- Alert credit card companies and banks (if you will be using your ATM card to get cash) that you will be using the cards in Italy
- Make a list of numbers to call if credit cards are lost/stolen
- Send itinerary and flight info to family, put a copy in your checked luggage as well as carry on
- Send a link to this blog to family and friends
- Add international calling to cell phone plan
- Check the long-range forecast (www.weather.com) and make sure you have appropriate clothing
- Check the camera batteries; put the camera manual in your bag and pack extra batteries or a battery charger
- Update voice mail and e-mail auto-reply message
- Charge device batteries (pda, iPod, mobile phone) and spares
- E-mail critical documents to your webmail account
- Remove unnecessary cards from wallet (library, video rental, punch cards, extra credit cards)
Household stuff:
- Set heat and water heater at minimum
- Set lights on timers
- Turn off coffee pots or other appliances with automatic turn on
- Turn off ice maker
- Get rid of perishables in refrigerator
- Water plants
- Empty trash and clean kitchen
- Lock all windows and doors
- Power-off computer and other sensitive electronic equipment
Ellen-
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting to see what you have to say about public toilets: their availability and supplies.
Hmmm...as to availability, it really varies by town. I'd suggest taking advantage of the ones in any museum or church you visit. The next best bet is to use the rest room in a bar (coffee shop), but know that they will expect you to purchase something if you do (a cup of coffee or bottle of water, for example).
ReplyDeleteAs for supplies, I never leave "home" (hotel, apartment, wherever I happen to be staying) without a package or two of Kleenex and some anti-bacterial wipes, since it's impossible to predict what condition the facilities you'll find will be in.