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We started with Ricks Travel Tips and that formed the foundation for our preparation for the tour.  This is what worked for Sally and I. The bottom line on luggage? Whatever you are comfortable with will work on this long tour. Sally did just fine with an Away carry on and an everywhere bag. I did just fine with a 40 liter pack and a 15 liter under the seat bag. Don't forget a collapsible backpack that you can use for laundry and day trips. The Osprey pack fits these tasks well. Some small packets of tide and a sink stopper were also useful and were not bulky to pack. Any clothing you can sink wash and dry overnight is a huge plus.

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Pack Light

  • Assemble a tech bag. 

  • Bring some basic meds with you. Italy is rich with pharmacies. Don't fret.

  • Leave your toiletries at home. Even though you will find yourself in some quirky hotels, all of them provided some great bathroom accoutrements.

  • Consider investing in some pieces of Merino Wool . It dries overnight, is lightweight and compresses wonderfully for packing, and DOES NOT require ironing.

  • ​Avoid heavy coats. Layer instead. Many a day our sweaters were tied around our waists by lunch time, and back on again for dinner.

  • If you check a bag you are doing it wrong, unless of course you are buying stuff for the grandkids. Then some extra real estate may be needed.

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Your tech bag

  • Invest in a good power adapter. European wall sockets are different and Italy requires the type pictured above. 

  • Bring a charging brick. Navigation apps will deplete your phone charge rapidly. Carry your brick in your day pack during day trips.​

  • ​If you are due a phone upgrade you may want to do that. Chances are you will have far greater battery life, and a much better camera.

  • Buy some airtags and place them in your luggage. 

  • Bring some TSA approved locks. They are small and lightweight. Use them to add a layer of security to your day packs while in crowds.

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In the spaces...

  • You will be in close proximity to a lot of people at times. Stand your ground but don't be rude.

  • If you want to take someone's picture, always ask permesso. It's the right thing to do.

  • You will encounter many street vendors. Remember, they are great locals and are just selling their wares. "No, grazie" is an appropriate response if you are not interested.

  • Try not to haggle a price with a shop owner. Leave that for street vendors if you go there.

  • Remove your hat while visiting churches.

  • Wear your Rick Steves money belt.
     

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Learn some Italian

  • While in Italy you will be forever temped to buy Salumi. Clink on the link to learn the basics.

  • Learning some Italian phrases before you are on tour is a plus. In most main city restaurants you will be OK. Menus are generally bilingual and servers have your back, but not always. 

  • Also do not order a pepperoni pizza. You will be served a pizza covered in bell peppers, which may be your thing.  Just know the Italian word for pepper is peperoni. 

  • Use the term Grazie (pronounced graht-see-eh) often and with vigor!  Expect a Prego in return.

  • Speaking of Prego. It can mean "you're welcome", "after you", "come in", "here you go", or "please". Be ready with another grazie or buono buono, which simply means good good.

  • Everyday on the bus Stephanie gave us Italian lessons. Most of us felt comfortable with useful phrases by about day six...Mamma mia!​

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Stuff you're stressing about... just forget about it!

Leave your comfort zone!

  • There are no irons in the hotel rooms. Bring minimal cotton and such!

  • The air conditioning will not be available until mid May. Fun fact: The Romans invented windows!

  • You will gain weight. We walked 105 miles during our 20 days in Italy. We each lost 3 pounds. And we ate everything in sight.

  • ​I pee alot. Between morning coffee and your day trip, you will make a stop at the Autogrill. The stops were about 20-30 minutes each and there are plenty of bathrooms.

  • ​The bus. Just embrace it! It produces a calming hum that put many of us in la la land. When awake, enjoy the landscape.

Grazie Rick Steves

  • Our guide Stephanie taught us how to use the vaporetto, train, metro, and the ferry. You will be an international traveler in no time. Don't forget to validate your tickets!

  • Food. Eat things you have never tried. 

  • Hugo Spritz, Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz. We had it down after day three! This is very important when it turns 4PM.

  • Bring your Rick Steves guide book to Italy. Stephanie would review our upcoming day on the bus referencing the book. Your free time is yours and it really helps to plan your excursions. Get off the beaten path and get lost. Unless you are on a day trip and need a ride! There is a very good Kindle version of the guide book if you want to save the space.

  • Try to avoid eating establishments with pictures of the food. Get off the beaten path and really explore the food scene past pizza and carbonara. There is so much more.

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