2 weeks until we leave for Italy - what am I forgetting to do??

Have you contacted your bank and credit card companies with your travel information? Be sure to stop your mail if you don't have someone picking it up every day. Be sure to have someone mow your yard while you're away. Do you have a secure bag or money belt for your passport and other important documents? If taking new shoes be sure to wear them from now until your trip to be sure they are properly broken in.

Donna

Relax. There are shops in Italy if you need to buy anything.
Have you got your iphone or whatever sorted?

I haven't done anything with my bank or credit cards or phone. Do I need to do something with my credit cards? Is there a better card to use when I'm traveling than what I use at home? We mainly use our Amex. I assume I have to put my phone on an international plan. I should do that soon then I guess. Anything else? Thank you!

You need to call all of the credit card companies you plan to use and let them know when and where you are traveling. This way they won't put a fraud hold on your cards when you try to use them in Italy. Do the same thing for any bank cards you have. You might also want to check your daily withdraw limit for your debit cards and have that adjusted if you think you'll need lots of cash.

Use the ATM to get cash as needed.

Go to your cell phone company and ask about international plans and data plans if you intend to use your phones a lot.

Donna

Are you driving?
Need a IDP, need to read up on signage, etc.
Riding trains?
read up on how to validate tickets, etc.
My last task is always to do a dry run of packing and then eliminate about 1/3.
Then I sort out all of the check in-check out info for each place I'm stopping.

It's frequently mentioned here that AmEx is not widely accepted in Europe, so don't plan on using that as your major card.

It's good to know what sort of fees your ATM card and credit cards will charge you when they are used overseas. Call the number on the back of each card and ask. You may find that you have one credit card that is better than the others, in which case you can make it your primary card during the trip. If you don't like any of the answers, you may have time to get a no-international-fee credit card before you leave.

If ATM fees are going to be a problem, you mighr also have time to open a new account at an institution with friendlier policies. Credit unions are often good, and some Capital One accounts do not charge ATM fees.

Read the "Money" section of the Travel Tips on this website (in pamel at left).

Just wanted to let you know that Amex is not widely accepted in Europe. Also, some credit cards such as Alaska Airlines do NOT
charge and extra fee. It can add up. Enjoy Italy. It is wonderful.

Also: take more than one bank card or credit card between you, for DIFFERENT accounts.
If you lose a card, or it is eaten by an ATM, then you have another account to draw from while you cancel the lost card.
Make sure to take the bank emergency phone numbers with you, so you can call them right away if there is a problem accessing money or accounts.
Money belts an absolute must.
Some Euros for when you first arrive.
Learn some Italian basic phrases: please, thank you, help, etc.
Travel medical and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Is there a better card to use when I'm traveling than what I use at home?

With 2 weeks or less until you depart, I would be surprised if you have time to get new card from Visa or Mastercard before you leave. Hopefully you already have a little used account with one or the other.

I leave in 2 weeks too, so I can relate.

Well, I've got a pre-trip checklist that runs about 18 pages, you probably don't want all of that.

Here are some highlights from the 90 days/30 days/7 days/2 days before/day-of-departure sections...

• Confirm validity of passports, International Drivers Permit
• Track/double-check/update all flight details
• Gather all your documents (reservations, vouchers, web pages, links, information, etc.), print paper copies, make 2 sets: one set for each of you
• Make PDFs of all above documents, copy to phones/tablets
• Plan timing of recurring bills (utilities, credit cards, etc.)
• Pay bills in advance as needed
• Check all electronic devices for functionality, accounts enabled, etc.
• Stop mail delivery
• Stop newspaper delivery
• Contact banks (credit cards and ATM Debit cards), notify them of travel plans, confirm fees/limits
• Start to adjust downward fresh food purchases, prepare to clean out the fridge
• Plan day-of-departure tasks and schedule (allow plenty of time, then add some extra buffer - better to have extra time at the airport than to stress out over making your flight)
• Notify neighbors/house-minder/key-buddies of your plan
• Ask neighbors to watch for stray mail, newspapers, packages delivered/left by mistake
• Mow the lawn, straighten up yard/house exterior so it doesn't look like you're away
• Set lights on timers
• Run the laundry, dishwasher, tidy up the house - it's nice to come home to a clean house
• Adjust heat/AC, open/close windows as appropriate
• Power down appliances/gizmos as needed
• Check all doors/windows for security
• Take out trash/recycling as needed
• Double check all faucets are off, all appliances are off or unplugged
• Double-check that doors are locked behind you as you leave
• Triple check that you have passports and your compete set of documentation
• Relax and head for the airport
• Get a massage at the airport before going to lounge or gate - it's a great way to start a trip!
• Stop worrying about anything - you have an 18 page checklist and everything's covered :)
• Enjoy Europe

Hope that helps.

Well, I've got a pre-trip checklist that runs about 18 pages,

!!!!!!!! We pack the night before, ensure the kids have turned their consoles off, lock the front door properly and away we go!

@ David...I would love to see your 18 page list!

I used to consider myself a PLANNER but this partial list is epic. I am in awe.
if you would share or PM, I'd appreciate. There is always something I forget to do and having a master list to return to and customize would be genius!

In fairness, all but one of those pages is a detailed packing-list (which includes variants based on season and destination, and includes variations based on what's needed in different circumstances: the gear to pack for going on a scuba diving trip to remote islands in the South pacific, or traipsing across Europe during winter, etc....the List is comprehensive).

That said, personally, I don't believe it's possible to "over prepare" (then again, I figure if something is worth doing, it's probably worth over-doing).

IME, being super-prepared results in a stress-free trip. To each their own.

Vive la difference!

Rachel,

You’ve received great replies here.

• Make sure you check your passport’s expiration date; it needs to be
  valid for at least 6 months from the date you depart Italy.

  • It’s also a good idea to take at least two different credit cards (preferably VISA & Mastercard), and two debit cards from two separate accounts.
  • As previously mentioned, make sure you have a money belt, or secured hiddden zippered pockets, for your valuables.
    
  • I always make a list of all my hotel phone numbers & addresses, collect phone numbers to my debit and credit cards, flight record locators, etc., and print it on a 3x5 index card and carry it in my money belt (I also keep one in my locked suitcase).
  • Print your hotel reservations and site or transportation tickets, and/or create PDF files and upload them to Google drive so you can access them on any computer, if necessary.
  • Make copies of your passport and leave one copy with a family member or a good friend.
  • Besides arranging for someone to get your mail, you may consider turning the water off to your home.

Have a wonderful trip!🌼

I always make sure to log out of any personal account on my home computer. If you use a money belt, please remember you should wear it under your clothing. I shutter whenever I see someone wearing a money belt over their clothing. A tip I learned, way back when, wear the money belt with the pouch turned to the small of your back. This is much more comfortable than on your stomach. I use a "hidden pocket" that I wear using a diaper pin to attach it to my waistband. I have found this to be the best option for me. I sometimes forget I have it on.

If you have pets, you might want to give your veterinarian your travel information and how to contact you or whomever you have designated as an emergency contact.

...consider turning the water off to your home.

Turn the water off at the main valve (usually at the water meter itself), open a couple of faucets in the house to drain the water in the lines and relieve pressure, then close the faucets. A neighbor had a line to the washing machine burst while she was in Europe. Many thousands of dollars of water damage.

Rachel, do you have plug adapters for any electronics you need to charge (phone, iPad, etc.)? If you are taking hair dryer, curling iron, etc. make sure they re dual voltage and whether they automatically work on both voltages or whether you need to flip a switch to convert. Otherwise you’ll have a blow up.

These are such excellent recommendations. Thank you so much!

While your are calling your credit and debit cards to notify them of your upcoming travel, ask about the fees for using the cards in Italy. This way, there will be no surprises, and if there is a big difference, you can use the card with the lowest fees whenever possible.

If you don't like the fees for your ATM card, and if you live near a TD Bank, you can open a new account and walk out with a working ATM card right away (so this is possible even before you go on this trip). Their checking accounts have no foreign exchange surcharge for foreign ATM use. Depending on which kind of account you get, you may pay a flat fee of $3 per foreign ATM withdrawal, or you may pay nothing at all. I have no connection with them, except as a satisfied customer. Here's their branch locator: https://www.tdbank.com/net/absearch/

Do figure out what you are going to do with your phones. There are not only lots of possibilities, but each person's needs and wants are different - from "I'm on vacation - that means no phone at all" to "I want to be able to make a call in an emergency, but otherwise don't expect to use the phone" to "I'm fine with Wi-Fi at the hotel, and don't need the phone while I'm out and about" to "I want/need to be able to use my phone anywhere and anytime, just like at home."

David,
GREAT list. I am a planner too. I find planning a trip ALMOST as much fun as going on said trip.
Rachel,
One thing I do, because I like to send postcards to family and friends, is to pre-print a page of addresses for everyone I mail postcards too onto a sheet of sticky address labels that I can just peel off and place on the postcards and then all I have to do is write a quick note, affix the label, and off they go.
I also find, the less luggage you take, the better the trip. I only take one carry-on and small backpack.
Enjoy!

Rachel--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJeV5zHhr6Q

Before you lay stuff out to pack, please watch this--Sarah Murdoch (of RS) doing her 'Pack Light, Pack Right' video. Even if you only do 25% of what she says, you'll be a lot better off.

I guarantee, you won't come home saying 'geez, I wish we'd have brought more stuff...'

Oh, one more thing. It's been debated on this forum and elsewhere, but for my peace of mind I secure trip insurance. I've done varying amounts over three trips, but it usually covers the amount of our air and non-refundable hotel reservations, not much more than that. And through our insurance company, it costs in the vicinity of $100-$125.

Yeah, I'm also a person who came home to a burst pipe after a trip. Luckily it was the main line into the house and the water just ran into the basement drain. I addition to turning off the water to the house, I also turn my water heater to the 'vacation' setting so it goes to sleep.

David and I have the same list happening. When I got home after 24 hours in transit, my bed with fresh sheets was heaven.

I love your list, David.
I am almost as much of a planner as you.

I love David's list and it's similar to mine.

We bring three credit cards. Two in hubby's name and one in mine. All separate accounts that the other can use. I notify all banks 2 weeks before and check with them again 2 days before leaving. Good thing I did on one trip because they had me going to Slovenia instead of Slovakia.

We use checking accounts at 2 different banks with an atm from each one in case one is compromised.
The main one we use is not our daily account, it's only for travel so if it's compromised it doesn't disrupt our main account and our bill pay. We notify them 2 weeks before and I check 2 days before.

We each carry our passport in a money belt with a photo of front page of each others passport.
Our sons have a copy of our passport front page and a list of hotels we are staying with dates, itinerary.
We have never had to use it but I feel better about them having it.
They also have a copy of our Travel Insurance Policy in case of disaster and they have to bring remains home. You should have heard the laughter when I first told them this. Made me feel better.

I get on the plane and think, I've done the most I can do, so I can relax and have a good time!

Hope you have a Great Trip!

I love David's list and it's similar to mine.

We bring three credit cards. Two in hubby's name and one in mine. All separate accounts that the other can use. I notify all banks 2 weeks before and check with them again 2 days before leaving. Good thing I did on one trip because they had me going to Slovenia instead of Slovakia.

We use checking accounts at 2 different banks with an atm from each one in case one is compromised.
The main one we use is not our daily account, it's only for travel so if it's compromised it doesn't disrupt our main account and our bill pay. We notify them 2 weeks before and I check 2 days before.

We each carry our passport in a money belt with a photo of front page of each others passport.
Our sons have a copy of our passport front page and a list of hotels we are staying with dates, itinerary.
We have never had to use it but I feel better about them having it.
They also have a copy of our Travel Insurance Policy in case of disaster and they have to bring remains home. You should have heard the laughter when I first told them this. Made me feel better.

I get on the plane and think, I've done the most I can do, so I can relax and have a good time!

Hope you have a Great Trip!

David, you are my hero. I have made a copy of your list. I hope that's ok? I am nearly neurotic about reassuring myself that all is done before I walk out the door. I particularly love the "massage at the airport" idea. Will do next Fall because I am one of those who gets to the airport way early. Thanks, all.

Buy travel insurance, at least for medical. Sure, in Italy, you can mostly get free treatment. But in the case of serious injury or medical evacuation, you need insurance.

You may as well leave the Amex card at home. Amex is widely rejected in Italy.

I always like to purchase some Euros from my bank here in the states. Just enough so that I can get a taxi or have a meal without rushing around in search of an ATM. Many here would disagree because the charge/exchange rate is higher that buying from ATM in Italy but I like the security of being prepared. If you do decide to do this you may have to order several days in advance depending on your bank/location.

Rachel,
Once you’ve visited Italy, you may love it so that you’ll plan to return!

Do consider saving some € at the end of your trip, and that way you’ll have it for your next trip!

I usually keep €50 - €100 😉

Enjoy!

Well i would say once you are packed and have a six item check list for your last day before leaving home, then abandon all plans
be determined to just get there and walk around and allow yourself to get lost
you find the magical paths and surprises that way
and in no other
But beware the Afrikans are all over trying to sell you stuff. you will feel very sorry for them and feel like emptying your own wallet to buy trinkets and handbags which they spread on a blanket on the street to sell

They seem so desperate and hungry that you will want to ease all their burdesns
just be aware of this
they ae not really scary

The only thing David left out(maybe it doesn't apply to him) is reserving space at Pet Lodge months in advance, making sure the fur babies' shots are up to date, and packing bag with their blankies, food, and emergency contacts.

Oh, I left out a lot of things! That's not my whole list, it's just some highlights. No pets for us so we don't worry about that (I'm more concerned with keeping the raccoons from working their way into our basement while we're away...).

My pre-travel checklist is constantly evolving - I bring a copy with me on my trip, and occasionally make a note to add/change something while I'm away for a smoother "next trip."

There are a few things noted above I don't have on my list, so I'll be adding them. I'm heading out on a trip in about 10 days so I'm deep into the minutia right now. After I get back, I can post/share an updated list if anyone is interested.

BTW, a massage at the airport before you board is a wonderful way to begin your adventure, highly recommended. Yeah, it's a little splurge, but it can really help you start off with a positive attitude - so much better than feeling all stressed and grouchy as you board the plane. Many large airports have quickie massage stations. Consider it the first step in your adventure.

OK, now, where did I leave my Spork...?

Great ideas here. To Dave’s and TC’s lists, I’ll add: be sure the toilets are flushed, my husband didn’t once, ugh! Also before turning off the water at the main, check that no water/toilets are running.
Turn the power off to the the water heater.
Unplug small appliances like coffee maker, toaster. We leave a radio playing.
Take out the garbage and recycle bins. Run the dishwasher the night before so nothing in there stinks.
Enjoy your trip!

TMI. Yikes.

When leaving the US for another country, it is imperative to notify your credit card companies and the bank that issued your debit cards for ATMs where you will be traveling. If you don’t, your cards may be frozen as a protection.
I include any countries where I may have a layover in an airport too.
At home- turn off water to washing machine. Give a neighbor a key in case someone has to enter your home. Give your itinerary to family members with hotel names plus copies of your passports.

Horsewoofie, yr tmi is accurate, tho. And run the dishwasher early enough that you can leave its door open. I had some clean dishes eventually get funky during a trip because of the residual moisture

Yes, yes, YES concerning the suggestion to take phone numbers of all the places you have reserved, and especially the bank's international number!! We had told our bank that we were traveling to Italy and Switzerland this past May. We gave them our exact dates. What happens when we try to withdraw cash from an ATM in Venice? Denied!! I had the international number to call, but even then it took about 5 visits to various ATM's and 5 more desperate calls to the bank to get it ironed out. The problem was that we had fraud alert on our accounts and bank cards. Somehow our travel plans were not forwarded to the fraud desk, so they kept denying our transactions! It was a nightmare that we have never had before. You just never know when you will need that vital information! I hope you also have purchased an international calling plan. We used the Verizon plan, and we were able to have reliable use of our cell phone including data.

Also, if in your pre-trip cleaning you decide to scrub out the refrigerator, MAKE SURE YOU TURN IT BACK ON! Came back from a 10-day trip and found that DH had turned off the refrigerator while cleaning it, then put everything back in and closed the door ... NOT a pleasant surprise!!

I am leaving for Italy in two weeks as well and was wondering if I could ask a question too. Is the International Driver’s Permit really necessary? I know it doesn’t cost that much; I’ve just never been asked for it. Previously my family has driven in France [2015, 2018] and the Netherlands [2016]. The IDP was recommended each time in the Rick Steve’s books but we never got it and obviously did just fine. Do Italian rental places tend to ask for it more often? We are renting a car from Hertz out of the Florence airport office for four days.

Thanks to everyone for the check list. This thread has helped me with my own!

If you want a great app for setting up daily itineraries. It also has an active map for routes and offline maps . I purchased the upgrade and find it awesome. I will be spending 10 days in Rome come September and this is going to be a big help. They do have maps for most of Italy’s major cities. Just remember one thing. Slow down and enjoy. Eating is a time to relax, talk and enjoy the food. They go slow. Being Italian/American I can tell you life is slow there
Enjoy your trip and time.

Iralbright, you should get the permit. The rental office might not ask for it, however if theyvdo require it, you have a problem. The fact that rental offices elsewhere did not require it does not mean that Italians will be OK.

I will reiterate - no AMEX. We don't even take it everywhere in this country.

Google best credit cards for travel AND best debit cards for travel. The answers are different. Very different. You would be surprised how quickly you can set one up.

We travel a lot but have certain cards reserved for travel. Be aware that many good little restaurants in Europe take cash only.

We also got a new debit card last year which drew from an a money market account at an investment firm somewhere. We take two debit cards and put into those accounts only what we think we might need.

If you get a weird answer on an ATM, we walk away. We had an incident with fraud a couple years ago in Florence.

Also - we never take duplicate cards out on the street with us - as long as there is a safe in the room.