CaLi Ward Travel Co.

DAY 2 — WE MADE IT TO ROME 🇮🇹✨

And honestly?

There’s something surreal about stepping off a plane in another country after spending hours somewhere between sleep, snacks, movies, and “what time is it even anymore?” 😅

But we officially made it to Rome.

And after months of planning this trip…
that first breath of Roman air just hits differently. 🤍

One thing we REALLY tried to focus on during the flight was making the overnight travel as comfortable as possible instead of just trying to “survive” it.

A few things that honestly helped us:
✈️ neck pillows
🎧 earbuds + Bluetooth transmitters for the plane TVs
💧 staying hydrated constantly
🚶‍♀️ getting up to walk whenever we were awake
🧦 comfortable layers for the plane
😴 trying to rest whenever possible instead of forcing ourselves to stay awake

Because international travel days are LONG…
and how you treat your body during the flight really does affect how you feel once you land.

After arriving, we kept today lighter.
We explored around our hotel area, soaked in the atmosphere, grabbed good food, and eased ourselves into Rome instead of trying to cram too much into the first day.

One thing we’ve learned from travel?

Not every day has to be packed full to be meaningful.

Sometimes the best memories come from simply wandering a new city together with no real agenda. ✨

And honestly?
Walking through Rome for the first time still doesn’t even feel real yet.

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DAY 1 — EUROPE, HERE WE COME ✈️🌍

And honestly?

Today confirmed we may officially be entering our TSA PreCheck/CLEAR era. 😅

Because WHY did it feel like every single person in the airport suddenly decide to travel internationally today too?!

Shoes off.
Bags out.
Liquids separated.
Electronics in another bin.
Trying not to hold up the line while simultaneously questioning every life decision we’ve ever made. 😂

But somehow…
once we made it through security and finally sat down at the gate, it hit us.

We’re really doing this.

Months of planning.
Packing.
Research.
Late-night conversations.
It all suddenly became REAL today.

And honestly?
There’s something so exciting about airport day.

The anticipation.
The people watching.
The organized chaos.
The feeling that for the next couple weeks life is about to look completely different.

Travel tip from us today:
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DAYS ARE A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT.

Wear comfortable clothes.
Keep chargers accessible.
Hydrate early.
And give yourself WAY more time than you think you need.

Also…
we’re officially taking applications for someone to convince us to finally get TSA PreCheck before our next international trip. 😂

Europe…
we’re on our way. 🤍

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📸: Timo Heinz Globetrotting Timo

River cruising allows travelers to experience more than major cities. With Riverside Luxury Cruises, guests visit places like Tain-l’Hermitage, where vineyard landscapes, small cafés, and regional culture create a memorable stop along the journey.

CaLi Ward Travel Co
[email protected]
(334) 200-1801

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1 DAY UNTIL EUROPE ✈️🌍
And today?

It’s officially the final packing day. 😅🧳

The suitcases are zipped.
The last-minute checklist is out.
And now comes the fun part…
figuring out how we’re fitting everything into the RV and the car before heading out. 🤍

One thing we’ve learned from traveling?

DO NOT stress yourself out trying to leave room for souvenirs and shopping.

There are so many easy ways around it.

For this trip, we’re bringing:
✨ a foldable duffel bag packed inside one of our suitcases
✨ versatile outfits we can rewear
✨ room to move things around if needed

Because honestly?

If we need extra luggage coming home…
we’ll just buy another suitcase in Rome. 😅

Travel tip from us today:
THROW A SMALL DUFFEL BAG INSIDE YOUR MAIN SUITCASE.

It barely takes up space going over…
but can become your carry-on for the trip home if you end up shopping more than expected.

Especially in Europe where:
✔️ leather goods
✔️ local markets
✔️ handmade items
✔️ unique souvenirs

…make it VERY hard not to bring things home. 👀

And honestly?
Some of our favorite travel memories come from the little things we bring back with us.

1 day and counting…
and tomorrow, the adventure officially begins. ✈️🤍