European vacation packing tips

Italian lemons!

Vacation packing tips for Europe

• Compare airfare on several sites for a while before purchasing tickets e.g. on cheaptickets.com

• Fly into one city and out of another to save yourself a train ride at the end of the trip   

• Make copies of all travel documents and store copies in at least two different places

• Buy local currency before departing or upon arrival for transportation, gratuities, meals, transfers

• Consider getting short term travel insurance

• Buy train tickets 2-3 days in advance of holiday weekends

• Pack extra camera memory cards and charger

• Upload complete itinerary in case baggage is lost

• Only pack comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing that will dry easily overnight

• Check local weather conditions and travel alerts for your destination(s)

• Purchase an international phone card before departing, store information/number in travel pouch

• Keep a journal of travel memories, favorite places visited and new friend contacts

• Buy postcards at grocery or discount stores instead of street vendors

• Bring a list of addresses and pre printed address labels for sending postcards

• Pack light, roll up clothes to take up less space, and prepare a carry on bag one week ahead (this size fits overhead bin  9" × 22" × 14")

• Bring an extra travel pouch or day pack for walking tours, hiking, outdoor activities

• Once you arrive locate a laundry mat or ask hotel about in house laundry service

• Hotels will usually store luggage and documents for you

• Other items to pack: insect repellent, small flashlight, toiletries, dry shampoo, laundry detergent,   luggage lock, earplugs, eye mask, stain remover wipes, hand sanitizer, first aid kit, medicines, vitamins, plastic bags, travel pillow, sewing kit, mini pack of tissues, glasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, travel alarm clock, day pack, note paper and pens, travel size air freshener for linens/pillows, jacket, scarf, hat, sun visor, sunscreen, flip flops, small towel/washcloth, poncho or small umbrella

• If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen while you are overseas, report it immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A consul can issue a replacement passport, often within 24 hours. Links to contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates may be found at http://usembassy.state.gov.  More information is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1197.html.  

 Visit our Youtube channel for upcoming tours and promos Travel - 2013 Tours of Europe

Tuscan Retreat, Winery Tour, Yoga, and more!

Here is a picture of the bountiful breakfast prepared daily by the hotel chef.

Tuscan travelogue

Although some would prefer to stay closer to Florence a great way to see the area by train is to stay in a smaller town. Biking, golf, skiing, spa wellness and horseback riding are popular activities in Pistoia. Little did we know what would await us at breakfast. The highlight was the chef prepared tart made with a delicious fruit jam, decorated with a lattice criss-cross design, cooked in the stone oven, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  The staff was very accommodating and will prepare individual lunches to go upon request. If on a tour with a full day then an early evening antipasto plate with wine for guests is also available since Italian dinner time starts at 8pm. A pool is being built on the hotel grounds which upgrades the allure of spending a week there this May! Yoga, a winery tour, relaxation, spa treatments, Florence, local cuisine, and more fresh tarts await. And we do mean fresh as in tasty homemade goodness!

Our upcoming Tuscan tour will have daily yoga and a regional winery tour to enhance the week of Italian lifestyle immersion. Yoga mats will be provided, wine pairings with group dinners, optional activities include spa treatments, golf, biking, cooking classes, photography, and painting.

www.hitherandthitheradventures.com

*Dates and prices are subject to fluctuation

Il dolce far niente