If you’re hoping to save on airfare, consider selecting an itinerary with a longer layover in a destination you’d enjoy exploring. Many guests choose places like Amsterdam or Rome, where a 12–24 hour stop can give you a mini adventure and potentially save you hundreds of dollars on your overall ticket cost. If you prefer not to do an extended layover in Europe, I recommend scheduling your layover within the United States. This way, you won’t need to go through international customs until you arrive in Italy, which makes the travel experience much more seamless. It’s generally far less stressful to clear customs upon arrival rather than trying to navigate customs during a tight connection on the way to your final destination.
Some will prefer renting a car in Italy due to the complete flexibility. However, this is not the most common choice for visitors, and it’s important to note that driving along the Amalfi Coast can be challenging. The roads are narrow, winding, and often busy, so your comfort level with driving in unfamiliar places should be the deciding factor. If driving isn’t something you’re interested in, the train, bus, and public transportation options are reliable and quite affordable. Many travelers find these to be the easiest and most stress free ways to get around. If you do choose to rent a car, I highly recommend adding insurance at the rental counter, as the roads are very narrow along the coast. Some credit cards offer rental-car coverage, but many exclude specific countries, Italy is commonly excluded, so be sure to verify your card’s policy. You may also want to check with your personal auto insurance provider to confirm whether they cover international rentals. If renting a car, please obtain an International Driver’s Permit before traveling. It takes about 30 minutes at AAA, and they handle the entire process in person. For those who are very confident on scooters or motorcycles, riding a scooter along the Amalfi Coast can be a scenic and enjoyable option. However, due to the traffic and road conditions, I only recommend this for travelers who have significant experience and feel extremely comfortable operating one.
Some rental car companies in Italy require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in order to release your vehicle, so be sure to obtain one before your trip. You can get an IDP at any AAA office in the United States. The process is quick, about 15 minutes, and costs $20. You’ll need to bring a 2x2 passport style photo with a plain background. CVS and similar pharmacies can take and print this photo for you. Once you bring the photo to AAA, they will complete the paperwork and issue your permit booklet on the spot. It’s a very simple and straightforward process.
It’s helpful to carry some euros in cash for shorter taxi rides and small purchases, as many local services operate on a cash only basis. There’s generally no need to bring U.S. dollars, since you’ll be paying in euros throughout your stay and many locations accept credit card. To avoid high fees, I recommend not using currency exchange counters at the airport. Their rates are typically much less favorable. Instead, the best options are: Withdraw euros from a bank ATM in Italy, (directly from an Italian bank) which usually offers lower fees and better exchange rates (make sure your debit card is authorized for international use, and place a travel notice with your bank before leaving). Order euros directly from your bank at home at least 2+ weeks before your trip, as many banks can provide foreign currency at competitive rates with advance notice. Having some euros on hand when you arrive will make local transportation and small purchases much easier.
For the days surrounding the wedding (May 17–20), I highly recommend staying in the town of Amalfi. It’s central, walkable, and the most convenient base for accessing all wedding events, transportation, restaurants, and sightseeing. If you’d like assistance choosing or booking accommodations, please feel free to reach out to our wedding planner, Mariah, directly. She can assist you with finding the perfect hotel in an ideal location. Mariah Crossman, Wedding Planner mariahcrossmanweddings@gmail.com 724-504-8428
The dress code for wedding day will be “Colori d’Amalfi” (Colors of Amalfi) This theme takes the true, living colors of the Amalfi Coast and translates them into a rigorously sophisticated, formal palette. 1. Positano Pink – The precise warm, slightly dusty terracotta-pink of the stucco buildings. 2. Amalfi Umber – The burnt umber shadow inside the narrow vicoli and under the pergolas (think raw sienna mixed with charcoal). 3. Capri Ultramarine – The impossibly deep Mediterranean blue just before sunset. 4. Ravello Stone – Warm ivory/beige of the travertine and limestone (think creamy cappuccino. 5. Golden Hour Oro – True 24-karat metallic gold. 6. Verdigris Accent – The soft oxidized copper green or sage greens. Please consider that the month of May on the Amalfi Coast brings warm weather, with highs typically ranging from 70-80 degrees, rarely falling below 60 degrees/above 85 degrees.