Listen to your instincts in planning and in execution.

Choose 5 days rather than 7. See above.

Don’t travel to relentlessly sunny & hot tourist destinations if you don’t like hot weather or having your eyeballs scalded. See the first item above.

Don’t assume that your travel companion who has suggested your trip in late August early September will follow through and book those dates. Buyer beware.

Don’t assume internet works at the resort, even it’s advertised.

Don’t judge a restaurant by the first meal you when you need to dine there for a week, because the resort you booked includes board of breakfast and dinner. Also, don’t allow your travel companion to offend said staff on the first night. You will spend the rest of the stay trying to making amends.

Remember to have your own best interests first and foremost. You aren’t #1 to anybody else.

It goes without saying, but your travel companion may not be honest when it comes to paying for things or reimbursing you for expenses you front. Don’t be a trusting fool.

Don’t fall in an Italian archecological site. It’s not their job to look out for you, as they will quickly tell you.

Likewise: Don’t go on a cruise along the coast in Sardinia where they encourage you to jump off the boat (or descend by the little ladder) into the water if you aren’t a good swimmer. If you think the “skipper” will notice you, let alone save you, you will be sadly (or even fatally) surprised. There is no Department of Public Safety operational in Italy (if one exists). They cut corners and are unaccountable in every way imaginable. You better have a good travel companion if you need help of any kind. God help you if you don’t.

I wish the guy doing the backstroke would put his head in the water. It looks wrong the way he does it.