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Bologna 2015A travelogue of my trip to Bologna, Italy for the annual Bologna Children's Book Fair.
On this page you can read about our side trip to Ravenna. On this page you can read about walking through Bologna. On this page you can read about the Book Fair and my reflection of the experience. Keep reading for travel tips! |
Before you go!
Travel is one of my favorite things. Growing up with a family that encouraged travel I have never given second thought to getting on an airplane and going somewhere new. There are things that you should know prior to booking your tickets, and I am here to help you with all of that.
FIRST: If you are leaving the US for a non-US destination, you will need a passport. Allow at least six weeks turn-around time once you get your application in the mail. Passports are issued by the State Department (for a fee) and are good for 10 years if you are over the age of 15.
The State Department website is where you will download your application.
SECOND: Check for travel restrictions and necessary vaccinations to the region where you will be travelling. Travel to Italy requires no extra vaccinations, visas, or safety precautions.
Again, the State Department website will be the most current and reliable source of information.
THIRD: Try to brush up on a little bit of the language. At the very least learn how to greet people (Good day, Good evening), how to say please and thank you, and how to apologize.
You are a guest in someone else's home. Be a polite guest.
FIRST: If you are leaving the US for a non-US destination, you will need a passport. Allow at least six weeks turn-around time once you get your application in the mail. Passports are issued by the State Department (for a fee) and are good for 10 years if you are over the age of 15.
The State Department website is where you will download your application.
SECOND: Check for travel restrictions and necessary vaccinations to the region where you will be travelling. Travel to Italy requires no extra vaccinations, visas, or safety precautions.
Again, the State Department website will be the most current and reliable source of information.
THIRD: Try to brush up on a little bit of the language. At the very least learn how to greet people (Good day, Good evening), how to say please and thank you, and how to apologize.
You are a guest in someone else's home. Be a polite guest.
Tickets and Lodging
You've got your passport and have picked your destination--now it's time to book your airline tickets and pick a place to stay!
When we traveled to Bologna, we stayed at the Ospitalita San Tommaso on the Via Domenico n.1.
It was clean, we could walk to every major landmark, and the views were lovely. We enjoyed the ringing of the church bells and the birdsong that greeted us each morning.
When we traveled to Bologna, we stayed at the Ospitalita San Tommaso on the Via Domenico n.1.
It was clean, we could walk to every major landmark, and the views were lovely. We enjoyed the ringing of the church bells and the birdsong that greeted us each morning.
There are multiple ways to choose your lodging. You could look at a Fodor's or Michelin guide, as the lodgings are ranked by price and amenities.
You could look at TripAdvisor, which will provide you with feedback from fellow travelers.
It seems counter-intuitive, but I like to look at lodging prior to booking my flights. It makes no sense to fly into a city with no place to stay! This can happen when there are major festivals or national holidays. I also like to plan my lodging to be within walking distance of public transportation.
Booking your flight.
If you are travelling on a budget, remember that
You could look at TripAdvisor, which will provide you with feedback from fellow travelers.
It seems counter-intuitive, but I like to look at lodging prior to booking my flights. It makes no sense to fly into a city with no place to stay! This can happen when there are major festivals or national holidays. I also like to plan my lodging to be within walking distance of public transportation.
Booking your flight.
If you are travelling on a budget, remember that
- Layovers can knock hundreds of dollars off of your ticket. (More layovers=more discount. If you have time to wait in the airport, the savings are worth it!)
- Book on a Monday or Tuesday when flights are offered at a lower rate.
- Book 5 months prior (on an international flight) for the best deal.
- Flying on Sunday will cost you more. Try Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights.
Packing your bag
My mother and I have a joke that boils down to: as long as you have your meds and a change of underwear, your bags are packed.
It's not far from the truth, though. Most cities in Europe have a laundromat, and some lodgings have laundry service. YOU DON'T NEED A NEW SET OF CLOTHES FOR EACH DAY. That's a uniquely American way of dressing. For a week, you can get by with 2 pairs of pants and 4 shirts. I'd recommend a daily change of undergarments and socks. You can totally fit all of your clothes into a carry-on. And if you happen to leave something behind: there are stores in Europe. You can buy things there!
That being said, there are three items I never travel abroad without: Advil, Pepto-Bismol, and Benadryl. Trying to translate your need for Pepto-Bismol while in the throes of needing Pepto is not the travel experience you want to have.
If you are bringing art supplies, let me tell you: pare down. Pare way, way down. I brought 2 fine-point sharpies: one black, one brown. I brought a white gel pen. I brought a Scotch adhesive roller. I brought some alphabet stamps & an ink pad. Most of your time will be spent out of your room in the city. Enjoy it. Take photos for reference--you can make art when you get home.
It's not far from the truth, though. Most cities in Europe have a laundromat, and some lodgings have laundry service. YOU DON'T NEED A NEW SET OF CLOTHES FOR EACH DAY. That's a uniquely American way of dressing. For a week, you can get by with 2 pairs of pants and 4 shirts. I'd recommend a daily change of undergarments and socks. You can totally fit all of your clothes into a carry-on. And if you happen to leave something behind: there are stores in Europe. You can buy things there!
That being said, there are three items I never travel abroad without: Advil, Pepto-Bismol, and Benadryl. Trying to translate your need for Pepto-Bismol while in the throes of needing Pepto is not the travel experience you want to have.
If you are bringing art supplies, let me tell you: pare down. Pare way, way down. I brought 2 fine-point sharpies: one black, one brown. I brought a white gel pen. I brought a Scotch adhesive roller. I brought some alphabet stamps & an ink pad. Most of your time will be spent out of your room in the city. Enjoy it. Take photos for reference--you can make art when you get home.