·        Have With You at All Times: 

o   A photocopy of your passport with your name, address, phone number, and the hotel name, address and phone number written on the back of it.  Also include an emergency contact back home and any medical conditions you might have.

o   A map of the city you are in.   These will be available when you arrive in Italy.

o   Carry a credit/bank card, small amount of cash, and your museum admission passes (to be supplied when we reach Italy). 

o   Carry a printed copy of the daily itinerary. 

o   Consider carrying a small tour book. 

·        Always Travel With Someone Else:   However, if traveling alone, please leave a written note with the tour leader as to where you are going and when you expect to return. 

·        Safety First:  Always act safely.  Money, transportation passes, tickets, passports, credit cards, etc. can always be replaced.  Take that extra moment to be aware of your surroundings.  Don’t take any actions that may jeopardize your safety or well-being.  If you see “trouble”, walk away from it.  If a stranger strikes up a conversation with you on the street, in the subway, on a bus, etc., assume they are trying to rip you off.  No need to say anything to them, just walk away.

·        Important Documents:  Make front and back copies of your bank cards, health insurance cards, passport, airline reservations, and travel insurance information.   Take them with you, or even better, e-mail copies to yourself.   Have phone numbers for bank/credit cards in case they are lost/stolen.

·        Protect Your Valuables:  Never wear expensive or flashy jewelry.   Lock all valuables (especially passports) in the hotel room.   Never display large amounts of cash.   Take caution when withdrawing cash from an ATM.  When traveling, never let luggage out of your sight.   On the train or bus, if someone insists they must take your bags, make sure they are wearing a uniform and are properly credentialed.

·        Beggars/Scam Artists/Pick Pockets:  Unfortunately, Italy is full of them.    Watch for pickpockets especially on the metro and bus.  Make sure money, credit cards, and valuables are secure.  Don’t respond if someone asks if you speak English, hands you a piece of jewelry (usually a ring), or drops change on a bus/metro floor.  Don’t fill out surveys.

·        Taxis.  Only take a taxi from a taxi stand or from a hotel.    Never get into a taxi where the driver solicits you from the street or inside a train station/airport.  Always negotiate the rate before getting in the taxi.  More instructions on how to get to the hotel follow.

·        Travel Information: Tell someone at home where you will be staying, the phone number, and when you will return/leave from your trip.  Make sure they have information to get in touch with you.  You may wish to give someone at home Power of Attorney.

·        Health Insurance:  Please check with your health insurance provider regarding your coverage before departure.  You may purchase inexpensive international health/evacuation insurance through www.hthtravelinsurance.com or any vendor of your choice.

·        Public Disturbances:  Sometimes there will be strikes, public protests, unruly crowds, or wild celebrations after sports victories, during holidays, and similar events.  Please be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from any potentially dangerous/unruly crowd or event.

·        Emergency Exits:  Study the emergency exits of the buildings you are in, especially the hotel.

·        Complaints/Comments:  If there is something regarding the way the trip is being conducted concerns you, please bring it to my attention.  I will do my best to resolve any issues you may have regarding the trip, but you must communicate them to me.  Also, do not hesitate to contact the hotel management regarding issues you may have with your room.

·        Language and Customs.  Remember, you are not the first travelers to visit Italy.   Italians are used to tourists.  If you need anything from a store owner, clerk, police officer, etc., greet them with a “bongiorno” (before noon) or “buona sera” (after noon) and ask your questions in simple, clear English.  99% of the time they will be very helpful.

 Important Phone Numbers and Contact Info:

American Embassy: For information and resources in case legal, medical, passport, and diplomatic issues arise

·        Rome: Via Vittorio Veneto, 119.  Phone: +39 06.45741.  Website: www.rome.usembassy.gov

·        Florence Consulate: Lungarno Vespucci, 38.  Phone: +39 055.266 Website: http://florence.usconsulate.gov

Routine Health Care:  Pharmacies in Italy provide treatment for coughs, sore throats, blisters, upset stomach, and other routine illnesses.   The hotel front desk and pharmacies can recommend doctors.

Physician/Emergency Room Care:  Police/Emergency:  The equivalent phone number to 911 is “17”.  Medical help is “15”.  Dial “112” from a mobile phone for all emergencies.

Safety

Above all, your safety and well-being is of the highest concern.  Europe is a safe place.  There are probably fewer violent crimes committed in Europe than in the U.S., but there are more petty crimes in Europe.

For more Italy travel info, see www.travelingprofessor.com