Travel Tips from Exuma, the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina, and Italy

After retiring in December 2024, I finally decided to take the trips I had been waiting years to enjoy—some international, others within the beautiful Southern U.S. Below are a few practical tips I learned along the way that I hope you’ll find helpful.

Planning for International Travel

International trips require more preparation. Start by checking your passport well in advance; most countries require that it remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Make two copies of all important documents—leave one at home and pack the other in a separate bag from the originals. Also, know how to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy in case you need assistance.

Make the Most of Airline Apps

Airline apps are truly worthwhile. They provide real-time updates on flight status, check-ins, gate changes, and delays, and can send text alerts directly to your phone. TSA PreCheck is also a great investment, making security screenings much faster.

Familiarize yourself with the airline’s baggage policies, including size and weight limits, and pack efficiently. Layering and mixing and matching clothing can drastically reduce what you need to bring. For example, I spent four days in Exuma with only a backpack—and didn’t miss a thing. The same approach worked for a ten-day trip to Italy using one carry-on suitcase and a backpack. This made customs easier and simplified moving between hotels. Packing cubes kept everything organized and accessible.

Money Matters

Understand the local currency and exchange rates before you go. Most smartphones have built-in currency converters, making it easy to compare U.S. dollars to Bahamian dollars, Euros, and more.

Before traveling, review your credit card’s foreign transaction fees and notify the company of your destinations to avoid fraud alerts. Avoid using a debit card abroad—turn it off and leave it at home. Rely primarily on credit cards, but always carry some cash and keep it stored in more than one place.

Stay Safe and Aware

Travel with others whenever possible and be mindful of your surroundings. While you can’t bring weapons on a plane, simple items like hairspray or a flashlight can be kept in your bag. For international travel, consider enrolling in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), which provides alerts about protests, unrest, and other safety concerns.

Blend in when you can—standing out as a tourist may attract pickpockets. Trust your instincts and remove yourself from situations that feel uncomfortable. Also review your health insurance policy, as many plans do not cover care outside the U.S. A separate travel insurance policy is often a wise investment.

Communication Tips

Many destinations have English-speaking locals, but not all. Apps such as Google Translate are extremely helpful. As a courtesy, learn a few basic phrases in the local language—your effort will be appreciated.

Before leaving the country, check your cell phone plan to confirm whether it includes international coverage or offers short-term international packages. Without this, your phone bill can be surprisingly high.

Destination Highlights

Exuma, Bahamas:
My Exuma trip was planned by a friend who has visited seven times, and her experience was invaluable. She arranged our lodging and excursions, making the entire process seamless. The water in Exuma is breathtaking—seven distinct shades of blue, brilliantly clear and unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia:
The Blue Ridge Mountains are stunning but have limited cell service, which can affect GPS navigation. Bring a paper map just in case. Be sure to visit the local train station—it’s worth the stop.

Italy:
Our Italy trip was through an organized tour group that still allowed some flexibility for personal exploration. Our host, fluent in several languages, helped bridge any communication gaps. Guided tours of major attractions—such as the Vatican—were well worth the cost. The historical insights provided went far beyond what you could learn from signage alone.

We quickly learned to avoid tourist-centric restaurants, typically identified by menus printed in both Italian and English. Opting for more authentic eateries made our dining experiences far more memorable. While Milan and Rome offered incredible architecture, my favorite destinations were Bellagio and Cinque Terre.

Exploring the South
My husband prefers traveling closer to home, so we also plan day trips around the South. With a cooler in the backseat, good music, and a map in hand, we enjoy discovering the beauty in our own region. Often, it’s the journey—not just the destination—that makes a trip worthwhile.