Artroads

Travel Tips

Pack Light! Pack Light! Pack Light! Can we overemphasize this? No. Be able to carry your own bags through a train station, up a flight or two of stairs or onto an overhead rack. There are many places in Italy and the world where porters, elevators and assistance will not be available.

Plan on "layered" dressing; light-weight layers. The autumn weather can be cool, is usually warm during the day and chilly in the evenings. Rain is possible.

Dress comfortably. While Italians seem to be more concerned with style than most traveling tourists, there's no need for ties and jackets or "dressy" clothing. On the other hand, jeans, cut-offs, t-shirts, and similar, super-casual wear won't be appropriate for dinners at restaurants or respectful visits to churches or other religious environments. Comfortable shoes are mandatory! We will be painting outdoors and sitting on grass, dirt, rocks, etc.

Print our TRAVEL LIST to give to a friend before you leave!

Finances, Packing tips, and more...

Laundry and dry cleaning service is available most places in Italy but is "molto care" (very expensive). There is a small laundry facility on the estate (self-service) but, really, you don't want to miss a moment, so pack "wash and wear" and plan on a quick rinse in your sink and drip dry in the shower.

Start your packing list now so you'll bring what you want. .Know that almost everything that you could need or want is nearby and reasonable, so relax.

Security regulations are ever-changing. Keep anything marginal (tweezers, Swiss army knife, corkscrew, whatever essential, but "dangerous" item you require for a happy trip) in your checked luggage. Know that you will only be able to lock your checked luggage with the new "approved" locks, so leave anything precious at home (always a good idea) and carry valuables; cameras, equipment, etc. on-board with you.

Identify all your luggage with bag tags and put additional info inside, including your initial destination information, in case the tags gets pulled off and your bags go astray. The contact information is on the driving instructions.

Tie a great big ribbon onto that all too common luggage. If someone accidentally takes your bag they could be in Amsterdam before they realize the mistake (a true travel story). Go ahead and put one of those big belts around your bag. If you think that looks dorky, imagine what your dirty clothes and souvenirs might look like spread over the luggage carousel! Bright ribbons, striped belts or the legs of a rubber chicken sticking out will definitely differentiate your bag so no one will accidentally take it.

Know where you're going and how you're getting there. It's the "lost look" on the faces of many travelers that attracts the thief or con artist.

Be aware! Stop and have a caffe latte and look at your map in a quiet and safe place rather than wandering down a dark alley..

Wear a money belt (not a "fanny pack") and keep a minimum amount of money and your passport in there. Credit cards are your best bet for safety concerns and for the best exchange rate. (Ask your card's customer service office about their possible surcharges on European purchases).

Keep a copy of your passport and itinerary someplace other than your money belt. Set up a "travel" e-mail address with yahoo or hotmail to handle your essential "travel" e-mail. Send an e-mail message, with your itinerary and other essential information, to yourself with details, confirmation and telephone numbers in case your info gets lost.

Decide whether you'll be "in touch" with your home base or not while you're not up at the villa. There is a telephone and email but the office is open intermittently so you might not get a message for a day or two. There are internet cafes within five miles if you must stay connected.

FINANCES

Most of your meals are provided. Lunches and meals on your free day is on your own. The apartments allow you to shop locally and dazzle yourself and roommate(s) with your creativity. Whip up a salad, make a little pasta or just walk or drive into town. Trattoria and, more formal ristoranti are plentiful and the food and wine is extremely reasonable.

When we travel off-site for art or cooking adventures, we'll provide transportation for everyone. Short rides to town can usually be handled with a little notice and some flexibility,

FLYING FAVORITES

"Ten things I learned about flying that I still use today"
(notes from a seasoned flight attendant)

1. Read the emergency card in the seat pocket and locate your nearest emergency exit. Chances are that nothing is going to happen, but you should know what to do if something does.
2. Don't check your bag if you can help it. It saves time upon landing and forces you to pack smart.
3. Pack smart. Always include a sweater and a bathing suit. You can't predict the weather. Include one dress-up item and comfortable clothes in basic black or khaki. Bring two pairs of comfortable shoes that match everything. Leave jewelry at home. In fact, leave all those valuables at home. If you just must take that special something, keep it on your person or hand-held luggage that you'll carry on board.
4. In a smaller bag, carry your toiletries, something to read, your tickets, and a copy of your itinerary. This bag goes under the seat in front of you; the other bag goes in the overhead.
5. Bring and use moisturizer. Nothing dries out your skin like airplane air.
6. Bring or buy and, most importantly, drink bottled water. Airplane water is disgusting.
7. As soon as you board, grab a pillow and blanket, even if you think you don't want them. You probably won't be able to find any after takeoff.
8. Dress comfortably. I always wear a T-shirt and a long black cotton skirt or loose pants. The temperature on a plane changes frequently, so the trick is to layer. Wear short sleeves, even in winter, and comfortable shoes that you can slip on and off easily. Then pack socks and a sweater in your larger carry-on, even in summer.
9. In your suitcase, pack an empty bag that folds up nice and flat for souvenirs and other purchases you'll want to bring home.
10. The most indispensable item to have with you when you travel? Ziploc bags. They hold wet bathing suits, smelly socks, seashells and sea glass, brochures and menus and newspaper clippings, rolls of film, bars of soap - everything and anything you can imagine.

Type your itinerary, names, dates, hotels, telephone numbers, confirmation numbers, flight information, etc. Keep one copy to take with you, copies for your house-sitter and office staff and email a copy to yourself in case your misplace your copy while traveling. Make copies of your passport, one for home, one or more for travel (store apart from your actual passport). Empty your wallet of all non-essential credit cards, membership and other cards. Put what you will be bringing onto the copier and make a copy. Turn them all over and make a copy. Write a list of 800 numbers and the "local" numbers in case you have to cancel a card (or request a higher credit limit…just kidding). You'll need a "local" (non 800) telephone number if you're dialing from outside the U.S. Put your name and the address and telephone number of at least your 1st destination in your luggage in case it's lost so it has a better chance of reaching you. Many bag tags disappear in the crunch of being squeezed into those cargo holds. Have all essential telephone numbers with you in written format. Create a "label list" of friends with their addresses and then print labels. Use it to send at least one post card to everyone. Know how to contact emergency services wherever you go. Use zip-lock plastic bags for categories of clothing; socks, hose, underwear, scarves, shirts, etc. When you need an item it's much easier found if grouped. Make your packing list far in advance and post it (on a closet, perhaps) so you can add to the list as you think of items. Keep the list after you pack not just for the next trip but as proof of the contents of your bag in case it's lost or stolen. Definitely color coordinate so everything works together and remember no one in Frankfurt knows or would care what you wore in Paris. Keep a journal. In fact, just go buy one for the trip. Much of the fun of traveling is based on anticipation.

SHOES

Two pair of shoes will be fine; one pair for casual and one for going to town for dinner (high heels are not necessary). Stuff shoes with other stuff. Place heavier items on the bottom of your suitcase.

LUGGAGE

Lightweight to begin with. ID (just name, telephone number, and email) bag tags inside and outside with information about your first destination.

PACKING ITSELF

"Plastics" as Dustin Hoffman was told in "The Graduate." Put your non knits into dry cleaning bags. Group smaller items, socks, lingerie, and keep in plastic zip-lock bags.

PACKING CHECKLIST:

Passport
Identification
Tickets
Itinerary
Our Workbook
Confirmations of other reservations
Cosmetics
Toiletries
Books
Maps
Email/telephone numbers/ addresses of friends and family
Bathing suit
Camera, film
Journal
Bio-degradable laundry soap for hand washing clothes (shampoo in a pinch)
Clothespins (handy for lots of things not just washing and drying)

STAYING LOOSE ON INTERCONTINENTAL FLIGHT, from a Lufthansa article: "Light Exercise in your Seat."

Breathe deeply in and out for 10 seconds each way while pushing push on each thigh, one leg at a time with your hand.

Touch shoulder-blade with opposite hand 10 times each

Press palms together, push and rest 10 times

In upright position, pull up one knee at a time to chest

In upright position, with shoulders back, turn head from full right to left side and back

Lift toes of each foot then heels; slow gentle movements, repeat every 1 to 2 hours.

HANDY ON-BOARD ITEMS:

Handiwipes, ear plugs, socks, eye mask, blow up pillow, light silk wrap.

Get up and explore the plane, meet some of your fellow passengers and have some fun!

ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

Artroads News

"TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES" DRAWING CLASS COMING UP SOON!

Two Saturday, San Francisco workshops will get you started with the basics; learning to see, line, shape, perspective, value and composition. Click on classes for details!