First travel abroad

Ms,

As you're only going to Italy and your touring will be planned, you may not have time to visit too many "not miss" places. However, you might find it helpful to read Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip, as that has lots of good information on what you can expect in Europe. You should be able to find a copy at your local Library.

It would help to have some idea which part of Italy you'll be in. Which airport will you be arriving at, and will your friends be picking you up at the airport? If you have to use trains or other public transit on your own, there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of.

Also, have you flown domestically? There are a few things to be aware of when flying internationally (ie: luggage limits).

Where will you and your friend be?

Thank you! I will be arriving at the Naples airport and that is where i will be staying as well!

Ms,

Thanks for the additional information. Naples will be a bit more of a "culture shock" but I'm sure you'll have a great time there.

Will your friends meet you at the airport?

Yes! I am traveling buddy style with a girlfriend and we will be picked up at the airport.

Ms,

Thanks for the info. Without knowing what touring your hosts may have planned for you, it's difficult to make suggestions for sightseeing. Have they provided any hints on what sights you'll be seeing?

For travel in Naples, one thing I'd suggest is that wearing a Money Belt would be a good idea as some of the most proficient pickpockets in Europe are located there. Money Belts are used for "deep storage" and not to be accessed where others can see. Keep some money separate and easily accessible for purchases while you're out touring. There's lots of information on this website and in the book I suggested earlier on that topic.

Thank you for your suggestions. I will most definitely get this book, and was leery about a money belt, for comfort reasons, but looks like i should invest in one!

Ms,

There are various types of Money Belts, which are worn in different ways. You could use a waist model, one that's worn on the neck, those mounted on the leg or inside the waist band. Have a look at this website for some examples.....

http://www.magellans.com/ShopCategory.aspx?ID=112,3719

The host of this website also has some good products of that type.....

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog&parent_id=124

Your travelling companion may also want to wear one.

Finally, to get a few sightseeing ideas you may enjoy watching this video......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgxD4JgdMYY

This article summarizes the top sightseeing attractions in your neighborhood: http://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/naples-sorrento-and-the-amalfi-coast.

Here's a second TV show, on the Amalfi coast: http://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/italy-amalfi-coast

Download a Pompeii audio tour and map: http://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/italy

If you bring a guidebook, you can leave it with your friend for her next visitor to use.

If you can, try to go to Paestum. Beautiful Greek temples, good small museum, a beach and mozzarella farms.

Zoe, thank you! This looks great. I am part Greek and my Grandmother will love to hear about this experience!

If you are there on August 16th then visit Siena for their Palio race. I did it last year and it's a great time. Spend a day or 2 before in the city also.

Housekeeping things to consider ...
1 Passport - current with enough validity
2 Cash - How you will obtain cash while travelling - ATM cards
3 Credit Cards - Advise card issuers of your plans, ensure sufficient credit funds.
4 Security - Of luggage (locks) and cash/passport (money belt)
5 Adaptor - For European power outlets
6 Phone - Disable international roaming and check on data costs (consider a foreign SIM)
7 Camera - Memory cards
8 Addresses - If like me and you will want to send postcards
9 Documents - Print hard copies of transport/hotel/tour confirmed reservations
10 Medication - Make sure you can carry any specific prescription medication

All the above posters have excellent suggestions--I would like to add a couple--

Notify your bank and credit cards that you will be away and give them locations. Otherwise they may not allow access to your cards, thinking it is fraud. Ask your bank about ATM limit withdrawals each day.

As far as medications, I have never had a problem, but to be on the safe side, ask your pharmacy to print out a prescription label should you lose your meds, or have any other medical problem. That way it is clear to a pharmacist or hospital what you would need.

One other thing - make sure your passport is not expiring within the next six months. You will need to renew it or risk not being allowed into Italy. See others previous post!