my trip was room in my suitcase for new purchases.
Bon voyage
The museum pass in Paris is definitely worth it... to save time in line, even if you don't use all the dollar value (using dollar value depends on how many sites you visit per day). It's available at multiple sites, including a 'gift' shop in the mall below the Louvre. For Paris transportation, there are weekly and monthly passes (require photo) and carnets of 10 tickets at a discount; search for Paris Metro website. And credit cards do charge a foreign-transaction fee (~3%, tho it varies by card). There are a few cards that don't charge, although I don't know which at this time. I avoid the problem by withdrawing maximum amount each trip to the ATM and keep most of the cash safely in my money belt. I use my cc very rarely. Plus, some lodging gives a discount for cash.
Hi,
Here is a decent list of things to do, it has a few things that I want to make sure I do before I leave. Also just another packing list, but they all seem pretty much the same.
Also, I am fairly certain (as in read several times from different places) that a capital one credit card does not charge for foreign transactions. I have also read to avoid letting the retailer perform a dynamic conversion to USD, as it could be at a bad rate. Info here.
In any event, I'm bringing my Capital One card to Europe in a few weeks and I'm hoping to not pay extra fees!
Hi Sonia. We too are traveling to Italy in three weeks. We chose not to get the passes. We did order tickets for sites in Florence and Rome but did not in Venice. They say at San Marco the lines are long but if you will take a bag to check you will be able to skip the long lines and go in through another door that is not crowded. They also say either to go really early or late to avoid the crowds. Have fun on your trip.
--Marcia
I have a Capital One Visa card and it doesn't have any foreign transaction fees.
