Making your summer travels easier (2024 version)

Plus, a house construction update

The first time we drove in a big city in Italy taught us to never try that again. First, we were terrified by the mob of Vespas that instantaneously surrounded us, their little motors screaming like a swarm of hornets whose nest we had just crushed. Then, after driving down every street in the old city trying to reach our B&B, we finally admitted defeat. The maze of one-way streets was impenetrable. We found a parking garage on the edge of the old city and took a taxi to our lodging. Because of that experience, I applauded this woman’s courage as she defiantly cycled through downtown Rome.

Hello, Friend ~ I’m Scott and I appreciate you inviting me into your inbox today.

In these late May/early June evenings, there’s no escaping the chattering katydids. On our daily after-dinner stroll, the din of their staccato, patternless clicking seems to hang in the humid air like mini marshmallows in a church potluck Jello salad.

I guess that means Summer is here.

And if Summer is here, then that means travel season is here. To (hopefully) make your travels a bit easier, I thought I’d reshare a few things we learned during our almost seven years in Europe:

Making your Summer travels easier

I’m pleased to say that only one update is needed. At some airports, it’s no longer necessary to put the liquids in your carry-on into a one-quart Ziploc bag or to take electronics out of your bags. Give full credit to the airport security powers-that-be for some progress. However, in their effort to make the process easier, they may have made it more confusing because different airports, even different parts of the same airport, may have different requirements. Your best strategy is, as always, to stay flexible, be polite, and keep your sense of humor.

Since last time, we’ve moved to a more comfortable rental house. Not only is it closer to our under-construction home, the property also has the benefit of a dog. She’s a sweet, curly-haired Pyrenees-Poodle mix who has learned that if she barks just right she’ll get a treat from us.

And our under-construction home? I’m happy to say that our builder is making great progress. Fingers crossed, we’ll be in our new home before August.

The Parting Shot

Here’s a great idea.

What fab place you’re planning on visiting? Please share in the comments.

Until next time,

Ciao!

PS ~ If you are new to my photography, you can see more at scottgilbertson.com.