Questions & Tips

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

We kindly request that everyone RSVP no later than October 1st -- so that we can book groups flights ASAP. Thank you!

Question

What do I need to do before I go?

Answer

1. Make sure your passport is up to date (more info below) 2. Call your bank and inform them of your trip, all dates and countries. 3. Check the most recent health/COVID guidelines for entry to Italy. This may require proof of a negative test. 4. (Optional) Get Euros, you can exchange money at your bank but you can also take it out at an ATM once we arrive. 5. Fill any prescriptions you might need. 6. Pack appropriately and make sure to budget for checked bag fees. Pro tip: amazon sells luggage scales for $10 to make sure your bag isn't over weight. Also, may have to bring your bags on planes trains or buses so make sure you can carry it! 7. Get an outlet converter, available on amazon. 8. Stay healthy before you go, take airborne or vitamin c two weeks before, bring Clorox wipes/hand sanitizer, ibuprofen, wash your hands often and drink lots of water. 9. Decide on cell phone usage. Verizon offers 10 dollars a day for travel, but a lot of places have free wifi.

Question

What do I bring?

Answer

Early September temps in Northern Italy range from 75-85, with evenings beginning to get a little cooler than during the summer months. For the weekend and wedding festivities, bring your wedding outfit and something nice for the rehearsal dinner as well. There are also pools so bring a bathing suit! Otherwise, depending on what you're doing after the wedding, you can never go wrong with packing with comfy shoes, a lightweight jacket, and a mini backpack for exploring. Of course, we'll check the weather before the trip to see what the weather will be when we arrive. Also, bring headphones, phone charger, pillow/blanket for the plane!

Question

What about passports?

Answer

First time passport: can take up to 18 weeks from the day the application is submitted. You can make an appointment and/or submit an application at your local post office. It is $35-$50 to do it in regular time. Additional fees apply for expediting it. Go to usps.com for more info! Passport renewal: can take up to 6 weeks from the day renewal documents are submitted. You can obtain a renewal form at usps.com or from the post office, fill it out yourself and mail it in. P.S. Covid has caused mail delays so the sooner the better!

Question

How do I get euros?

Answer

To get Euros, you can exchange money at your bank but you can also take it out at an ATM once we arrive. You shouldn't need a lot of money for our time at the venue, since most meals are covered, but having a bit of cash on hand for snacks or a day trip etc wouldn't be a bad idea. For after the wedding, many many places in Italy take card. Depending on your bank, there may be no foreign transaction fees (this is a good thing to check, shoutout Chase bank).

Question

What about COVID?

Answer

Definitely bring masks for the plane and any places in Italy that still might require them. Things may change by the wedding, but the latest is: Effective June 21, 2021, the Italian Government has updated entry requirements for travel to Italy. Passengers from the United States who are vaccinated, or who can provide proof of either a negative COVID test or full recovery from COVID-19 can now enter Italy without quarantine. This means: if you're vaccinated, bring your card. If you aren't, get tested 3 days prior and bring a hard copy of your results, just to be safe.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

No dress code, wear whatever makes you feel fabulous and comfy (:

Question

Is there transportation from the Castello back to the airport?

Answer

Shuttle vans will be available upon prompt check out on Monday, September 5th at 9AM. They are about 20 euros a person and only accept cash. They will bring us to the city center of Florence, and from there you can go to airport, train station, or wherever you need to.

Question

How does the train system work in Italy?

Answer

Trains are all over Italy and a relatively cheap way to get around. Most tickets range from $15-60. It's also a great way to see the countryside! You do need to buy tickets in advance and two popular websites for booking in the North (where we will be) are Italiarail and Trenitalia. Important note: when you arrive at the station, you need to print and validate your ticket. You'll go to a self service machine, enter your confirmation number, and a ticket will be printed. Tickets are only valid for the times you buy them for (usually). After printing, you go to a validation machine that stamps your ticket with the time and date. If you don't do this you can be fined (not fun). Leave time for this once you get to the stations as sometimes they can have lines. Some stations can be confusing, especially Milan, but there are people around you can ask for help! :)

Question

What are common mistakes tourists make when traveling in Italy?

Answer

Restaurants: Tipping is optional in Italy because restaurant workers are salaried. Clearly Europe is ahead of the US on this one. Also, you usually aren't given water and should ask for it. Lastly, if you want wine but not the expensive kind, ask for Vino da Tavloa (this is Italian table wine, a standard red wine usually). Pick Pocketing: is a real thing. I've had an iphone stolen from my back jeans pocket .. twice. Of course I was wine drunk, but still. Keep phones and wallets in bags/purses that aren't easy to open, keep money in your bra, keep your camera around your neck, etc etc. Thank you: Grazie is the equivalent for “Thanks” or “Thank you”. A common mistake among non-native Italian speakers is to pronounce grazie as “gra-zee”, while you should actually say “graht-see-eh”