THE IMPORTANT STUFF
There are so many things to consider when traveling. We’ve divided some commonly asked questions into four parts. If you don’t see an answer to your question, please email or call us.
Why Travel with Project Por Amor?
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Project Por Amor offers immersive, culturally rich experiences that go beyond typical tourism. Our carefully hand-crafted curated itineraries focus on authentic connections, featuring exclusive access to local artists, musicians, historians, and community leaders. Travelers experience the “soul” of our destinations through first hand perspectives of history, arts, and social impact, creating life-changing journeys.
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Project Por Amor's tours to Cuba reflect a strong commitment to social sustainability, emphasizing direct support for the Cuban people and promoting regenerative tourism. Today, tourism in Cuba is a vital part of their local economy, and every aspect of our journey prioritizes local communities, ensuring our presence has a positive and lasting impact despite the challenging US embargo and a government-run economy that has left the Cuban people with scarce resources.
We exclusively book private accommodations (casas particulares) and dine at family-owned restaurants (paladares), channeling our support toward Cuban entrepreneurs. For each tour, we hire many artists in music, dance, and visual arts to share and discuss their work, which not only provides financial benefits but also showcases their talents to an international audience. To enrich our travelers’ experience further, we employ local guides and experts who offer firsthand perspectives on Cuban culture, history, and social challenges. We take great pride in educating visitors about Cuba’s rich culture and economic realities. Our educational program fosters meaningful international dialogue, enhancing people-to-people understanding in spite of the iron curtain of isolation imposed by the US government. By choosing our tour, you are not just exploring Cuba—you are actively supporting its vibrant people and communities in a meaningful way.
Additionally, we encourage each traveler to bring essential supplies—such as medicine, toiletries, music supplies, athletic equipment, and more—to donate. Because of the U.S. embargo, basic necessities are often scarce, making these contributions invaluable. We partner with US humanitarian organizations such as Days for Girls, which creates reusable menstruation kits and donates medications for autism and cerebral palsy, providing our travelers the chance to bring much-needed donations to Cuba at no cost.
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Our trips attract curious, open-minded travelers who are passionate about culture, history, and engaging with local communities. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, music enthusiast, or socially conscious traveler, our tours offer something for anyone looking to go beyond the typical tourist experience.
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Not at all! While learning a few key phrases is always helpful, our expert bilingual guides ensure smooth communication and deeper connections with locals. Additionally, for Cuba trips, we offer optional virtual one-on-one Spanish lessons with a Cuban teacher before and after the trip, allowing travelers to build confidence and enhance their cultural experience.
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Each tour is designed to be immersive and engaging, featuring experiences like:
Private performances and conversations with renowned musicians, artists, and writers
Guided explorations of historic sites, hidden gems, and local markets
Hands-on cultural activities such as cooking classes, dance workshops, and art sessions
Exclusive discussions with historians, activists, and community leaders to gain deeper insights into the region
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Absolutely! Many of our travelers join solo and leave with newfound friendships. Our small-group format fosters a welcoming, community-like experience, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers.
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Our tours typically include accommodations, expert local guides, exclusive cultural experiences, transportation within the destination, and select meals. We ensure that every aspect of the trip is thoughtfully planned so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Please note that flights and travel insurance are not included in the tour package.
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We have detailed trip tips, concierge service, and suggested reading for each of our destinations which we will share once you join one of our tours. We also host a Zoom orientation about a month before your trip where we can answer any of your questions and you can meet your fellow travelers.
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We design custom tours and itineraries around your interests for you and a small group as long as the trip adheres to Professional Research or Support for the Cuban People guidelines. Small group trips, however, tend to be more expensive given the nature of the many fixed costs of the trip. We can plan for the dates and itinerary that most interest you. To get started, please contact us.
CUBA FAQs
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To travel to Cuba legally, all U.S. citizens must travel under one of 12 general license categories defined by the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Project Por Amor designs all of our itineraries to fully-adhere to the guidelines and takes care of all the complicated paperwork and planning so that your trip is easy, successful, legal and worry-free. The titles Project Por Amor travels under are listed below.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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The US and Cuban governments categorize US citizens differently. The US embargo prevents you from visiting Cuba as a tourist and requires strict qualification and adherence to professional research, people-to-people educational travel, and other authorized categories. Unless you are visiting for long-term work purposes, the Cuban government categorizes US citizens as tourists. It's confusing but we guarantee to have the paperwork handled on both sides of the border to ensure safe traveling.
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Cuba is a cash economy that is in the process of trying to digitize its monetary system. The current monetary system in Cuba is confusing. US banks and credit card companies are not available in Cuba.
For spending money outside of the hotel you need to bring cash in US Dollars (and/or Euros). What you bring is all you will have while you are on the island, so we recommend you bring more than you'll need to spend in case of an emergency or special purchase. You will not be able to use or access your US credit cards or US bank accounts while in Cuba. Traveler's checks are also not accepted in Cuba.
At the private boutique hotels in Havana and at our casas in Trinidad that we'll be staying in on Days 1-6, you can pay for any extras in cash USD. In our hotel upon return to Havana for days 6-8 you will have to buy an "MLC" card in cash to make extra purchases.
We recommend that each of you bring the equivalent of at least $100 USD per day. You probably won’t even spend half of it but since what you bring is all that you will have, it is best to bring more just in case of an emergency situation and then return home with the rest of the money you don't use. You also might find some art or expensive souvenirs you really want to buy. Don't worry about walking around with so much cash because Cuba is statistically one of the safest countries in the world and theft and violent crime are rare.
You can pay for taxis and most things in USD (or Euro). Sometimes they will give you your change in Cuban (CUP) which equals $1 USD = 200 CUP. This rate fluctuates a lot and differs from place to place. There are banks and exchange kiosks in the airport, on the streets, and in hotels but we probably won't have time or need to change dollars into CUP.
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Your U.S. cell phone will work in Cuba to make calls and stream data but you must call your carrier to make sure it is turned for international roaming in Cuba on before you travel. The cost of using your U.S. phone in Cuba are very high, around $1 per minute and 30 cents per text message so probably will want to use it for emergencies only. Make sure to keep it on airplane mode when you are not using it so that you don't accidently rack up an expensive bill without knowing it.
If you want to set up a phone with a local temporary Cuban line (Cubacel), you can bring an "unlocked" phone with a SIM card. You can buy a line at the airport for $3 CUC per day and buy minutes with phone cards. We recommend getting a local temporary line only if you plan on communicating frequently within Cuba. But getting it set up is a lot of work and waiting in lines so only attempt if necessary.
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Internet is available in Cuba but it is very slow. Depending on the hotel there is WiFi. We make sure that most places you stay you will have access to the internet whenever possible. But because it is so slow and hard to send even a few KB of data, don't plan on doing a lot more than emailing.
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Dress comfortably. Cuba is a casual country so you will only need one outfit that is dressy in case we go to a ballet or symphony concert. It will most likely be humid and in the 80s (during winter months) so you won't need many warm clothes but bring one warm outfit in case there is a cold front. Cuba is a great country to wear the color white. And make sure you have good shoes as there will be a lot of walking on sidewalks that are in dire need of repair.
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Cuba has become a "foodie" destination with the burgeoning paladar industry. We will be eating in Cuba's best private and state-run restaurants so be prepared for a great culinary creole experience. Vegetarians should be well prepared with a stash of Cliff bars, granola bars, or other supplements. The water in Cuba is much cleaner than most of Latin America but should not be drunk from the tap. Bottled water will be provided throughout the trip. Ice that comes in the drinks at the places we will be eating is purified and need not be avoided. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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Although not required or expected, bringing supplies and other useful items to give as gifts to Cubans is helpful to fulfill OFAC’s General License for Support for the Cuban People if you are legally traveling under that category. Because of supply chain problems and a US embargo, there is a scarcity of international products, equipment, day-to-day goods, and information in Cuba. Anything from pens to laptops to musical instruments and clothes, USB flash drives, over-the-counter medicine, art supplies, music supplies (violin or guitar strings, reeds, etc.), external hard drives, books, magazines, athletic equipment, music scores, and smartphones, will be well appreciated and used for years. If you are going on a professional delegation we recommend you bring the tools of your trade to give away to your professional counterparts. We will help you find the right people to give it to.
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Contact us to customize any kind of tour. These are some of the tours we regularly faciliate.
SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE
Supporting Cuba's private sector of small business owners is a great way to travel to Cuba, support their independent economy, and interact with some their most interesting people. Unlike the other licenses, anyone can travel to Cuba this way. We offer Support for the Cuban People open trips throughout the year or you can also design your own private tour. Our knowledge and friendships on the island open unique doors into parts of society that aren't otherwise attainable.
PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH
Project Por Amor develops custom trips for professionals to explore Cuba within their field. This General License for Professional Research requires that you fulfill a full-time itinerary that we will help you design. Our specialty is in delivering groundbreaking research trips for US creative organizations to engage with Cuba's professional artists and institutions including music, dance, theatre, literature, film, and visual arts. We design custom itineraries around your goals that can include forums with Cuban arts organizations, workshops for artists, participation in festivals, private performances, tours, lectures, dinners, studio visits, and networking parties. We hope you will take us up on our offer to extend this service to your professional community.
PUBLIC PERFORMANCE
We also produce performances in Cuba for US music, theater, and dance companies. Our long-time relationships with Cuba's Ministry of Culture, the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, Instituto Cubano de la Música, the National Council for Performing Arts, the UNEAC, the ICAIC, the Instituto Superior de Arte, and many arts festivals give us a unique access to connect US artists with the right administrators in Cuba finding venues to perform in. Cuban audiences are very interested in what is happening artistically in the United States so providing opportunities to connect you and your work with the Cuban artistic community is extremely valuable for all sides.
RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
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Contact us to initiate your own research delegation or performance in Cuba. Or, if you would like to join one of our upcoming support for the Cuban people trips, please visit our Upcoming Trips section, select the one that looks best to you, and sign up online today!
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As part of our OFAC licensing compliance under Support for the Cuban People, we are required to provide a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, and result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. These guidelines exclude trips to the beach. If however, you would like to check out a beach on your own, you may so in your free time. Read here for more information on OFAC's travel Support for the Cuban People guidelines.
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Travelers who identify as LGBTQ or bi-racial should feel welcomed and safe in Cuba. The country is widely recognized as one of the more open and accepting societies in Latin America when it comes to both race and sexual orientation.
LGBTQ rights are supported by Cuban law, and LGBTQ individuals are generally free to express themselves openly. The Cuban government has taken an active role in promoting equality, and there is minimal influence from the Catholic Church—often cited as a reason for Cuba’s progressive stance. Some even refer to Havana as “the San Francisco of the Caribbean” due to its inclusive culture.
In terms of race, Cuba is an ethnically mixed society, with the majority of the population having Spanish and African ancestry, along with Chinese and other backgrounds. As such, bi-racial travelers typically do not stand out or face discrimination based on their appearance.
One cultural difference to note: Cubans tend to be more direct and open when talking about race or other aspects of identity. This openness may catch some Americans off guard, especially those used to more cautious or sensitive discussions around these topics. However, this candidness is generally not intended to be offensive—it's simply a reflection of the culture's approach to these conversations.
In short, Cuba is a welcoming destination for travelers of diverse backgrounds.
ICELAND FAQs
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Iceland has a cool-tempered maritime climate, which is not very cold considering how far north it is, thanks to 2 branches of the Gulf Stream enveloping the island. But the wind chill factor can make it feel much colder, especially when it is combined with precipitation. The weather can be more intense than what you have probably experienced. It is a patchwork of microclimates, unpredictable, and always changing. But if you’re well-prepared with the right clothing you’ll stay comfortable.
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When packing for Iceland it is best to bring clothes that are comfortable and functional for the weather. Dress in warm layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day. For example, combinations of long underwear, a mid-layer, a sweater, and an outer shell will work well for maintaining the right temperature. Leave as much cotton clothing as you can at home because it makes you cold when it gets wet and takes a long time to dry. Wool and synthetic materials work better because they keep you warm when damp. So, bring wool sweaters and socks, fleece, cashmere, and even a winter hat, gloves, and a scarf for the summertime!
We won’t be doing a lot of major hiking, but outdoor technical gear is best even for walking through the city streets in Iceland. A windproof and waterproof shell made with Gore-Tex or similar products are ideal. Outdoor clothing from REI, Patagonia, North Face, Uniqlo, etc. is perfect for Iceland. Umbrellas usually don’t work very well because of the wind.
Weatherproof hiking boots with gripping lug soles are best. Icelandic terrain is rugged lava: rough, tough and loose. Moss and lichen grow on lava, and both are slippery, especially when wet.
You won’t need formal attire but having one or two nice outfits to go to performances and other cultural events and dining will come in handy.
Always travel with a bathing suit in Iceland. There is usually a geothermal spa and heated swimming pool nearby.
Bring a water bottle because the tap water is the purest and most mineral-rich glacial runoff water you will ever drink so there is no need to buy bottled water. Chapstick, skin moisturizer, and sunscreen will be nice to have.
Please don’t worry or stress out if you don’t have all of the above clothing recommendations. It is not necessary to buy these items just for this trip. We won’t be in situations where we are spending long amounts of time outside and far from vehicles and buildings.
Pack to be well prepared but try not to bring too much either since we have limited space in the bus for everyone’s luggage. One suitcase per person should be enough space.
Here is a useful article about packing forIceland.
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Iceland uses 220 volts at 50 Hz, like the rest of Europe and much of the world, except for Great Britain which is 240 and the U.S. which is 110. The wall sockets in the hotel are for standard Schuko European plugs or adaptors that look something like these:
Check the power supply of your appliance. It is usually written in fine, almost unreadable, letters underneath if it is multi-voltage. For example:
110~240V. That means anything from 110v to 240v is OK, everywhere in the world. If not, then you need a transformer. They come in different sizes, depending on where you are coming from and how much power your device uses.
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+354 is the Icelandic country code. There are no (area) codes in Iceland. To call a phone number in Iceland, from Europe, dial +354, or 00 354 then the local 7-digit number. From North America dial +354, or 011 354 then the local 7-digit number.
From your mobile phone, hold the zero down until + appears, then dial 354 and the 7-digit local number. Most U.S. carriers will give you an international roaming calling plan if you want to use your phone while traveling in Iceland.
Iceland is one of the most technologically advanced places on earth. There is fast and free WiFi in most buildings we will go into. So, it is easy to stay connected through your phone’s WiFi if you don’t want to pay for international roaming fees. But you should call your phone company and make sure your phone is set up with an international plan to be able to use it when you’re there when you need it and there is no WiFi, just in case.
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For your trip to Iceland, the official currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country—including for small purchases in cafes, restaurants, shops, and gas stations—but it doesn’t hurt to have some Icelandic cash on hand.
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Tipping is not a common practice in Iceland, as service charges are typically included in bills at restaurants, hotels, and for taxis. Icelandic service workers are paid a fair wage, so tipping isn’t expected. However, if you feel you’ve received exceptional service, it’s always appreciated to leave a small tip as a gesture of thanks, though it’s entirely optional and not required.
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Icelandic cuisine includes fresh seafood, lamb, dairy products, and unique delicacies like fermented shark and rye bread baked in geothermal heat. Also, Iceland has some of the purest tap water in the world—no need to buy bottled water. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle!
SICILY FAQs
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Sicily in the fall enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm days reaching around 26°C (79°F) and cooler evenings dipping to 18°C (64°F). Coastal breezes and varied elevations create a patchwork of microclimates that can shift throughout the day, adding a dynamic element to the experience. While the weather is generally pleasant, fall's refreshing winds and occasional changes make it important to pack layers. With the right clothing, you’ll be comfortable exploring everything from seaside villages to the breathtaking slopes of Mount Etna.
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When packing for Sicily, it’s best to bring clothes that are comfortable and functional for the mild Mediterranean fall weather. Temperatures range from warm days at 26°C (79°F) to cooler evenings around 18°C (64°F). Dressing in light layers is key so you can adjust throughout the day. A combination of breathable t-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater, and a lightweight jacket will keep you comfortable. A waterproof jacket or compact rain gear is also helpful for occasional showers.
As we’ll be touring Mount Etna, sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip are essential for walking on its volcanic terrain. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are also a must for exploring Sicily’s charming cobblestone streets and historical sites. A scarf or shawl is useful for layering and for visiting churches where modest attire is required.
You won’t need formal clothing, but packing one or two nice outfits for dining out or cultural events can be a good idea. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat will come in handy, as the Sicilian sun can still be strong in the fall. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while you explore.
Please don’t stress if you don’t have all of these items—just pack as best as you can for comfort and practicality. Remember, we’ll be traveling light, so aim for one suitcase per person to ensure we have enough space on the bus for everyone’s luggage.
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In Sicily (and all of Italy), the standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type C, F, and L. If your devices use a different plug type or voltage (e.g., 110V in North America), you will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
To avoid any issues, it’s a good idea to bring a universal adapter for your electronics, such as phone chargers, laptops, or cameras. Some modern devices (like laptops and phone chargers) are dual voltage, so they can handle both 110V and 230V, but be sure to check your device’s specifications before plugging them in.
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In Sicily, as part of Italy, the country code is +39. When dialing a phone number, you’ll need to include this prefix if calling from outside Italy. For example, a local number in Sicily like 091 123456 would be dialed as +39 091 123456 from abroad.
Mobile Phones:
SIM Cards: You can purchase a local SIM card in Sicily from providers such as TIM, Vodafone, or Wind to get a local phone number, which can help you avoid roaming charges. SIM cards are available at mobile shops, airports, and convenience stores.
Roaming: If you’re using your home country’s SIM card, check with your provider about international roaming charges to avoid high fees. Many European carriers now offer competitive roaming rates within the EU, so roaming charges might be lower than expected.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and public spaces in Sicily. Many businesses also offer free or paid Wi-Fi for customers.
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 112 (General emergency number)
Ambulance and Fire Department: 118
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The currency in Sicily (and all of Italy) is the Euro (€), and it’s helpful to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, such as at local markets, cafes, or in rural areas where card payments may not be accepted. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in larger cities, restaurants, and hotels, smaller shops and family-owned businesses often prefer cash, so plan accordingly. ATMs are easy to find, even in smaller towns, and provide a convenient way to withdraw Euros, though some ATMs may charge fees, so check with your bank about international withdrawal costs. To save money, always decline the ATM’s currency conversion offer, as it usually applies a higher exchange rate and makes your withdrawal more expensive. Tipping is not mandatory in Sicily but appreciated—leaving 5–10% at restaurants or rounding up taxi fares is common. For most travelers, starting with €100–€200 in cash is sufficient, with the option to withdraw more as needed during the trip.
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When packing for your trip to Sicily, it’s important to bring any necessary medications, including a sufficient supply for the duration of your stay. While pharmacies are common in Italy, some over-the-counter medications, such as cold medicine, may be more difficult to find or require a prescription in Europe. For example, medications like Advil (ibuprofen) or cold and flu remedies may not be as readily available without a prescription, so it’s recommended to bring your own supply. Make sure to pack any personal medications in their original containers, along with a copy of the prescription, to avoid any issues at customs. Additionally, it’s helpful to carry a small first-aid kit with basics like band-aids, antiseptic, and other essentials for your trip.
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Sicily is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich culinary heritage influenced by Greek, Arab, and Italian traditions. Signature dishes include arancini, crispy fried rice balls filled with ragu or cheese, and pasta alla Norma, a flavorful combination of eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata. Seafood is a staple, with fresh swordfish, sardines, and octopus often featured on menus. For those with a sweet tooth, cannoli, crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta, and granita with brioche, a refreshing semi-frozen treat, are must-tries. Sicilian cuisine also embraces bold flavors like caponata, a sweet-and-sour eggplant dish, and panelle, crispy chickpea fritters. Meals in Sicily follow a traditional rhythm: a light breakfast of coffee and pastry, a leisurely lunch between 1–3 PM, and a late dinner after 8 PM. While tap water is safe to drink, many locals prefer bottled water for its taste. Dining etiquette is relaxed, and while tipping isn’t required, rounding up the bill or leaving a couple of euros for excellent service is appreciated.
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Sicily is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, particularly in Palermo and Catania.
