Travel 101

Travel Note

Visa Requirements in 2026

Starting in 2026, travelers to Italy from the United States will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization. The ETIAS travel authorization is launching soon and will screen travelers from visa-exempt countries before they arrive in the Schengen Area. Please see the ETIAS application information below or Google the requirements for your review.

Flight

Flying to Puglia

Pro tip: Use Google flights and look up roundtrip or multi-city trips. One way flights are a lot more expensive Highly advise looking into flights to Milan or Rome first (or another large European city) *Disclaimer: Flights will typically be at their best prices between 3-6 months prior to traveling. We do not recommend booking before this point, unless you see a great deal to pounce on! Typically, the most cost effective airports to fly to in Italy is Milan or Rome. However, you can also look into flying to Florence or even cities in other parts of Europe; depending on your starting point, these could be better deals. If you plan to do any additional travel in Europe before the wedding, there are many very cost effective inter-european airlines that can take you right from most major cities to Bari. We DO NOT recommend flying straight from the USA to Bari or Brindisi airports - this will be much pricier than if you first fly to a city in Europe (i.e. Rome, or anywhere else you may want to travel to!) and then take a quick flight to Bari or Brindisi (the two airports in Puglia). 1. RyanAir: Flights from many major cities to Bari or Brindisi for great prices 2. EasyJet: Flights from many major European cities to Bari and Brindisi. However, sometimes they only fly certain routes on specific days of the week, so ensure you are checking for the dates you wish to travel 3. Volotea: Flights from Florence to Bari (& vise versa!) so this is a great option if you want to explore Florence as part of your trip 4. Vueling: Flights from many European cities to Bari. They do not offer Rome to Bari directly, but are a good option if you are traveling from Florence, Milan, or other cities in Italy and Europe 5. Wizz Airlines: They do not have flights from as many cities to Bari or Brindisi, but depending on where you are flying from they could be worth a look If you want help then please reach out to Alex Bahrami because you know he loves looking for flight deals!

Train

Take a high speed train from Rome to Bari

This is a great way to see the countryside and relax on your way from Rome to Bari. The high speed train takes about 4 hours, but they are very comfortable and typically have complimentary WiFi. When booking trains, just ensure you choose the high speed option! **there are taxi's with discounted rates that can take you from Rome Airport to Rome Train Station, making this transition seamless

Travel Note

Rental Car

Rent a car and make it an Italian Road Trip! If you want to truly create an Italy trip that is your own, we recommend this option as it gives you ultimate flexibility! The drive from Rome to Masseria Salamina is 5 hours - but we recommend making stops along the way if your trip allows it! Or, if you prefer, you can rent a car from Bari after you fly or take the train there so that you still have the flexibility to explore beautiful Puglia. We have a great car rental website with cost effective car rentals. If you plan to drive while in Italy, you will need to get an international drivers permit. This is a very easy process, and it’s purpose is essentially to translate your home country’s license into one usable internationally. If you happen to be stopped by police while driving and do not have the international drivers license, it can result in hefty fines. Although it can be very unlikely you will be stopped, it’s a good idea to have it just in case! Here’s how you get one: 1. Visit your local AAA (American Automobile Association) 2. Bring your US driver’s license 3. Bring 2 passport photos (sometimes you can take them at the AAA location) 4. Bring the IDP application: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf 5. Pay $20 fee

Travel Note

Getting A Passport for the First Time

To apply for a passport if you have never had one before, you will need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (most post offices are passport acceptance facilities). Here is a general outline of what you will need to apply for a passport: 1. Form DS-11 2. Evidence of US Citizenship 3. Valid driver's license 4. Passport Photo (you can get this taken at most convenience stores, such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid as well as at Costco, UPS and Staples stores) 5. Passport fee (passports do cost money, so be prepared!) Please note that it can take up to 3.5 months to get your passport after applying, so plan accordingly!

Travel Note

Renewing Your Passport

If you need to renew your passport or replace a lost passport, follow the below link and click your applicable scenario under "I Already Have a Passport". You can renew your passport by mail in most cases or you can go in person to avoid waiting for mailing time. Here is a general outline of what you will need to renew your passport: 1. Form DS-82 (can be found in link provided above) 2. Most recent US Passport 3. Passport Photo (you can get this taken at most convenience stores, such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid as well as at Costco, UPS and Staples stores) Please note that it can take up to 3.5 months to get your passport renewal after applying, so plan accordingly!

Travel Note

Euro (Currency used in Europe)

The most convenient way to pay for things abroad is using a travel credit card or a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees. When you need to pay in cash, try to get euro from your local bank or a bank affiliated ATM when abroad. Tips for how to do so are below. Euro (the dollar of Italy) are important to have while traveling in Europe. You can use credit cards at most places without a problem (travel credit cards are very helpful while traveling - see Travel Credit Card section) . However, if you are taking a cab, most of the time they only accept euro as a form of payment. Some stores also only accept euro, so it is great to have some on hand. How and Where to Get Euro: Your Local Bank: You can get euro from your local bank (some banks offer to send the euro to you at home for a fee) prior to departing for your trip. Most of the time, this method of getting euro gives you the best exchange rate. ATMs in Europe: You can withdraw cash from ATMs in Europe with your debit card. Most of the time, withdrawing euro from an ATM attached to or affiliated with a bank will give you a better rate. BNL (Banca Nazionale del Lavoro) is a bank in Italy that waives any foreign transaction fees. Pro Tip: If prompted whether to pay in local or home currency, always choose local (euro). This will cost you less! Euronet ATM: This is a common ATM machine found all over Europe (it is blue and yellow - you are sure to see them through your travels). Although safe to use, these will have higher fees associated. If possible, find a bank with an ATM instead. Airport: You can get euro at the airport, however this will not give you the best rate and often cost you more. It is always preferred to use a local bank or bank ATM to get euro.

Travel Note

Using Your Cell Phone Abroad

All cell service providers have some sort of international plan. Most are as little as $10 a day to have unlimited data and are very easy to activate. Contact your cell phone provider (or visit their website) to see what options they offer! If you do not want to use data each day you are abroad, you can turn your phone on airplane mode. You will still be able to text and use the internet when you are connected to WiFi (which is provided on high speed trains, in hotels and airbnbs, and even at some bars and restaurants). This way, you avoid paying the 10 dollar fee for a day or two by not turning your phone off airplane mode. We encourage you to download WhatsApp - this is a text messaging app that most Europeans use to communicate. We will create a large WhatsApp group for everyone traveling to Italy so we can all communicate and receive updates.

Travel Note

Travel Credit Cards - Very Optional, but a Great Way to Fly for Free!

Travel credit cards are an amazing way to avoid exchange rate fees and rack up points to use while traveling (and a great way to fly FOR FREE)! We highly recommend looking into opening one if you do not already have one. When you open a travel credit card, they have large sign-up bonus point offers after meeting minimum spend. These are often enough points to fly you to and from Italy for almost, if not entirely, free. Some common travel credit cards: 1. Capital One Venture Cards 2. Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve Cards 3. American Express Green, Gold and Platinum Cards (do note AMEX is not always accepted everywhere abroad)