Going on a Mediteranean Cruise in June. Ports are Sicily, Malta, Croatia, Naples, and Livotmo. Any advice on..

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Mary G

Oh how exciting! I did not go to Italy, but I lived in the Mediterranean area for a time in college; I studied abroad on the coast of Spain a couple of years ago for 4 months.
For clothing, I would suggest going as lightweight as possible! You will not believe how heavy luggage can get when you must haul it around from port to port and from airline terminals. Plus, lighter luggage means more room for souvenirs that won't put you over your weight limit for the flight home...I once had to pay a 130 Euro fee to bring almost 100lbs over-limit weight home--that's over a $1 per pound! You will also want to be able to dress in layers easily! It can be quite hot on the Mediterranean in June, but it can also get chilly occasionally. Bring a warm but lightweight jacket and thin pants...avoid bringing too many jeans since they are heavy and bulky. Clothes that don't wrinkle easily and that fold up very small are helpful. Having a couple thin, slinky skirts or dresses that you can wash in the sink are handy for going out for nightlife and any dressy occasions like visiting cathedrals.

Learn your European size ahead of time. If you need or want to buy clothing or shoes in Italy, it helps to know your size there since their system is totally different. I wear a size 10 shoe here for instance, but there it's 41. (And if you are a taller, larger than average woman it will be more difficult to find clothes that fit. European women are generally more petite than we American women. My shoe size was as large as ladies shoes go in most stores!)

The weather in the Mediterranean during the summer tends to be very hot and dry, although it could rain a little. So don't worry about rain, but you might find a very small compact umbrella to stow in a purse or bookbag.

I have more advice on traveling, but I don't want to ramble. I've not been to Italy, but if it's anything like Spain, let me tell you that Mediterranean food is quite different from American food and I encourage you to try any local cuisine you encounter, even if it seems weird. Hopefully you will get to sample a lot of fresh seafood and other coastal dishes.

Have fun and good luck!

goldfusion

http://www.kqzyfj.com/email-2863087-10397382

pomegranatepants

Shorts are not acceptable in Europe. So if you're in port, wear khaki pants or a skirt. Jeans will give you away as a tourist also.

Steven Tanner

MomSezNo

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Ports of Call" and any other boards that pique your interest.

AZRAEL

Drink only purified water and avoid street vendor food ! Also DO NOT go out by yourself after dark. Go in a group and try to stay in well lighted places with other people around !Enjoy your trip !

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