Passports
Passports can take months to receive depending on the service provider you purchase them from. Passports are needed for everyone regardless of age (babies included). Be aware that some countries do not allow you to enter their country if your passport expires 6 months from the start of your trip. If your passport expires in May 2024 - November 2024 I recommend getting a new passport to avoid any issues.
Traveling with Children
Miguel and I are no travel experts but through our travels we have found the best most convenient products to make traveling with a child much easier. CARSEAT We recently came across this product called the RideSafer Vest | Travel Car Seat. This product is only recommended for ages 2+ but it definitely beats pulling around or carrying a normal car seat. This vest is very small and can be folded and put into a small bag, it is a vest harness that your child can wear and walk around with. We used it for a recent trip in Italy and it worked great. It exceeds all federal standards. https://shop.saferide4kids.com STROLLER The baby Zen YOYO stroller is great for travel it can be folded up and stored in the planes overhead compartment, no need to check in your stroller. Checking in strollers are so scary for Miguel and I because they broke ours in the past. You also have a satchel strap to carry on your shoulder. The YOYO has a newer version to create a dual stroller for 2 kids, you can also attach a scooter for a third kid. https://store-us.babyzen.com BREAST MILK Breast milk can pass through TSA and will just be screened during security. Your breast pump supplies are considered a medical device and is not considered as a carry on but as am additional bag needed for medical purposes. DIAPER BAG Diaper bags are also considered a medical bag and is not considered as a carry on so that means you can have your carry on with a diaper bag
Money - USD to Euros
-Know your Conversion Rates? Google conversion rates to understand the difference between the 2 currencies -If you want to convert your USD to EUROS? Best practice we have experienced since traveling is to convert your USD to EUROS at your home bank before you leave for your trip BUT we have also found success at withdrawing cash from ATM's AT BANKS ONLY. Cash exchanges at airports and tourist spots have very high rates and fees. ATMs not connected to a legitimate bank have very high service fees. Make sure the ATM is with a bank, they usually charge a few dollars to withdraw. -Take Cash! Some services like taxis are cash only so be sure to take cash
Jet Lag
The time difference between home and Italy are pretty different. Jet Lag kicks in when you are trying to adjust to the time change, I would recommend flying out a few days before the wedding to adjust. I usually have 1 recovery day when adjusting.
Universal Charger
the Outlets in Europe are different from the US if you want to be able to use any device with an outlet you must have a Universal Charger.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Rome has so much to see and so much to do. Expect lots of walking during sight seeing especially with all the cobble stone roads you will be walking on.
Validate your train Ticket
Be sure you validate your train ticket before entering the train.
Italian words to know
Good morning (formal) – Buon giorno – Bwohn-johr-noh Good afternoon (formal) – Buona sera – Bwoh-nah-seh-rah Good night (formal) – Buona notte – Bwoh–nah–noh–teh Hi / Bye (informal) – Ciao! – Chow Good bye (formal) – Arrivederci – Ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee My name is … – Mi chiamo – Mee kyah-moh What is your name? – Come si chiama? – Koh-meh see kyah-mah? Pleased to meet you – Piacere – Pyah-cheh-reh How are you? (formal) – Come sta? – Koh-meh stah? Good thank you – Bene grazie – Beh-neh grah-tsee-eh Yes – Si – See No – No – Noh Please – Per favore – Pehr fah-voh-reh Thank you – Grazie – Grah-tsee-eh You’re welcome – Prego – Preh-goh Cheers! (To your health) – Salute! – Sah-loo-tay Excuse me (for attention) – Scusi – Skooh–zee Excuse me (to pass by) – Permesso – Pehr-mehs-soh Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? – Parh-la een-glay-zeh I don’t understand – Non capisco – Non kah-pee-skoh I’m sorry – Mi dispiace – Mee dees-pyah-cheh