If you lived in Italy instead...

Kind of a fun list of things that would be different for someone living in Italy instead of the US:

www.ifitweremyhome.com/compare/US/IT?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4d3a1a38c12e10ba,0

How to Spot ATM Card Skimmers

I've never had a client fall prey to an ATM card skimmer while abroad, but Bootsnall has a fine article on how to recognize and avoid such.

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/10-04/atm-skimmers-how-to-protect-yourself.html

Train Travel in Italy, from www.italylogue.com

Thanks to Jessica and Why Go Italy for this lovely tribute to travel travel in Italy.

http://bit.ly/gStTvv

Italy really did ban plastic bags as of January 1st

Shopkeepers in Italy have been banned from giving out plastic shopping bags to reduce "white pollution." Italians use about 20 billion of those plastic bags a year and they are non-biodegradable. The new law took effect January 1. Stores can only give out plastic bags till they run out.There have been similar restrictions on the bags in about 200 Italian communities but now the ban is nationwide. If you are travelling to Italy this year, pack a cloth shopping bag to carry around. (Association of Retail Travel Agents newsletter)

Smoking prohibitions in Spain as of January 1, 2011

From Jaunted.com newsletter: Warning to smokers: Don't light up in public places when traveling through Spain anymore. The country has enacted a ban on smoking in enclosed public spots, including restaurants and bars.

If you get caught puffing away, it will cost you; a first-time offense carries a $40 fine, and repeat offenders will have to cough up as much as $134,000 after the third strike. However, enclosed spots aren't the only places where where your pack of cigs and lighter are prohibited. You also can get slapped with a fine for smoking in some outdoor areas as well, including playgrounds and near hospitals.

This is a big change for the formerly haze-filled country, which was one of the few last remaining Western European nations to allow smoking in public places. Plus, according to the Christian Science Monitor, government officials estimate that 35 percent of residents above 16 are regular smokers

Buy Paris metro tickets on the other side

Did you know that if you're taking the EuroStar from London to Paris, you can buy Paris metro and RER tickets right at St. Pancras station before boarding? They are available in the departure lounge, and even on the train.