Travel Tips as we Jet Set to Bologna for our Ferrari & Lamborghini Travel Adventure!

I am so excited to be jetting to Italy today with 16 participants to visit the homes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani, Maserati and Imola; Motor Valley, Italy!  It’s been a journey of “hurry up and wait,” yet I’m very thankful to all those participants that are joining us.  And to those that missed out last minute due to Covid travel rules and the unexpected things that happened in life, we’re are planning on a repeat trip in 2023 to visit Italy and also to adding a German Automaker’s Tour.

And for those fellow travel companions that are going elsewhere across the world, I wanted to share some travel tips that I learned first-hand traveling to Houston, Portland, NYC, Minneapolis, London and from travel guides. 

I’ve had great success without plane delays.  Yet, I’ve had to deal with unfortunate jet lag and losing a ton of toiletries through connecting airports as there are different rules for carry on toiletry amounts.  So, I wanted to share my tips and tricks to travel to Europe or anywhere in the world!

Here they are:

Packing – Check your airlines carry-on and checked luggage sizes.  I travel with 2 carry on bags as I’m not a fan of checking in luggage.   One tip is to roll your clothes to maximize space.

Toiletries – make sure everything is less than 3oz and minimize what you need to things you can’t get in country.

Communication – Make sure that your cellphone has been setup for international travel.  For example Verizon Wireless has a daily travel pass for $10.  You can turn that feature on in your online profile.  It comes with 0.5GB of data, not the best, but it’s decent for emergencies.  Or you can buy an Italian SIM card that gives you more data.  If you’re traveling with a friend or partner, I would recommend keeping one for tied to the US and one phone with an Italian SIM card so you can get on the Internet hitting your bandwidth limit. 

SmartPhone Apps – Download:

-WhatsApp for phone calls/text messages if your making calls locally in Italy. 

-Google Translate to translate English to Italian

-Currency Exchange

-Flight Carrier App – I’m using American Airlines and British Airways

Credit Card & Cash – Find a credit card that doesn’t charge you fees for international transaction.  Most Credit Cards offer that for free like my American Airlines, JetBlue and American Express.  And don’t forgot to turn on your credit card to be active in Italy.  Cash is King of course and about 100 Euros / per day is enough, but it’s easier to lose and you may get killed on the exchange rate. 

USB Battery Packs and Cables – Make sure you have 2 USB Battery Packs to charge up your portable devices.  And double on cables as you may need it or your new best friend may ask to borrow it. 

First Aid & Medicine – I usually carry Excedrin for migraines and some sleeping medicine to help with my Jet Lag.        

Passports and Visa

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you're visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.

Visas for Italy are not required for passport holders of the United States. All other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities.
IMPORTANT: Please have your full itinerary with you upon arrival in Italy as you may be asked to provide flight details for your return home.

Medical and health information

You should consult with your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons your Tour Guide are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. In your free time, your Tour Guide will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility.

A traditional Italian meal start with something to nibble on, called an antipasto, which translates into English as "before the meal." In Italy, pasta is a first course or primo, served as an appetizer, not as the main event. Soup, rice, and polenta are the other options for the primo.

The main course is called "il secondo", or the second course. Chicken, meat, or fish are the usual choices and portions are generally small. These main courses are usually simple, especially if a rich pasta or rice dish precedes them. A platter of vegetables usually accompanies the main course. This side dish highlights the simple goodness of the vegetable. The word contorno loosely translates as "contours" and refers to the fact that the vegetable course helps shape and define the meal. There is some basic breakfast included on this trip which may simple include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice.

Soft drinks are available at very reasonable prices, but imported drinks are expensive. Wines are a very popular drink, which are Prosecco or Grappa. Still, in some hotels and restaurant you will be able to purchase beers, wines and spirits, you may pay more for imported alcohol. Please be aware of local laws, belief and traditions, and be very sensitive and respectful while consuming alcohol.

Vegetarians can be catered but there is a limited choice of vegetarian options. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally choices are basic, involving vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, egg, etc. Vegans and those on gluten free diets may fine this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own. Bruschetta is a common meal that most vegans and vegetarians order, which is a traditional antipasto, this is toasted bread rubbed with oil, garlic, and a variety of toppings to choose from. Just be aware of all the ingredients in the meals at the restaurants.

MONEY MATTERS

CURRENCY

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in Italy. The most convenient and cheapest way to acquire money in Europe is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat as they often referred to. Check with your bank in advance concerning the suitability of your account/card overseas and any international fees that will be applied. You can withdraw local currencies easily at currency that can be exchanged if the ATMs are not functioning. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Credit card are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash to pay for restaurant bills and other services.

SPENDING MONEY

When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly, so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier.

TIPPING

Gratuities aren't mandatory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. Italy has a tipping culture, and we suggest carrying small notes of local currency, as it makes tipping easier. To give you a bit of guidance, we've put together the following tipping notes. These are just suggestions, based on feedback from past travelers and our staff on the ground.

Throughout your trip you'll have an Insider Expert in addition to your Tour Guide. We suggest tipping these guides about $3 USD - $5 USD per day.

You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We suggest $3 USD - $6 USD per day for drivers.

You may also consider tipping your Tour Guide for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $2 USD - $4 USD per person, per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service and quality.

Although you shouldn't expect any aggressive selling techniques in Italy, please be aware that you may be approached by shop owners and street vendors offering their goods to you on regular occasions.

CONTIGENCY FUNDS

We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access funds in the case of an emergency. Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result there may be some extra costs involved.

Packing

Below is a suggested Packing List. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

Travel documents

Passport
Visas required for this trip (if applicable)
Travel insurance, including insurer details, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy number (even if you are travelling with credit card insurance)
Flight tickets or e-tickets
Your trip confirmation voucher
Photocopies of important documents - to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well and email a copy to yourself)
A printout of your trip documents
Spare passport photos
Driver's license

Luggage

On the majority of our trips, you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you will not be required to walk long distances with it. Please be sure that you are able to easily lift or carry your luggage. Some travelers carry their luggage in a backpack, though an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would be fine if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient but we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a daypack/bag to carry water and a camera etc. for daytrips.

Soft luggage, backpack or bag with wheels and straps Daypack
Padlocks (and keys) if carrying valuables

Personal health

First aid kit
Personal medication/prescriptions
Prescription glasses
Contact lenses and solution
High protection sunscreen (25+)
Lip balm/lip salve
Hat/wide brim hat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent Antihistamine/insect bite cream Antibacterial gel/wipes
Travel sickness tablets
Travel vaccination certificates
After-sun moisturizer
Aspirin and/or paracetamol
Rehydration powder (salts and glucose)
Anti-diarrhea pills (consult your doctor for more detailed advice)
Headache Medicine like Excedrin
Blister Bandages for your feet

Money matters

Money (cash/credit cards)
Your trip kitty (in cash)
Money belt or pouch
Pocket calculator (useful when exchanging money)

Sleeping

Eye mask
Alarm clock
Ear plugs
Night clothes/sleepwear

Clothing

For longer trips we recommend you choose clothing that is easy to wash and fast drying. Women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf for visiting mosques, churches and other places of worship. Ex-military or military- style clothing and equipment is not recommended in many areas. It's also a good idea to bring some smarter clothes for nights out.

DRESS CODE

Warm anorak/sweater/microfleece
Long-sleeved top (for evenings when mosquitoes are out)
Long trousers (zip-off trousers are very versatile)
Jeans/trousers/shorts
T-Shirts/cotton shirts
Socks/underwear
Washing line
Bio-degradable washing detergent

Wet weather

Raincoat
Small Umbrella
Waterproof bags for rain protection while walking Waterproof and windproof jacket
Waterproof trousers

Walking or hiking

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip Sandals/flip-flops
Hiking poles/walking sticks
Maps/GPS

Sightseeing

Binoculars
Camera equipment Film or memory cards
Spare batteries/charger
Dust proof camera bag
Trekking socks

Travel accessories

DVT socks
Comfortable daypack to carry your personal needs during the day Local language phrase book
Personal audio player
Portable games/playing cards
Reading material
Water bottle Pen/paper
Travel pillow
Journal/diary
Cloth/reusable shopping bag to reduce plastic bags Torch/flashlight
Water purification method and iodine taste neutralizer if required Electrical adapter for the country you are travelling to

Winter or extreme weather

Thermal underwear or base layers Beanie/woolly hat/balaclava Gloves (inner and outer layers) Hand warmers

Personal items

Toiletries
Travel hair dryer
Shaving equipment
Bath towel
Mobile phone - check you have international roaming access

WATER BOTTLE

Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe- keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash, and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while traveling. Hotels often have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.

Your Tour Guide will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your Tour Guide will assist you with the available options in the location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and AAA Exclusive Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS

Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodations which we use have a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY

While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

SEAT BELTS

Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

Travelling on a group trip

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the country and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Travel Insurance

INSURANCE RECOMMENDATION. Travel insurance coverage should include at minimum medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage of US$200,000 covering all applicable dates of travel with the tour. This insurance should cover personal injury, death and emergency medical expenses. We also recommended you extend your coverage to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience while traveling. You acknowledge that insurance coverage is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient coverage and comply with the terms of the applicable insurance plans. You are responsible for advising your insurer of the type of travel, destination(s) and activities included in your booking so that the insurer may provide appropriate coverage.


For factory travel tours, racetrack adventures, museum tours, stops at the most sumptuous restaurants, and a breathlessly complete, luxurious experience of the Italian countryside — all through the lens of fellow car enthusiasts — Motorsport Labs is your go-to guide to take in not only this work of art but also works of art made by Pagani, Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes and more.

Ray Chang