How I got into Portugal and Italy 🛫

Finally traveling again!

The whole reason you signed up for this newsletter is because you're a travel junkie and want to be inspired or live vicariously through my adventures, which you really shouldn't. Just let me plan your next adventure. I'm so happy to finally present my personal culinary adventures to you through this newsletter.

My last big trip was October - December 2019. I went to the south of France, Andalusia Spain, then Galicia, Spain down through northern Portugal all the way to the Algarve... it was unbelievable, then BOOM! Pandemic (which is still happening by the way)

This current trip is my first big trip since December 2019. I'm here in Italy from August 15 - September 7, before arriving into Italy I spent three nights in Lisbon, Portugal at the Corinthia Lisbon (so dreamy). Then head back to Portugal again to host our first small group trip of 2021!

There was a lot of paperwork, tests, QR codes, forms that I needed to get prior to my departure. It's really important for you to do all the things you need to do to set yourself up for success, the last thing you want to do is have to take a $200, last minute PCR test or not be allowed on your flight.

SFO>CDG>LIS

72 hours prior to my departure
I took a PCR test in order to make sure I was completely covered in case anybody asked for it. Many European destinations are not requiring negative PCR tests if you are already vaccinated, but anything can change at any moment and I wanted to be prepared. Plus, it was important for me to know that I wasn't carrying the virus overseas on my flight.

I spent a lot of time looking for the correct information from the official Portugal website and from the tourism office so I was really happy when this happened...

24 hours prior to my flight,
I checked into my Delta flight and TA DA! Delta linked me directly to all of the information and forms that I needed before boarding my flight. I only received information for Portugal even though I was connecting in Paris. I filled out all the necessary forms, received my passenger locator QR code for Portugal (because each country has their own). Printed all documents and my QR code. Here is what you need for Portugal.

I also started looking at Italy but wasn't able to fill out my forms until I checked into my flights. Here is the link anyway.

4 hours prior to my flight,
at SFO I was given additional forms for connecting in Paris, was asked for my negative PCR test or vaccination card and that was all. 

Connecting at CDG,
was the most seamless transit, I was surprised. No one asked for my documents, I got my stamp and waited for my connecting flight. 1, 2, 3! But don't always expect a smooth transit.

When booking my flight I had the option for a 2 hour connection or 5 hours. I chose 5 hours because flights have been getting canceled last minute or delayed (I had a flight from NYC to SFO grounded for 6 hours then rescheduled for the next morning). Don't take these chances! Give yourself a minimum of 3 hours to connect because you never know. If you miss your flight and there are extra expenses, you'll have your travel insurance  👀... right? You better be getting that travel insurance.

Upon boarding my flight to Portugal, I was asked for my PCT test or vaccination card.

Out of all of my documents, only 1 wasn't collected in Paris.

Portugal and Italy's Passenger Locator Card-QR Code. 

People have asked for these QR Codes, more in Italy than Portugal. But, the question is... when do you use them? What for? Do they work?

More to come….

SUSPENSE!