A few things worth knowing.
Helpful travel context for getting there, getting comfortable, staying connected and enjoying the coast.
Get a feel for the coast.
These are here to make the trip feel more familiar — scenery, towns and a few useful travel tips. Browse whatever looks interesting.
Italy Travel Tips for First Timers
Happy to Wander · practical context for traveling in Italy.
Top 10 Places on the Amalfi Coast
Ryan Shirley · scenic orientation to the coast.
Positano Travel Vlog
A visual look at the streets, shops and beach.
Ravello Italy Vlog
Dana Berez · Ravello and the Amalfi Coast.
What happens when we land?
The arrival process is a sequence, not a puzzle. Once you are through the airport, two pre-arranged vans will take us from Naples to Palazzo Pascal.
Passport control
Follow signs for passport control / non-EU passports and have your passport ready.
Baggage claim
Collect checked bags before heading toward the airport exit.
Customs
Continue through the appropriate customs channel. If you are carrying restricted or declarable goods, follow the airport’s customs directions.
Meet the vans
Our two pre-arranged vans will take the group to Palazzo Pascal. Help with bags will be available as needed.
A few things worth knowing before you go.
Keep the essentials close.
Passport, airline app, boarding pass and confirmations should be easy to reach. If you use TSA PreCheck, confirm it appears on the boarding pass.
Cards + a little cash.
Cards will handle most purchases. A small amount of euros is useful for incidentals. Know whether your cards charge foreign-transaction fees.
Keep valuables boring.
A zipped crossbody, secure wallet or front pocket is helpful in busy airports, ferries and tourist areas. Split cards/cash rather than keeping everything together.
Keep the useful stuff simple.
Set up your phone before departure, bring your normal cables, and save anything important offline.
Phone & Internet
- Choose your carrier’s international option or an eSIM before leaving.
- Download offline Google Maps for Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
- Save Palazzo Pascal and key travel addresses where you can reach them without service.
Charging
- Bring your usual phone/watch/headphone cables.
- A portable battery is useful on sightseeing and boat days.
- Check device labels for 100–240V input; a plug adapter changes the plug shape, not voltage.
One adapter per guest.
Robin & Darin are bringing one multi-port Italy travel adapter for each guest.
Comfort makes a difference.
Not rules — just the little things that can make a long flight, curvy roads and a boat day feel much better.
Layers, water, movement.
- Comfortable layers and sleep items.
- Support/compression socks if you like them.
- Walk and stretch when you can.
- Keep water and critical medications in your carry-on.
Sun, water + motion.
- Motion-sickness medicine if useful for you.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Swimwear, cover-up, sandals and optional waterproof phone pouch.
Keep essentials where you can reach them.
Regular medications, a few comfort items and basic documentation belong in carry-on luggage rather than a checked bag.
Medications
- Keep prescriptions and necessary supplies in carry-on luggage.
- Keep medicines in original labeled packaging whenever practical.
- Carry copies of prescriptions or a clinician note when useful.
- For temperature-controlled medicine, follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Small things that make travel easier.
This section can grow as we think of more useful little tips.
Bring a refillable bottle.
Pack it empty through airport security and refill afterward.
Coffee sabbatical?
If espresso culture is not your thing, tea is an easy pivot. The Food & Drinks page has a coffee cheat sheet.
The coast is beautiful — and not flat.
Expect stone, stairs and hills. Comfortable shoes will earn their suitcase space.
Save key addresses offline.
Screenshots and offline maps are handy when service is slow or you are moving between towns.
Check your cards before leaving.
Know foreign-transaction fees and travel notification requirements for your bank.
Keep it simple.
Commercially packaged, shelf-stable snacks are easiest. Check EU rules before packing foods that contain meat or dairy.
What to expect at U.S. customs.
On return, U.S. Customs and Border Protection handles entry. Keep receipts for purchases handy and declare food/agricultural items you are carrying.
Passport / entry
Follow the entry process at your first U.S. airport and answer the CBP declaration questions.
Bags on a connection
If your itinerary connects in the U.S., you generally collect checked bags at the first U.S. port of entry, clear customs, then recheck them.
Food & purchases
Declare food and agricultural products. Some meat, produce, plants and related items can be restricted even when they are gifts or souvenirs.
Save these if they’re useful.
Quick visual references for electricity and money. Tap either one to open it full-size.
