How to Plan a Summer in Tuscany
It’s hard to believe summer is already upon us, and the travel season is in full swing. Here at Tuscan Travel Group, we are enjoying preparing our guests for the wonders and joys of Italy, and hearing about their adventures upon their return. If you haven’t yet embarked on your summer journeys, we hope this travel checklist will help you feel prepared and excited for what lies ahead.
Before Your Trip
As you prepare for your trip, there are a few important questions you should be thinking about–
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What will the weather be like while I’m there? It’s best to watch the weather over the course of a few weeks to see the trends. If you are going to Tuscany in the summer, you can expect some heat and some mosquitos. But don’t worry, you can get sunscreen and bug spray at the local Farmacia.
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Are my flights, car and lodging all confirmed? A few days before departure and again the day before, it’s wise to double-check that the flights haven’t been changed. Typically, your airline will email you with a link to check-in online 24-48 hours before your departure time.
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Drop an email or call to confirm with the hotel or villa as well. If you book with us, we’ll take care of that part for you! It’s not a bad idea to confirm your car, and be sure to add the upgrade of a GPS system– you’ll be happy you have it.
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Do I need any special documents? Make sure your passport is up to date if traveling internationally. If your passport is expired, US passport services offers an expedited option enabling you to renew your passport within 2-3 weeks. For many countries (including Italy) it is wise to hold an International Driver’s Permit, which can be obtained at your local AAA office.
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Will my credit card work overseas? Put a call in to your credit card companies and bank, so that you have no issues using your credit cards and ATM card abroad. Note that many credit card companies charge a fee for transactions abroad, based on a percentage of the purchase price. American Express does not charge a fee, but beware, many vendors, at least in Italy, don’t accept American Express.
What to Pack
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Passports & Important information– Have your hotel or villa’s address and phone number handy, plus directions or at least a rough idea of the location, so that you will know whether you’re on the right track when following your car’s GPS.
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Medicine– We found out my daughter is allergic to cats when, during our stay at a lovely Tuscan villa, she pet a cat and ended up with one eye swollen shut. Luckily we had Benadryl on hand and she was back in action, ready to tour Siena, the next morning. You can find most medicines at Italian Farmacias, but the language barrier can make things tricky to find so it’s a good idea to have the important ones on hand.
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Small umbrella & rain jacket– You never know.
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One or two day’s worth of clothes and all necessary toiletries in your carry on bag– You will feel much less stressed to have some things on hand if your checked luggage is delayed getting to you.
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International plug adaptors– Some villas provide them, but it’s best to have at least a couple of them on hand. Italy has some 3-pronged plugs (grounded) and some with 2 prongs. I like to make sure I have at least one adaptor for each type of plug when I go to Italy. They can be bought cheaply on Amazon or at a local travel related store. Note that the voltage might be different in Italian outlets, so beware of burning up your hair dryer! Most Italian villas provide a hair dryer, so you can just leave yours in the safety of your own bathroom. Modern electronics such as laptops, tablets and phones usually have built in converters to protect them.
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And last, but not least, don’t forget your camera– you’ll want to document your journey every step of the way, so you can come home and relive each moment, over and over again through your photographs.
Departure Day
Drink lots of water before you leave, on the plane and continue upon arrival. Water is the best preventative medicine for jet lag. If you have time, do a light workout or some yoga before you head to the airport. Dress in comfortable layers and wear or bring socks, as it can get cold on long overnight flights. Have a good book and a good set of earphones with you. Sit back, order a glass of wine and enjoy the first step of your adventure!
Buon Viaggio!
