What did you wish you knew before you go?

Try doing a search for this question. The exact question was asked a month ago and beat to death.

Oh, I apologize. I tried to search for it, but all i found was one post from october 2010, so i thought i would ask again...

Natalie, please do not let a grumpy curmodgen make you feel like you need to apologize for asking a travel question

Ditto what Tuscany said :) I can't think of anything we didn't do or bring, but even though I only took a carry on I still packed more than I needed. Don't be afraid to pack light, if you need something you can buy it there. Have a wonderful trip!

Pack light, carry-on everything. Have some 1 euro coins for the bathrooms. Bring moleskin in case of blisters. Relax and be prepared to change your plan when something more wonderful presents itself. Ciao and have a wonderful time!

My very first trip to Italy I had to buy another memory card for my camera. Make sure you have more than you dream you will need if you like photography. I always print off wallet size currency convertors specific to the countries I'll be visiting the day before I leave. This gives me approx idea of what things actually cost. €, Swiss franc, etc Organize

Oops. I organize my paperwork by each day, so it is readily avail and clear as to when to be at museums or concert venues, etc. Confirmation codes, that are necessary Review and confirm flts and hotels, other transportation, reservations so there are no surprises later. Each night, before retiring we review the next days agenda it can get confusing if you have alot planned! Call cc to notify of your travel dates and possibly raise daily withdrawal amounts from ATM if need be Check weather forecast adjust wardrobe if needed throw in mini umbrella? Remove cashmere sweater? Take a gallon size zip baggie or 2 to store brochures, tix stubs, receipts etc a few paper clips Put a hold on your mail if your house will be empty I leave my washing machine and DW ajar so I don't come home to stale smells.

Have a wonderful holiday. You will make many memories that you will treasure I am sure. Ciao

Phrase books. If you speak no Italian forget about them. Assuming you get the accent in the ballpark so that you are understood, then what? You will get an answer in mile a minute Italian that will not be useful and it will be a wasted effort by the local Learn the things you will see on signs that matter on signs and in the train stations and the basic menus in restaurants

Here's a link to the previous post: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/65237/if-you-knew-then-what-you-know-nowwhat-would-you-do-differently.html

Don't forget to turn off the water to your washing machine (the hose could break and flood your house) and unplug electrical appliances (except for the fridge) in case of storms. Bring a small washcloth and if you check your bag, pack a small sharp knife, good for picnics. A few large and small freezer bags come in handy.

Here are a few things I've used the most when I travel: compass, pocket knife, shout wipes, febreeze and a travel pack of tissues. If you plan to do some laundry on the road, bring a sink stopper (the universal kind that looks like a jar opener). You can probably buy just about anything you forget and decide you need when you arrive. I do have a few general travel suggestions: Look for unique ways to see some of the sites on your list (or even those not on your list). For example, some churches offer occasional evening concerts. I once saw the church of the Frari in Venice after hours while listening to a trio of musicians. I visited Notre Dame in Paris during a mid-day service and heard a beautiful soloist. Don't try to see everything. You will burn out on priceless treasures from antiquity, spectacular churches, amazing art work, etc. See the marquee things, but also take extra time to enjoy the setting and culture. Go up in towers whenever you can (e.g. clock towers, church roofs/towers/domes, municipal towers). They offer great and unique views and do not take much time. Good luck.

Read the current post about changing big euro bills in Italy. My advice is to carry a lot of coin and small euro bills. It was very hard to get people to take my 50 euro bills.......even in a grocery store where the cash drawer was filled with money to make change.

Double check that the magnetic stripe/pin on the cards you'll be using are in good working order. (just make a small purchase a few days before you leave). I found out at the airport on our way to Italy that my debit card to the account with all the trip funds in it had de-magnetized! Luckily my husband has a card to the same account which was working fine...until the day before we were due to come home, when they put a block on his card...oh yeah, have a couple sources of money!

What Rob said! It is hard not to have a checklist of places to see. It is easy to burn out quickly. If you are not a museum or church architecture person, either narrow your list or make your visits really quick. Also, try to go to major sights at "off" hours to maximize your time. If you like gardens or markets or trying out different wines, do that! In fact, I tell my friends to sit in a cafe twice a day to rest, get a drink, and watch the world go by. Best on a square or pedestrian walk way a few blocks from a tourist area. Who wants to see other tourists when you are relaxing! Also, I like what Rob said about seeing sights in a different way. Take a 1/2 day bike tour, a cooking class, etc. and experience life in Europe rather than just sightsee. Please allow for serendipity. You will have a terrific time and the suggestions above are good ones.

Just returned from a month in Trieste, Padova and Bologna. The items that first come to mind are: leave the "Globally Ready" Blackberry at home - it never worked. Take half the amount of clothes. Leave the hair curler at home - it never worked even with a converter. Take a hard look at the amount of square footage in any apt. you rent - we rented one in Bologna that was ridiculously small, though well-located. Put a good pocket knife in your checked luggage, with a good blade to cut cheese and sausage. Validate all bus and train tickets before the trip begins (there is a small machine outside the train that needs to be punched and one on the bus itself). And one small bit of advice we have always benefited from: learn as much Italian as you can ahead of time and use it even if you feel silly. It will enable you to connect more fully with people and save mistakes.

Notify your credit card company that you'll be overseas so they don't flag your account thinking that there's fraudulent activity. Also, re-confirm your hotel reservations, car rental reservations, etc. before you leave home. If we had done this, we could have avoided a problem. Take way more memory/storage for your camera than you think you'll need! Take comfortable shoes; you will walk A LOT. I also take my little pedometer because I think it's fun to see how much we actually walked every day. Enjoy; you will fall in love with Europe!

My first time to Italy, I failed to "plan for spontaneity." The trip felt too rushed and regimented, and I vowed never to make that mistake again. Over the many years that have passed (and a much better later trip), I have learned to ask locals if there is anything special in their town or area that most tourists miss. This question has opened up some wonderful and life-changing experiences for me in my many travels on our beautiful planet. There are things you need to make a check list for, and things you will need to plan, but I have found my travels have been most greatly enriched by the people and things that I would and could not have ever planned for. Have the happiest of trips.

Apart from the standard "more money, fewer clothes" packing advice, what do I wish: * More memory cards for the camera and/or a way to offload to a laptop. You'll take a lot of photos. * Find out when the shops are closed in your part of Italy. Usually one day a week most towns are basically closed. You need to prep for that day! * Stuff you forget / didn't know to bring: just buy it. Don't fret.
* I regret not going sooner to Italy. But, can't change the past, so have to keep on going again and again...

Hope you see this in time! Take a washcloth if you use one, they do not exist in Europe! Get to the major sites as early as possible and have advanced reservations if possible. You avoid lines and avoid the major crowds. Of course, some places like the Vatican Museum are crowded all the time but getting there early helps. I have two checking accounts for travel. That way I have two debit cards in case one account gets messed up for some reason (theft, card not working, etc.). I can go online and move money between accounts. Tell your bank and credit card companies you are going to be using your card overseas and what countries and dates. Nothing worse than having the card frozen in Sorrento!
You can buy a cheap Vodafone and use it while there. So easy to call back to the USA. Have a great time! The places you are visiting are wonderful!!

Thank you so much guys!!
All of your info has been very helpful, both on this post and every other one ive read in the past 7 years that i have been planning this trip. I just graduated from University today, and tomorrow morning at 630 am, our adventure begins.. i cant wait!!!!!

Just back from Italy - we were fortunate this time to arrive early and/or late for most sites - getting there when they open or when they are an hour from closing made all the difference! Also, check all sites for reservation opportunities online - I saw a great deal of people waiting in long lines or being sent back to the end of the line because they didn't know the rules (had to check their bags, not properly dressed, or didn't have proper reservations).
Read the guides before & during your travels, and make the effort to do the walking tours. It opens up a whole new perspective. I also agree, learn & speak the language, even if you can't do it perfectly or feel silly. It is amazing how people open up when you make an effort. Do your homework, it pays off! Have a wonderful time!

Hi Natalie, You've probably thought of everything, and if not it will give you a wonderful excuse to go shopping! Lots of money and a phrasebook are pretty much all you need!! Have fun!!

Hi Natalie, You've probably thought of everything, and if not it will give you a wonderful excuse to go shopping! Lots of money and a phrasebook are pretty much all you need!! Have fun!!