Hi there,

As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday, many of us are also preparing for summer vacations. Whether you are planning a road trip across the U.S. or an adventure overseas, a little preparation can make your journey much smoother.

Recently, several readers and travel planning clients have asked excellent questions before starting their trips. We thought we would share a few of them because if one traveler is wondering, chances are others are too.

✈Travel Update

Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES)

If Europe is on your travel calendar this year, be prepared for the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Travelers entering and existing the Schengen Area from outside the European Union will have their photo and fingerprints recorded the first time they enter.

Expect to spend extra time at passport control, especially during the busy summer travel season.

The good news is that the extra processing is primarily required during your first visit. Once your biometric information has been recorded, future trips should be quicker since border officials can verify your identity using the information already stored in the system. Your entries and exits are recorded electronically, eliminating the need for passport stamps.

👉 Read my post on our Resources & Tips page for more details.

💬 Ask Janet & Stuart

Do I need to tip in Italy?

This is one of the questions we hear most often from first-time visitors.

Unlike the United States, tipping isn't expected in every situation. Restaurants often include a coperto (cover charge) or servizio (service charge), as the help are paid a living wage, so leaving another 20% is not necessary. However, there are times when a small tip is appreciated, especially for exceptional service.

For example, when we stop at a local bar for a caffè (espresso), we typically stand at the counter or a high-top table and don't leave a tip. However, if we sit at a table and a server brings our order, we'll usually leave one or two euros as a small token of appreciation for the service.

I am working on a complete guide to tipping in Italy and other destinations around the world. Watch for it soon!

Can I take my prescription medications to Italy?

A client traveling to Italy this fall recently asked me this question.

The short answer is yes - but there are a few important guidelines to follow.

✔ Pack medications in your carry-on luggage.

✔ Keep medications in their original labeled containers. If possible, carry a copy of your prescription as well.

✔ Bring enough for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays.

✔ If you are traveling with controlled medications, injectable medications, or medical devices, you will need a certificate issued by the prescribing doctor.

In full transparency, we have traveled to Italy for more than 20 years and have never been asked to show our prescriptions or medication containers. However, every traveler's experience can be different, so it is always best to follow the recommended guidelines. A little preparation before departure can save a lot of stress during your trip.

🎒 Janet's Travel Find

One of the changes I have made this year is switching to a new toiletry bag.

I now use the compact toiletry bag included with the Shacke 8-Piece Packing Cube Set. At just 9" × 7" × 3.5", it fits perfectly inside my carry-on and keeps everything organized without taking up valuable packing space.

👉 Read my updated carry-on packing guide and see what's inside my bag.

⭐ Featured Article

Sedona: A Practical 5-Day Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Arizona? Our five-day itinerary includes scenic drives, easy hikes, local restaurant recommendations, and a memorable day trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim.

👉 Read the complete guide.

📬 Ask Us a Travel Question

Have a travel question you would like answered in a future newsletter?

Simply reply to this email. We read every message, and your question will be featured in an upcoming edition.

Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful Fourth of July!

Happy travels,

Janet & Stuart
Practical Travel Concepts​

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P.S.

✔️ Planning a road trip? We use DiscoverCars to compare rental prices and find the best deals - it’s an easy way to save both time and money before you hit the road.

✔️ Need reliable Wi-Fi while traveling? We recommend the Ryoko Pro portable Wi-Fi - it works in 112 countries!

✔️ Looking for travel tips? Check out our Resources & Tips page for our favorite recommendations we personally use and LOVE.

✔️ Know someone who loves to travel? Share this email and our blog post with friends and family - we truly appreciate it!