Paul and I recently returned from a six week stay in northern Italy and this is the first of three articles about our experience. Yes, we are seasoned international travelers but this years’ experience topped all others due to, shall we say, a myriad of moving parts. On our bucket list was renting an Italian Villa for an extended period of time and sharing the experience with family and friends. After settling on a region of the country, determining specific parameters, carrying out separate VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owners) searches and choosing and making email contact with several top contenders, we decided on a Piedmont (northern) area property in Castagnole delle Lanza. This small village is located in the middle of the Langhe, Roero, Monferrato vineyards and wine producing region of Piedmont, also known for hazelnuts (think Nutella) and truffles (underground fungi). We rented the villa for a month and a cast of 24 family members and friends rotated thru the house during our stay. I will move on to preparations for and management of the experience.
First and foremost, pack light and if staying more than a week plan to do laundry during your trip. Washing machines are common in vacation houses but dryers are not so be prepared for an old school wash line experience or turning your hotel room into a laundry. Some people pack old clothing they throw away at the end of the trip, thus, leaving suitcase room for acquisitions. Follow the airlines suitcase weight limits or be prepared to pay dearly, which I often do, on international returns. Weight limits are often less when traveling between foreign countries. Good luggage is an important investment and stay “hands free” during air travel by using a back or fanny pack/messenger bag and putting your passport and some money in a pouch around your neck. Do remember your passport or an unsuspecting friend/neighbor may end up making a fast run to the airport to hand deliver it so you make your flight. The white knuckling associated with this experience is something we can all live without to say nothing about payback! With many summer international flights delayed it’s a good idea to make your first night accommodation reservation flexible/refundable.
Prepare for the financial side of your trip expenditures which include ordering foreign currency thru your bank or being prepared to use readily available ATM’s during your trip. Take two separate credit cards, keep them in separate places and notify your credit card company that you will be traveling internationally lest they block use of your card when their unusual use parameters kick in. Accept you will probably spend more money than anticipated and vow to experience any buyer’s remorse you may have when the bank statements/credit card bills arrive next month, not while you are trying to enjoy your travels.
Understand international use, accompanying fees and converter needs for your electronic devices in the foreign country you will be traveling to. This includes learning how to use GPS on your phone and/or in your rental car, that you need to know how to operate before you drive out of the rental lot. Lack of attention to detail in this area could have you looking for your accommodation in the wrong city! I know paper maps are becoming obsolete but I wouldn’t forego them as context remains important in successfully navigating new cities and countries.
Prepare for all known and possible healthcare needs during your travels. I get bronchitis every time I travel and must remember to take a course of antibiotics with me lest I end up visiting an unfamiliar healthcare system which, yes, happened to me again in Italy. You might consider wearing a mask on your flight if you are prone to such things. Oh, and Europeans are smokers, especially Italians, so prepare yourself. Ladies, listen up! Squat toilets are the norm in many foreign countries and part of your experience. I suggest you head outside for practice before your travels and take multiple packs of Kleenex with you as paper products are in short supply in many countries. Also, pack a washcloth as they are not provided in many foreign countries.
Every excursion requires comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, a sweatband/cloth, sunscreen, water, a map and, above all, an open mind. Remember you are in a foreign country where people speak their own language, drive their cars, eat their food and follow their business hours….not ours! You are traveling to learn and experience new things so embrace the differences with a sense of curiosity which will enrich your life. Finally, learning a few words in the language of the country you are visiting will enhance your experiences and is greatly appreciated by the locals. 2018