Italy 2016 Erin Crissman – Group Leader Meeting: October 14, 5:30 pm

Packing your suitcase! Most Airlines – 50 lb weight limit Need to repack almost every night – not all hotels will have elevators Comfort over fashion… Shoes are heavy! Think practical! Pack lightweight clothing – can wash and rewear! Bring old clothes – things you are ready to throw away – wear it and don’t bring it home! Girls – bring shorts to wear under skirts

Things to consider when packing: What can you share with your roommates? Medications (good idea to have a photocopy of prescriptions) Bring an adapter for any electrical products (they use a different plug AND voltage (US uses 110 Volts and Italy uses 220 volts – some products work with both but if it doesnt, it will get FRIED when you plug it in!)

Dress code in the Vatican (and churches) Accepted Mens - Long pants - At least short sleeves Women - The knees covered - At least short sleeves Rejected - Shorts - T-shirts without sleeves - Short skirts - Baseball caps inside the churches

Behavior: Assume U.S. rules apply – This means NO… Be quiet and respectful when on tours and in public, ALWAYS! Use the bathroom whenever there is an opportunity, even if you don’t have to! Be early, ALWAYS! (BRING A WATCH!!)

Things we will discuss in future meetings: Transportation to the airport: We must arrive 3 hours early Options: Drive individually Rent a van (or two…) or bus Parent Carpools Bay runner shuttle Ways to connect with home: “Texting” tree What’s App / FB Messenger (when WiFi is available)

Miscellaneous stuff: PASSPORT: Apply NO LATER THAN January… just incase! You will bring hard copies as well as a digital copy to me in the event anyone’s Passport is lost or stolen. TIPPING: Approx $10/day ($100 total) I will collect in advance and disburse to the appropriate guides / bus drivers

Money: Italy uses the Euro € Current Exchange rate: 1 € = 1.14 USD $1 USD =.88 € Bring € with you – can order from bank Use ATM’s to withdrawal additional money Credit / Debit card International Transaction Fee (usually ~ 3%)

Questions?