Afraid of getting stuck

The only thing I can say is that the rate if new covid cases in Italy on a population basis is about 1/3 of the rate in Oregon so you would be going to a safer place (that is today, no guarantee for September).

I planned for France for September. I wished I'd planned for Italy. Everything I've read out of Italy has been better than many other places in Europe. One thing you could do is look at your itinerary and look for lower risk places and places that would be less dense in terms of people--like rural Tuscany, Umbria, Dolomites.

Just minutes ago, I was doing some quick research comparing destinations. If you want to make a change maybe look at Poland, Malta, Romania, or Croatia. Also, depending on your flight arrangements, Croatia may be doable for you. I am far from an expert, that is just the conclusion I made. Also, I'm not feeling very comfortable with the risk of COVID in many of the places in the U.S.

I think it’s whatever your comfort level is to be honest. We are scheduled for 3 weeks in October for Italy and France and we are going. The things I see in the news and everything is always gonna be worse case and only report the negatives. I’m optimistic and it seems from the reports on the ground from people who are actually there are the opposite for what’s being reported on the news. I don’t think another lockdown is happening. It was to be expected when tourism and business opened you knew it was gonna get worse before it gets better. This is gonna be like the flu where it’s always mutating/ different strands and eventually we are gonna learn to live with it. Just like anything people who have weakened immune system or health issues will always get hit the hardest. We are both vaccinated and don’t mind wearing mask as we don’t think it’s a huge deal.

I had work from home Zoom meeting burnout.
I was in Italy last week. It was not crowded and would be less tourists there in September.
Wear your mask according to the rules and I think you will be fine. Otherwise don't go if someone is going to be worried the entire time. I did have a little anxiety before the mandatory Covid test to fly back home. Take your test as earliest as possible within the 72 hours that way you can retest if needed and relax if your test comes back negative the days before the flight back. Take your laptop so you can work from Italy while quarantined if you end up catching Covid.

As Jazz hinted at, about the worst that could happen is that one or both of you test positive before you return home. The risk with the Delta Variant is certainly not nil, and should be factored into your contingency plans. As in, have a contingency plan.

Have your wife read the post from Heather entitled Wonderful time in France and Italy. If that positive report does not convince her to proceed then you will not be going. Good luck!

I learned years ago that listening or watching the news is not conducive to peace of mind. I spend 5 minutes reading CBC world and local news and if I want to dig deeper into covid land, I read the WHO weekly covid situational reports. It works for me, but I know my practice is not the norm. But certainly, less exposure to hype would help.
Do show her positive experiences, but ultimately, if she is concerned, then your chances of a relaxing vacation are minimal.
I think the statistics of local # vs Italian city # could be a logical approach if you catch her willing to listen. Alternatively, can you reassess what you planned to do and see if there are ways to minimize exposure? If you are currently still hunkered at home perhaps there is more Covid anxiety issues to consider. What about an apartment rather than hotels? More in room or picnic meals, outdoor adventures and sites rather than resraurants and museums with no timed entries.
Finally, does it have to be 'Italy or nothing'? I appreciate it may be your preferred vacstion spot, but it doesn't mean you cannot vacatikn closer to home, or some international location she would feel comfortable about.

We’re going to Italy from late Sept. to the end of Oct., changing planes in London. That London connection is the biggest concern at this point for any inconvenience. The fact that you’re vaccinated makes all the difference, and will allow you to see and do what you want.

The CBS news last night featured an American, unvaccinated, who is in Italy right now. The reporter asked him about the upcoming requirement to show proof of vaccination, or documentation of negative test results. He said he guessed he wouldn’t be able to get in to places. You’re all set - enjoy your trip. You’ve worked hard, and earned it - and taken the extra step of getting vaccinated to protect yourselves, and to help protect others in the process.

I don't have much advice since I am planning my first trip with family for this November. I am also nervous- more so that things get shut down and having the disappointment of not being able to go as planned. I think the best we can do is be vaccinated and take as many precautions as possible! I hope you can convince your wife to go!

My husband and I don't feel we always need to vacation together. In fact, it shouldn't be necessary or always the desired plan. Solo travel provides room for growth, which can help the relationship grow. It also provides a vacation from always trying to make sure one's spouse is happy. She has a right to not want to travel at this unusual time. Why don't you go solo to Italy now? She can plan a solo vacation at a later date when she feels comfortable. She shouldn't be pressured into going as that is not likely to result in a relaxed vacation for either of you. IMO

She has a right to not want to travel at this unusual time.

Well said, my sentiments exactly. There shouldn't be any "convincing" or arm twisting going on...respect her concerns, and also respect her decision.

As for the OP: what is your drop dead date for canceling hotels, plane tickets, etc? So pick a date right before that, and let that be "final decision day" and in the meantime just give all of this "convincing" stuff a rest. The virus, and the EU, and the government of Italy are the ones in control, so to speak, and over the course of the next few weeks, those factors may make your decision for you. Your wife doesn't need to decide to go today, or before the current situation clears up or worsens, so give her some room and respect.

There is no guarantee either way. We were schedule for mid Sep to mid Oct and just decided to pull the plug. There is always next year. We are more concerned about getting there and not having the flexibility to see and do what we planned. We just were not willing to deal with that uncertainty. We will find something to do in the states. Cases ARE on the rise. Just because it is in the news doesn't make it untrue. IMO, the worst thing to do is to deny the reality.

Does your budget include quarantining in Italy if you test positive before your return to the States? That would be really expensive and not a vacation. If that is the reason for her concern, her concerns are valid. Being vaccinated does not guarantee you will not test positive and other vaccinated people to appear to be able to spread it. Also, if something were to "drastically change" you might not be able to get a seat home even assuming a negative test. Sorry to rain on your parade, but this is the biggest reason I'm not making plans to travel in Europe yet.

We were scheduled for mid Sep to mid Oct and just decided to pull the plug. There is always next year.

Like Frank, we did the same on a mid August trip to France, pulled the plug about 3 weeks ago.

And we felt an immediate sense of relief when we made that decision and we canceled bookings. etc. The dark cloud of uncertainty cleared away, and we were able to unclench and relax for the first time in weeks We have not given that decision a second thought, either. I got so tired of thinking about the trip from the first thing in the morning to the last thing before I went to bed - it was exhausting - and there was no sense of the excited anticipation of an upcoming trip we have always had in the past - the planning and lead up to a big trip, pre Covid, was always a thing of joy. This time around, not so much.

I can only imagine that the OP's wife is feeling the same sense of dread my wife and I felt, and her husband is asking for help on this forum in convincing her to go. At least my wife and I were on the same page; I feel sorry for anybody who is at odds with their significant other over something like this.

We’re not going to Italy but we are going in two weeks to Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. When we started planning this months ago we decided to focus on a trip that was almost exclusively outdoor oriented. That has given us some comfort on both not getting Covid when we are over there and not getting a positive test before returning. That being said, we did buy a good travel insurance policy this time in case we do before the US return. Frankly I think we are going to feel safer over there than here right now. Can you ensure a big part of your trip can be outdoor activities? Maybe that will give her some comfort. Easier to physically distance, and if you’re vaccinated and wear masks where you need to being outside a good chunk of the time would reduce risks. On another positive note my 82 year old neighbor is over there now solo. He goes every year (except last year) for 3 months. So far he has done the Netherlands, Belgium, France and is now in Switzerland. He’s very inspiring. He has another 7 weeks to go. So far he has been just fine and yet he has been doing many indoor things like museums.

The ying and yang of marriage: my husband wants to cancel but I REALLY want to go to Switzerland early September. [We are both vaccinated.]
Wonder how both of our situations will conclude??????

I think this is really a situation of risk tolerance. And if so, I'm not sure "facts," "stats" or "evidence" really comes into play. Ultimately I think the solution is found in compromise. Maybe the solo trip suggested above or a domestic trip you both would like.

"She has a right to not want to travel at this unusual time. Why don't you go solo to Italy now? She can plan a solo vacation at a later date when she feels comfortable. She shouldn't be pressured into going as that is not likely to result in a relaxed vacation for either of you. IMO"

"There shouldn't be any "convincing" or arm twisting going on...respect her concerns, and also respect her decision."

Yes. These statements. At least throw out the idea of you traveling solo if she is not comfortable with travel now.

Best of luck with this difficult decision. There is no clear cut right/wrong answer here.

Same boat here—Romania and Italy planned for three weeks in September. Originally planned for May 2020, postponed (changed all flights, car rentals, hotels, etc.) to September 2020, then to May 2021, and now to September. We were so sure nothing could stop us going now once the vaccine was out. I’m pretty sure we are going to go for it, but I certainly feel more anxious than excited. I’m hoping that feeling passes in the next few weeks.

I can relate to your wife’s fear of being stuck if she tested positive because I had the same fear in anticipating my trip to Venice 8/24-9/03. I’m fully vaccinated but recently have begun wearing a mask indoors, etc. because I live in Georgia where our vaccination rate is 40%.

What helped me decide to go is I realized I will be doing pretty much what I’m doing at home only in Venice, a magical place where I will be having fun and doing and seeing things I won’t be doing in Atlanta. Hearing people speak Italian and eating Italian food, drinking coffee, eating gelato, all things I won’t be doing in Atlanta. It’s hot and humid here; it’s hot and humid in Venice. Right now there are very few tourists which is a plus.

I was particularly anxious about the required negative test before returning to the states so I read as much about the incidence of fully vaccinated people getting Covid and the chance is less than 1/2%. I decided those are odds I can live with. So I’m able to go with an unworried heart. I also have travel insurance which covers me for testing positive, my contingency plan.

I hope you and your wife will be satisfied with your decisions either go or not go. There’s always next year.

The fact is that no one on this forum knows you or your wife. It seems to me that instead of trying to "convince" your wife to go, you need to decide what's more important to you, a trip to Italy that can be easily taken at another time or your relationship with your wife. While in all likelihood everything would be fine, what if it isn't? Is an international trip now that important to you? You are both young, and while I would ordinarily urge you to travel while you can, these are not ordinary times. I would urge you to listen to your wife before listening to total strangers on this forum. Just my opinion. Good luck.

If you both work from home - what's the problem with being "stuck" in Italy? Make sure you have a decent data plan and devices with you so you can work if you can't fly.

Obviously, this is a decision of personal comfort for you. I was in Milan and Florence two weeks ago, and had a great time.
Took the train from Munich (where I attended the opera festival) to Milan via Verona. I registered with the EU/Italy website beforehand, and the conductor did ask if I had it and the proof of vaccine. Was not asked for it on the train from Milan to Florence a few days later. No one asked for proof at museums or restaurants but I did carry it with me in my passport, with a rubber band around the passport so that the CDC card wouldn't slip out. (By the way, I did have to show the proof of vaccine along with photo ID at every opera performance in Munich prior to being admitted).

Crowds were definitely lighter, especially in Florence, although not non-existent, since many Europeans and some Americans are traveling. I didn't notice the usual student mobs or Asian tour groups, mostly families and friends. I would definitely recommend making online reservations for any museums/sites even if not required. While you sacrifice some spontaneity, the lines were much longer to get in w/o advance reservations since they are limiting the number of people.

Again, you need to do what makes you comfortable, but I had a wonderful time. Testing centers are everywhere and at pharmacies for your return to the US and you could also bring 'home' test kits if you want to alleviate worry a few days before the 3 day testing window return.

Let me give you some stats that may help. It sounds like your wife is overloaded with fear mongering from the news, the internet, and perhaps even this board.

According to the CDC, less than 1% of the current cases of Covid are those who have been vaccinated. (That means over 99% of the people currently with Covid are unvaccinated.)(This is in the U.S. but other countries are reporting similar.)

Next, should there be a change in conditions while you are in Italy, those changes don't happen overnight. You are given a few days notice. As long as you can show a negative Covid test, you can get on the plane to go home. (If you are U.S. citizens, and arrive in the U.S., you cannot be denied entry. That's the law.)

During the pandemic, flights continued from Europe to the U.S. While Americans couldn't travel to Europe, they were allowed to come home. None were stranded idefinitely.

On the other hand, if you convince her to go and she really doesn't want to, and she is miserable, you will be miserable, and your trip will not be a good one.

Remember the old saying, "Happy wife, happy life."

I leave in just over nine weeks for a three month trip to Europe. I have hardly planned anything but I know basically where I want to go.

Unless, the continent closes to Americans, I will be on the plane. I will follow all local rules and ordinances and will be willing to make changes on the fly.

Travel during Covid is an adventure itself.

We were in the same predicament. It had been two years since our last vacation and Italy in July? We would usually never book Italy in July. But when they announced that Italy was opening, we booked it. Leading up to the trip I was absolutely terrified and almost canceled several times. What if we catch COVID? We are both vaccinated, but it doesn’t seem like that really matters anymore. I was extremely stressed leading up to it and I didn’t sleep at all on the flight over…….but I can tell you that as soon as we landed my shoulders crept back out of my ears, my blood pressure went down and all of the sudden the past year and a half of Covid stress was gone and I was on vacation. That state of mind that only happens in Italy. I missed it. It was everything that I hoped it would be again. We’ve been back for two weeks now and I am really happy that we went.

You can line up all the pros and cons and can apply all of the logic that you want to it, but at the end of the day you just have to go with your gut.

Oh- and turn off the freaking “news”. It’s good for nothing but raising blood pressure these days.

**edited to note that we did all of our research before our trip on testing requirements and locations. We also anticipated that we would need to be patient and flexible in case new regulations came into play while we were there. Everything worked out just fine.

Update - learned today that flying thru Frankfurt, vaccinated with documentation, is clear sailing. Coming on British Airways with a connection in London now requires a 5-day quarantine for us. It’s the changing planes in London part, not Americans at risk in Italy concern. You’re good to go, and I’d still say “go.”

We are in Italy now - my advice is to laminate your CDC card and come - we have no problem getting into museums or on a train - and better yet there are very few tourists here

Something to bear in mind - most people can't go straight from "hunkering down at home, no contact with the outside world" to "normal life." There's a lot of things that were normal before and may be okay now that have been terrifying and possibly life threatening for the last year and a half. You both need to practice being around people before you can expect your wife to feel comfortable with it.

One of the ways I deal with my anxiety (pandemic related AND graden variety" is to plan for the absolute worst case scenario. Look at hospital bed availability in your area vs the areas of Italy you'll be visiting. Make a plan for what you'll do if you test positive before coming home - not a vague plan, but very specific details, like where you'd quarantine, what your companies' policies are if you're stranded overseas/test positive for COVID, whether or not you get paid time off, or unpaid, or FMLA. Look at the specific flights you could take home if restrictions change, and plan how you would get to the airport.

Her concerns may not feel valid to you, but they're very valid to her. By looking at each one seriously, and making a plan to address it, you may be able to reach a point where you're both comfortable. If not, postpone the trip.

April, good advice, and thanks for the encouraging report.

I am not so concerned about quarantining if necessary although the hotel bill won’t be fun. I am concerned about having to buy a new plane ticket home.

I tried to switch my return flight today to depart from a different European city and the fare increase was a fortune!

I wonder if the OP will come back and let us know their decision? Or, at least, their thoughts in response to our comments.

I hope the OP doesn't delete the post, because April's advice is really useful to people other than the OP.

Well if I didn't catch it from the Vaporetto rides you should be good. That was like sardines in a can. lol

All about your comfort level & specific destination. I returned in June from 2 weeks in Egypt. No problems. Flew on Lufthansa & they ensured all passengers were masked apart from food/beverage service. (Their mask requirements then were surgical or K95/N95.) We were tested going over & returning. We were fully vaxxed & wore masks during the trip. All in Cairo/Nile towns wore masks. For me: was worth it in for durth of tourists & the price & the safety precautions.

Judy B wrote: "I also have travel insurance which covers me for testing positive, my contingency plan." How/where do you get that insurance? If I had insurance to cover the cost of quarantine if we tested positive on the way home, I would feel so much better about our planned trip to Rome in November.

Dolphin,
Go to insuremytrip.com and get on the chat and tell them specifically what you want. Covid medical coverage plus quarantine coverage? They have one plan that covers quarantine for the sick person only up to $2000. They represent several major companies, so tell them what is important to you.

Our travel insurance thru the USAA connection says covid is considered just like any other illness. I was on the phone today to clarify. Safe travels!

But other medical conditions do not require quarantining, so you need to be really careful if you're buying insurance because you want coverage for quarantine expenses. I assume most vaccinated Americans who have the bad luck to test positive before scheduled return don't need medical treatment except for the purpose of later obtaining a recovery certificate. (That's something I haven't heard anything about, even in the US.)

I doubt many insurances will pay for the additional expenses of lodgings, food and loss of work while in quarantine....only medical care due to covid. Ensure you ask exactly what is covered. For some reason, some people seem to think insurance is the answer for all financial inconveniences during travel but, of course it isn't. Moreso than ever, you need to read all the fine print. The good thing about insuremytrip is that you can read the policy before purchase. In fact it most likely makes sense to read some policies offered before you chat about your specific needs.

I arrived on Sept. 12th. I had absolutely no problem whatsoever... In fact, no one asked to see my CDC card or PLF since I uploaded it to the United website prior to leaving. I am traveling for 6 weeks alone - Rome - Croatia - London - Greece & back to London. The only time you need a CDC card is to get into main attractions - Colosseum - Museums, etc. Most of the restaurants do not ask for your card - mostly because everyone eats outside. By law - one must wear a mask to enter any building/shop. Truly - the only place I was asked for my "greenpass/CDC card was McDonald's! DO NOT cancel your trip. Now is the best time to be in Rome. I have lived in Italy and return every other year. There are no crowds - no hoards of tourists & one can actually walk down a sidewalk without forcing through mobs of tour groups. I actually was the only person on my "group" tour to the newly opened Mausoleo Augusto. and I have a small group tour - breakfast at the Vatican on Friday morning. I relish the chance to actually be in the Sistine chapel without a few thousand of my not-so-closest friends. By all means go now - this is the time to actually VISIT!

Here is a link of questions from insuremytrip.com. Regardless of policy, it is wise to read any fine print.

https://www.insuremytrip.com/travel-insurance-plans-coverages/coronavirus-travel-insurance/

What Alice said several replies up is oh so true. I think it would be shocking and extra-tense to go immediately from lockdown to flying, muchless internationally right now. Practice being among people. Go to a crowded restaurant or two first. Go to a crowded tourist spot in/near your hometown and mingle (okay to wear masks), go inside places (crowded places). Get on a local bus. Drive to the closest near-by city (not your own) and use transportation as close to what you might be using in Italy, and test the comfort level. Do not pressure your wife, but watch her reaction....in fact, let her plan everything you do for that test. NOTE: As I give that advice, there is no way I would do that locally now.

My household, even though fully vaccinated, is continuing to be very cautious. The Delta variant is frightening (even though break thru cases are CURRENTLY RARE for those vaccinated). Unfortunately, other variants are likely to develop if more do not get vaccinated, and covid will be with us for a long, long time........up to humanity to take appropriate actions to keep it under control. We all know that, and I am not telling you anything you do not already know. Yes, we all want our lives back. The person typing this wants life back as we knew it.....oh so very much so!!

My household is not one to take fear-mongering seriously. We operate on info from trusted sources. We are ones to listen are to Dr. Fauci and Dr. Schaffner, and the many medical professionals we know. As recently as a month ago, very few would have guessed all the Nashville hospitals would be a 100% capacity....the national guard has been called in to help with medical care...and that is not unique to this city.

We are in (hopefully at least the middle, but maybe still the early stages) of a frickin' global pandemic. While many report absolutely pleasant trips taken, and there is a good likelihood yours would be the same, personally I would not travel internationally right now if someone gave me FREE business class tickets, private guides, private transportation and covered all my meals/entries. And, this is coming from someone who has traveled to all 7 continents (yes,crossed Drake's Passage to Antarctica), and also Iceland, Greenland, and New Zealand (exceptionally rough seas at the tip), and did a camel trek in Morocco. Some of those trips were on group tours, and about half independent travel. Educated, plan well, measure risk, but NO WAY would I go now. But, that's us.

Consider your wife's feelings/worries. If she is not comfortable after what I will call some "re-entry into society" from lockdown practice, plan for another time. International travel, while fabulous and filled with memories, can also be exhausting......and going in a time of reason for some extra worry compounds that.

Heck, I ventured into a Cracker Barrel (N-95 with a surgical mask over that) to pick-up meals to go (long story on why curb-side did not work).....it was sooooo crowded with unmasked people (vaccine rates here are still less than 50% and more rural areas even worse), but as I stood in a short, crowded line, a woman behind me and her crowd continued to shout at each other (friendly), laugh, and then she started coughing. I did not turn around to make eye contact. I did take a shower, wash my hair and my clothing when I got home. It grossed me out, and no telling how many of the 1000X viral load from the Delta variant may have been present at that checkout counter from others who had been there. Would your wife be comfortable in that circumstance? I was not.

There is a reason Rick Steves' company has chosen to wait until 2022 for his tours.........and a good chunk of his company's profit comes from tours.

Give some grace to your wife. LOVE Italy...been there 3 times..hope to get back again (when we feel safe).

I just wanted to chime in here to say that my husband and I are are still planning on our trip for two weeks in late September/October. We do have some similar concerns, but honestly, we have said that we may feel safer there than we do here in the states! All indoor dining and activities will require proof of vaccination, and reports that we’re reading, some of which are included in this thread, are saying that a lot of popular and crowded destinations are much quieter. We plan to mask up when around people, eat outdoors as much as we can, and have a good time. We’re also spending the bulk of our trip in smaller towns in Tuscany at an AirBnB, which helps. But we do plan on visiting the Amalfi Coast, Rome for a day and Venice for a few days, which are also busier areas.

Our biggest concern is actually testing positive before we fly home. Thankfully, my job is flexible, and my husband works from home. I did want to say that we confirmed with our travel insurance company that we are 100% covered for any travel or accommodation costs we incur if we test positive and have to quarantine. We purchased the best plan that covers up to $10,000 through World Nomads, and that gives us a lot of peace of mind. We also plan to bring our kindles and load them up with lots of books, our laptops to do work if needed and watch movies, and a few extra sets of loungewear in case we do test positive and need to quarantine, and we have accepted that is a possibility. However, if you look at how many people are out there traveling right now, while some are testing positive, it’s rare.

I just wanted to make sure I mentioned the thing about our travel insurance policy because someone previously mentioned it wouldn’t cover everything. It won’t cover any extra time away from work or home (if you can’t work while quarantined, that is), but we confirmed with two separate agents that it covered accommodation costs, meals and flight rescheduling. So pretty much everything except missed time at work.

I also don’t think you need to worry about borders closing or everything shutting down. I just don’t see that happening with the vaccine roll out underway, even with Delta. The news likes to talk about that a lot, but realistically, after the world shit down for a year, and with more and more people getting vaccinated, it think it’s highly unlikely. If anything, there may be curfews and such implemented, but that’s not a big deal.

If your wife will be worried the whole time, it may be best to reconsider going, but if you logically look at all the facts, get travel insurance and be smart during your trip, you could potentially have a really memorable time with far fewer people! I also struggle with anxiety, and even I’m okay with traveling to Italy right now :) But everyone is different, so you guys decide what’s best for you - that’s the most important thing.

It's obvious that there are numerous people here who are not just scared of Covid but petrified that everything they do will give them the virus or positive test.

For those who are scared about catching Covid while traveling, or testing positive and not being able to come home when you want, let me ask you a question:

How much fun will you have if you are obsessed with worry about testing positive?

I'm not trying to be negative, or dissuade anyone from traveling, I'm just trying to point out that travel is stressful enough and if you add this extra fear, then is travel at this time really worth it? How often have people worried about what is going to happen and then that thing they were worrying about never happened? Was it worth it all that time and energy worrying about it? (It's okay to make contingency plans but obsessing about it is not okay.)

If you feel that every time you go out and see an unmasked person means you have to literally sanitize yourself when you get home, then you should definitely not travel. If you will lose sleep and worry about getting a positive test while traveling, then perhaps now is not the right time to travel.

Our mental and emotional state is extremely important while traveling. Unless we can put our fears and worries behind us, will we really be able to enjoy ourselves?

I'm traveling soon. I will take the same precautions I do at home.....masks, wash hands, hand sanitizer, etc. And should I test positive while there, I'll deal with it. But I'm not going to worry about it and ruin my trip.

MariaF, most travel insurance companies are now offering Covid quarantine insurance to cover hotel bills, food, etc. if you test positive during the trip. It's inexpensive and well worth the peace of mind.

<<, most travel insurance companies are now offering Covid quarantine insurance to cover hotel bills, food, etc. if you test positive during the trip. It's inexpensive and well worth the peace of mind.>>

Please share any information as I don’t find this to be true. I spoke with Insure My Trip yesterday and the only plan available to us (we are 68 & 74) is Trawick which does cover quarantine expenses. At $750, it was more than I wanted to spend. I don’t believe that many companies will cover quarantine expenses but I’d be happy to be told otherwise.

Is anyone aware of the actual isolation process in Venice currently? I understand that if you test positive you will not be allowed to board a US Bound flight but it is not clear to me what the options are for isolating. How is it monitored, does it have to be in a "covid hotel" or are you able to self monitor, stay with friends , etc . I understand that it would be at our expense and a minimum of ten days . WE are fully faxed so getting in is no problem but we want to be prepared for the possibility of picking up a breakthrough case.

I am also interested in what to do if tested positive in Italy before returning to USA. Isolate but where? In any hotel that has room for 10 days? I found some bit of information on a British site: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/coronavirus
like a list of English-speaking doctors and other info, but no specifics for the hotel procedure. By the way, British FCDO (probably like our state department ) lowered risk assessment for Italy "The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Italy, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks." At least some bit of positive news.

Lots of great info here; I'd like to add an anecdotal story to the mix. On 13 March 2020 we flew from Sri Lanka to Dubai, then to Seattle. On a 777 aircraft, fully loaded with people from all over the world. NO ONE HAD MASKS ON EITHER FLIGHTS! Obviously this was the beginning of the pandemic, but we arrived home unscathed. It really wasn't until later in the spring when I realized the gravity of how much potential exposure we had on those two flights!
Next Friday we're masking up and heading to France, Switzerland and Italy; gratefully armed with vaccines and knowledge. That is our super power!
Best wishes.

I understand your wife's feelings exactly. That is what my husband and I are going through right now. We leave September 24 for Italy for 2 weeks. We just had a reality slapped in our face. Our friends, who are vaccinated and had a negative PCR and rapid test, tested positive when they boarded a Viking cruise in Icland. They are being quarantined in Iceland, as I write, for 14 days. This is what worries me, a positive test when I return. I am curious as to how they are vaccinated and had two negative tests 36 hours before their test and tested positive. I'm not concerned about Italy, I'm concerned about a "false positive. . "

The virus is circulating widely and wildly. It seems likely your friends either were exposed shortly before they tested negative (it takes a bit of time, I think, before you get a positive test) or were exposed after they tested negative. A negative test indicates a person's status as of the time of the test; it is not a guarantee the person will not test positive a few hours later, much less 36 hours later.

I have no medical background, but I've read comments indicating a false-positive test is a lot less likely than a false-negative test.

I think it's prudent to consider local lodging and food costs before taking an international trip at this time. Having to quarantine in Italy would be less financially painful than doing so in Switzerland, Iceland or Norway. (Though I don't know that Norway is even open to Americans at this point.) Those are super-expensive places. Paying those prices to travel there is one thing; paying to be cooped up in a hotel room is a whole different matter, at least to me.

5 day incubation so they were infected before leaving US

Christine, I've read that with Delta people may be infectious within something like 2 days. I don't know how being able to sprad the virus tracks with testing positive, but it seems Delta is different in many ways and none of them good. Sorry that I don't have a link to post.

Christine, I've read that with Delta people may be infectious within
something like 2 days.

Yes, you are right. Delta is definitely more virulent. I believe either way they were infected before they left.

Above poster only mentions that his friends tested multiple times but doesn't indicate if they were masking and isolating in the lead up to their trip.
JMO- testing is fine but if you are not doing everything else to mitigate chance of infection it's pointless.
Not criticizing just pointing out.

We are still planning to go 9/10 unless Italy says no or something really drastic pops up. We have basically been quarantined since 9/2019- yes- for another reason- then along came COVID so we've not been anywhere without a mask and keeping our distance for almost 2 years.
We have to fly out to Calif next week and that worries me a lot more than going to Italy. We will only be with family who are 100% vaccinated and will mask there as well obviously. We will test when we return from Calif on 8/31- and remain masked and isolated until our trip.