Things to do before trip to Europe

[drxman1]

Haven't been in almost 20 years. Will be in Spain and Italy. Anything I need to bring or do before I leave? TIA.

Passport-check.
List of US consulates-check.
Electrical adapters-check.
Several credit cards-check.
Printed itinerary and travel vouchers-check.
TSA travel locks-check.

 

[Wodie sloot]

I was going to say you could borrow my electrical adapters. I would bring a back up charger for your phone in your carry on luggage.

 

[drxman1]

Is there really any point to getting an international phone plan? With what I've heard about WIFI at the hotels and such, planning on just using airplane mode.

 

[BBdK]

We got a small international plan for 'emergencies' just in case we needed it when we did our own thing -- but yes, free Wifi is pretty much everywhere for the tourist.

 

[joeyrupption]

Go to Lane Bryant and pick up some tight-fitting slacks.

Otherwise you will stick out as a slovenly American.

 

[drxman1]

I have worked on the apparel. Trying to dress a little nicer than usual. Just sucks its gonna be in the damn 90's next week.

No tennis shoes, no baseball hats, no flip flops... Even got some tight black jeans:joy:Unfortunately, I think trying to blend in will be a lost cause for me.

 

[mashburned]

Eat a big steak
Take a big crap
Maybe nap some
Get packed

Do whatever you want man. Don't conform to their ****. Go eat all their beef and drink all their wine.

 

[Dennis Reynolds]

You should definitely get an international plan on your phone, at least a small one just in case. Sure, your hotel should have wifi (may or may not be free), but if you are out and about, need directions, HAVE to post a picture of your beefsteak meal or whatever?

Where all are you going in Italy and Spain?

 

[drxman1]

You should definitely get an international plan on your phone, at least a small one just in case. Sure, your hotel should have wifi (may or may not be free), but if you are out and about, need directions, HAVE to post a picture of your beefsteak meal or whatever?

Where all are you going in Italy and Spain?

Madrid, Seville, Florence, Venice.

I am giddy with the thoughts of Tuscan vineyards, meat and cheese shops, Florentine steak, and a visit to the Ferrari plant.

 

[Dennis Reynolds]

Are you only going to the large cities or venturing out into the countryside a bit?

Venice at the end August is a rookie mistake. Venice in May/June is ok, because millions of tourists haven't poured in all summer, and the heat hasn't ripened up the garbage yet. It's going to smell awful, and be full of tourists even more annoying than you. Hope you only have a day or two there. Seriously watch out for the pickpockets and hustlers.

LOL at black jeans and no tennis shoes by the way. It's 2016, Europeans wear tennis shoes, especially if they are walking around all day. Not that you'll be doing much walking i guess.

 

[drxman1]

Are you only going to the large cities or venturing out into the countryside a bit?

Venice at the end August is a rookie mistake. Venice in May/June is ok, because millions of tourists haven't poured in all summer, and the heat hasn't ripened up the garbage yet. It's going to smell awful, and be full of tourists even more annoying than you. Hope you only have a day or two there. Seriously watch out for the pickpockets and hustlers.

LOL at black jeans and no tennis shoes by the way. It's 2016, Europeans wear tennis shoes, especially if they are walking around all day. Not that you'll be doing much walking i guess.

We're pretty much staying in those four cities, planning little side trips. I know she's booked a couple wine tours already.

 

[UKGrad93]

You probably want to get a plane ticket or a boat ticket. (Can you still take a boat to Europe?)

 

[BBdK]

Lol at trying to dress like a European. Can't believe Pope of all people is worried about this.

We couldn't have survived without tennis shoes during the day, and neither will you -- not even packing them would be a HUGE mistake.

 

[drxman1]

I'm certainly bringing comfortable shoes.

 

[DSmith21]

1.) I pack my carry-on as if my luggage will be lost for a day or two. This has saved me on several ocaisions.
2.) Consider going to the TSA and doing the $85 pre-enroll. You get to go through an expedited security line in the airports and its good for several years. Might save you from missing a flight.
3.) Get an external battery like the one below (costs $25). It holds three good charges and is about the size of a credit card (although thicker) and doubles as a flashlight. You will never worry about getting a charge for your phone, ipad or Kindle. They make them in lots of sizes.
4.) Get enough euros for your first day (cabs and tips). AAA and major banks will do this for you.

 

[Dennis Reynolds]

Cinghiale. That's my advice for Florence/Tuscany.

Also, you should probably bring a case of these:

 

[drxman1]

I have the Global Entry, but she does not. This has been a point of contention for months.

 

[Kooky Kats]

I have worked on the apparel. Trying to dress a little nicer than usual. Just sucks its gonna be in the damn 90's next week.

No tennis shoes, no baseball hats, no flip flops... Even got some tight black jeans:joy:Unfortunately, I think trying to blend in will be a lost cause for me.

• Lavender sweater to be worn like necklace/flipped over back.
• Wear no deodorant

^ Euroman 101

 

[DSmith21]

In Italy, I highly recommend hiring a local guide. You will get to see much more this way as they know their way around the best areas of museums/galleries and often know how to get you in faster. For instance, we had a guide in Florence who took us on the spur of the moment to the Accademia to see the David and other works. There was a line several blocks long. He took us to the front of the line and winked at the cops and they let us in ahead of everyone including those who bought advanced/reserved tickets. Once inside, he said that's why you hire a local guide and I have never forgot that lesson.

 

[UKGrad93]

• Lavender sweater to be worn like necklace/flipped over back.
• Wear no deodorant

^ Euroman 101

Does he need a man purse or fanny pack to complete the outfit? I'm assuming a pair of Burkenstocks with optional wool socks as well.

 

[Violent Cuts]

List of US consulates? That's weird and something my grandmother would do.

She's also bring this:

 

[drxman1]

There have been a few incidents this year. Good thing to know where you can get help.

 

[Hank Camacho]

Just tell the lass not to shave her pits and call it square, man.

You aren't going to Syria.

 

[WettCat]

Relax, don't sweat the small stuff. Virtually everyone speaks English, you won't need 90% of the crap you overpack, and if you do find something you must have once you get there--you can buy it.

I've never been one to throw money away needlessly, but you've paid for the airfare, the hotels and a bunch of other expenses....once there...don't get overly budget conscious. You may never be back--enjoy the ride.

 

[DSmith21]

Paying up a little for Deluxe/Premium Economy (different airlines have other names for this) is well worth it for the extra room. A small inflatable seat cushion can make a big difference on a long flight. Not necessary if you are flying business class though.

 

[Violent Cuts]

Something I did was only pack clothes I didn't really care about. Then left them there which created a lot of luggage space for the return flight.

 

[ukguy78]

Is there really any point to getting an international phone plan? With what I've heard about WIFI at the hotels and such, planning on just using airplane mode.

Personally, I've never bothered to do it. I unlocked my phone prior to my trip to Thailand back in April so I could get a local SIM card, but then I didn't even do that either. If you were traveling with the nervous type like BBdK's lass, I guess I could see it for their peace of mind.

 

[vhcat70]

Haven't been in almost 20 years. Will be in Spain and Italy. Anything I need to bring or do before I leave? TIA.
travel vouchers-check.

- Not sure what travel vouchers are. If you mean travelers cheques, forget them. Just go to an ATM and tap your savings account. Magnetic strip cards worked in Spain last year.
- Only chip credit cards likely to work. And their chip cards are based on entering a PIN, so you'll probably have to go somewhere there are humans to process.
- Pick pockets are a major issue - I was ripped for $400 in Paris a few years back & Italy is worse. Net, don't carry a wallet, divide cards & money in different pockets, & put stuff is pockets on top of them. A money belt is a good idea. Cargo pants pockets are the worst.

 

[vhcat70]

In Italy, I highly recommend hiring a local guide. You will get to see much more this way as they know their way around the best areas of museums/galleries and often know how to get you in faster. For instance, we had a guide in Florence who took us on the spur of the moment to the Accademia to see the David and other works. There was a line several blocks long. He took us to the front of the line and winked at the cops and they let us in ahead of everyone including those who bought advanced/reserved tickets. Once inside, he said that's why you hire a local guide and I have never forgot that lesson.

Very true. You can pre-hire them online from USA.

 

[vhcat70]

Madrid can be damn hot till mid-Sept. Tremendous art galleries though. See if you get into a Atletico or Real game. Huge city. Hilly to walk.

 

[vhcat70]

You should definitely get an international plan on your phone, at least a small one just in case. Sure, your hotel should have wifi (may or may not be free),

I went to provider & got phone set up for international use just for the time I was gone. NBD. Euro hotels are moving more & more to free wifi.

 

[drxman1]

It's my understanding that my iphone would work in Europe without having any international plan set up, but you'll get raped on the roaming charges. Not really planning on calling anybody, unless its an emergency.

With ATT, the cheapest plan is like $40 and just gives you 250mb of data and a discount of $1/min, as opposed to $2/min.

 

[RacerX.ksr]

Might want to put a couple of Cokes and a magazine or two in your carry on, in case there's a hold up at the airport.

 

[Wildcat40207]

Going next week also - where is the best place to get Euros? I know 5/3 bank downtown in Louisville does it but is the best rate locally?

 

[JCatfan77_rivals30675]

WhatsApp works really well for communication when out of the US. As long as you are connected to WiFi, it will work just fine. I have had no issues using it.

 

[BBdK]

Lol, of course you are. Grow up and Get a job.


-WhatsApp is great, use it for our beach trips.

 

[Wildcat40207]

How long were you in Europe earlier this year? When do you leave for the Domincan?

What is the difference between WhatsApp and texting/facetime on wifi? Just needing it to communicate with the kids on their ipads

 

[ganner918_rivals60369]

Is there really any point to getting an international phone plan? With what I've heard about WIFI at the hotels and such, planning on just using airplane mode.

I got the international plan when I went to Spain and Morocco. Was nice to be able to use the maps app to find things on the fly, or look up train schedules or the like. When one hotel in Marrakech wasn't ready for us I was able to book another on my phone and get the directions. Also gave us unlimited texting. Had to make one phone call, despite telling my credit card companies where I was going to be on what dates, one card was shut down the first time I used it.

 

[BBdK]

How long were you in Europe earlier this year? When do you leave for the Domincan?

What is the difference between WhatsApp and texting/facetime on wifi? Just needing it to communicate with the kids on their ipads

11 days.

Leave in a little over 2 weeks.

You mean you actually make your kids go to school? How do they have time lol

 

[Get Buckets]

Cargo pants