Leaving in 2 days!!!

[lemlern]

So I have a few last minute panicky questions that I hope someone can ease my mind about.

1. Anyone fly American Airlines and managed to carry on a slightly larger bag than the "standards" for carry on? I have a 50" linear backpack that of course is below the weight limit but is 5" too big for the linear measurement (height x width x length). It is also 3050 cu. inches.

2. If a train changes station along the way to your final destination, can you get off at the change station, look around, and catch the next train? My BF wants to do a quick lookie-loo in Pisa and it is a change station on our way to the CT.

3. Any must eats in Italy? I have gelato and lots of seafood on my list along with pizza. I am traveling to Venice, Cinque Tere, Rome, Ischia, Sorrento (with stops in Naples, Amalfi, Positano). I hear Ischia is known for their rabbit... If you guys have any dishes I should look out for to try, I would appreciate it! Eating is the number 2 reason I am going to Italy ...

[simply_angelic]

2. If a train changes station along the way to your final destination, can you get off at the change station, look around, and catch the next train? My BF wants to do a quick lookie-loo in Pisa and it is a change station on our way to the CT.

Hmmmm I really can't remember but I THINK that when you book trains the person at the ticket vendor is actually booking your spot on each train for each leg of the trip~no special all-inclusive price. So why not just book a later train out of Pisa?
(Assuming there are seat reservations for the train otherwise definitely just get off and hop back on whenever you want)

3. Any must eats in Italy?
mmmm those little sandwiches are really good...and gelato is definitely good to be on your list ~my personal fav. strachiatella (but only the type that DOESNT look like it has chocolate sauce in it, for some reason there appears to be 2 types....)
Other than that, just see what looks good and eat!


Have fun!

[marc873]

So far I have taken my pack which is about the size as yours onto every single plane I have gotten onto. Hopefully you have a detachable day pack and it will fit in the overhead easily, I have had to really shove it in a few times. I will tell you that I ignore the announcement about carryons when its a full flight, and just walk right on the plane with my pack on my back.

In Italy, I live on street food. It is everywhere and there is a huge selection. Even on Ischia, I lived on street food, and keep in mind that the grocery stores on Ischia are insanely cheap. Really BIG beers for only .50 euro. And bottles of wine for 2 Euro. Enjoy, and I can't wait to hear how you liked Ischia. You will be the first person I've encountered who has actually been there. We are going back for a few days on our next trip in 10 months. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

[Maineartist]

Lemlern: Here's a few I hadn't heard before going to Italy. You'll come across lots of wonderful food.

Frutti di mare: Fish cooked and served whole. It is interesting and delicious to eat seafood at Sicilian restaurants.

Sflogliatella: Napoli

Zuppa di ferro: Tuscany

Amatrice

Mangia Bene!

[indierock05]

I went to NZ with a bigger bag and it was fine, and if it is too big then they will just charge you a fine

But good luck and have so much fun!

[lemlern]

Thanks guys! Ischia is indeed one of the places I am most looking forward to visiting. There is so little info about it, so I am even more curious! I will post my travelogues for Italy and Ireland either as I go or when I get back. I have a feeling Ireland is going to rock too. My professor in Ireland booked herself, my boyfriend, and myself a hotel room near the Dublin airport, no charge for us!, when we get done with Italy, as the rest of class doesn't arrive until the next morning. What a nice way to jump into the country