Italy has always been the country we think of first when Dottie and I consider travel to Europe. Getting here this time was a bit more complicated than before. Although each EU country has its own rules, most are similar to those set by the Italians.

First: it takes a bit more preparation. In addition to our passports, we needed our COVID-19 vaccination cards, plus proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival (in Italy). Dottie and I used the Abbott BinaxNOW Covid-19AgCard version, which can be taken at home, verified online, and documented via the NAVICA app. We also needed to fill out a European Union Passenger Locator Form online.