Guess what day it is?

That's right - for most of us it is the day before we depart the US of A for Ireland.  I am so happy this day is finally here!  Yip Yip Hurray

Ok here are the two final checklists - I won't be posting tomorrow and I will see most of you Saturday!!  Bonjour my friends!

 

Day of Travel

Check flight status!!

Make sure you have all your paperwork:

              Passport

              Boarding Passes

              Copy of passport

              Credit card bank info

              Driver’s license in case you need to rent a car

             

Make sure you have your credit and debit cards

 

Check your list of items that still need packed

 

Weigh your luggage to insure it is a little under regulation weight

 

Put luggage scale in carry-on

 

Make sure the fridge is empty

 

Run the dishwasher for the last time

 

Take all trash out

 

Dress comfortably and don’t wear jewelry – put your jewelry in your carry-on until you are on the plane

 

Separate you liquids you plan to carry-on in a quart size baggie and place on top of your carry-on

 

Leave for the airport with enough time to arrive 3 hours early

 

Once on the plane set your watch to the time of the country where you will arrive

 

 

Arriving in Dublin

1)      First stretch and smile the long flight is over and you have arrived in Ireland – the Emerald Isle.

 

2)      If an arrival form is needed it will be distributed sometime during the flight by the flight attendants.  Most forms are per family and only one is required for an entire immediate family.  Complete the form while on the plane so that you can proceed to passport control immediately.

 

3)      Once you land and deplane you will go to Passport Control.  You really do not even have to worry about signs – just follow the crowd.  Pay attention and go in the line specified.  There will be one line for European Union passports and another for all others. Don’t go to the bathroom on the way because you will end up at the end of the line.  When asked why you are traveling to Ireland you can tell them you are on Holiday.  No one in Ireland calls it a vacation.  In fact I cannot name one country I have been to that calls it vacation.  Everyone says they are on Holiday.   Most countries will allow the entire immediate family to approach the passport control booth.  Don’t be nervous. 

 

4)      Once through Passport Control you will claim any luggage that was checked.  Most airports have boards that display luggage carousel information by flight.  Collect your luggage and head to Customs.

 

5)      You must go through customs.  This is quite easy in Ireland since you are coming into the country with nothing to declare.  Well unless you are carrying 10 thousand dollars in currency, firearms, or expensive jewelry.  That has never been an issue for us.  J  You will go through the Customs line that says “nothing to declare” (green channel).  This will take you outside of the restricted area to the arrivals hall.

 

6)      At this point we normally look for an ATM so that we can withdraw our first Euro. 

 

7)      The Hotel will provide transportation.  I have already emailed everyone concerning this. 

WE LEAVE ON FRIDAY!! WHOOP WHOOP

I know I emailed this to everyone but for those who don't have email - here is the checklist for the day before:

Check flight status

Check seat status – double check the seat map online to make sure you are in the best seat – once you check-in you cannot change your seat

Check into flights and print boarding passes

Check banking accounts

Take out trash

Do last minute laundry

Finish packing – only leave out what you need to use.  Attach a note to luggage with those items

Check passport and documents

Make sure all ebooks and mobile apps have been downloaded

Make sure you know how long you will need to get to the airport – you should be there 3 hours prior to flight departure.  Take into account rush hour traffic for large cities

Pick out your flight outfit and set it by your luggage (Do not take valuable jewelry and don’t wear any until you are through security)

Set your out of office for email if applicable

Change your phone for work if applicable

Inform your closest friends you will be overseas and not to call or text

Change your purse to the purse you plan to carry

Charge all of your electronics – charging brick, phone, kindle, laptop, camera battery, etc

GET A GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP!!!  You will need it.

Literally Hours Away

We are literally hours away from trip time.  In 96 hours most of us will be at the airport or on our way to the airport!  The Euro is at 89 cents on the dollar today.  Or - it takes 1.12 US to buy 1 Euro.  I do not see much of a change over the next few days however we can still pray.

Dublin weather for Saturday is forecasted at a high of 63 and a low of 50 with only 10% chance of rain.  The following 2 days are highs in the mid to high 60s and lows in the low 50s with 10% chance of rain.  Tuesday is a 60% chance of rain.

If there are any last minute questions please let me know. 

Can't wait!

Yes - more and Debit and Credit cards

I wanted to add a little more about using an ATM overseas.  Normally we do not keep all of the funds in checking.  Just in case the card gets compromised or stolen we only keep so much at a time.  We keep the rest in savings and then transfer when we find Wi-Fi.

I swore I read on the TCU web site that they charge 1%. 

I ended up calling them because when I look on my bank statement from last October I see different percent's.  In one instance they are charging me 2% and in the next 1.6%.  So I called TCU and they told me their fee is 2% and I was lucky I was undercharged.    NOTE:  You pay the percent on the US cash withdrawn.  I would say the 170.09 below was most like 150 Euro and the 282.41 was 250 Euro.

This is from Navy Federal where they charge 1% with a fee of $1.  As you can see all transactions were 1% plus $1 for each withdrawal.  I love Navy FC because they also allow up to $500 a day withdrawal. 

Some more good info:

Essential tips for using debit and credit cards while travelling

1. Pay using a credit card whenever possible.

Foreign ATMs can still inflate their exchange rates and charge withdrawal fees, but a direct credit card payment only involves the credit card you signed up with in your home country. And with a good points or cashback program, this beats any other method of foreign payment.
Bottom line? Always pay with a credit card, but NEVER withdraw cash from an ATM with one. Credit cards charge interest on cash advances from the moment you withdraw it at the ATM.

2. Never take the option of paying in your own currency

Card terminals at shops and hotels will often detect that your card is from another country and offer to bill you in your home currency. Never choose this option – always pay in the foreign currency! The exchange rate offered will be inflated by the card terminal, so if you’re using one of the credit cards recommended above, you will receive a much better exchange rate.

3. Inform your debit and credit card providers of your travels

Credit and debit cards are frequently being monitored by security departments for suspicious activity. If you’re from the U.S. and you make an ATM withdrawal in Thailand when they don’t know you’re overseas, this could appear suspicious to your bank, and your card might be locked the next time you withdraw. Give your bank or credit card provider a call and let them know when and where you’ll be travelling. Take it from us – you do not want to be stuck without cash and a useless card!

4. Obtain at least one debit and credit card on each of the Visa/Plus and MasterCard/Cirrus networks.

Even if you follow the advice in tip #3, it’s possible your card could get locked anyway. On top of that, it’s easy to find yourself in a situation where an ATM accepts only one network and not the other. For example, when we travelled in Japan, the only ATMs we could find that would even accept international cards were at 7-Eleven, and they only worked with cards on the Visa/Plus network. I speak from experience – there’s nothing more stressful than needing more cash and not being able to withdraw it, so be prepared and bring multiple cards on multiple networks.

ONE WEEK

Can you believe it?  We are finally a week away.  So here it the one week check list!! 

1 week before:

1) Decide what credit cards you are going to take.  I would not take more than 3.  You do not want to worry about calling multiple credit card companies if your wallet is lost or stolen.  However I always take 3 in case I have an issue with one or leave one somewhere.  Write down the name of the bank and the phone number and take it with you in case you need to report a card lost or stolen.  I don't like taking a picture with my phone in the event I lose my phone and someone can pull the picture.  I don't like taking photo copies either since I can lose a photo copy.  You really only need the bank name and telephone number.  Most have numbers listed for use when overseas. 

After you decide which credit cards you are taking (preferably ones with no foreign transactions fees) contact the bank and let them know you will be traveling overseas.  Many banks now allow you to do this online.  If Chase is one of your cards pull up the account information screen and under "Things you can do" select Update settings & preferences - Travel notifications.  I just use the message center with TCU and send a message.

2) Decide what debit cards you are going to take.  I have said this in the past and I will say it again.  If possible carry at least 2 debit cards from separate banks.  I know not everyone uses more than one bank.  Maybe if you are only using one bank be sure you can take a cash advance in an emergency from one of the credit cards. 

Contact the bank for two reasons: 

One to make sure your daily withdrawal limit is high enough.  We have ours set to $400 and $500.  Not all banks allow $500.  I know TCU only allows $400.  This is the amount you can withdraw from you account in a 24 hour period.  Keep in mind this is a rolling 24 hour period.  If you withdraw $400 at 10am on Saturday May 28th you will not be able to withdraw more funds until after 10am on Sunday May 29th.  That is another reason we use more than one bank.  NOTE:  Many banks perform maintenance certain times of the day.  We have had issues with TCU.  They seem to do maintenance around 3am Eastern time.  Ireland is 5 hours ahead so that is 8am in Ireland.  Don't panic - just wait an hour and try again.  Also many banks overseas do not offer a checking or savings account option.  It automatically chooses checking account for the funds.

Two is to inform the bank you will be traveling overseas.  If you already know your daily withdrawal limit and it is high enough you can notify the bank of your travel plans online with most banks. 

3) First check your passport to make sure it is valid for at least 6 months.  Hopefully you did this a few months ago.  Take 2 photo copies of your passport.  Leave one photo copy with a family member or friend and take one with you.  Never keep your photo copy and your passport together.  In the event your passport is lost or stolen you will need the photo copy. 

Make sure you know where the US Embassies are located in the country you are visiting.  In Ireland the US Embassy is in Dublin.  In Italy the US Embassies are in Milan, Florence, Naples, Rome, and VPP San Marino.

4) Make 2 copies of your itinerary.  One to take with you and one to leave with a family member or friend.

5) Get your packing list ready.  I decide what I am going to pack a week prior to give me time to make sure everything is laundered and ready to go.  I pack everything that I can leaving only a little until the last minute. 

6) Check with the airlines to make sure flight times have not changed.  You can usually do this through the airline's mobile app.

7) Check for any travel alerts.  http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

7) Start to empty the fridge so you won't have to throw anything away. 

8) Make sure you have all of the prescription medicines you need.

9) Register your trip with the government.  https://step.state.gov/step/

10) If you do not have anyone staying at your house or checking your mail have them hold your mail at the post office.  An overfull mailbox is a sure sign of someone not home.  Same with any newspaper subscriptions. 

11) If you plan to use your cell phone overseas contact your carrier to be sure you won't have any issues.  Purchase an international plan to save money.  With Verizon you can add the plan right before you leave and remove the plan once you return.  Fun fact - European countries call their cell phone their mobile.

12) Make sure any bill due while you are overseas is paid in advance.  I always plan to be covered a few extra days in case of a delay and unseen circumstances. 

13) Download e-books and apps you plan to use on your phone or kindle.  Make sure you have the pieces you need such as charging cord and outlet plug.

14) Try to learn a few phrases in Italian. 

15) Make sure you have everything you need that you haven't purchased yet.  Items such as munchies, over the counter medicine, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, travel bottles for shampoo and conditioner, luggage scale, travel hairspray, travel deodorant, razors, travel shaving cream, wet wipes, makeup wipes, q-tips, travel body wash, etc.  I usually take an inventory of what I have and then make a list and shop a week prior so I have time to get everything.  Don't forget your travel adapter!!  You can get this on amazon usually within a week.

After all this is finished sit back and relax for a bit.

NOTE:  If you have health issues look into travel insurance if the card you purchased the flight with dos not offer travel insurance.  Medical care can be costly overseas. 

Debit and Credit Cards

I just want to touch again on Debit and Credit cards.  The best Debit cards to use are usually credit union cards.  I know that the three credit unions that we have only charge a 1% foreign transaction free on ATM withdrawals.  Teacher's Credit Union does not charge any ATM fee but Navy Federal Credit Union charges $1.  NOTE:  Teachers Credit Union is 2%.  I am not sure about Honor Credit Union because we couldn't use it the last time we were in Ireland and Italy.  I called them yesterday and they were trying to push some travel card.  Banks are changing all the time.  We never had an issue with Honor until this past trip. 

You will see exchange bureaus and they will say no fee charged for exchange - however they will give you really crappy exchange rates.  Instead of giving you 88 cents on the dollar they only give you 81 cents which means you are giving up 7 cents on every dollar or 7%. 

GOOD NEWS THOUGH - THE EXCHANGE RATE IS BACK TO 89 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR.  OR THE OTHER WAY - $1.12US TO BUY 1 EURO.  LETS HOPE NEXT WEEK IT IS CLOSER TO 92 CENTS AGAIN.

If you have a regular bank card think about getting a credit union card.  I am not sure if it is possible in a week but it will save you 2% or more on every transaction plus up to $2 each withdrawal.  If you are with a different credit union than Teachers, Honor, or Navy - check their foreign exchange rate and ATM fee. 

AND DON'T FORGET TO RAISE YOUR DAILY LIMIT IF IT IS LOW.  So I called TCU today because I saw something online about $500 daily withdrawl limit.  I guess that is a one time thing and it is still only $400.  She then proceeded to tell me that they just raised it to $400 last year.  I told her she was crazy and I have been using my card for years overseas and it has been at $400 for as long as I could remember.  Then she asked why I wanted it at $500.  I told her I was heading overseas.  So then she asked if I wanted to put a notification on the card.  I told her I did online.  She said you can't online.  I had to explain to her how you definitely can online you just have to send a message.  SCARY!!

Lets talk about credit cards too.  Just this morning I received a fraud alert text for one of the credit cards I plan to take with me.  Someone had my card number and security code and charged something in London.  They had to put a stop on the account and send me a new card.  Thankfully they can overnight one so I will have it in time for the trip.  With that said - take more than one credit card.  If you only take one credit card and you lose it or there is fraud and they shut it down you will be SOL!  I normally take 3 credit cards also. 

DIRECTLY FROM FODORS:

Ten Simple Rules for Exchanging Your Money

1. ATMs are still the best choice for day-to-day funds.

Although some banks have high fees to use foreign ATMs, not to mention adding on high foreign-transaction fees (Bank of America, for example, charges $5 per withdrawal plus 3% premium on top of each withdrawal at a non-partner ATM), the ATM is still almost always the cheapest option for changing your money. And if your bank has international ATMs or partner banks abroad, you can sometimes save a little on your cash withdrawals; that's true even at BOA, which charges just 1% at member banks and no other fees. Capitol One Bank charges nothing for a foreign ATM withdrawal, while other banks such as Chase charge 3% on top of every withdrawal as well as a $3 fee. It pays to shop around for a bank if you travel a lot internationally.

2. "No-fee" bureau de change are usually the most expensive places to change money.

When you see a sign that offers "no-fee" currency exchange, be sure to check the rates. You'll notice that they are almost always significantly worse than what you'd get if you had simply taken money out of an ATM. It's a good idea to keep up to date on the latest Interbank rates (the rates banks pay for foreign currency) to find out if you are getting a good deal. A web site like www.xe.com can give you those rates, which change daily. At best, you normally pay between 4% and 9% of the total amount you are exchanging to change money into a foreign currency, and this cost is usually built into the bad exchange rate. You pay again to change your euros or pounds back into dollars, so think carefully how much cash you actually need on a day to day basis.

Questioins Answered

I have had a few more questions asked so I would like to share the answers:

1) Best offline language translation app - I like to use the Italian Dictionary by iThinkdiff.  They also offer other languages.  Easy to use and it allows you to hear the word or phrase.

2) Do I carry the passport(s) with me at all times?      I always carry ours with me everywhere.  If he has shorts or pants that have a pocket that button then he carries them.  I don't trust leaving them in the room or room safes.  I might consider a room safe if I am going somewhere like the beach or pool. 


3) Should I take US cash over with me?    I take a couple hundred in case of an emergency.  All cash I use overseas is accessed through an ATM.  It is very expensive to get money exchanged at a exchange bureau. 


DIRECTLY FROM FODORS:

Ten Simple Rules for Exchanging Your Money

1. ATMs are still the best choice for day-to-day funds.

Although some banks have high fees to use foreign ATMs, not to mention adding on high foreign-transaction fees (Bank of America, for example, charges $5 per withdrawal plus 3% premium on top of each withdrawal at a non-partner ATM), the ATM is still almost always the cheapest option for changing your money. And if your bank has international ATMs or partner banks abroad, you can sometimes save a little on your cash withdrawals; that's true even at BOA, which charges just 1% at member banks and no other fees. Capitol One Bank charges nothing for a foreign ATM withdrawal, while other banks such as Chase charge 3% on top of every withdrawal as well as a $3 fee. It pays to shop around for a bank if you travel a lot internationally.

2. "No-fee" bureau de change are usually the most expensive places to change money.

When you see a sign that offers "no-fee" currency exchange, be sure to check the rates. You'll notice that they are almost always significantly worse than what you'd get if you had simply taken money out of an ATM. It's a good idea to keep up to date on the latest Interbank rates (the rates banks pay for foreign currency) to find out if you are getting a good deal. A web site like www.xe.com can give you those rates, which change daily. At best, you normally pay between 4% and 9% of the total amount you are exchanging to change money into a foreign currency, and this cost is usually built into the bad exchange rate. You pay again to change your euros or pounds back into dollars, so think carefully how much cash you actually need on a day to day basis.

Prayers

Prayers everyone - we need to change this weather forecast!!  We do not want rain our first 3 days!! 😩😩

Countdown

Countdown - 11 days or in the words of Riddler (Rick Middleton) 10 and a wake up.

FYIs

I am hearing a lot of horror stories about the security lines at O'Hare and people who arrived 3 hours prior to their flight not making their flights.  I will check next week and if it is still bad I would suggest leaving even earlier than planned.  I would say be there 4 hours before you depart.  And remember - O'Hare is on Central time so they are an hour behind of us.  If you depart at 6pm O'Hare time then that is 7pm our time.

The dollar is recovering a little against the Euro.  Today it is at 1.13US to 1 Euro.  Not much better but every little bit helps.

We are getting close so start packing!!  Remember if you bring small appliances such as razors, flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers they must be dual voltage and be able to handle 220 volts.  Also remember their plugs are different and you will need a converter to plug in a US item.

Check to see how full the flight is and if you want to change seats.

TSA Security

Dear Traveler,   Whether you have seen news stories or read articles about longer lines in airport security, it is happening now in many of the larger airports and is expected to spread to more airports. The article below is from Travel Mole, May 12, 2016 and lists some of the reasons for this trend.   Most current recommendations say arrive and be checked in at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and at some airports three hours may be needed for domestic flights.   You can check wait times for your airport on the day of departure. Visit...   TSA Website: https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/wait_times_home.aspx   From iTunes - MiFlight App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/miflight-airport-security/id775201158?mt=8   From iTunes - Gate Guru App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gateguru-airport-info-flight/id326862399?mt=8    Another great idea - Enroll in one of the "Trusted Traveler" programs from the Department of Homeland Security... Go to https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-programs to begin enrollment. TSA Pre✓: I primarily fly within the U.S. Global Entry: I fly both within the U.S. and internationally NEXUS: I primarily travel between the U.S. and Canada SENTRI: I primarily travel by land into the U.S. from Mexico   Source: Travel Mole May 12, 2016 Travelers face long airport security lines The perfect storm of big spring break crowds, heightened security measures and a shortfall of TSA screeners is adding up to long security lines at airports across the country.   The Transportation Security Administration is asking flyers to check in two hours before their flight, blaming a lukewarm response to the agency's fast track PreCheck program.   "Approximately 6.5 million people are enrolled in Trusted Traveler programs including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, with more than 2 million in TSA PreCheck alone. The more people who enroll, the faster screening is for everybody," a TSA statement said.   The TSA cut the number of security screeners by 10% over the last three years in anticipation of many more travelers joining the PreCheck program, which costs $85-$100 for five years.   When this didn't materialize, non-approved travelers were randomly added to fast track lanes to help speed up screening times but this was discontinued due to increasing security fears.   Current wait times are typically up to 90 minutes at some airports at peak times.   The agency says PreCheck express lanes screen up to 300 passengers every hour, which is twice the speed of the standard lanes.   Initially, the TSA said it expected 25 million people to join the programs but on the current rate of enrolment, it will take four years to reach that target.   "We had unacceptable line waits at the majority of our hubs. Based on what the TSA is telling us, there is no relief in sight," said Robert Isom, chief operating officer of American Airlines.   Letter-style emails are best used for addressing a single topic. Write in a professional yet friendly fashion, and be as specific as possible about what you're trying to communicate.

Pickup at the Dublin Airport

Just a reminder for when you get off the plane in Dublin Ireland.

We have 5 people arriving on a WestJet flight at 7:18am on Saturday May 28th.  The next group of 12 will be arriving on a United flight at 7:50am. Then we have 2 people arriving on an Aer Lingus flight at 8:40am.  The final group of 10 will be arriving on an Aer Lingus flight arrive at 9:45.

We have 6 people arriving on Sunday May 29th. 

So the plan:

The hotel shuttle can only handle 8 passengers at a time.

Shuttle at 8:30am - The 5 arriving on WestJet and 3 from the United 7:50am.  We will be renting a car so 2 of the people from the United 7:50am flight will could come with us.

Shuttle at 9:30am - The remaining 5 from the United 7:50am flight and the 2 from the Aer Lingus 8:40am flight.

Shuttle at 10:30am - We will be back to pick up the 2 people that cannot fit on this shuttle from the Aer Lingus 9:45am flight.

Bus pickup location:

5

Seventeen Days

I am happy to report that we are 17 days away from our trip.  Can you believe it?  I am so excited and ready.  I am unhappy to report that the dollar is still trading weak against the Euro.  We are right around 1 Euro costing $1.14 US.  I think we should just figure it will stay there.  If the dollar trades stronger than bonus for us.

With that said - to arrive at the US price on a Euro you will times the price times 1.14.  So staying someplace that costs 30 Euro would be about 34.20 US. 

Also I just wanted to repost converting overseas.

Europe is on the metric system.  You will not hear terms such as pounds, miles, gallons, or Fahrenheit.  Instead it will be kilograms, kilometers, liters, and Celsius.  There are little tricks you can use to convert.  They may not be 100% accurate but you will be really close:

Kilograms = 1 kilogram is about 2.2 pounds.  So 10 kilograms would be 22 pounds and so on.  The actual true conversion is 1 kilogram is 2.20462 pounds.  The easiest for me is to double the kilograms and then add the first number to the total.  For 10 kilograms I double it (20) and then I would add the first number of 2 for 22 pounds.  For 15 kilograms I double it (30) and then I would add the first number of 3 for 33 pounds.  For 28 kilograms I double it (56) and then add the first number of 5 for 61 pounds.

In Europe when referring to someone's weight they also use the term stones.  1 stone is 14 pounds.  So if someone says they weigh 10 stones then they weigh 140 pounds.

Kilometers = 1 kilometer is .62137 miles.  My cheat for this is to take the kilometers and divide by 2 and add back 10%.  So if the speed limit is 100 kilometers it would be 100 / 2 = 50 + 10% (10) for a total of 60.  The true answer would be 62 miles but as you can see we are extremely close and divide by 2 and add back 10% is super easy. 

Liters = 1 liter is .264172 gallons so 4 liters is 1.05669 gallons.  So this one is easy because it is safe to say there are 4 liters in a gallon.  So if you wants 10 galls of gas it will take 40 liters.  True would be 10.57 gallons for 40 liters.  As you can see close enough. 

Celsius =  C to F: Multiply the temperature by 2 and then add 30 (actual formula is multiply by 1.8, add 32)   ex: 22 C is roughly equal to 74 degrees using my method, actual conversion is 71.6

F to C: Now just work it backwards, subtract 30 from the temp. and then divide by 2
Currency conversion changes with the exchange rate.  The exchange rate today is 1 US dollar is equal to .92 cent Euro.  So first you need to figure out what 1 Euro is equal to in US dollars.  So on a calculator take 100 and divide by 92.  The result is 1.09.  (I rounded to make it easier - actual is 1.086)  So if something costs 10 Euro then it would cost 10.90 US.  (Actual would be 10.86)  If you want to make it even easier then add 10%.  So something that cost 35 Euro would be 38.50 US.  (Actual would be 38.02)

THREE weeks from today!!

We are officially 3 weeks away from boarding our transatlantic flights to Ireland.  Yip Yip hooray!

Here is the week before checklist - something to think about because it will be here very soon.

1 week before:

1) Decide what credit cards you are going to take.  I would not take more than 3.  You do not want to worry about calling multiple credit card companies if your wallet is lost or stolen.  However I always take 3 in case I have an issue with one or leave one somewhere.  Write down the name of the bank and the phone number and take it with you in case you need to report a card lost or stolen.  I don't like taking a picture with my phone in the event I lose my phone and someone can pull the picture.  I don't like taking photo copies either since I can lose a photo copy.  You really only need the bank name and telephone number.  Most have numbers listed for use when overseas. 

After you decide which credit cards you are taking (preferably ones with no foreign transactions fees) contact the bank and let them know you will be traveling overseas.  Many banks now allow you to do this online.  If Chase is one of your cards pull up the account information screen and under "Things you can do" select Update settings & preferences - Travel notifications.  I just use the message center with TCU and send a message.

2) Decide what debit cards you are going to take.  I have said this in the past and I will say it again.  If possible carry at least 2 debit cards from separate banks.  I know not everyone uses more than one bank.  Maybe if you are only using one bank be sure you can take a cash advance in an emergency from one of the credit cards. 

Contact the bank for two reasons: 

One to make sure your daily withdrawal limit is high enough.  We have ours set to $400 and $500.  Not all banks allow $500.  I know TCU only allows $400.  This is the amount you can withdraw from you account in a 24 hour period.  Keep in mind this is a rolling 24 hour period.  If you withdraw $400 at 10am on Saturday May 28th you will not be able to withdraw more funds until after 10am on Sunday May 29th.  That is another reason we use more than one bank.  NOTE:  Many banks perform maintenance certain times of the day.  We have had issues with TCU.  They seem to do maintenance around 3am Eastern time.  Ireland is 5 hours ahead so that is 8am in Ireland.  Don't panic - just wait an hour and try again.  Also many banks overseas do not offer a checking or savings account option.  It automatically chooses checking account for the funds.

Two is to inform the bank you will be traveling overseas.  If you already know your daily withdrawal limit and it is high enough you can notify the bank of your travel plans online with most banks. 

3) First check your passport to make sure it is valid for at least 6 months.  Hopefully you did this a few months ago.  Take 2 photo copies of your passport.  Leave one photo copy with a family member or friend and take one with you.  Never keep your photo copy and your passport together.  In the event your passport is lost or stolen you will need the photo copy. 

Make sure you know where the US Embassies are located in the country you are visiting.  In Ireland the US Embassy is in Dublin.  In Italy the US Embassies are in Milan, Florence, Naples, Rome, and VPP San Marino.

4) Make 2 copies of your itinerary.  One to take with you and one to leave with a family member or friend.

5) Get your packing list ready.  I decide what I am going to pack a week prior to give me time to make sure everything is laundered and ready to go.  I pack everything that I can leaving only a little until the last minute. 

6) Check with the airlines to make sure flight times have not changed.  You can usually do this through the airline's mobile app.

7) Check for any travel alerts.  http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

7) Start to empty the fridge so you won't have to throw anything away. 

8) Make sure you have all of the prescription medicines you need.

9) Register your trip with the government.  https://step.state.gov/step/

10) If you do not have anyone staying at your house or checking your mail have them hold your mail at the post office.  An overfull mailbox is a sure sign of someone not home.  Same with any newspaper subscriptions. 

11) If you plan to use your cell phone overseas contact your carrier to be sure you won't have any issues.  Purchase an international plan to save money.  With Verizon you can add the plan right before you leave and remove the plan once you return.  Fun fact - European countries call their cell phone their mobile.

12) Make sure any bill due while you are overseas is paid in advance.  I always plan to be covered a few extra days in case of a delay and unseen circumstances. 

13) Download e-books and apps you plan to use on your phone or kindle.  Make sure you have the pieces you need such as charging cord and outlet plug.

14) Try to learn a few phrases in Italian. 

15) Make sure you have everything you need that you haven't purchased yet.  Items such as munchies, over the counter medicine, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, travel bottles for shampoo and conditioner, luggage scale, travel hairspray, travel deodorant, razors, travel shaving cream, wet wipes, makeup wipes, q-tips, travel body wash, etc.  I usually take an inventory of what I have and then make a list and shop a week prior so I have time to get everything.  Don't forget your travel adapter!!  You can get this on amazon usually within a week.

After all this is finished sit back and relax for a bit.