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Thank you guys! The day is finally here!

After a year of planning and many great adviser's of this forum, my family is taking off on May 31 for our great Italy adventure. I want to say thank you to everyone and let you know how helpful you've been. I must admit, Iv'e gone from excited to nervous and not sure why. I've thwarted a few hiccups with our plans already when our Florence Airbnb host lost 3 of our 4 days. Thank goodness I reconfirmed all plans 2 weeks before leaving. I had plenty of time to get a refund and rebook a new apartment. Then when I checked with Alitalia airlines, they gave me a new confirmation number when I couldn't find my reservation booking on line. As you can tell, I'm a bit OCD about plans and traveling arrangements.

Today we packed and weighed, unpacked, resorted and packed again our carry on backpacks. Did the 3-1-1 for wet carry on stuff in quart baggy. Proud to say, we're all under 8kg with room and weight to spare for some souvenirs! Banks have been notified, passports, credit cards, driver's license all scanned and in the cloud. We rented cell phones and all apps have been downloaded. Capital One suggested their app to lock my credit and debit cards when not in use. Made copies for me and hubby of itinerary and all voucher, rental info. Money belts all ready to go and hubby got some euros for cab and what not's when we first arrive. Tore up Rick Steve's guide book for the areas we're visiting and got some perverse pleasure out of that dangerous and destructive behavior :) LOL.

I hope I'm not forgetting anything. If so, I'll buy it there and make an adventure out of it. Now, I'm just plain nervous and don't know why. At least my hubby has extended family in Italy if anything goes wrong. Like my hubby says, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." I look forward to sharing our trip with you and helping others in the future when I can.

Thank you all again and my best to you.

Posted by
162 posts

You're going to have the time of your life, I'm sure!

I'm always nervous before a trip like this, I think it's normal after spending all that time and effort planning it. It will be totally worthy ! May God bless your family ...Go ahead and make precious memories!

Posted by
764 posts

You sound like you are quite well prepared. Did you remember to learn a few phrases in Italian?

It's very understandable to be nervous before such a big trip. Once you get on the plane, you can lean back, take a deep breath, and get ready for a wonderful adventure. And be flexible, because sometimes the best laid plans can easily go astray..........

Have a wonderful time and I look forward to hearing all about your trip!

Posted by
297 posts

Just bear on mind that stuff will happen. Just go with it and think of it as part of the experience. You will have wonderful time. You can't help that in Italy. You will be starting a love affair with the people, country, food and wine. If you are like many of us, you will be planning your next trip back on your way home, if not sooner. Enjoy and have a wonderful time. Ciao.

Posted by
2252 posts

Twin Mom, you all have done well! Now pat yourselves on your backs and try to relax a little. It will be a wonderful trip and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back. If something doesn't go quite the way you're expecting, well, just look at that as part of the adventure and it will probably make for a good story. I love this: "my hubby says, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." " Wonderful!!

Posted by
11848 posts

Brava! You have done well. Have a marvelous time!

Posted by
9436 posts

I'm always anxious and nervous in the days right before leaving... it goes away as soon as you get there and very quickly you're having the best time of your life! Then I dread the day I have to come back home because I don't want the fun to end. I hope you all have the best time ever... Buon Viaggio!

Posted by
792 posts

Twin-Mom .. For most people the airport check in is the most stressful part of the trip. You will be fine once you land and are at your final destination. Its all uphill from there. Enjoy your trip and ....Relax!

Posted by
490 posts

Sounds like all systems go!!!

Just have a great time! Everything happens on "Italian time" slower than what Americas are used to, always factor in cushion time when traveling just in case!

Enjoy

Posted by
11697 posts

You're probably more excited than nervous!
You seem to have covered all the bases so just enjoy your trip!

Posted by
32402 posts

Hope you have a wonderful trip, and that it's everything you've anticipated!

Buon Viaggio!