Travel Tip No. 8

1.      Joan's Travel Tip No. 8:

3.      Also take a credit card;  notify the card company that you’ll be going to x,y,z countries during a certain period, so they don’t shut you off.  It might be wise to have 2 credit cards, in case one gets compromised, which happens and is a pain, but the possibility exists.  Carry the 2 cards and your ATM card in different places.  Keep a copy of your card at home, with expiration date, CRV number and customer service phone #.  Your person at home should be able to access this info for you, just in case ....

Joan's Travel Tips No. 5,6 and 7!

Some of my family just before departing after a great Thanksgiving.


I've been negligent these past few weeks. Thanksgiving put a hold onto everything, even though I had a great one. We had a houseful, which involved a lot of planning and work, although per my son's orders, I delegated a lot of meal prep and clean-up and therefore actually got a change to do some of our traditional puzzling. Anyway here are the travel tips:

5. When you use an ATM, have someone with you to monitor outside activity. Watch out for suspicious looking people before you begin. If you don’t feel comfortable, go elsewhere. Don’t leave the ATM until your money and card are safely tucked away. Make sure to get your card!!!!!!!!!!!

6. DON’T FLASH CASH.

7. Don’t buy many euros in US before going – unless you get a deal, fees are too expensive.Take 100 euros with you, max.

Photos in the Future for Foodie's Italy.

Images of Rome, Wendy, great food, and Umbria.

Joan's Travel Tip No. 4

4. Use your ATM card to get cash in Europe, not Travellers checks. ATMS are ubiquitous in Italy. However, notify your bank that you’ll be using your ATM in x,y,z countries during a certain period so they don’t shut you off.

Joan's Travel Tip No. 3

1. Before you leave, if you have an ailing family member; if you yourself are over 50; if you have a medical condition, buy Travelers Insurance. In any case, it’s advised.

Travel Tips

JOAN’S WEEKLY TRAVEL TIPS

My son Gordo, who’s had some eye-opening experiences during some of his trips abroad, had a great idea: to post informational tips I’ve learned over the years during my travels. Some I’ve learned through bad experiences; some are from good experiences; some are just commonsensical. I can’t claim that these will be unique tips – most travelers will come up with the same advice. Anyway, here goes:

Joan’s Travel Tip No. 1:

Pack light; travel light. This will save on those pesky airline baggage fees and in today’s do-it-yourself atmosphere (except in the swankiest places), it will save your back. Many hotels no longer have bellhops to help you lug in your stuff. My advice: pack your bag (not plural) and then take 1/3 out. You’re also allowed about 45 pounds for a checked bag on an international flight. Can you carry it comfortably?

Travel Tip No. 2:

To help pack light, take clothes with similar palette, mix and match, 2 pairs of shoes, scarves for color.