Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Questions

  • Yes, you will defintily need a passport to travel abroad. If you do not have a passport or yours will expire prior to the trip, please follow this link to apply or renew: Apply Now

    The sooner you apply the better, as it often takes months to get your new passport

  • No, although if you decide you want one, you'll need to purchase it in the U.S. Rail tickets can be purchased for each individual trip, but there are some advantages to having a rail pass. First, there is peace-of-mind when not worrying about buying tickets every time you want to travel. This is especially important in major European train stations where buying a ticket can be a time consuming and confusing process. Second, depending on how much you travel, rail passes can save you money. Try to tailor your pass to the type of trip you are planning. If you stay in each destination for several days, you can find passes that allow a certain number of days of rail travel within a given time period (usually 1-2 months). If you think you might travel on a train every single day, you can find rail passes for unlimited travel for several weeks or months. Rail passes can save you money, but only if you use them wisely and buy the pass that best suits your trip. For more on railpasses and how to use the trains, see RailEurope.

  • No, most cellphone plans have an abroad plan for the duration of your trip. Usually, once you land in a different country, you will recieve a text from your plan asking if you would like to accept international charges. These charges usually range between .29 cents to a dollar a day to use your data and keep your phone opperating as if it were in the US. This will be the cheapest option for you as public wifi is easily found and wifi will be availble at the Borgo.

  • Each country often has their own outlet system for charging electronic devices. Click here to purchase a universal outlet.

  • No, it will ultimately be cheaper and easier to utilize public transportation throughout Europe. However, if you are planning to rent a car/bike on your trip, it will be a travel essential to get an international driving permit. The rules differ from country to country so do your research and apply well in time.

  • Once landed in the country you will be staying in, there will be an ATM at the airport or train station that accepts credit and debit cards. There will also be an exchange counter should you wish to exchange dollars for euros. The exchange rate is usually pretty close to the US dollar and most restaurants and shops take cards and Apple Pay. However, it is always nice to have a handful of euros for gelato as it is often only 2 euros for 2 scoops!

  • The flight over usually consists of an in flight dinner, beverages, dessert, breakfast, and coffee/tea. Between the two meals it is encouraged to sleep: the lights will be turned off and you will be provided a fresh pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs/headphones. Some may wish to take melatonin or a sleep aid during this time, or there are a variety of inflight entertaininment options such as movies, games, and tv shows. Once you’ve landed, it is encouraged to push through the day and go to bed relatively early. Most flights land at around 9 am local time, we recommend getting coffee, checking into where you are staying, and planning one easy thing to do for the day. If you are able to push through and go to bed around 8 pm, normally you will wake up the next day feeling refreshed and ready for a busier schedule!

  • We reccomend starting the process of booking and reserving about a year in advance of your trip. For help with travel planning, Click Here

Health and Safety

  • When traveling abroad it is reccomended to have your perscription medications in their original pharmacy distributed bottles as immigration may need to check these. For over the counter medicine, most European countries’ pharmaceuticals are more regulated than in the US, therefore you may not be able to find the drug you are looking for or may find a holistic alternative. We reccomend packing the medicine you know works best for your body.

  • No, there are no specific vaccinations required to travel to Europe at this time. However, we highly reccomend carrying your COVID-19 vaccination card with your passort and ID as you never know when it might be asked of you to show proof of vaccination. We also recommend carrying masks with you throughout the trip as some places still require masks to enter.

  • No, your health insurance will not cover anything outside of the US unless you have an international plan. However, all European countries have a socialized health care system, therefore as a tourist you will be covered under the country’s health care system and therefore will not be charged for any medical care you may need, including hospitalization.

  • Pick pocketing in Europe is a significant concern. We highly reccomend keeping your passport, photo ID/drivers license, phone, and any other important documents in a small pouch or bag worn on your chest or under your clothing at all times. Do not keep important items like wallets or phones in your pockets. Do not leave important documents in the hotel at the Villa or Borgo either, always carry them on your person. Click Here to purchase the bag we are using.

What do I wear?

  • Comfortable clothing but not pajamas. Black leggings, sweat pants, basketball shorts, t-shirt, sports bra, oversized sweatshirt, no makeup, and tennis shoes. You will defintitly want socks on the flight as it tends to get cold easily.

  • There will be a pool and it will be perfect weather for swimming, so we highly reccomend bringing a bathing suit (towels will be provided). For clothing during the day think comfort and ease for lots of walking. Jeans, black leggings, chinos, short sleeve shirts, and comfy walking shoes are perfect. For dinners at the villa you are welcome to dress a little nicer like a maxi dress or summer dress with sandals or slaks and a polo or button down shirt. since the weather will be warm.

  • Churches in Italy and most of Europe are strict with their clothing policy in order to enter. This means that for women and non binary folks, shoulders and knees must be covered in order to enter. Shorts are not usually permitted no matter the gender.

  • The wedding will be formal without being too sweaty or stuffy. Most people will wear cocktail dresses or suits. Everyone will be in photos, so look sharp!

  • The comfier the better! Most Italians do not wear leggings or athletic street wear, however if you are going to wear leggings stick to black. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing as often during a day out there will not be an opportunity to go back to the Villa.