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✅ Tip for getting TSA Pre-check and global entry: get a Nexus pass! For $50 and a brief interview by Border Patrol, we breeze through airport TSA, without removing our shoes, in the Pre-check line as well as drive into Canada without the long wait. The pass lasts for 5 years, so it's really only $10 per year!
The Flights
We booked two one way flights via FinnAir: one into Rome and the other out of Paris. We had one stop in Helsinki going each way. The airport in Helsinki was beautiful and easy to navigate, giving a chance to stretch our legs after and before our overnight flights.
We picked a flight that arrived in Rome around 5 pm, giving us lots of time to get out and walk, find gelato, and wear ourselves out so we adjusted easily to the time change.
The flight out of Paris was close to noon, so we had plenty of time in the morning to take the train to the airport and enjoy breakfast before boarding the plane.
Our flight from Helsinki to Seattle was delayed, but we were not bothered at all when we got to spend the time in their fantastic business lounge with delicious free food and drinks!
Packing: We followed Rick's advice for packing. Because there is a lot of walking into hotels from buses, water taxis, and trains, sometimes over cobbles and gravel roads, we brought only one suitcase each - a backpack. Rick has a great line of products for travel and this backpack met our needs for the nearly 3 week duration. We packed a minimal amount of clothes and an empty day pack for small excursions and we had enough room to bring back plenty of souvenirs, including a box of wineglasses from Beaune.
📌Travel Tip: Italy has the best truck stops! When we needed a nice bathroom, snacks, or a great lunch, the truck stops were the best. The meals served in their cafeteria were restaurant-quality. You may have to pay a euro for the bathroom, but save your ticket and you get a euro off your purchase in the store!
Unbelievable foods to go - every kind of cured Italian meat.
Food, gifts, and candy are plentiful.
The cafe has gourmet food and you can look over the freeway while you dine.
⭐Tip: Buy French beauty products! There are some lovely products that aren't sold in the U.S. and they are easy to buy at Paris drugstores and bring back to extend the happiness of your trip a little longer! The most popular products are easy to find in an online search (or ask a local!).
A few day itineraries from our tour
The wildlife
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