BEFORE LEAVING 
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
PASSPORT AND VISAS
- Check passport expiration date.
- To travel freely in Europe requires a visa, which is granted by the European Union (EU) at the moment of entering any member country of the Union, and is valid for no more than 90 days.
ITINERARY
- Consider eventualities when planning the travel itinerary, such as weather, holidays and vacation periods in each region.
- The further north you go, the colder and rainier it gets from September onwards, the earlier in the month it is recommended to visit Italy.
- In Italy the summer is very warm, Italians gather on the beaches or in the mountains, especially on August 15, a national holiday celebrated on Ferrragosto, as well as on Assumption Day.
- Look for the schedule of festivities in the cities to be visited. Hopefully you can coincide with the Umbria Jazz, the Eurochocolate, the Festival of Two Worlds, the Palio of Siena and Arezzo.
- Book well in advance for free tours.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
- Booking flights 6 months in advance allows you to buy them cheaper.
- Consider using search tools such as Googleflights.com, which redirects to a third party.
- Buying directly from the airline may be more expensive but more reliable.
- Consider buying round, direct and night flights.
- Paying for seat selection can be a good investment.
ACCOMMODATION BOOKING
- Booking 6 months in advance saves a few Euros and provides peace of mind.
- Traditional platforms offer great variety in price, location and services.
- If you like to share experiences and interests with other travelers and locals, Airbnb offers this type of experience which could work wonderfully.
- Religious hospitality are religious and secular structures such as convents, monasteries and institutes, austere, safe and very clean accommodations. They represent a good option when it comes to saving money, they offer the essential services of a room (internet, TV, breakfast), and are recommended for groups, families and students. Above all, they are located in the best areas of the city to visit.
TRAVELER'S INSURANCE
Consider purchasing traveler’s insurance, which, in addition to being economical, provides peace of mind. The insurance covers primary expenses in case of medical or technical emergencies.
PURCHASE OF EUROS
- Purchase Euros in advance through the bank in the country of origin, if this is not possible, purchase them at the airport before departure or upon arrival at the destination.
- It is not advisable to exchange dollars for Euros in exchange houses at the destination, since they charge a percentage commission for the operation and sell the Euro at their own free will.
LUGGAGE
- Considering the purchase of a good ultra-light suitcase with an integrated lock would be a good option.
- Personalizing the luggage with badges and essential information will make it easier to identify it quickly when picking it up at the belt (most of them are black).
- Carrying a lot of luggage could become a real headache.
- Travel as light as possible (maximum 18 kgs).
INDISPENSABLE APPS
Trenit
Flixbus
Ommio
Civitatis
Meteo.it
Weather channel
Google maps
Uber
Free tours
Itranslate
MISCELLANEOUS
- Wearing a backpack allows you to have your hands free, while carrying it in front avoids being easy prey for petty thieves.
- Always carry in your backpack, personal documents, credit cards, as well as masks, antibacterial gel, universal voltage converter, light umbrella, and medicines (pain, flu, and constipation).
- Eating light and healthy food one day before the trip prevents discomfort before and during the trip.
- Wearing light clothing, long sleeves, comfortable shoes, as well as avoiding the consumption of meat, alcohol and sugary drinks during the flight, helps to have a pleasant flight and a light jetlag.
- Getting up, stretching your legs, walking every hour and drinking plenty of water help to keep your circulation in good condition.