Capturing the Memories - tips for your Italian vacation

You may have spent months planning your perfect vacation to Italy.   Perhaps you are going on the vacation of a lifetime.   Whatever the occasion, more than likely, you want to capture the memories either by photography, or videography, or perhaps both.  

Here are some tips to consider when you are going to Italy:

Make sure you do not pack any of your equipment or film in the luggage.   It is more likely to get damaged that way.   And of course, it is more likely to get stolen.   Always keep any of your valuables in a carry-on bag.  

And when the airport personnel tell you that the X-ray machines do not damage film, they are partly correct.   True, the film will not be damaged 99.9% of the time, but the quality of the film WILL deteriorate after each X-ray.   It will not be noticeable, unless perhaps, you are a professional photographer.   But the film will lose some quality.   If you can, opt for a hand inspection using a see through plastic bag.  

Film (and film processing) in Italy is a lot more expensive than in the US or Canada.   It is best to buy all the film that you will need PRIOR to arriving in Italy.   There are many photo processing places in Italy (look for the Kodak symbol), some even have one-hour processing.   But you will save money if you wait to have it processed after you arrive back home.  

Another way to save money is to buy your batteries for your digital camera prior to arriving in Italy.   Duracell and Energizer are both sold in Italy, but they are harder to come by.   And other Italian-made batteries just don't seem to be as good.  

You just video taped a real nice scene with your camcorder.   Your cousin Enzo and the whole family would like to watch what you've taped on their Television.   Shouldn't be a problem, right? A TV is a TV, and cables are cables, or so you think.   Well in Italy it is indeed a problem.   Italy (and most of the rest of Western Europe and Australia) operates on a different system, called PAL.   You will not be able to view it, UNLESS they have a newer VCR that operates on a dual system.  

This also applies to most tapes that you may purchase in Italy (VHS and DVD).   They simply won't work in North America.   The tapes will need to be converted.

Also keep in mind, that you will need an electrical adapter to fit into the Italian sockets.   You can purchase a Grounding Adaptor Plug D (through Magellan's) prior to your Italian trip. You may also need a converter if your equipment does not operate on the proper voltage.   Check the owner's manual of your equipment, or maybe log on to their website or call their customer service just to be certain.  

If you are the type that likes to go to museums, please note that many museums will not let you photograph their paintings and sculptures.   Even if you override the flash.   And many of the national archaeological parks will not allow you to bring in a tripod.  

So there you have it...with a little planning and foresight, you can capture all your memories on film so you can savor them for a lifetime.