Tag: Italy

Posted on by

Travel Notifications from STEP

When I travel I check the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for any alerts pertaining to the countries I am visiting. I also register my trip with STEP.

The following is an email I received lately about travel in Italy.

STEP Notifications  Wed, Jan 15, 1:05 PM (18 hours ago)
to ACS_ITALY

Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Italy. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Italy:

  • Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Italy.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Does this mean I would not travel to Italy? Not necessarily. It does mean there are extra things to watch out for when traveling there.

Have you had any experience with STEP?

Posted on by

Prosecco…Bubbles in Your Glass

Do you like Prosecco? It’s an easy drink, the bubbles give excitement to your glass, and it’s affordable. It makes a great spritz, pairing it with some Aperol.

But, what else do you know about it?

Did you know the Glera grape, which grew in the Prosecco region of Italy, was grown in Ancient Rome?

Have you ever looked at the label around the neck of the bottle? Did you see the letters DOC or DOCG? The DOCG is slightly higher quality…and I agree. The grapes grow on vines in limestone hillside. Everything is done by hand…and it’s a steep hill.

Did you realize most Prosecco is not made in the typical methode champenoise? It’s made in the charmaat method or tank method, where the fermented wine goes through its secondary fermentation in big steel tanks, not in the bottle. This means less contact with the yeast sediment, or lees.

Since aromatic grapes are used, the cleaner tank method allows those flavors to shine. More taste.

My favorite comes from the region of Valdobbiadene. It’s a great place to put on your list to visit.

Posted on by

ETIAS Visa Waiver

Recently, I read this article in both the Wall Street Journal and from a trusted travel source.

U.S. citizens traveling to Europe will shortly need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver which is the new travel authorization for Europe that will come into effect in 2021. Similar to other countries and regions in the world, Europe has recently decided to improve its security level to avoid any further problems with illegal immigration and terrorism.

This means that, by the end of 2021, all Americans traveling to a European country in the Schengen Zone will be in need of an ETIAS. The Schengen Area is composed of 22 European Union countries like France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Spain, as well as 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. ETIAS will permit travel to all Schengen countries for short stays during its validity.

HOW LONG CAN A US CITIZEN STAY IN EUROPE?

At the moment, there is no Europe visa waiver for U.S. citizens for periods of less than 90 days. However, this will change by the end of 2021, when American citizens traveling to Europe from the U.S. will require an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to any of the Schengen zone countries for short stays.

The ETIAS visa waiver for Americans is a multiple-entry travel authorization valid for a total of 3 years from the moment of approval. During the 3-year validity of the ETIAS for U.S. travelers, it is possible to enter any of the Schengen Zone European countries which apply to the travel authorization as many times as necessary.

The total stay allowed in a Schengen country with each entry with ETIAS is 90 days within every 180-day period. ETIAS permits travel to Schengen countries for short stays for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes. To stay for longer periods of time or other purposes, American citizens are required to apply for a Schengen visa from an embassy or consulate.

Currently, there are 22 European countries that form part of the Schengen Area. They include:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Denmark
  • Lithuania
  • Latvia
  • Estonia
  • Poland
  • Slovakia
  • Hungary
  • Slovenia
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Czech Republic
  • Malta

EITAS Required in Non-EU Member States include:

  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway
  • Switzerland

Also included are:

  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Vatican City

EITAS Non-Required include:

  • United Kingdom
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Romania
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus

WHAT DO AMERICANS NEED TO GO TO EUROPE?

To obtain the Europe visa waiver for Americans, U.S. citizens will need to have a valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee, and an email account. These are the main ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens which each applicant must have on hand when applying. Without the right travel document, applicants could have their application denied.

When applying for an ETIAS, applicants must ensure that the passport used is valid for 3 months beyond the period of intended stay of each person. It is possible that passports over 10 years old may not be accepted as a valid travel document.

Applicants with dual nationality, and so multiple passports, should ensure they use the same passport to complete the ETIAS application as that which they will later use to travel to the Schengen Area, as the ETIAS will be electronically linked to an individual passport.

When applying for an electronic visa waiver for Europe, it is necessary to provide a current email address at which to receive a copy of the approved ETIAS. As an approved ETIAS is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, it will not be mandatory to print a copy of the visa waiver, although travelers are nonetheless advised to carry a copy with them to Europe in case of any problems with the electronic system.

TRAVELING TO EUROPE FROM THE U.S WITH ETIAS

When submitting an ETIAS application, it is important to remember that all U.S. citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS to travel to Europe from 2021, including minors. It is necessary to submit a separate visa waiver for Europe application for all U.S. children under the age of 18. Parents or legal guardians are able to submit a European visa waiver application on behalf of a minor, although every child is required to have an individual approved ETIAS.

It is also important to note that an approved ETIAS for American citizens does not guarantee entry to Europe, it merely grants the holder permission to travel to Schengen countries. The final decision for entry will be made by an immigration officer at Schengen border control. The traveler may be asked to prove they do not intend to spend longer in Europe than the period allowed with ETIAS, by providing evidence of:

  • Return flight tickets to the United States or tickets to an onward destination
  • Proof of travel health insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay

There will also be other regulations and restrictions to bear in mind when traveling to Europe from the U.S.A. which are similar to those in place at the moment, such as the right to carry weapons, importing and exporting large quantities of tobacco, alcohol or perfume, and declaring large amounts of currency.

Finally, it is important to note that an ETIAS may be revoked when the conditions for the issuing of the visa waiver for Europe are no longer met, particularly when there is reason to believe that the visa waiver for Europe was obtained by providing misleading or fraudulent information. For this reason it is essential to ensure that all of the information provided on the ETIAS form is correct before submitting the application, as even small errors may result in the revocation of an ETIAS.

Travelers whose passport expires during the validity of the ETIAS are also required to submit a new application for a Europe visa waiver from the United States in order to continue to travel to the Schengen Area, as an ETIAS is specifically linked to the travel document used to complete the original application.

DO AMERICAN CITIZENS NEED A VISA FOR EUROPE (SCHENGEN VISA)?

As the United States is one of the visa-exempt countries for Europe, American citizens do not currently require a visa for the Schengen Area for short stays up to 90 days. From 2021, however, they will be required to obtain an Europe visa waiver to stay in Schengen countries for any less than 90 days. There is no need to apply before every trip, as ETIAS permits travel to all Schengen countries during its 3-year validity.

American citizens who intend to stay in Europe for longer periods, or for purposes other than those permitted with ETIAS, will be required to apply for a Schengen visa. The length of a Schengen visa for Europe is determined on an individual basis, and it may be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. Unlike ETIAS, a Schengen visa is issued for one specific Schengen country, and applicants are required to apply in person from an embassy or consulate in the United States of the country they wish to visit.

SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS

It is necessary to attend an consular appointment for a Schengen visa with the following documentation in order to guarantee approval of the visa:

  • A completed Schengen Europe visa application form
  • Copies of any previously issued Schengen visas
  • A valid US passport containing at least 2 blank pages
  • Any accommodation bookings the traveler has made for their stay
  • Round trip flight tickets, or tickets to an onward destination
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe
  • Travel insurance which covers medical care in the Schengen Area
  • A recent, passport-sized, photograph of the traveler, taken against a white background

American citizens who apply for a Schengen visa are required to submit the application at least 15 working days before the intended date of entry to Europe at the latest, to allow for sufficient time for the visa to be processed.

HOW CAN AMERICANS APPLY FOR ETIAS TO VISIT EUROPE?

U.S. citizens can apply online for an ETIAS by completing an online ETIAS registration. The enrollment will be a quick and simple process, similar to the ESTA for eligible citizens traveling to the U.S. and will take an average of 20 minutes to complete. Applicants will need to fill out an online form with their contact details and passport information, including:

  • Name and surname
  • Nationality
  • Date, place, and country of birth
  • Current address
  • Contact phone number
  • Email address
  • Passport number
  • Passport issue/expiry date

This process allows European immigration and customs authorities to pre-screen all travelers and confirm their status before permitting them entry or even to board a flight, thus dentifying any potential threats and improving security measures throughout the Schengen Area.

All of the information provided on the Europe visa waiver application is pre-screened against the databases managed by eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice). eu-LISA is also responsible for the management of the ETIAS system, and will check applications against security information databases such as VIS (visa information database), SIS (shared European database to identify suspected criminals, missing people, and stolen assets), and EURODAC (fingerprint database).

It is also necessary to answer some basic security questions to submit the ETIAS visa waiver application, including about:

  • Criminal history
  • Employment history
  • Drug use
  • Human trafficking
  • Prior travel to conflict areas
  • Past European travel information

After answering all of the required security questions on the ETIAS form, it is necessary to pay the required ETIAS fee using either a valid credit or debit card. Once the travel authorization for Europe has been paid, the process is complete and the applicant will receive the confirmation for the ETIAS visa waiver via email. With an approved ETIAS visa waiver, applicants will be ready to travel to Europe.

For more information, check out https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/

Let me know if you have more information.

Posted on by

I’m Ready to Go…I Think

First Time Abroad

If one of your resolutions for the new year include traveling abroad…that’s fantastic.

If this is the first time…that’s also fantastic. I’m sure you have read all the tips about what to pack, what to take in your carryon bag, when to book, and more.

In case you need a few more tips to remember…check out these useful suggestions.

Remember the outlets in Europe are different than here in the US. Check to see what country uses what types of plugs. Get the right one and take it with you if you want to use your own hairdryer, phone charger, etc.

Speaking of hairdryers, check the website of the hotel or vacation rental where you will be staying. Most times, there is one included in the room or apartment. You could save a bunch of room in your suitcase if you didn’t have to pack a bulky hairdryer.

Let your bank and credit card companies know you will be traveling. Also let them know the dates and places. No sense having a card declined because you are no longer in the US.

Take some cash with you. ATMs will often charge a hefty fee to take out cash. Also, know which banks and which machines are best to use for your bank.

Remember to dress accordingly in the country where you will be. Avoid wearing shirts with sayings that could be taken the wrong way, or clothes that look like they were made for working out. In the US we tend to wear our sneakers, sweatshirts, and yoga pants everywhere. That is not the case in many European countries.

Noise cancelling headphones are your friend on a long flight. Just remember to remove them when the flight attendant is talking to you.

Learn a few local phrases. Especially learn please and thank you. Even if the shop owner or hotel person speaks English, it’s still appreciated if you use their language.

Check your phone plan before you go. You may be able to use your phone, or it may cost too much. Check out something like an Orange card before you go. Remember to use WiFi at the hotel or apartment to save on usage.

Try the local foods. Eat at the same time the locals do. Why? Both will give you a much better experience in that country. You didn’t come all the way to Italy to eat a fast food burger, did you? I hope not.

Understand about tipping. This varies from country to country. It may be as simple as looking at your bill.

Be aware of your surroundings. Space may be limited in a restaurant or on a bus. Don’t take up more space than you need. The same goes for how loud you talk. Many countries speak quieter than you may be used to. Pay attention and try to follow their lead.

For more tips, check back regularly to read the latest from TSA, the State Department, and fellow travelers. Sign up for my website at https://.www.travelsandescapes.net to follow me wherever I go. Have fun traveling.

Posted on by

Champagnes, Cavas, Proseccos, and Sparkling Wines…Oh My

Italian Sparkling Wines

Moscato d’Asti

This is a sweet, sparkling wine from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Made with Moscato grapes in the Asti region, this is a white wine.

Brachetto d’Acqui

This one is made from the Brachetto grape near Acqui Terme. It is a rose wine.

While both of these can be too sweet for most people, good ones make a great aperitif or with dessert.

Lambrusco

This one is making a comeback. This sparkling red wine can be off dry. Pair it with Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. It comes from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.

Prosecco

Made from the Glera grape in Italy in the Charmat method, Prosecco is a favorite bubbly of mine.

Because it is not aged “sur lie” as Champagne is, the flavors of Prosecco tend to be simpler and less complex. If you don’t want the sweeter version which comes to mind, look for the DOCG on the neck label.

This is not bottle fermented. Bubbles are light and frothy.

 

Posted on by

Loiter

Trieste…Loitering at its Best

“Trieste offers no unforgettable landmark, no universally familiar melody, no unmistakable cuisine.” Jan Morris

Why on earth would anyone go to Trieste after reading that quote from travel writer Jan Morris? Because. In fact, writers have come to Trieste for years to embrace the city’s prickly grace, savor its glistening belle époque cafes, and enjoy the lack of tourism. Having said that, the best way to experience Trieste is by loitering.

Start your day with a fantastic cup of coffee, relaxing in the Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia. After all, this is one of Europe’s greatest coffee ports, supplying more than 40% of Italy’s coffee. The thriving coffee industry began here with the Austro-Hungarian government and is still considered the coffee capital of Italy.

As for the Piazza, this vast public domain is supposed to be the largest square opening onto a waterfront in Italy. Dozens of cafes and bars open onto the Piazza. Sit and savor coffee in the morning, prosecco in the afternoon…or the other way around. It doesn’t matter. Watch the ships in the harbor as you listen to locals greeting each other in Triestino, the local dialect still in wide use. Enjoy a Viennese pastry with coffee or chocolate cake and nibbles with your prosecco. If it’s the hour of the passeggiata, the so Italian moment between the end of the workday and dinnertime…an entirely different scene unfolds in the Piazza. Trieste hospitality includes more nibbles with your evening prosecco. Life is good.

Trieste is a medium size seaport literally teetering on the edge of Italy, its limestone plateau gracefully tumbling into the Adriatic Sea. Its history is somewhat convoluted and Trieste has been in more than one tug of war between countries. It once was one of the oldest parts of the Habsburg Monarchy. Throughout history Trieste has been an important spot in the struggle between the Eastern and Western blocs after WWII.

History and its influences are evident in the streets, buildings, food, and castles. Sitting in the Piazza, look at the buildings bordering the three sides of the square. With a boxy wedding cake like style, these massive buildings look like they belong in Germany…not Italy. Many streets appear to be symmetrical with buildings resembling everything from rigid, almost Teutonic in style to one showing off proud neo-Classical features. Italian flair mixed in with Germanic rigidness proves how history influenced this city. Influence of the Roman Empire remains here as well, with the Roman theatre ruins. Built between the first and second centuries AD, these were uncovered in 1938.

Of course, there’s the castle…Castello Miramare to be exact. Lying on the waterfront only five miles from the city center, this castle was built on a rocky cliff between 1856 and 1860 as the residence for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Hapsburg and his wife Charlotte of Belgium. Eclectic in design is the only way to describe the features included…an aquarium like fixture in one ceiling, an impressive display of weapons, and styles throughout that combine Gothic, Renaissance, and Medieval. The 22 hectar large park with its imported soil, exotic trees, and spectacular plants and flowers from all over the world were meant to be impressive. Included on the grounds is the Castelletto, a small castle where Charlotte lived after her return from Mexico. Sadly, it is also where she was locked up after a nervous breakdown.

History didn’t forget the food, either. Most pastries are rich, flaky, and Viennese in style and taste. In fact, the local cuisine is just as diverse as the population of Trieste. German influenced sauerkraut, salt cod from the Adriatic, or local red wine…nothing stereotypical here.

Trieste…a city meant to be walked and explored. Linger…loiter…savor at a relaxed tempo. Don’t worry about the other Italian cities putting on their show of architectural splendor. Trieste is a modern city sometimes neglected by guide books. Take some time to explore this corner of Italy.

If You Go: Fly into Venice and take the two hour train ride. Once in Trieste, you can walk everywhere.