This last week has been a whirlwind for me. I'm working through Thursday and just want to get things organized so that all goes smoothly while I'm away. I do plan to check in each day as the in country schedule is such that we are back to the hotel around 3pmish each day. I also hope to be able to post updates to my blog and use Google Talk and Skype to keep in touch with family.
We've done some shopping and will begin packing in full force this weekend. If you have suggestions or tips, feel free to let me know.
4 comments:
Travel tips...pack light. Yes you CAN wear things more than once and wash "unmentionables" in the bathroom. Mix 'n match is the way to go. Be sure to have some clothing in your carry-on...and cross pack with your mom if you check luggage as you are likely to do. Some of yours in her bag and some of hers in your bag is what you want in case only one bag gets misplaced. Comfortable shoes...black sneaks/walkers are great for travel. Melatonin will help you re-regulate your body clocks faster...take it about a half hour before it's time to sleep. You can play DVD movies on your computer and it's easy for two to watch, even on the small screen. Leave the big cases home and just carry a few favorite flicks in a small case designed for the purpose.
Put nothing valuable or irreplaceable in your checked luggage including any paperwork. But do have copies of your passport main pages and your visa page(s) in your bags in case your passports get lost or stolen.
Register your trip with the State Department: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ This will insure that they know where you are supposed to be in the event of an emergency or if you need assistance. Be sure to have the phone numbers of the Embassy(s) with you.
Make sure you contact your wireless carrier and let them know you will potentially use the phone internationally. While you may not plan to use it, in an emergency, you want it to work.
When I think of more...I'll post or email...
J
Call your credit card companies and let them know you're traveling so they don't turn off your card for fishy charges.
Also, layout all that you're going to pack and then only pack half of it.
And don't forget the Pepto!
Mala is correct about the CCs including any debit/ATM card you may use to get local cash...and only take those you actually will use.
One thing I forgot to mention in my previous is to establish where the local store is relative to your hotel for things like snacks and basic food stuffs as well as bottled water. You will want to use bottled water for both drinking (carry it with you at all times) as well as for brushing teeth and taking any medications. That includes rinsing your toothbrush, too. While many modern hotels have filtration systems, it's not worth taking a chance on water borne "pests". Avoid salads and other raw fruit and veggies that you cannot take the peal off. (Bananas are fine, for example)
Do sample local (cooked) dishes in the restaurants, however...you never know when you'll find something quite delicious and new!
don't forget your passport. ;> everything else is negotiable.
take loads of pictures and ENJOY the time you have.
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