Paying Internationally

Sneakers? Check.

Camera? Check.

Passport? Check.

But wait, you’re not yet ready to travel! How are you going to pay for it all? When traveling abroad, it pays to plan ahead. Literally.



Euros are accepted most everywhere in Europe



CASH IS KING

…and I mean Euros, Yen, or whatever! No matter where you go people always prefer bills to cards.

Whatever you do, don’t go to one of those Currency Exchange kiosks to switch out your dollars. Sure they may be convenient, but you’ll pay for it. Most exchange counters charge 5-8% in fees.

Instead, call around to your local bank and find which bank offers the best rate. The Euro is bouncing back from its lows earlier this year, but you should be able to find a rate of around 1.438 meaning for every $1000 U.S. dollars, you’ll get 695 Euros. To get a big picture idea (a.k.a. - before the bank adds on its fees), try Yahoo's Currency Converter, to see how far your dollar will go.

If you have access to TD Bank in the Northeast, I highly recommend its services as they charge nominal rates. Credit unions and to a lesser extent AAA are two other great places to try and switch your dollars to the desired currency. Always call ahead and try several days in a row to try to gauge day-to-day exchange rate volatility.


USE YOUR DEBIT CARD SPARINGLY

You’re not protected. Should your wallet be stolen or you get double charged, you’ll have a more difficult time disputing incorrect charges.

To limit ATM fees while traveling, try to make one or two large withdrawals as opposed to five or six smaller ones. Also, most banks limit ATM withdrawals to $200 or $300 so check with your bank or ask your bank to raise this limit before you head abroad.



NOT JUST ANY CREDIT CARD WILL DO
Many banks charge at least a 2% fee on credit and debit card purchases made outside the United States on top of the minimum 1% currency-exchange fees levied by Visa and MasterCard. That can be brutal, especially when you factor in the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate!

Currency transaction fees won’t be listed anywhere on your credit card statement. You’re going to have pick up the phone, call, and ask your credit card company how much it charges. But allow me to help you…There’s only one, count ‘em, ONE credit card that doesn’t tack on a foreign currency conversion fee. It's Capital One. It just may be worth it to get a Capital One card before your trip if but for no other reason to save on those hefty fees!


TRAVELERS' CHEQUES
Who needs them?! The world of plastic has forever changed access to cash abroad. With ATMs popping up nearly everywhere it's as simple as inputting your pin and money spitting right out.

However, I would never say travelers cheques are a bad idea. You just run the risk of not being able to cash them in a small city or small business. The smart bet is using them as emergency back-up should something happen to your ATM and/or credit cards. Make sure you keep them separated from each other in case your purse/bag is stolen. Also, stick with Visa or American Express branded travelers cheques; they are known worldwide.


KEEP THINGS SECURE
And don’t forget to keep things secure! Forget the wallet or designer purses. I find it best to keep your debit card and the bulk of your bills in your money belt. Then carry enough cash for the day and your credit card in a secure bag like PacSafe sells.


THE BOTTOM LINE
Lots of cash - stored safely.
Capital One credit card for large purchases.
ATM once or twice during the trip, withdrawing larger sums each time.
Travelers cheques only as backup.

Destination: Kansas City

Downtown Kansas City skyline

WHY VISIT?

Kansas City keeps "America's Heartland" beating with jazz, fountains, and barbecue. Maybe more folksy than fancy, this fabulous city (and my hometown) will surprise you with everything it has to offer.

Dubbed "The City of Fountains", Kansas City has over 200 fountains - second only to Rome. The city also is home to more boulevards than any other city except Paris earning its nickname as the "Paris of the Plains". 

Located at the confluence of Kansas and Missouri rivers and bordering both state lines, Kansas City is a great weekend destination. 

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
The Kansas City International Airport (MCI) lies north of the city and is typically about a 20-30 minute drive to most major destinations.

Cabs are easy and reliable from the airport. Walk outside and pick up the yellow phones and talk with the operator. A taxi will be curbside in less than 5 minutes.

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain on the Plaza

Since the city is so spread out and public transportation is quite limited, I would recommend a rental car.

Kansas City is often described as the "metro" because there are many outlying areas that make up the metropolitan area. Here's a neighborhood breakdown with a each area's major attractions:

• North (a.k.a - "Northland" or "North of the River") - Zona Rosa shopping area, the airport, Worlds & Oceans of Fun
• East (Independence) - Arrowhead & Kauffman stadiums, Pres. Harry Truman heritage sites
• Southwest (Overland Park, Olathe) 
• West (Bonner Springs, Kansas City, KS) - Kansas Speedway. The Legends shopping area 
• Downtown - Power & Light District, Bartle Hall Convention Center, Performing Arts Center (coming next September)
• The Country Club Plaza (a.k.a. - The Plaza)

The Plaza is your best bet in terms of a place to stay. It is a central location and beautiful area. Try Embassy Suites or the Raphael Hotel.

Most of the major tourist areas are safe, but due to it's popularity I would keep an eye on your wallet and/or purse on the Plaza.


Downtown Kansas City



Pass on sketchy Westport nightlife and head to the new KC Power & Light district in downtown KC. This 9-block entertainment hot spot is part of a recent $5B downtown makeover. Do know the open-air atmosphere can at times feel like a fraternity party.

For a more low-key evening, your best bet is the jazz for which KC is famous. Check out The Majestic Restaurant in Downtown. Once a prohibition-era speakeasy, the Majestic hosts live jazz every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. (No cover charge)

Boulevard is a local brewery that makes a great wheat beer. Give it a try! Tours available as well.

Our nation's 33rd President was born and lived much of his life in Independence. A 20 minute drive will take you from downtown Kansas City to Independence where you can visit Pres. Harry Truman's home and museum.

In addition to  Pres. Truman, Walter Cronkite, Jean Harlow, Ginger Rogers, golfer Tom Watson, and handbag designer Kate Spade are all from the area.

The Country Club Plaza 

TOP 10 TO SEE & DO: 

1. The Country Club Plaza
Designed in 1922 as the nation's first suburban shopping district, the Plaza is an open-air public art gallery with fountains, sculptures and murals that bring out the best of the Old World and the new. The entire 15-block district is filled with more than 150 shops and dozens of restaurants, serving as a sort of a "Rodeo Drive" of the midwest with a Spanish flair.

You'll find everything from the Gap to Tiffany's and McDonald's to ritzy Bristol. Don't miss popcorn & a limeade at Topsy's - a KC institution - and Kansas City's finest department store Hall's.

Barbecue KC-style at Oklahoma Joe's

2. Barbecue

You can’t visit Kansas City without eating its world-famous barbecue!  There are more than 90 restaurants and the annual American Royal hosts one of the world's biggest BBQ contests. 


Smokehouse, Fiorella's Jack Stack, Arthur Bryant's, and Oklahoma Joe's are (in order) my favorites. Burnt ends, the flavorful pieces of meat cut from the ends of smoked beef or pork brisket, are a KC specialty, but you really can’t go wrong no matter what you order. Do make sure to try the unique style of baked beans.

3. Steak

Ever hear of a Kansas City strip steak? Yeah, thought so. Beef is what's for dinner...and sometimes even lunch! Kansas Citians have long been fans dating all the way back to the stockyard days. Treat yourself at the Plaza III or Hereford House, two of my favorites.

4. Ponak's Mexican Kitchen
Sensing a theme here? Food in Kansas City is tough to beat, and Mexican food is a pretty big deal here, too. Authentic-style Mexican food, the world's best margarita, and eclectic decor make this Kansas City landmark a favorite for over 4 decades. Try the pork burrito! (2856 Southwest Blvd)

5. American Jazz Museum/Negro Leagues Baseball Hall of Fame
They say jazz was born in New Orleans, but grew up in Kansas City …to be more precise, on the corner of 18th and Vine. This is the neighborhood where John Coltrane met Charlie Parker and the same area that nurtured the careers of many legendary musicians.

In the very same building (1616 E. 18th Street) is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a tribute to African Americans' role in the sport. Follow along on this self-guided tour, starting from the league’s humble beginnings back in 1920, to 1945 when Major League Baseball's Brooklyn Dodgers recruited Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs and then to league’s eventual collapse in 1960s.

SAVVY TIP: $10/adult buys you admission to both museums! Avoid visiting at night as the neighborhood is not one of the safest in the area.

Kauffman Stadium (a.k.a. The "K")

6. Kauffman Stadium/Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas Citians love to cheer on their favorite - albeit humble - sports teams. The "K", as residents affectionately call it, is home to Major League Baseball's Royals and Arrowhead is home to the NFL's Chiefs. Both stadiums just finished pricey renovations complete with HD scoreboards, new plasma TVs, and concessions. Seats are typically very reasonably priced and easy to get at the last minute.

7. Steamboat Arabia Museum

Back in 1856, the steamboat Arabia hit a snag and sunk in the Missouri river. For 132 years, the boat remained covered in the muddy waters and dirt. Excavations began in the middle of a corn field after the river's course shifted. This museum houses artifacts and all the history of this amazing story.  (Mon-Sat 10AM - 5:30PM, last tour at 4PM, Sunday 12PM - 5PM, last tour at 3:30)

8. World's of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Missouri's version of Disney World. Two theme parks: one filled with roller coasters and rides and the other a water park.  A great place for family fun. 

9. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Just three blocks away from the Plaza, this museum is distinguished for its extensive collection of Asian art. It's also well known for it's can't-miss Shuttlecocks, a four-part outdoor sculpture of oversize badminton shuttlecocks. Admission is free every day. (4525 Oak Street, Closed Monday & Tuesday)

Crown Center

10. Crown Center/Hallmark's Visitors Center
Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Crown Center is three levels of shopping and dining, flanked by two of the city's largest hotels (Hyatt Regency & The Westin), surrounding the worldwide headquarters of Hallmark Cards.

There are plenty of creative activities for kids including Kaleidoscope (hands-on art creation), The Coterie Theater, and the Crown Center Ice Terrace (ice skating in the winter). Don't forget to go behind the scenes at the Hallmark Visitor Center where adults and children alike can decorate their own cards. (2450 Grand Blvd., Closed Sundays)

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME:

• Kanas City Zoo - A so-so zoo in a less than desirable area. 
• Gates BBQ - fatty barbecue and my least favorite in the entire city
• The Casinos: Harrah's, Ameristar, Argosy, & Isle of Capri - it's Missouri people, not Nevada. Let's leave smoke-filled gambling to the professionals.

LINKS: 
Kansas City Map

Country Club Plaza Restaurants
Country Club Plaza Stores

Destination: Rome Day Trips

Amalfi Coast

There's so much to see and do in Rome, but if you are able to add a day or two to your trip here are three destinations not to be missed. All are an easy train, car, and/or boat ride from Rome.

AMALFI COAST 

This gorgeous stretch of coastline on the south side of Italy is filled with breathtaking views, rocky beaches, and bright-colored hillside villages.

To make the very most of your visit on the Amalfi Coast, hire a driver/guide to pick you up at the Naples train station to start your day. We had great success with Alberto at AP Tours. We were able to design the trip to our specifications. Below is a map of our itinerary, all of which can be packed into one in a day. Expect to pay 280-360 Euros for two for the day depending upon the number of passengers and destinations chosen.

SAVVY TIP: Make sure to request a vehicle that allows you to sit up higher (a van instead of a sedan) so you can take in the beautiful views above the road's guide rail. And whatever you do, don't drive! The roads are much too narrow and should be left only to the pros.


View Larger Map

Take the earliest train from Rome to Naples (shown on the map above as "A"). We drove past Pompeii and on to the Amalfi Coast first. From East to West, we stopped and visited Ravello ("B"), Amalfi ("C"), and our favorite Positano ("D").  On our way back to Naples to catch our return train to Rome we stopped in Pompeii ("E").

Ravello town square

Ravello 

The best views of the Amalfi Coast are here. Make sure to visit the beautiful gardens at Villa Rufolo just off the town square. Ceramic plates are the souvenir specialty. Don't miss the small, but well respected Ravello-brand wines all grown, aged, and bottled in the area. 

Amalfi's Duomo

Amalfi

The coast's largest town and popular resort destination was once one of the world's greatest naval powers. Taste the good life with an after-dinner limoncello drink.  Make sure to check out the Duomo (The Cathedral) off the main square.  

Positano's waterfront

Positano

The Amalfi Coast's beauty is personified here. Gorgeous beaches, fragrant citrus groves and beautiful white buildings built right into the cliffs make this my favorite destination on the Amalfi Coast. To enjoy, just mosey through the shops and down the beaches to dip your toes in the Mediterranean. Ask your guide to take you high up in the hillside to taste the best homemade meal in all of Italy (and the views aren't too shabby either!) at Trattoria La Tagliata.

Pompeii's ruins

POMPEII

In AD 79  Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city of Pompeii in 20 feet of pumice and ash. 20 FEET! Excavation did not begin until 1748 revealing a city petrified in time. Many impressive and intact ruins are located here including sculpture, buildings, and paintings giving you a sneak peek as to what was life in a once-thriving commercial port of 20,000 residents.

Located midway between Naples and Sorrento (about 30 minutes from each),  you could easily spend an entire day in Pompeii.  We just had time for a quick visit after spending most of our day in Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Armed with a great Rick Steves' map and audio guide we flew through Pompeii in less than two hours. I wouldn't suggest it because we didn't get to see everything, but know it is doable.

A cast of Pompeii citizen on that fateful day

Pompeii can be very confusing without a guidebook or guide. Have a game plan to make this trip a success.

Replica of the Dancing Faun

Here are a few must-sees:

• The House of Faun - Pompeii's largest home covering an entire city block complete with a small bronze statue of the Dancing Faun, 40 rooms, and 27,000 square feet. 
• The House of Vetti - the best-preserved home with many frescoes and mosaics
• The Brothel - Just as popular today as it probably was then, this stop was a simple place with stone beds and pillows. Look up for what was probably a sort of "menu" of options for purchase.
• The Baths - After working out in the nearby gym, men would relax here in a cold, warm, or hot bath.

Note: The Archaeological Museum in Naples contains an enormous amount of treasures from Pompeii. (9 AM - 7:30 PM, Closed Tuesday)

CAPRI 

Rome's Emperors chose this beautiful, small island paradise of Capri (pronounced Cap-ry) as their favorite vacationing spot. The bright blue waters have earned it a reputation as a Garden of Eden.  However these days that reputation is nearly eclipsed by its stigma as a tourist trap. There's barely an off season here, but Capri is particularly one to avoid in July and August.

The cheapest way to get there is to take a ferry ride from Naples, Amalfi, Positano, or Sorrento for 14 Euro. If you are looking to arrive in style, try Capri Time Boats.

The must-do in Capri is the Blue Grotto, and it's no secret. Motorboats line up outside this grotto waiting for available row boats (the only vessels allowed inside the grotto), tourists shuffle from one boat to another, and lie back to squeeze under the grotto's narrow opening. The long lines force your visit to be only a few minutes, but the magical water and once-in-a-lifetime experience may make it all worthwhile.