FAQ's
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
There are all kinds of group travel adventures. These trips are perfect for the individual who doesn't really like group travel! They are small. Just 3 - 6 guests and me. This is not a 5-star fancy hotel trip. If you are looking for swanky hotels with porters at your beck and call offering to carry your luggage and are the are the type of person who wants to dress to the nines for dinner .... These are not the trips for you. If you want to mingle with the locals, love good, clean food, have an interest in music, festivals and art and are eager to see authentic, off-the-beaten-path-Italy then these trips would be perfect for you. You must be willing to go with the flow!
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
My rule of thumb is pack what you think you will need, and then remove up to half of it. Honestly, you won't need it. And you won't want to carry it. You can wear clothes more than once and even if there are not proper laundry facilities in each place you stay ... you can wash and dry your clothes. Dress casual. Bring something nice for a dinner out, but for the most part ... you do not need fancy clothes. Bring layers and comfortable shoes. A camera if you have one ... but most iPhones take really high quality photos.
WHY DON’T YOU OFFER AIRFARE WITH YOUR TRIP PACKAGE?
There are several reasons why I don't include airfare in the price of the trip. Guests could be from all over the world. The cost of plane tickets to and from Italy will likely vary. And some travelers would rather find the least expensive flight they can whereas others would rather find the shortest. It is much better to leave those decisions up to individual travelers. Some may also have air miles they want to use to fly overseas or upgrade to first and business class. And some people may choose to extend their stay in Italy and visit other cities, before or after the tour. I prefer to leave these decisions up to individual travelers.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED AND I MISS MEETING UP WITH THE GROUP AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIP?
Unfortunately, sometimes flights are delayed, and even when they are on time, your luggage may still be a few hours (or sometimes days) behind you. As a preventative measure, make sure you have at least 2-3 hours between connecting flights. If your flight is cancelled or you have arrived to the specified meeting point after the pick-up time, please be in touch with your me via email. I will do my best to assist you, but it will be your responsibility to get to the accommodation from wherever you are and pay for any associated expenses. You will be given the addresses, phone numbers and emergency numbers before you leave home, so make sure to keep those handy as you travel. I highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy to cover any unexpected or emergency expenses.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
Yes! Make sure you get one if you don’t have it already, and make sure to check the expiration date. As recent regulations have changed, it takes longer for the US government agencies to issue passports, so give yourself at least 5 months to apply for one or renew the one you have. Current regulations require that your passport be valid for the entire duration of your trip and at least 6 months after your return date. Go to the U.S. Department of State's website to stay up to date with travel information. If you’re not an American citizen, you may need a travel visa. Check with your country's Italian embassy or your own country's travel requirements.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EXCHANGE MONEY?
To avoid high exchange fees, I recommend that you order some Euros from your local bank before your trip rather than exchanging US Dollars or other foreign currency once you’re there. The Euro is the ONLY currency used and accepted in Italy.
USE YOUR ATM DEBIT CARD. ATMs are the best way to take cash out once you are in Italy, but notify your bank that you’ll be gone before you leave. Also, verify that you can use the same pin number overseas and the daily withdrawal limit (which can be smaller on foreign withdrawals).
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A DEBIT CARD. Nowadays, you can easily get a pre-paid VISA and charge it with the amount you think you’ll need during your trip. You could also open up a temporary checking account to use for your trip, then close it once you return home. This is good for security reasons as well, in case your card goes missing, it’s not tied to your main checking account.
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD
Italy is mostly a cash-based society and items such as coffee, snacks, and small purchases cannot be charged. MasterCard and VISA are the most commonly accepted cards. Best to have a credit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee … I have the Capital One Venture Visa card and love it. It also provides miles that you can use for plane ticket purchases on any airline. I have heard great things about Chase’s Sapphire card …. also has not foreign transaction fees and offers miles for airline travel.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO GO ON THE TRIP AND NEED TO CANCEL?
The size of these group trips are exceptionally small. As such, there is no wiggle room for us to cover your expenses should you have to cancel your trip. Once you are in, you are in. Unexpected things can happen. Purchasing a Travel Insurance policy is strongly recommended for unforeseen circumstances such as cancellations, missed flights, inclement weather, health emergencies, etc. This will not just cover the cost of your trip, but it will also give you peace of mind. There are many companies out there and we strongly recommend that you shop around and research the coverage that is right for you. I encourage you to do your own research. Some companies that come recommended are: John Hancock, IMG and Allianz. And Heymondo has a policy that covers some COVID issues. Than being said, if you need to cancel your trip and I am able to find someone to fill your slot, I am happy to reimburse you 75% of the cost of the trip.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHT?
If you are planning on using frequent flyer miles, the sooner the better. The longer you wait, the more you will run into black-out dates, seat unavailability, or having to make multiple connections. If instead you are buying your ticket, the typical “ideal window” for best airfare deals is between 5-3 months prior to departure.
IMPORTANT: All flights from the U.S.A. to Europe are overnight flights, so you will arrive the day after your departure. Make sure to book your flight accordingly. When you return, you’ll arrive back in the USA on the same day you leave Europe.
Also, keep in mind that while some trips start and end in the same city, others start in one city and leave from another. Confirm your itinerary before booking your ticket. Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (USA).
WHAT IF I WANT TO ARRIVE A COUPLE DAYS EARLY OR STAY A FEW EXTRA NIGHTS?
What if I want to arrive a couple days early or stay a few extra nights? Whether you’re flying in a few days before the tour or extending your stay afterwards in the same city or other Italian cities, I'll be happy to assist you in making those arrangements for you. To insure availability at the hotels, please get in touch with me as soon as possible with the number of nights and dates so I can provide you with a quote and take care of those reservations for you. Contact me at [email protected].
WILL MY CELLPHONE WORK IN ITALY?
Some wireless companies offer an international calling plan, which you have to request before you leave. Please check with your own provider to see if this is an option. I do recommend taking a cell phone with you so your family & friends can contact you while you’re away, but check with your provider to see if they offer coverage overseas as well as the charges, which can often climb up quickly when roaming. If you own a smart phone, make sure to turn your data plan off and turn it to “airplane mode” when you are not using it to avoid a painfully expensive bill. Many of the hotels have wi-fi, so you can use that to check emails and get online. If you and your friends at home all have iPhones you will be able to make FaceTime calls for free when you are with wifi. Another free all, WhatsApp is easily used between android phones (an iPhones) for FREE texting and calling (both audio and video) with wifi. Both phones need to have the FREE WhatsApp app installed.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
There are all kinds of group travel adventures. These trips are perfect for the individual who doesn't really like group travel! They are small. Just 3 - 6 guests and me. This is not a 5-star fancy hotel trip. If you are looking for swanky hotels with porters at your beck and call offering to carry your luggage and are the are the type of person who wants to dress to the nines for dinner .... These are not the trips for you. If you want to mingle with the locals, love good, clean food, have an interest in music, festivals and art and are eager to see authentic, off-the-beaten-path-Italy then these trips would be perfect for you. You must be willing to go with the flow!
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
My rule of thumb is pack what you think you will need, and then remove up to half of it. Honestly, you won't need it. And you won't want to carry it. You can wear clothes more than once and even if there are not proper laundry facilities in each place you stay ... you can wash and dry your clothes. Dress casual. Bring something nice for a dinner out, but for the most part ... you do not need fancy clothes. Bring layers and comfortable shoes. A camera if you have one ... but most iPhones take really high quality photos.
WHY DON’T YOU OFFER AIRFARE WITH YOUR TRIP PACKAGE?
There are several reasons why I don't include airfare in the price of the trip. Guests could be from all over the world. The cost of plane tickets to and from Italy will likely vary. And some travelers would rather find the least expensive flight they can whereas others would rather find the shortest. It is much better to leave those decisions up to individual travelers. Some may also have air miles they want to use to fly overseas or upgrade to first and business class. And some people may choose to extend their stay in Italy and visit other cities, before or after the tour. I prefer to leave these decisions up to individual travelers.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED AND I MISS MEETING UP WITH THE GROUP AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIP?
Unfortunately, sometimes flights are delayed, and even when they are on time, your luggage may still be a few hours (or sometimes days) behind you. As a preventative measure, make sure you have at least 2-3 hours between connecting flights. If your flight is cancelled or you have arrived to the specified meeting point after the pick-up time, please be in touch with your me via email. I will do my best to assist you, but it will be your responsibility to get to the accommodation from wherever you are and pay for any associated expenses. You will be given the addresses, phone numbers and emergency numbers before you leave home, so make sure to keep those handy as you travel. I highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy to cover any unexpected or emergency expenses.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
Yes! Make sure you get one if you don’t have it already, and make sure to check the expiration date. As recent regulations have changed, it takes longer for the US government agencies to issue passports, so give yourself at least 5 months to apply for one or renew the one you have. Current regulations require that your passport be valid for the entire duration of your trip and at least 6 months after your return date. Go to the U.S. Department of State's website to stay up to date with travel information. If you’re not an American citizen, you may need a travel visa. Check with your country's Italian embassy or your own country's travel requirements.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EXCHANGE MONEY?
To avoid high exchange fees, I recommend that you order some Euros from your local bank before your trip rather than exchanging US Dollars or other foreign currency once you’re there. The Euro is the ONLY currency used and accepted in Italy.
USE YOUR ATM DEBIT CARD. ATMs are the best way to take cash out once you are in Italy, but notify your bank that you’ll be gone before you leave. Also, verify that you can use the same pin number overseas and the daily withdrawal limit (which can be smaller on foreign withdrawals).
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A DEBIT CARD. Nowadays, you can easily get a pre-paid VISA and charge it with the amount you think you’ll need during your trip. You could also open up a temporary checking account to use for your trip, then close it once you return home. This is good for security reasons as well, in case your card goes missing, it’s not tied to your main checking account.
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD
Italy is mostly a cash-based society and items such as coffee, snacks, and small purchases cannot be charged. MasterCard and VISA are the most commonly accepted cards. Best to have a credit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee … I have the Capital One Venture Visa card and love it. It also provides miles that you can use for plane ticket purchases on any airline. I have heard great things about Chase’s Sapphire card …. also has not foreign transaction fees and offers miles for airline travel.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO GO ON THE TRIP AND NEED TO CANCEL?
The size of these group trips are exceptionally small. As such, there is no wiggle room for us to cover your expenses should you have to cancel your trip. Once you are in, you are in. Unexpected things can happen. Purchasing a Travel Insurance policy is strongly recommended for unforeseen circumstances such as cancellations, missed flights, inclement weather, health emergencies, etc. This will not just cover the cost of your trip, but it will also give you peace of mind. There are many companies out there and we strongly recommend that you shop around and research the coverage that is right for you. I encourage you to do your own research. Some companies that come recommended are: John Hancock, IMG and Allianz. And Heymondo has a policy that covers some COVID issues. Than being said, if you need to cancel your trip and I am able to find someone to fill your slot, I am happy to reimburse you 75% of the cost of the trip.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY FLIGHT?
If you are planning on using frequent flyer miles, the sooner the better. The longer you wait, the more you will run into black-out dates, seat unavailability, or having to make multiple connections. If instead you are buying your ticket, the typical “ideal window” for best airfare deals is between 5-3 months prior to departure.
IMPORTANT: All flights from the U.S.A. to Europe are overnight flights, so you will arrive the day after your departure. Make sure to book your flight accordingly. When you return, you’ll arrive back in the USA on the same day you leave Europe.
Also, keep in mind that while some trips start and end in the same city, others start in one city and leave from another. Confirm your itinerary before booking your ticket. Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (USA).
WHAT IF I WANT TO ARRIVE A COUPLE DAYS EARLY OR STAY A FEW EXTRA NIGHTS?
What if I want to arrive a couple days early or stay a few extra nights? Whether you’re flying in a few days before the tour or extending your stay afterwards in the same city or other Italian cities, I'll be happy to assist you in making those arrangements for you. To insure availability at the hotels, please get in touch with me as soon as possible with the number of nights and dates so I can provide you with a quote and take care of those reservations for you. Contact me at [email protected].
WILL MY CELLPHONE WORK IN ITALY?
Some wireless companies offer an international calling plan, which you have to request before you leave. Please check with your own provider to see if this is an option. I do recommend taking a cell phone with you so your family & friends can contact you while you’re away, but check with your provider to see if they offer coverage overseas as well as the charges, which can often climb up quickly when roaming. If you own a smart phone, make sure to turn your data plan off and turn it to “airplane mode” when you are not using it to avoid a painfully expensive bill. Many of the hotels have wi-fi, so you can use that to check emails and get online. If you and your friends at home all have iPhones you will be able to make FaceTime calls for free when you are with wifi. Another free all, WhatsApp is easily used between android phones (an iPhones) for FREE texting and calling (both audio and video) with wifi. Both phones need to have the FREE WhatsApp app installed.