How to do Europe with no luggage....

We flew to Rome several days before our departure date of 5/10/08. Our most direct flight option was to fly through Newark airport. Mind you we claimed our luggage in Newark, and hand carried it to the international check in desk, because we had heard that they had 'baggage issues' in Newark. We checked 2 bags, and had 2 claim checks when we arrived in Rome. As we waited for a very long time at baggage claim in Rome, we finally realized that one of our bags did not make it with us. Mine...We stood in the obligatory line at Allitalia and filed our claim for missing luggage - with a promise to call and deliver our bag when it arrived.

With that, we collected the rest of our belongings and headed for the train station where we purchased tickets for the express train to the Termini station. Once at termini, we purchased another ticket to head to the countryside where we had reservations at Ann's Place B&B (recommended from another cc member). David and Ann were very accommodating, helping us by phoning the airline at least once a day searching for our luggage. In the interim, helped us find places to purchase necessities. They were very good and had BIRG (all day) train tickets (which were good for metro and busses once back in Rome) available for purchase and free transport to the train station each day as needed or desired. They also provided free transport to area restaurants as needed or desired for lunch or dinner. We hated to leave Ann's Place even though it was time for our cruise. They arranged for transport to the port, which we shared with another couple from cc. 140 Euros for everyone and their luggage. Read more