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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Liguria Piedmont And Valle Daosta, Italy

Essential Preparations

Follow this chronological planning timeline for your San Remo adventure.

Pre-Departure Timeline

A structured approach to your preparations minimizes last-minute stress.

1

+ Months Before

Passport & Visa

Apply for or renew your passport. Validate it for three months beyond your Schengen departure with two blank pages.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance. It accounts for medical emergencies and trip cancellation.

Budget Setting

Start saving funds and define a realistic budget for your entire trip.

2

-2 Months Before

Flights & Accommodation

Book flights to Nice, Genoa, or Milan. Reserve San Remo accommodations.

Itinerary & Health

Outline a rough itinerary. Check for recommended vaccinations and consult your doctor.

Travel Adapter

Acquire an universal travel adapter for Italy's Type F and L sockets.

3

-4 Weeks Before

Reservations & Banking

Confirm reservations. Notify banks and credit card companies of travel dates.

Home & Language

Arrange pet/house sitting. Learn basic Italian phrases and acquire a phrasebook.

Driving Permit

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if car rental is planned and your license needs it.

Advance Bookings

Flights, accommodation (especially high season or Sanremo Music Festival), and major train tickets gain from advance booking.

Important Reservations

  • Secure your air travel well in advance for better rates and availability.
  • Book hotels early, specifically during peak tourist periods or major events like the Festival.
  • For intercity journeys, advance purchase of train tickets often leads to smoother travel.
  • Sanremo Music Festival tickets are highly sought after and sell out far in advance.

Pre-Trip Research

Deepen your travel appreciation by exploring Ligurian cuisine, San Remo's historical significance, and local customs.

Topics to Explore

  • Discover the flavors and fresh ingredients of the region's culinary traditions.
  • Learn about San Remo's Roman past and its Belle Époque era as a resort town.
  • Familiarize yourself with local etiquette and daily routines.
  • Check for any festivals or events coinciding with your travel dates.

Home Preparation

Ensure your home is secure and affairs are in order before you embark on your journey.

Security Checks

  • Secure your home (lock doors/windows).
  • Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
  • Inform a trusted contact of your itinerary.
  • Ensure any necessary bill payments are handled.

Packing Essentials

  • Start packing your luggage, following climate-appropriate clothing suggestions.
  • For optimal organization, explore Packing organizers.
  • Charge all electronic devices (phone, camera, power bank).
  • Purchase a compact first aid kit for common travel ailments.

Document Preparation

  • Make physical and digital copies of all important documents.
  • Store copies separately from the originals.
  • Arrange your airport transfers upon arrival.
  • Get a good night's rest to start your trip refreshed.

Home Preparation Insight

Secure your home, arrange for mail handling, and inform a trusted contact of your itinerary before departure.

Arrival Checklist

These steps contribute to a smooth start upon your San Remo arrival.

Settling In

  • 1
    First Steps

    Clear immigration and customs procedures. Collect your luggage from baggage claim. Locate your pre-arranged or designated transport. Proceed to San Remo and your accommodation.

  • 2
    Orientation Strategies

    Locate your hotel/apartment on a map. Familiarize yourself with nearby amenities: bus stops, pharmacies, supermarkets, and local cafes. Obtain a local city map from your hotel or the tourist office.

  • 3
    Initial Purchases

    Withdraw Euros from an ATM (Bancomat) at the airport, train station, or near your accommodation. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for easier communication and data access.

Transportation to Accommodation

  • Pre-booked Transfers

    Use pre-booked transfers for a seamless journey from the airport to San Remo.

  • Official Airport Taxis

    Official airport taxis offer a reliable option for direct travel to your destination.

  • Public Transport

    Utilize public bus or train services as planned; these are economical choices.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs

Purchase souvenirs in advance to avoid last-minute rushing.

If you buy fragile or bulky items, inquire about shipping services from the store or a local shipping company.

VAT Refund

Non-EU residents making purchases over a certain amount from participating "Tax Free" stores may claim a VAT refund.

Obtain forms at the point of sale, then present them with goods and passport to customs at the airport before departing the EU.

Pre-Departure Timing

Plan to arrive at Nice or Genoa airport 2-3 hours before an international flight (non-Schengen) and 1.5-2 hours for European flights (Schengen).

For train departures, arrive 15-30 minutes for regional trains and 20-40 minutes for intercity trains.

Arrival Tip

After reaching your accommodation, prioritize finding local essentials like a pharmacy or supermarket for immediate needs.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure, guaranteeing a stress-free trip conclusion.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

  • Purchase souvenirs in advance to avoid last-minute rushing.
  • If you buy fragile or bulky items, inquire about shipping services from the store or a local shipping company.
  • Understand the costs and procedures for international shipping of your purchases.
  • Consider unique items from local artisans for lasting remembrances of your trip.

VAT Refund Procedures

  • If you are a non-EU resident and made purchases over a certain amount from participating "Tax Free" stores, you may claim a VAT refund.
  • Obtain the necessary tax refund forms at the point of sale when purchasing.
  • Present the completed forms, the purchased goods, and your passport to customs officials at the airport or border before departing from the EU.
  • Allocate extra time for this process at the airport, as it may involve queues.

Pre-Departure Timing

Plan to arrive at Nice or Genoa airport 2-3 hours before an international flight (non-Schengen) and 1.5-2 hours for European flights (Schengen). Always consider potential traffic or unexpected delays.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • International Flights2-3 Hours Prior
  • European Flights1.5-2 Hours Prior
  • Regional Trains15-30 Minutes Prior
  • Intercity Trains20-40 Minutes Prior

Return Trip Preparation

  • Confirm your return flight or train details to avoid any last-minute surprises.
  • Check for any gate changes or delays well in advance of your departure time.
  • Ensure you have all your boarding passes or tickets readily accessible before heading to the airport or station.
  • Charge all electronic devices to keep them ready for your journey home.

Final Packing Note

When completing your packing, reserve a small amount of luggage space for any last-minute souvenirs you might acquire.

This foresight prevents frantic adjustments just before departure.