•  To reduce the effects of jet-lag we recommend bringing noise cancelling headphones, an eye mask, and a neck travel pillow.

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• If you want to stay connected while on vacation, we recommend adding an international plan to your phone if possible for a month. T-mobile offers a cheap plan called Magenta for an additional $30 - unlimited talk and data. Check with your phone provider.

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• Most places accept credit card; minimal cash is needed. The currency used in Italy is the Euro. Exchange Rate $1 USD=$1.10 EUR

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• If you plan on driving we recommend to get an international drivers permit. A permit can be obtained at AAA for $30 USD. Note: this is required at the car rental agency. 

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• If you are intending on renting a car and are traveling with a toddler, a car seat can be obtained from the rental car agency.

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• If you choose to drive throughout Italy, there are tolls. You can either pay cash or credit card but follow the signs to the proper lanes (just like in USA).

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• Driving main highways are easy. Backroads and cities can be narrow. so we recommend getting a smaller car if you plan on navigating through cities and smaller towns.

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•  Follow confusing speed signs to avoid picture tickets. If you get fined the ticket will be sent to your rental car company and they will also fine you on top of the cost.

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• Download Waze app and get a car with gps if you have no cell phone plan. You will notice if you are driving in the fast lane people driving will flash you. This means "move over so I can pass."  

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•  Lake Como is close in proximity to Switzerland. We recommend making a day trip if you have time. It is a short 30 minutes drive to the Swiss canton of Ticino.

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• Italians take reposo so 12-2 is pretty dead; people eat dinner around 9 pm commonly but restaurants will be open most times

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• If you are ordering regular coffee, ask for "cafe americano". If you make the mistake of ordering a cafe or coffee you will receive a small espresso shot.

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