Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much will this trip to Solferino cost?
A: The answer to this question rests entirely on the travel plans you make! This is an unofficial, self-funded trip to Italy. This is not a deployment. Many volunteers add a few days beforehand or afterwards to tour Northern Italy! Make it a family trip! Research ways to cut your costs! Fly budget airlines (at your own risk). Book an Airbnb! Get creative, use your points or get out your coin jar and start saving now!
A: The answer to this question rests entirely on the travel plans you make! This is an unofficial, self-funded trip to Italy. This is not a deployment. Many volunteers add a few days beforehand or afterwards to tour Northern Italy! Make it a family trip! Research ways to cut your costs! Fly budget airlines (at your own risk). Book an Airbnb! Get creative, use your points or get out your coin jar and start saving now!
Q: Who can attend?
A: Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff from all over the world, as well as their family and friends may attend the festivities each June!
A: Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff from all over the world, as well as their family and friends may attend the festivities each June!
Q: Where can I stay?
A: There are a wide variety of hotels, hostels, agriturismos and Airbnb's to choose from in Solferino and neighboring towns. You can even stay in the Italian Red Cross camp that's set up each year. Book as early as you can! To learn more about lodging, click here.
A: There are a wide variety of hotels, hostels, agriturismos and Airbnb's to choose from in Solferino and neighboring towns. You can even stay in the Italian Red Cross camp that's set up each year. Book as early as you can! To learn more about lodging, click here.
Q: If I want to stay at the Red Cross camp, when are the best days to stay?
A: Generally there is a higher volume of volunteers that begin their stay in the camp on the Thursday and Friday before the fiaccolata on Saturday! Then they leave Sunday or Monday after the fiaccolata.
A: Generally there is a higher volume of volunteers that begin their stay in the camp on the Thursday and Friday before the fiaccolata on Saturday! Then they leave Sunday or Monday after the fiaccolata.
Q: Where is the nearest airport to Solferino?
A: Verona and Venice
A: Verona and Venice
Q: Do I need an international driver's permit?
A: Rental car is the easiest way to get to Solferino regardless of which airport you fly into. Trains and buses are also another transportation option however they do not take you directly into Solferino. If you plan on renting or driving a car, you'll want to make sure you obtain an International Drivers Permit or International Driving License before you travel. Italian law requires drivers that don't have a European Union driving license to show their home country license as well as an International Driving Permit if (or when) they're pulled over, and your rental car company may or may not require one or even ask about one when you put down a credit card to confirm your rental car reservation in person. An IDP can be acquired at either the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Please visit their individual linked websites for more information on these rules.
A: Rental car is the easiest way to get to Solferino regardless of which airport you fly into. Trains and buses are also another transportation option however they do not take you directly into Solferino. If you plan on renting or driving a car, you'll want to make sure you obtain an International Drivers Permit or International Driving License before you travel. Italian law requires drivers that don't have a European Union driving license to show their home country license as well as an International Driving Permit if (or when) they're pulled over, and your rental car company may or may not require one or even ask about one when you put down a credit card to confirm your rental car reservation in person. An IDP can be acquired at either the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Please visit their individual linked websites for more information on these rules.
Q: Who can I contact with questions regarding Solferino 2024?
A: There is an official Solferino email manned by the Italian Red Cross who are the official organizers. This email will most likely be [email protected] once activated as Solferino 2024 draws nearer. For other more general inquiries about Solferino please email Vivian Moy of the American Red Cross at [email protected]
A: There is an official Solferino email manned by the Italian Red Cross who are the official organizers. This email will most likely be [email protected] once activated as Solferino 2024 draws nearer. For other more general inquiries about Solferino please email Vivian Moy of the American Red Cross at [email protected]
Q: Is there a group tour guide that is organizing this unofficial delegation of American Red Cross volunteers and staff?
A: No. At this point in time there is not. That may change. In 2019 everyone was free to make their own travel plans. Once we were all at the camp we ate together and went on the guided tours together. But if you have a travel related background and are interested in being the official unofficial Red Cross tour guide then email Vivian Moy at [email protected]!
A: No. At this point in time there is not. That may change. In 2019 everyone was free to make their own travel plans. Once we were all at the camp we ate together and went on the guided tours together. But if you have a travel related background and are interested in being the official unofficial Red Cross tour guide then email Vivian Moy at [email protected]!
Q: How can I connect with other American Red Cross volunteers who are going to Solferino this June?
A: Click here to visit the ARC 2019 Trip to Solferino Facebook page to read the message threads from our inaugural trip to Solferino. Feel free to join and post a message if you're looking for other volunteers/staff that are attending this year.
A: Click here to visit the ARC 2019 Trip to Solferino Facebook page to read the message threads from our inaugural trip to Solferino. Feel free to join and post a message if you're looking for other volunteers/staff that are attending this year.
Q: While in Solferino, how can I communicate with my fellow American Red Crossers?
A: A Whatsapp group was created for the 2019 unofficial delegation to facilitate communication while on-site. Please look out for updates on whether this communication channel will be used for 2024!
A: A Whatsapp group was created for the 2019 unofficial delegation to facilitate communication while on-site. Please look out for updates on whether this communication channel will be used for 2024!
Q: In addition to bringing a valid passport what else should I do before traveling to Italy?
A: Travelers are advised to register their international travel with the State Department so in case of emergencies they can get help from the US Consulate General in Milan. Click here to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
A: Travelers are advised to register their international travel with the State Department so in case of emergencies they can get help from the US Consulate General in Milan. Click here to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Q: I hear that trading gear between different Red Cross/Red Crescent national societies happens with attendees while in the camp and at the Fiaccolata – is this something I can take part in, and if so, is gear provided to trade?
A: Trading gear is a fun tradition at the Fiaccolata! Unfortunately, we do not provide American Red Cross gear to trade for those attending, but encourage you to bring your own. Patches, pins, t-shirts, pens, pencils and stickers are just a few examples of what you could bring. Just be mindful of some key notes on trading manners as we are always representing the American Red Cross – be polite in your “negotiations,” never offer an “IOU” in exchange for a trade as it can be tricky to reconnect again with the same people during the event, and in the spirit of generosity, consider offering your swag without any expectation of receiving anything in return. Many Red Cross national societies are not in the position to afford t-shirts or patches so let's take this opportunity to be magnanimous to our fellow volunteers!
A: Trading gear is a fun tradition at the Fiaccolata! Unfortunately, we do not provide American Red Cross gear to trade for those attending, but encourage you to bring your own. Patches, pins, t-shirts, pens, pencils and stickers are just a few examples of what you could bring. Just be mindful of some key notes on trading manners as we are always representing the American Red Cross – be polite in your “negotiations,” never offer an “IOU” in exchange for a trade as it can be tricky to reconnect again with the same people during the event, and in the spirit of generosity, consider offering your swag without any expectation of receiving anything in return. Many Red Cross national societies are not in the position to afford t-shirts or patches so let's take this opportunity to be magnanimous to our fellow volunteers!