Hello again from Italy.

This time I'm writing from Taormina — and yes, it totally lives up to the White Lotus hype.

There are some big updates below, including more intel on Europe's new immigration system.

I'll have much more to share about the trip when I'm back next week. Stay tuned for some recommendations and a little-known points redemption at a luxe Sicilian hotel.

Advertiser and Editorial Disclosure

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After I landed in Italy this week, I immediately updated my guide to the new European immigration system.

My experience entering at Milan Malpensa was relatively seamless, but there were a few twists and turns worth covering.

One of my friends waited two hours to clear immigration in Amsterdam, and I've heard from numerous readers that Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, and Madrid have had hours-long waits recently.

If I were booking a trip to Europe right now, I'd suggest:

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When I posted about FoundersCard, a bunch of you asked which perks actually matter most.

For me, it's the airline discounts.

These days, airfare is creeping up, and any savings move the needle, especially when I’m spending so much time in the air. I’ve loved saving on Southwest and Alaska flights, and a host of international carriers offer even better discounts.

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After landing in Emirates first class, I had a fall from grace. I went from the world's most luxurious commercial flight experience to the polar opposite: a Wizz Air flight from Milan to Catania.

The flight featured the European special — bus gates on both ends, an uncomfortable seat, and an indifferent crew.

That said, low-cost carriers practically operate as de facto domestic airlines in Italy. I generally find Wizz Air and easyJet better than Ryanair, but that's just my experience.

I did splurge on a 30 EUR upgrade to the bulkhead first row.

Why does renting a car in Italy always have to suck? Here's what to do to beat it.

When we landed in Catania, we made our way to the rental car area, which meant walking through the scorching heat along a half-covered walkway to the Viaggiare Rental Car outpost.

Waiting for us: a line with six other parties and just one grumpy agent taking her grand old time.

We waited over an hour and were at risk of missing a meeting and our dinner reservation. (We'd moved up just four spots by then.)

So I walked into the company next door and asked if they had last-minute availability. They did.

We paid much more — and probably won't get a refund on the nonrefundable reservation we made through Priceline — but at least we made it to dinner.

When you rent a car in Europe, always take a video of the car to document its existing damage.

I've saved myself hundreds of euros in alleged damage over the years by sending that video to customer service after returning the car.

I'm always converting currency and units when I travel.

I used to use a separate app or do a Google search each time — until I learned that the iPhone calculator has a built-in convert feature.

It works with currency, temperature, units, and more.

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to buy a local digital eSIM instead of roaming with your home carrier for $12 a day. (Looking at you, Verizon.)

Most people don't realize you still get your phone calls, texts, and iMessages even while using a foreign eSIM.

This is made possible by a feature called Dual SIM, and every iPhone since the iPhone 14 supports it (assuming your device is unlocked).

Here's what you do:

With these settings, you'll still receive calls and texts on your primary line, but you won't be charged for roaming unless you answer.

Instead, call back using FaceTime or WhatsApp on the local eSIM.

Using these links is the easiest way to support FTTT — and I only recommend what I actually use.

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