Italy 2016Erin Crissman – Group Leader

Meeting: October 14, 2015

@ 5:30 pm

Packing your suitcase!

• Most Airlines – 50 lb weight limit

• Need to repack almost every night – not all hotels will have elevators

• Comfort over fashion… Shoes are heavy! Think practical!

• Pack lightweight clothing – can wash and rewear!

• Bring old clothes – things you are ready to throw away – wear it and don’t bring it home!

• Girls – bring shorts to wear under skirts

Things to consider when packing:

• What can you share with your roommates?

• Medications (good idea to have a photocopy of prescriptions)

• Bring an adapter for any electrical products (they use a different plug AND voltage (US uses 110 Volts and Italy uses 220 volts – some products work with both but if it doesnt, it will get FRIED when you plug it in!)

Dress code in the Vatican (and churches) Accepted

Mens- Long pants- At least short sleeves

Women- The knees covered- At least short sleeves

Rejected- Shorts- T-shirts without sleeves- Short skirts- Baseball caps inside the churches

Behavior:

• Assume U.S. rules apply –

• This means NO…

• Be quiet and respectful when on tours and in public, ALWAYS!

• Use the bathroom whenever there is an opportunity, even if you don’t have to!

• Be early, ALWAYS! (BRING A WATCH!!)

Things we will discuss in future meetings:

• Transportation to the airport: • We must arrive 3 hours early

• Options:

• Drive individually

• Rent a van (or two…) or bus

• Parent Carpools

• Bay runner shuttle

• Ways to connect with home: • “Texting” tree

• What’s App / FB Messenger (when WiFi is available)

Miscellaneous stuff:

PASSPORT:• Apply NO LATER THAN

January… just incase!

• You will bring hard copies as well as e-mail a digital copy to me in the event anyone’s Passport is lost or stolen.

TIPPING: • Approx $10/day ($100

total)

• I will collect in advance and disburse to the appropriate guides / bus drivers

Money:

• Italy uses the Euro €

• Current Exchange rate: • 1 € = 1.14 USD

• $1 USD = .88 €

• Bring 50-100 € with you – can order from bank

• Use ATM’s to withdrawal additional money

• Credit / Debit card International Transaction Fee (usually ~ 3%)

Questions?

www.senoracrissman.com/italy2016