1. Lie about when you're leaving and returning. Tell yourself and those in your world you'll be away the day before and the day after whatever it says on your plane ticket. It's not really lying. Mentally you're in Italy those pre and post travel days. This helps me to not leave packing until the last minute, and spares those around me from being with getting-on-the-plane-to-Italy-obsessed-Suz. The day after you return, you'll be on an Italy high, unpacking, and will get no sympathy with, "I'm jet-lagged, just got back from Italy." Consider these border days gifts to yourself, to ease in and out. If you do tell anyone your real return date, have it be a masseuse.
2. Get psyched. Your destination has probably been featured in movies or You Tube videos to watch and books to read to enhance your experience. Before you get on the plane, use them to familiarize yourself with your chosen region's history, art, and cuisine. And though the natives you'll encounter in the major cities will most likely speak English, learn at least some words of the beautiful language-Buon giorno, Buona sera, grazie. You'll be thrilled with the Italians' cheerful reaction to your efforts, and will help to dispel the "Ugly American" image by simply attempting to speak their language.
