Great info/tips, thank you! Yes, we will use trains in E-R and rent a car when we leave (though we are now reconsidering E-R since it looks like we’ll be flying in/out of Rome. May sub in Campania - Salerno or Cilento - in its place).
2 Likes
I think this (my photo) is Giovinazzi!
1 Like
We went to Italy in 2023 - I was a novice traveler and planned it all for my family (uber stressful lol). What helped me was printing out the pre booked train tickets ahead of time as well as all my AirBnB info, and tour tickets. Just reduced a lot of worry of keeping it all in my phone.
Adding to those who absolutely loved Cinque Terre. We were also based in Florence and couldn’t fit in my dream (Amalfi coast) - Cinque Terre had similar, stunning cliffside views along the gorgeous Mediterranean!
2 Likes
I also like to have some of our online interntional trip stuff printed out. Just for peace of mind. Typically I put them in a clear sleeve, in order of use. Either discard each slip of paper or moved to back of the pile after done (sometimes I want the momento for a while).
There was a time when we had overnight train tickets from Venice to Munich. It was ever so confusing that the departure time changed a few minutes and the destination name was in italian and started with L (must have been an ultimate destinate). Was nice to have our big paper tickets to show at train station, confirm correct train.
6 Likes
I always print copies of all reservations, tickets, etc., and toss as we go. I am not someone who prints stuff - I go months without using my printer - but when I travel I print. Just in case!
5 Likes
Not sure if I saw the suggestion here or elsewhere, but I am using the Tripit Pro app to organize all my trip details, including confirmation numbers, adresses, check in and out times, and flight updates. I don’t have to enter anything manually-just forward my confirmation emails and all the pertinent details are transferred to the schedule in timeline form. It really is awesome.
Of course, being the vintage I am, there will also be paper copies of everything tucked in my luggage. Apparently, you can take the GenXer out of the 80s but you can’t take the 80s out of the GenXer. 
4 Likes
We had a change of heart. Were not totally happy with how Italy was shaping up. Just booked airfare to Spain instead, focusing on Madrid and Andalucia. Very much looking forward to it!
4 Likes
I was in Spain a couple of years ago, including quite a bit of time in the Andalucia region. I would have NEVER picked Spain as a destination if my DD hadn’t been living there at the time.
I had to force myself to plan this Croatia/Greece/Italy trip because I am OBSESSED with going back to Spain. I think about the magical places we saw constantly. I was shocked how much I loved it. But alas, life is short and I want to see so many things so a return will have to wait.
You made a good choice.
1 Like
We had this same trip planned in 2023 and switched to Portugal at the last minute. Not really sure why, and no regrets, but when we started looking at Spain again it seemed like it had everything we were looking for. We’re so excited. Happy to hear how much you loved it.
2 Likes
It will absolutely be worth the wait.