Planning Italy -- By Rail

It started with the Eurorail passes which were easy enough to order online.  We purchased them through Eurail, they came in the mail, and were filed away.  Then with further research, we learned you would also need a reservation on high speed trains, and since we we wanted to travel from Rome to Florence on one, we started looking at ways to reserve.  That's when it became interesting.   Here were the instructions on the Eurail website:

You can make reservations at larger train stations in Europe, including ones with a Eurail aid office. Just show your Eurail pass at the ticket office and explain which train(s) you want to reserve.

In Italy, you can also make reservations at the ‘Self-service’ machines to avoid queues, including stations in Bari, Bologna, Florence, Genova, Milano, Naples, Pisa, Rome, Turin and Venice. On these machines, select the train you want to use and then click on the 'Global Pass' button (see example screenshot). You can pay the reservation fee by cash or credit card.

Being as anal as I am, I wanted to make the reservations ahead and spotted the tab on the Eurail site for on-line reservations.  From there, the following was noted:

How to make online reservations

Reservations can be made on the Trenitalia website. If you want to receive an invoice of your order you'll have to register before making your reservations. If receiving an invoice isn't necessary, you can start right away.

Follow these steps to make your reservations:
1 Enter your departure city and city of arrival.
2 Choose your preferred train connection and click Select

I challenge you to find the word "reservations" on this website.  I did figure out what to do, but I could never recreate it for you, and since it didn't work for me anyway, I will tell you what I did do, and what I would suggest doing.  I went to a US-based company, Rail Europe, which has a slick easy-to-use website.  But this process was far from clean.  The problem I first incurred when trying to order reservations for the train I wanted to use was that it wasn't there.  It was there for earlier dates but not for the date 3 months hence that I wanted.   Why?  Because the "schedule" wasn't ready yet.  After emailing Rail Europe they agreed to notify me when the reservations could be ordered.  But even after they were available, I still got a message from their website after making a payment that the order was in progress, and I would be contacted when reservations were available.  After many emails and a phone call or two I learned that the schedules were being loaded, but for the trains I wanted to schedule they hadn't been as yet.  

The above problem ultimately was resolved and I received the reservations suddenly in the mail.  Hallelujah!  Then as I finalized plans for the trip, there was learning about the validation process for the Eurorail pass before getting on the train.  Prior to using your pass, you must have it validated at the train station.  The problem is that if your train is an early one that means you have to arrive very early to have the pass validated before finding your train and getting on.  According to Rick Steves you can do it a day before, but that could be problematic too -- allowing time in your itinerary for this as well as the confusion of validating before the day of your trip.  

Bottom line.  If you plan to travel by train, and plan to use a Eurorail pass, make sure to get your reservations, and then make sure you allow time to have your pass validated.  Also I realize as I laughed over the extraordinary process involved with just getting on a train that I needed to lighten up and just accept the bureaucracy of it all and work with it.   It will all fall in place -- at least I hope.  Next chapter on this topic will be using the trains in Italy.  I will let you know how the whole process works out.  

Why Are Some International Carriers Charging a Low Fare and Tacking on a High Fuel Charge -- Frequent Fliers Beware

True at the end of the day the price is the same.... whether a carrier accurately and fairly charges you an airfare plus tax versus charging you a lower bogus base fare and tacking on a fuel surcharge.  Here are some reasons it matters.

• Travelers who think that they have socked away enough for "free" frequent flier awards and companion tickets will be surprised that after using their hard earned points they are still charged more than half of what the flight would have costed had they paid cash.   You might have bought into a frequent flier program thinking you were going to have enough mileage for two tickets to Europe say as advertised by their program .... only to find out that the surcharges make using the points cost prohibitive.   

• In countries other than the US which has laws against this deceptive practice (such surcharges have to be bundled into the base fare though airlines are US airlines are trying to get this changed), airlines can make their fares look much lower than they really are, at least in countries where they're allowed to post fares that way.

• Airlines may be able to  lower the  commissions they pay by paying commissions only on the "fare" portion of the total cost to the passenger.  

• Airlines  may be doing this so they can raise the true fares on routes where fare increases still need some sort of outside approval— if this is true it may be a legitimate reason.

It is fortunate that  the U.S. government won't let airlines feature fares that exclude fuel surcharges; the only way to find them is to click on separate "explanation" boxes.  But some third-party sites—still post fares that exclude the surcharge.

Personally I think these surcharges are a scam simple as that.  A scam that those of us who accumulate  frequent flier mileage on business trips so that we can take our families on vacations for reasonable prices need to be aware of.   You can get ripped off in particular if you transfer points to use on a foreign carrier who has such charges.   

If you try to get around a carrier's bogus upcharge on their frequent flier tickets by trying to buy  tickets through them on one of their partner airlines, they will still charge you the outrageous surcharge.  Why would they charge a fuel surcharge on another carrier?   Could it be because in fact what is really happening is they are not giving you an equal deal for your points.  While they are advertising that you can buy a ticket to Europe on their airline with say 60,000 frequent flier points (this is the typical amount charged for airlines like American, Iberia who do not charge a fuel surcharge), they are in fact charging you the points plus $400 or more some dollars not including the typical taxes ( other airlines do, of course, charge taxes on such tickets).   This means that your points have been depreciated some 50% on a typical $800 ticket versus what you would have paid on an airline that does not have the surcharge.   Sure somewhere in the fine print they tell you all this.  Nonetheless,  I find it hard to believe that some of these companies have reduced themselves to participate in such obviously deceptive practices, but it appears they do, and as the old adage taunts -- let the buyer beware.   

Turn Your Camera into a Travel Lifesaver -- 10 Tips for Making Your Camera Your Travel Assistant

A camera is a camera right?  You bring it to take those beautiful travel memories.  Yes, but today's powerful digital devices are more than snapshot takers.   Here's some suggestions for augmenting their value and turning a camera into an important travel aid.

Scan Documents


You need to carry separate copies of your passport with you or other important documents, e.g. insurance policies, etc.  Easier than copying or scanning, take photos and store the jpegs in your lap top or  tablet.  (You may also want along to take copies of valuables in your home -- just in case.)  You can also photo documents, information en route that you might need later in your trip or at home.

Capture Important Visitor Information


While walking around you discover a location you want to visit, but it isn't opened. Take a photo of the sign to remind yourself of the location and when it is opened.  This is also useful if you are doing a travel blog or article and want to store key facts.

Mark Where You've Been with Sign Photos 

I can't emphasize enough the usefulness in taking sign photos.   Take a photo of an informative sign while your visiting a location so you will remember where you were and important facts you may want to recall later.  Take photos of intersection signs, building signs etc. near where you have taken a number of memory photos.  This is particularly useful because the sign will show up near the memory  photos you have taken and will be time dated so you can easily place where you were when you took the photos.   

Find Your Rental Car

Avoid spending time looking for a car that you left in a large parking lot or place you might forget.  Take a picture of the car and its surroundings, especially street signs, buildings and other landmarks. .


Record your rental car, ticket or other information  


Take a photo of your rental car and documents and other important paper information just in case. You may want the photo as a memory as well -- good or bad.

Remember a Restaurant 

Want to remember what you had to eat at a restaurant or maybe what you want to have there in the future, take a picture of the menu.  This is another memory device if you took other photos there and later may have trouble remembering where the photos were taken. The day and time of the photo will place the menu near the photos you took when you upload them.   Make sure to get the name of the restaurant in the photo -- take a sign picture here as well.   

In Worst Case -- Have Help to Find a Lost Child 


Take photos every day of your children before you start on the day's journeys.  If you're  in a crowed place and child wanders away you will have photos of them with the clothes they are wearing.

Capture Details of an Event You Want to Attend


Take a photo of the fliers for events that you may want to attend: a concert, theatrical performance, art show. This way you will have all the information you need to buy tickets and attend the event without writing it down.

Remember a Dish You May Want to Recreate at Home


Take lots of photos of food.  It's fund to remember meals you have had, and also there may actually be one you want to try to recreate yourself at home.   Frequently you will find that in other countries,  the presentation or combination of foods are different and interesting.  Having a photo of unique meals will be useful when you are entertaining and want to do something a little different yourself.   

Keep Track of Items You Want to or Have Purchased


You can't always buy a book or other item when you see it.   If not, take a photo to remember it.  You can also take pictures of items you have purchased and the receipts (especially ones of value that you haven't yet insured).  If they are lost or stolen, you have a record.

Tips for the Road Warrior: Going Back and Forth from Warm to Cold Climates

One of the difficulties in traveling frequently is the transitions from cold to warm climates and vice versa -- what to pack, what to wear etc.  I live in Florida and travel all over so I am frequently faced with this dilemma especially in these days of high security at airports -- shoe removal, coat removal etc., and extra charges for baggage etc.  What we globe trotters will do for the love of travel.

First off, when there is time and you don't have to cross oceans, you can drive.  Which I do, when I can, so I can bring whatever I need, and don't have to deal with the airport, airline hassles.  But in most cases, I don't have and you won't either the luxury of using personal transportation.   So here are some tips, I have found useful:

What to pack and not pack:

1.  Try and stick with one or two colors and some accent pieces.

2.  Limit shoes -- one pair for each type of weather/activity encounter --  boots, sneaks, dress shoes, sandals.  Wear the sandals to the hot place, boot type shoe to the cold place-- the kind that are easier to get out of.  See caveat on boots below.

3.  If you live in a warm climate, and you will be at your cold destination for a longer stay, consider buying some cheap heavier clothing at a Walmart-type place when you get to your destination so you don't have to lug as much -- I can usually get what I need to supplement what I have carted along for under $50.  (This goes for underwear too -- get rid of it when you leave).  This also holds true if you coming and going to the same cold destination for short stays.  Many hotels will hold some luggage for you if you return frequently.  Once you don't need the stuff you bought -- give it to the hotel maid or Goodwill. Or if you really must keep it, ship it home.

4.  Again If you know you will be coming and going from the same destination a number of times, find some way to leave things behind... at the dry cleaners for instance.  Pick it up when you return.  And/or  leave a bag with climate-related clothes at the hotel where you stay, many places will let frequent guests do this. (I buy a cheap piece of luggage under $20 for this purpose.)

5.  Use space saver vacuum bags to compress the bulkier items you have to bring -- like a heavy coat and sweater.

6. If you are heading to a colder climate, be sure you pack gloves, socks, scarf, hat and boots that will keep you warm enough for winter conditions. (If I know I am going to a place where there is likely to be snow I will bring a heavier boot in addition to wearing shoe-boots despite the added weight.)

7. Don't forget moisturizers -- especially if you are heading from a more humid climate to a dryer one -- you'll use more than you typically do.  Of course, you can always buy more at a local store so don't over do it.



What to Wear:

1.  Dress for the climate your heading for, just layer and dual purpose appropriately -- see below.

2.  Layer and dual purpose -- Wear a couple of layers, e.g. going north: thinner weight tee with long sleeves under a shirt, then another sweater, sweatshirt or jacket; going south: a tank top or short sleeved tee, with warmer light weight clothes on top.  You can then remove these and stuff them in your carry-on before getting off the flight.

3.  Try if at all possible to pack the bulkier, buttoned and zippered stuff, and if you have to wear a jacket or coat make it one that is lighter weight, easy to get off and on.   Dragging bulky coats through a plane when you also have carry-ons to deal with is a real nuisance, not to speak of getting yourself through security. (If I have to wear a coat to the airport, I take it off when I get there and stuff it in a bag to be checked -- I leave room in that suitcase for this purpose)

4.  Again wear shoes that are easy to remove.   (I wear slip on boots with a side zipper going to a cold climate, and sandals to the warmer.  I make the footwear change at the airport, if need be.)

Send Yourself a Postcard -- A Travel Tip

Years ago on a jaunt to Maui we took a snorkling trip with an activity group called Trilogy -- one of my favorite travel memories by the way.   Not only was the day's adventure well-organized and a total blast, the group extended the enjoyment of the day by capturing excellent video footage and selling this as an add-on, and something small but equally clever, they had each of the passengers  write themselves a Trilogy postcard from Maui which the group later mailed to their homes.  

I won't go into all the marketing benefits of this -- not my purpose here.  The point is the postcard was waiting for us when we returned home -- encoring instantly that incredible travel memory.   It was this postcard and my own mom's collection of postcards that I'd sent her from my many travels that comprised the beginnings of my own collection.  

Now where ever I go, I try to write myself a postcard from that place with the date.   Not only do I have a flush of memories hit me to distract me from bills and other less enjoyable mail, but I have a cheap souvenir which I add to my collection.   I keep the collection in a series of binders, which reside on a shelf under the TV in our family room for quick access -- along with photos, these postcards provide a quick review of all the places we've been.  

New APP helps Travelers Navigate Medical Needs Abroad

I remember a scary time in Rome when I experienced an Asthma attack and had to seek local medical attention..another when my spouse caught a horrible cold in Amsterdam that needed attention. Not to speak of the times I've wandered into a pharmacy in Italy or France, trying to find a medication or particular healthcare product.

A new APP for the Iphone and IPod may help with such medical needs when travelling. The first app to help travelers in need of medical services when they are abroad, mPassport is now available in the iTunes App Store for downloading onto n iPhones and iPads around the world.

Just announced mPassport enables you to:

 -- Use your smart phone or laptop to find a conveniently located, carefully-selected, English-speaking doctor or dentist and request an appointment


-- Use mapping and GPS functionality to find the shortest route to convenient care


-- Translate brand names for medications and key medical terms and phrases


-- Understand health risks and access the right emergency services


"About half of all travelers who spend more than two weeks abroad get sick or injured, and we're there to help them when they need assistance," says Angelo Masciantonio, Chief Executive of HTH Worldwide. "Travelers typically do not prepare for illness or injury when traveling abroad and when they need healthcare, they often don't know where to turn. mPassport apps make it simple to get quality care when it's needed far away from home."

HTH Worldwide has created mPassport apps for these popular business and leisure destinations:
-- Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna -- Cape Town, Nairobi -- Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City, Quito -- Bermuda, Nassau -- Beijing, Hong Kong




Category: ..Travel Issue

Traveling Solo in London

Recently reading a blog from Isabelle's Travels (@isabellestravel on Twitter) on traveling alone in Paris caused me to reflect on some solo travel of my own.  Perhaps the city I have spent more time alone in than any other in the world outside the US is London.  Having had several jobs that took me solo to London and then later accompanying a spouse who had business there..... I have wandered and discovered much of the city on my own on travel there.

True having a companion to share discoveries with is part of what I love about traveling.  But I also love the undistracted and totally self-directed momentum that touring and exploring a destination unescorted gives me.  Decisions on whether to stop at a cafe or take the tube here or there are totally mine.  Time spent in a museum or not totally up to me.  Taking photos with abandon without disrupting a companion's experience is ok.

For that reason while I had objectives for my touring days of London,  i.e. some target destinations, I generally was loose about it leaving room for discovery or lingering where particularly intrigued.   One of my favorite things to do would be to have an early breakfast..... I loved a cafe...which now has many locations throughout London.. Patisserie Valerie.  They serve the most incredible scrambled eggs with toast or croissant and coffee.  There I could linger over my travel books and plan the day.... in the quiet ambiance of the place.  Or, if I were staying at a B&B which I frequently did, I would take the typical English breakfast and perhaps chat with another guest.

I took my notebook and made my plan...carrying it with me during the day to jot down observations.  As a aside,  no matter where I am, I always have a notebook and a camera.  Even if you're not a writer or blogger carrying a notebook especially when alone gives you the opportunity to jot down impressions that you can relate to friends and family later on.  It also acts in a way as a substitute companion.... gives you a sense of being on purpose... and not as self-conscious about being alone.  

My solo journeys through London in addition to all the obvious places took me to spend time observing a session of Parliament, to sip afternoon tea and munch on delicate sandwiches especially at Browns, to wander through the Tate Museum for hours and  gaze at the Turners, to visit the Courtauld, an exquisite gem of a museum with an excellent impressionist collection, through Covent Garden and to Portobello Road for antique shops and much more.

But the solo experience that stands out for me above the rest is that of going to the theatre by myself.  The first play I saw in a theatre on my own was in London.  The theatre was packed... I had a seat way up in the highest section of the balcony and was cramped in amongst other Americans who had gotten terrible, last minute seating.  It didn't matter.  For the first time here was this incredible cast singing their hearts out "Can you hear the people sing..." and the rest of the audience, the humid air of the old building, the uncomfortable seat, even the distance from the stage were shut out.  I could only hear the singing and see the colorful staging and costumes. This magnificent performance was just for me..... and I loved it!

Failure to Launch -- Researching My First Cruise -- Some Tips I have Learned

Yes, I have to admit it...other than charters in the BVI, small river tours, and self-cruises, I have never taken a cruise on one of those big cruise ships. I have travelled all over the world many, many times, been just about everywhere, been on cruise ships many times, but I have failed to launch. I can't explain why...or maybe I can but... Anyhow, I think it's time I tried a cruise especially since right now the prices are right.

So I am researching..both through twitter, blogs and with many friends who go on cruises constantly. I guess what has coaxed me into this voyage exploration are the many cruise tweeps, the deals ...and most recently Simone de Santi's (aka ARoadRetraveled on Twitter) upcoming cruise on which she will be tweeting.

Anyhow, here are some of the suggestions I've gotten so far, some obvious, some not so :

1. After you have decided on the type and length of cruise (probably short, if it is your first) research cruises carefully including first the cruise lines and ships that fit your needs in terms of destination, price and style. Then once you have narrowed this down, review the ship's decks and cabins and decide in advance exactly where you want your cabin to be, for instance, you may want to avoid a cabin near an elevator (sound familiar) or below the ship's theatre or nightclub. If you have concerns about seasickness, I'm told the best room location to minimize the ship's motion is in the dead center of the ship. On most large cruise ships, this location is on the lower passenger floors, in the center inside cabins. Ask a lot of questions before you book. Consider using a cruise specialist who can answer your questions and help you find the right trip for you.
2. Figure out where you are going to park (if you are driving to the embarkation point). You may, for instance, want to avoid the multiple story garage especially if you are on a large ship with lots of disembarking passengers heading for the same place.
3. Mark your luggage ideally with the tags provided by your agent or cruise line directly...make sure your name, deck number and cabin identification are on each piece clearly. Two tags per bag have been recommended.
4. Arrive early..even if it means waiting....better to be checked in early and have time to get acclimated. You will have to wait..be prepared for this.
5. Bring a travel-on that has things you will need for the first few hours on the ship. Also consider what luggage you check...you may want to wheel off luggage yourself at the end of the voyage.
6. No surprise here...there are plenty of food choices.. so you don't have to worry about food choices for the most part, but you may want to check with your agent or the cruise line if your needs are unusual
7. Worried about catching flu or other...I'm assured that sanitizers are everywhere on ships (again check) and that cruise lines are very conscientious about heath issues ....just use ordinary precautions
8. Consider going to shows -- everyone says they are fantastic...check with passengers on your ship who have already gone
9. Don't expect perfection...and have patience...there will be lines.. something may be broken..
10. Larger ships have many pools..pick the pool area that suits you. If you don't want to listen to music, find a quieter pool.
11. Think about safey and avoiding injury,e.g.. Be careful if the decks are wet, they can become very slippery. Watch for the raised lips in some doorways especially. Of course, never sit on the railings.

There's lot of ideas and suggestions on the web and twitter about first-time cruising. I don't think I agree with a lot of it. The above seems to make sense so far. But I am still researching. Here are other sources of information that look reasonable:

Sources of Advice for First Time Cruisers:

Lessons on First Time Cruising

Expert Tips for First Time Cruiser -- Good List of Tips

Recent Excellent Blog on Dining, Smoking, Tipping and among other things.

Cruise Critic Website -- Good source of information about cruise lines and ships as well as cruise tips

Suggestions on Packing Blog

Confessions of First Time Cruiser -- Day by Day Account of First Time Cruise-Taker's Alaska Cruise

Note also:

Simon DeSanti's Travel Tweets (this coming week)

And finally here is my Twitter List of Travel-Cruise-Tweeps:

Cruise Tweeps -- People who tweet about cruises that I follow.