Through the Back Door

This summer, we traveled to Florida and stopped off at Disney for several days. I can say, without a doubt, Disney would have been 100% different had we not used the oh so wonderful Tour Guide Mike website. That site is such a wealth of knowlege...what a blessing if it could be cloned for other destinations....

Oh, but there is such a site! Enter Rick Steves. I found him by accident as I was googling 'What to pack when traveling to Italy'. You see, I am leaving in less than a week to travel to that amazing country that is shaped like a boot. It is still very surreal that I am even going and I am overthinking everything about it...(just HOW MANY pairs of things do I need to bring?) I am still on the hunt for the perfect pair of walking shoes. I am taking my tennis shoes, but I am trying not to stick out like a sore thumb and be the obvious American tourist. Hmmmm.....I find it hard to believe that a pair of $100 walking shoes will disguise me, but one can always hope.

Rick Steves has a site that allows you to plan and see Europe 'through the back door'. I am just diving into his site, but the 'graffiti wall' or message board, has just been tremendous on tips. I think I have successfully figured out how NOT to have my camera stolen. I have just scratched the surface, trust me!

I also found several sites that are bound and determined I travel with only one bag. Seriously? I don't think that is going to happen, but I think onebag.com and this buddle method just might help this type-A pack more efficiently.

So, if you have any tips you'd like to send my way about what to pack and what not to forget, please hook a sister up. And if you feel so inclined, pray for my man as he will be Mr. Mom in addition to Mr. Banker for the 11 days I am gone. He is going to be just fine....and the employees at Chik-fil-A and Luby's will be on a first name basis with my boys by the middle of October. Oh, I kid. They will probably also hit Pappasitos too.

Ciao!