Posted by Cindy Fallsen on January 5, 2010 at 8:00pm
What do you guys know about European art fairs? We are thinking about a trip in the spring. We have priced out hotels, airfare, lodging, International Health Insurance (we hear that it is a good idea, even if you have Health Insurance). What other details would you guys consider before making a trip? Are there any regulations for bringing purchases back into the country? Any tips or advice welcome.
From what I've seen in England and Italy, the art fairs are just a hobby for many artists; the prices are a lot less than what artists, primarily painters, would charge at an art show in the US.
If you're renting a car, an International Drivers' License makes life a little easier if you should be stopped for any reason (not always from a traffic violation). Make sure you've checked with your HMO or health provider that you have up-to-date inoculations (mainly tetanus shots) and that they know you will be out of the US and the dates you'll be gone.
On purchases, declare everything you've bought; if Customs should find anything you bought outside of the US, they will take forever to go through your luggage, even if you have a connecting flight to home.
A Visa card is best, but American Express is really good if you get in a jam, their offices are a in a lot of places. Take American Express Travelers' Cheques - they're accepted almost everywhere and you can be reimbursed if they are stolen.
Photocopy all of your documents, especially passport, airline tix, hotel reservations. Carry a waistbelt money belt (the ankle ones get destroyed in rain; the neck ones are visible to everyone; fanny packs are a thieves' delight). Keep your duplicate docs and most of your travelers' checks in it. AAA carries a great selection.
Buon viaggio!
Comments
If you're renting a car, an International Drivers' License makes life a little easier if you should be stopped for any reason (not always from a traffic violation). Make sure you've checked with your HMO or health provider that you have up-to-date inoculations (mainly tetanus shots) and that they know you will be out of the US and the dates you'll be gone.
On purchases, declare everything you've bought; if Customs should find anything you bought outside of the US, they will take forever to go through your luggage, even if you have a connecting flight to home.
A Visa card is best, but American Express is really good if you get in a jam, their offices are a in a lot of places. Take American Express Travelers' Cheques - they're accepted almost everywhere and you can be reimbursed if they are stolen.
Photocopy all of your documents, especially passport, airline tix, hotel reservations. Carry a waistbelt money belt (the ankle ones get destroyed in rain; the neck ones are visible to everyone; fanny packs are a thieves' delight). Keep your duplicate docs and most of your travelers' checks in it. AAA carries a great selection.
Buon viaggio!