1. Rome & Paris 58 days until departure!

2. Who’s going with us? New York High School Group 18 is the size including their leader I will be in contact with them as soon as I get info We do not have to be best friends, but we do have to be respectful.

3. Luggage What are we taking/packing? –Only 1 rolling carry on to stow away –One carry on that goes on your body (that is not a purse) Ex: Rolling luggage, Backpack, messenger bag/purse –“Oh no Mrs. Williams, how will I ever fit everything for the trip in just a carry on?”

4. Size of Luggage? 45 Linear inches 9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in Wheels and handles included 44 lbs in weight

5. In your Luggage We think the weather will range from 70-80 degrees. We will narrow this down as we get closer to departure. Our trip is 8 days long. You will need 8 pair of undies and socks. You DO NOT need a new, amazingly adorable outfit for each day. Americans are the only people in the world that change their entire outfit everyday. If you don't believe me ask our tour guides.

6. What to pack? I suggest that you bring 3-4 pairs of pants, jeans are OK but can feel restrictive on airplanes, buses and trains. I strongly recommend cargo pants or kakis, but NOT sweatpants. Europeans do NOT wear sweatpants. Yoga pants for plans can be classy. Leggings… not bad.

7. What to pack? Vatican Day— There are rules in Vatican City about dress! Modest is the way to go. Women must have their shoulders and knees covered so you want to prepare to have pants and a shirt covering said areas. We can discuss more.

8. What to pack? Avoid being a walking Advertisement or “touristy” –Hollister, American Eagle, etc. – This will get you pick pocketed 5 or 6 shirts – you can hand wash some –In the sinks – wipe the awful look off your face, you’ll survive (toiletries aisle has individual packs of tide detergent). I suggest that you bring only sneakers, we will be walking miles and miles in one day! Not to mention cobblestones and cute shoes usually never mix well. Extra socks can’t hurt!

9. What to pack? You will want to bring travel sized toiletries. Please make sure no liquids exceed the size limit. Please check the TSA Website for this information (-3oz). TSA Website Quart Sized Bags – I’ll explain this info! See my example and we will double check before we depart as well.

10. What to pack? Ladies: NO hair straighteners or hair dryers. Even with a converter they will blow up and could cause serious problems for our hotels. I suggest “wash and wear” Converter or adapter if you have a cell phone or electronic device. They can be found at Walmart or Target

11. What to pack? Every person must have a working wrist watch –Do not rely on cell phones Every person must have a working alarm clock (battery operated) –Do not rely on cell phones Minutes count when we are meeting and your time has to be accurate

12. Money - Tipping You will need daily for the tour director –Roughly $60 that will be collected before we leave (I will pay it all at the end) –Roughly $15 that will then be split between the local guides and the bus drivers) Before we leave I will collect $75 from everyone and I will control paying all tipping so money exchanges can’t be lost.

13. Potty Time Check out the potty sheet so you know what to expect. You might think it’s a funny sheet, but you won’t feel so stupid standing in the bathroom in Rome thinking, “OMG how do I flush this down?”

14. Next Meetings? Etiquette in Europe Traveling – air - train Paperwork – emergency contact Drinking Alcohol Passports Further Expectations Dietary needs?