Travel Guidelines
PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
• Make sure your passport is valid.
• Be sure that you have your passport in your handbag. Do not put it in your suitcase because you will need to show it several times.
• Also bring the credit card with which you paid for the airline ticket.
• In general, a major credit card to show proof of financial independence is required.
• Make copies of your passport and keep them in separate places in case you misplace your original passport.
• Bring another form of picture ID as well.
AIRPORT/AIRPLANE
Bring with you:
• Your passport.
• The credit card that you used to purchase the ticket.
• Your frequent flyer card.
• Your printed e-ticket.
Notes:
• Check in is 3 hours before flight time.
• Do not bring any liquids over 3 ounces in your carry-on bag.
• In your carry-on bag be sure to pack anything you might need in case your checked luggage doesn’t arrive with you: for example, your toothbrush, toothpaste, pajamas, change of intimates, one change of clothes.
• Do not bring more than one carry-on bag and one medium-sized suitcase (plus your pocketbook).
• Wear comfortable shoes and breathable cotton socks.
• Drink plenty of water on the plane as flights tend to dehydrate the body (this is especially true if you drink alcohol on the plane as well).
• Vegetarian or special meals must be requested beforehand (not on the airplane). If you ordered a special meal, confirm it again at check-in.
EXCHANGING MONEY
• Do NOT bring American Express Checks or Travelers Checks of any kind, because they will not be accepted.
• Change your money in the US airport for a flat exchange rate regardless of amount ($5.50 per exchange up to $10,000).
• Request a better exchange rate then the one listed if you are travelling with a large sum.
• Italy airports usually charge 3% of the exchange amount.
• You can withdraw up to 250 euro per day with your bankcard in Italy. Check with your bank to find out if they wave withdraw fees worldwide.
• Always have cash on you when visiting Italian towns because many places will not accept a credit card.
CLOTHING/PACKING
• Weather in Italy is very similar to the US (maybe 5-10 degrees warmer). They have seasons, like the east coast of the US; and it is warmer in the south and cooler in the north.
• Churches are always very cool and damp, even if it is extremely hot outside, so wear layers.
• Always wear comfortable shoes. Italy is a bit hilly and there is always plenty of walking.
• Dress as you would if you were living in Italy (as opposed to being a tourist in Italy). Be comfortable but fashionable.
• Do NOT pack a lot. You will find that you will wear many of the same things over again. Pick a few of your favorites and know that everyone, even the Italians, will repeat their clothes.
• Leave extra room in your bag for purchases (even if you don’t want to buy anything, the chances are good that you’ll come home with something extra).
• You must pack all liquid items over 3 ounces in the suitcase that you will check.
• The maximum number of bottles of wine that you can legally bring back is two. Shipping wine is only possible through a US vendor; therefore, if you think you may want to ship wine, set something up in advance with your local wine shop if possible.
TRAVEL INSURANCE – required by ATIE
• ATIE can not offer refunds regardless of bad weather, natural disasters, terrorist threats, personal traumas, death or emergency, etc, so you must insure your own trip.
• www.globaltravelshield.com (for minimum $35 insurance plan, plus higher rate offers for more extensive coverage)
• www.americanaccess.com (for the most extensive coverage; best to have a deposit receipt from ATIE with the same date as you get the insurance for maximum coverage )
