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 Travelling Advice and AnythingModerators: Moderators Jump to page : 1 2 Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
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Cyndi |
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Expert Yogi Posts: 5098   Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | else I may need or want to know about. Okay, this new thread is to discuss me travelling overseas. I've never left the USA, except for Mexico (I don't count that as leaving the US) because I didn't leave land, hahahaha  So, I'm looking for useful and valuable information about what to expect travelling overseas. Things such as, but not limited tooo...What the plane ride will be like (this is my biggest dread okay, I hate being confined and not in CONTROL of the Driving), What's the best method of dealing with my money?? Are travellers checks good to have?? Should I carry plastic, will my plastic credit cards work in foreign countries...do I risk not having any cash, etc?? DD is going too. So, already I've been told to have a notarized letter by her Father, in my possession at all times, giving his permission for her to travel...even though, he had to sign the passport application in front of the clerk of court!! Thanks guys. I'm going out of town, keep this discussion going, as I will be popping in and out through the weekend. I appreciate anything and any advice you guys want to give me. | ||
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| kulkarnn |
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| joscmt |
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| Hey Cyndi- Traveler's cheques are crucial I think.. and plastic. But I have to say it's been a few years since I've been there. I remember not everywhere taking VISA or M/C but everyone taking AMEX. Of course, I didn't have and AMEX.  Traveler's cheques are better than cash because if they are stolen, they can be replaced. Cash cannot. It's worth changing your money at a bank vs. a "cambio" (in italy) kiosk... you get better rates at the bank. Keep your passport/paperwork close at all times- preferably in something you can wear under your clothes. Italy used to have a real problem with pickpockets, so be mindful of your things. If you are on public transportation, flip your bag/purse/backpack to the front of your body so you can see it at all times. Just as in any big city, be mindful- don't wander down alleys, dark streets, etc. You're going to have a blast!!!! | |||
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| jonnie |
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| Hi Cyndi, Everywhere in Europe (and the rest of the world  ) accepts credit cards now. One thing I always do when I travel is email scanned copies of my passport/visa, air ticket (not necessary now with etickets) etc to my hotmail address so if anything is lost or stolen it is much easier to replace it or provide the correct info to the embassy. You'll love Italy. It's one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Jonathon | |||
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| sooptas |
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| kulkarnn |
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| Thanks for this valuable suggestion. I hope to get on to it today. jonnie - 2007-10-20 2:25 AM Hi Cyndi, Everywhere in Europe (and the rest of the world ) accepts credit cards now. One thing I always do when I travel is email scanned copies of my passport/visa, air ticket (not necessary now with etickets) etc to my hotmail address so if anything is lost or stolen it is much easier to replace it or provide the correct info to the embassy. You'll love Italy. It's one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Jonathon | |||
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| tourist |
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Expert Yogi Posts: 8442    | Yes - great idea! Do phone your bank and credit card companies to let them know you are going. It is better than finding out they have frozen your card because it suddenly shows up overseas! My DD was really surprised at how expensive Italy is, but was able to buy good wine for under $2 per bottle! She also had some problems with buying long distance phone cards that didn't work. I don't know the details, but be careful there. ZB has lots of good advice on plane travel. but we'll have to wait until she gets back from the Poconos  | ||
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| Orbilia |
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| tweeva |
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Veteran Posts: 101 | |||
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| OrangeMat |
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| Orbilia |
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| Arghghh, how could I have left the adapters off my list?! If you use your goods here in the UK without the right adaptor, they'll short as we're higher rated than in the USA Partying on the beach? Mmmm, I think we need to know more :-) Bellisima Italia! I so want to go back and see more of Rome and all the other great cities *sighs*. Haven't checked the quality of this one but it may be useful : http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/phrases/italian/data/phrase_finder.html Also suggest you get the Lonely Planet (or similar) pocket phrase book. Fee Edited by Orbilia 2007-10-22 10:46 AM | |||
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| Cyndi |
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Expert Yogi Posts: 5098 Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Wow, lots of good stuff here. I knew that about those adapters. Satyam and I discuss this all the time. He got electrocuted once when he was in Nepal. They also used the British system. I have alot of questions, but not enough time to discuss right now. I have a yoga class this morning. Thank you ALL for all this, it is very very helpful. Whoever asked the question..I'm traveling to Italy. We'll be staying mostly in Orvieto, however, we have plans to do lots of touring. The hot spots as of now are Venice and Naples. Our family has a place in Naples. Venice is going to be sooo cool and is the one my BIL picked out. Being the native Italian he should know. He's right, this is one city I really want to see. I want to ride in one of those boats like Madonna did, I'm sure Michele has other places in mind to take us. I plan on taking lots of pictures. DD's assignment is to journal while we are there, which will be an educational experience for her and at the same time, I'll have an assistant keeping up with all our important notes. Fee, I am sooo excited about Rome. We land in Rome. The cool thing is that Christmas will still be in the air on our arrival. I just hope 3-1/2 weeks will be enough time. I know I am never going to want to leave...they're gonna have to drag me to the airport with all my Chianti and perfume, Actually, I don't really like chianti that much..I like Moscato. Lately the past several years I've really enjoyed drinking "Bug Juice"...it's so good. Anybody know how much loot I can bring back?? Do they care about how much stuff you bring from the USA..I'd like to give gifts to our family...I'm sure since it will be around Christmas it won't be too difficult, surely, | ||
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| bstqltmkr |
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| Venice is going to be sooo cool and is the one my BIL picked out. Being the native Italian he should know. He's right, this is one city I really want to see. I want to ride in one of those boats like Madonna did, Like a virgin? You're going to have a great time. | |||
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| I suppose that many of these have been answered, but i'll give it a shot anyway. First thing to remember is that you're going to a developed nation--so anything that you loose or forget, you'll be able to replace easily. And second to this, since you're meeting family--most things are going to be taken care of. So no worries there. What the plane ride will be like (this is my biggest dread okay, I hate being confined and not in CONTROL of the Driving),? Are you taking a direct flight or do you have a layover somewhere? anyway, you should be fine. I find that i like to take a lot of comforting things on the plane with me. i also talk to the staff about being able to move about, and finding the right corner in which to do a few stretches. What's the best method of dealing with my money?? i like to carry $40 of local currency with me, and $40 US as well. I exchange $40 at the air port before leaving. Otherwise, it's much easier to use a debit card and credit cards. Talk to your bank before you leave, tell them when you're going and when you're going to return. Many will wave ATM fees and exchange fees while you are traveling. Also, tell your credit card company, so they don't put a hold on your card because of 'unusual activity.' what we find is that this is much easier than travelers checks or anything else. we've never used those darn checks, and we find that when we've purchased them, we've had to have them cashed out back home! it's so frustrating. so, we just use the ATMs once we arrive--and draw out what we need. Also, most places take credit cards, so you can always use that. But ask before you get into purchasing from a business or restaurant--because some don't take any form of electronic payment. Ours have worked, no problem. In NZ, it was a bit fussy/funny, because they're on a different system--but they can still accept mastercard and visa. and it works great for us when we go to scandinavia--we had no problems at all there. And we never had any problem in Europe. Also, in our case, we stayed in private residences that offer beds and breakfast. it's a great way to meet locals and have a good time--but they only take cash. So, it's important to ask if the accommodations take cash or credit, and if they only take cash, then withdraw it from the bank ATM before arriving. other stuff-- What to wear/pack very few people ever follow my advice on this stuff, but i highly recommend packing lightly and dressing well when you travel in europe. Americans are terribly casual people, and this makes us stand out. when we have our touristy look about us (no offense G! ), we are an easy target for pick pockets. the best way to avoid trouble is to blend in as much as you can. in italy, women dress on sundays and nearly any time they're out. by dress, i mean a nice pants suit, or a nice skirt and blouse, with nice shoes. men wear nice jeans or pants, dress shirts, belts, nice shoes. Youth culture has a little more leeway--but it's still dressed up, not down. i recommend carrying a few pieces that mix and match, that can 'go anywhere.' if you're going to visit churches, i recommend taking a scarf so that you can cover your head and shoulders when entering--and also no open-toe shoes in churches in italy. this is my typical european travel wardrobe: 1 pair of jeans 1 pair of 'dressy' pants (i usually buy a blend that includes lycra so that they're comfortable) 1 skirt 1 dress 1 tank top 1 short or 3/4 sleeved t-shirt (higher quality or even silk sweater) 1 sweater 1 jacket (i usually take my denim or a light weight jacket that's "dressy") 3 underwear, 1 bra, 2 socks 1 dressy shoes 1 walking shoes 2 scarf, 1 dressy accessory, watch everything is mix and match so that i can wear different tops and bottoms together. typically, i'll wear the lycra-dressy pants with the tank top and the dress and dress shoes on the plane. It looks like salwar kameez, is very comfortable and warm, and reduces the amount i have to pack in the bag. this gets me through days and evenings, and i'm very comfortable. what to avoid Avoid looking like a tourist at all times. Tourists are targets. to look like a local-- 1. dress the part (see above); 2. avoid wearing a money pouch or bag. they look unattractive, they're uncomfortable, and they don't function. you're pegged as a tourist as soon as you're seen using one. remember, people in europe walk with purses too. so just bring a purse. 3. do not keep your camera around your neck. make sure that your daily purse is big enough to carry: your money and IDs, your travel book, a light snack (granola, etc), and your camera. i recommend carrying a small camera, unless you're semi pro or something. ;) 4. do not walk around with your guidebook or a map out. Read your maps in the afternoons and evenings, and check them the morning before you leave on your day trip. Carry them with you, but only look at them once seated at a cafe. otherwise, you look like a tourist. if you study your maps, you should be able to develop a sense of the layout of the town, where you are going and where you need to be. Choose some landmark road names and places. For example, we know where "Radhusplatsen" is in Copenhagen. If i told my husband to meet me at Radhusplatsen next tuesday, he'd know exactly where to go. If i told him to go to Rosenborg Slot--he would know. If i said Vesterbrogatten 17, and that it's south of Radhusplatsen, then he would know how to get there from Radhusplatsen. This way, if you do get lost wandering around, you can ask someone "which way to Radhusplatsen?" and they'll point you in the right direction. also, it's good to know what radiates out from your central locations, and then which direction you're travelling as you're moving out frm that space. it's easier, then, to find your way back to your central location. 5. be mindful that space and volumn elements are different for europeans. americans are considered "loud" and Loud also equals RUDE. speak softly to those around you. smile a lot, make eye contact, but keep it soft, not piercing. likewise, it's a small land, and space is at a premium. you'll find yourself sharing a table for four (if there are two of you present, for example), with two strangers. people are very friendly, and they'll let you know--by way of body language--whether or not they're open for conversation. In scandinavia, they would look away or turn their body away if there was an expectation of privacy. if they were open to sharing a conversation with dinner, then they would have open body language, eye contact, etc. the italians whom we met while there the last time were also very open. of course, they were also tourists, so it may be different rules. But, ask about it. 6. And always, as with travelling anywhere--never look like an easy target. keep your head up, shoulders back, a confident look, and a big smile. this keeps people away, because you don't look easily 'snookered.' While you're there, you might run into some "gypsies" (the term is derrogatory, i'm sorry to use it). they have a number of tactics to part you from your money. In rome, for example, they take the buses--so don't take the buses. that's where lots of things get stolen. Beyond this, gorups of kids will lcome up to you and start touching and pulling at you asking for things. THey are picking your pockets. Say "NO" to them loudly and firmly, pushing some away if you must. There is a trick with the baby--a woman with a baby is crying and distressed, she walks close to you and 'tosses' the baby at you. you instinctively catch the baby, she comes close and tries to take things from you. As soon as she comes close enough, "drop" the baby and back away quickly saying "NO< i'm sorry!" and that's it. Ultimately, the more you "blend" the more likely you are to not be a target for theft. The more you "think" and "act" like a local, the safer you'll be. Your guide book should also have suggestions for basic phrases to learn in the local language, as well as information about what gestures and behaviors are considered rude or could get you into danger. for your daughter's safety i know that your daughter is still young, but she may be at an age where she is experimenting with flirting with boys. in the states, flirting is considered a harmless game--in europe, it's considered a proposition. if you flirt with a man, he expects something out of it. and it is widely known that if you 'renig' on your "agreement", then he has the "right" to take it. He will take what he wants, and there's not a lot that the police or anyone will do with it--becuase if the gal flirts, it's consent. I figure you won't be flirting with anyone, but tell this to your daughter. no flirting, with anyone, at any time. no getting into a car with a strange boy, no getting onto a scooter with one either. just be safe. Edited by zoebird 2007-10-24 11:48 AM | |||
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| i think you can bring back up to $1000 worth of stuff before you have to pay customs? remember, a lot of places will include shipping the stuff to you from their shops--which is a great way to avoid customs. we did that quite frequently. of course, everythign arrived two weeks after we got home, but it's no problem that way. also, i don't carry adapters because i don't use any appliances. if you are using appliances, then take them, if not, save the space. for air travel comfort, a lot of longer flights are now equipped with individual TVs that have movies, tv, and video games. i bring my own reading material as well. i also bring an empty metal water bottle (stewards will refill--has to be empty to get through security), tea bags (stewards will provide hot water), fruit, comfort food/snacks, and a few sandwiches/wraps for myself. for my flight to NZ, i organized my books into my chair pocket (in front of me), put my shoes, food, and purse/bag under the seat in front of me, did a meditation and centering before take off, looked over the organization of the plane, and introduced myself to my neighbors. it was an over-night flight--11 hours. after take off, i acquainted myself with the individual TV. I chose a movie to watch, and then waited for dinner service (which was pretty much right away). I watched a movie during dinner service. After the movie, i got up and used the rest room. i washed my face and hands there, and then i walked toward the back of the cabin. There is a pretty nice-sized spot out of the way back there, where the stewards usually sit. there's also a bathroom there, and generally, it's the one i prefer. i walk to that bathroom, and then use it, and then use that little open space by the side of the plane. i'll talk to the stewards a bit, asking to do a few stretches there. i then do some movement and stretching there. i then go back to my seat and center myself again. i then read a bit, and start to settle in for some sleep. when i can, i sleep for a bit. on the 11 hour flight, i managed about 4-5 hours of light sleep. upon awaking, i watched another movie, had a snack, some water, and asked the steward to birng me hot water for tea (chamomile). after the movie, i did another round to the restroom and stretching, returned to my seat, settled in again, read a book, dozed a bit, watched another movie. when they woke us for breakfast (they turn the lights on the plane back on), i chose another movie, ate breakfast, and then did another round at the rest room. we then landed. during my layover, i walked as much as i could. in NZ, you walk from the international to the domestic terminal. it's a 1.5 mile walk or it's a quick bus ride. I opted to walk in the dawn. it was beautiful. it was so great to be able to mvoe as well, and the contraband sniffing beagles were out to play--the only time you're allowed to interact with them in fun. I got to pet and play with about 10 of them. i got to the domestic terminal, tried to call home and failed miserably. i decided to sit down and have some tea, read my book a bit, and then--since the wait was very long (3 hours), i walked back to the international terminal and then back to the domestic terminal again. whenever i'm stuck on some kind of lay over, i walk and walk and walk and walk as much as i can--in the airport or out, whatever i can do. the second flight was short--i just read and looked out the window. when you arrive, i suggest you try to get on the local schedule. everyone said i should sleep right away--this is what everyone advises--but i never do. I find it helps for me to stay up and eat at the meal times and go to bed at a 'normal' bed time (say 10 pm). even if i've been up for 24 hours, it's what works for me. so, when i got to NZ at 9 am, i stayed up all day and went to bed at 9:30 pm. it was great. it took three days to get balanced, but i was at least on local time. | |||
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| Orbilia |
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| i brought up the flirting thing for young women, not those of us who know better already--and when it crosses a line, and when to assert NO and so on. i remember prepping to go to italy in high school (the trip fell through) and the school and our guide (who was from italy) was very adamant about not flirting because our boundaries (as 14-16 yr olds) and the known, social boundaries in the other country are/were different. in our case, it was one of those "you're very young; someone might take advantage of you" situations. so, i think that for Cyndi's DD's case--if she is starting to experiment with flirting, it's not the place to try those skills. as a grown woman, i have no problem noticing all of the different barriers, social cues, body language, and so on when i travel. it's really not tough at all. politeness, very light flirting (very light!) isn't a problem. . .but i remember being very flirty as a teen, and my mother and father were quite concerned about it when i was going to travel. i was testing the various limits then--it's healthy--but not abroad. i find that men and women abroad are, in general, very helpful and open, fun and kind. And yes, they dont' mind if your murder their language, as long as you try politely. And sometimes, cute as they are, they'll correct you and FORCE you to use it. i love it when i run into those folks. in Quebec, the french speaking community there would rather role their eyes at you and go with english. but, i've heard that in france, they're more open to letting you experiment and kindly correctng you. ryan and i are thinking of taking immersion language courses in denmark or germany. we'd like to learn a second language. we'd need 6 weeks though. | |||
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| Cyndi |
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Expert Yogi Posts: 5098 Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | About the $1,000 worth of duty free items or whatever they call it. Do they really count it all?? Or is it an honor system and everyone is subject to audit? Thanks ZB. Trust me, DD won't be flirting, are you kidding?? She is sooo shy. Our Italian and Nepali family will be close by at all times. Although, DD is going to be meeting Satyam's sister for the first time....they are the same age. They'll probably drive those Italian boys crazy, Smriti has a lot of friends there in their age range. Michele will know these things I'm quite sure. He and my Nepali BIL travel to India frequently. This information will be very useful for if I do venture out on my own and so I don't do something dumb, Satyam is really good at blending in with other cultures. He speaks about 8 different languages. He's already picking up the Italian language very well. Me....I'm not doing as well. | ||
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| Orbilia |
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Oh the joys of customs  Ok, if within your limits, you go through the green channel. Most times this means straight through BUT they do do spot checks. If you're found with contraband it'll be confiscated and you may be subject to prosecution and imprisonment under the laws of the country you were entering. If over the duty free limits or the limits for tax-paid goods, you will be asked to pay more tax and/or an on the spot fine. If you know, or think, you're over the limits, then go through the red channel. You will still need to pay excess but you tend to find you're given more leniency if you've been honest. Check the rules on your government's web-site/the airline's web-site BEFORE you travel as each country has their own unique list of restricted items. In short, assume you are going to be treated with the utmost suspicion from baggage check-in to leaving the airport at the other end and you won't be far wrong. Note// Customs have almost as small a sense of humour as the security staff. The only real difference is that they ain't carrying guns, cuffs, or toting truncheons. Both have BIG dogs with even bigger noses. Fee Edited by Orbilia 2007-10-25 6:20 AM | |||
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| Cyndi |
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Expert Yogi Posts: 5098 Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | |||
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| Orbilia |
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| Ok, you pass through security on the departure and arrival sides of your journey. You only pass through customs on the arrival side. In practise, you don't pass through customs in Italy as it's your outgoing leg and they don't expect you to be carrying anything more serious than a bottle of Scotch and some sun cream. Arrival back in the States is another matter. This is where you get strip searched. Ok, I'm joking   For complete safety you should read the airline and travel advice sections of both the Italian and US government web-sites to get a list of allowances and restricted items. If you are less OCD/anal about such things than me ( ), just the US sites. We can't give you this list as a) it changes country to country and b) it changes over time. Sooooo, you need to check close to your departure date. Broadly, expect not to be able to transport products from endangered species, non-preserved foodstuffs (e.g. raw meat, maybe even dried like jerky), soil, and raw/live plant material. Some countries do have some really weird prohibitions though so you do have to check. As far as duty-free goes, I think the documents that came with your ticket or the airline's web-site should tell you the limits. This are usually set for alchohol according to type / combination of types (beer, wine, fortified wine, spirits), tobacco products, perfume, and 'other' (e.g. all those Prada and Gucci handbags). Actually, that reminds me, Rome does let you do duty free on the way back and their shops are astounding. Every Italian designer is there and the whole place smells of mega-money! Fee Edited by Orbilia 2007-10-25 10:18 AM | |||
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| Cyndi |
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Expert Yogi Posts: 5098 Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | The food carry on items?? I take it that this only applies to carry on bags? I do plan on bringing my honey, which I will put my company labels on. I have these Teavana canisters that I will put my loose leaf tea in. All this stuff will be in my checked in luggage. We only have 1 stop, in Washington D.C going to. Coming back, we have a short layover in Frankfort, Germany. Too bad they don't let you have overnite layovers (tickets are extremely expensive, I tried)....unless, it's going to be winter and we get snowed in....oooh, that would be soo much fun, | ||
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| Cyndi |
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Expert Yogi Posts: 5098 Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Orbilia - 2007-10-25 10:10 AM Arrival back in the States is another matter. This is where you get strip searched. They don't want to do that to mee??? For complete safety you should read the airline and travel advice sections of both the Italian and US government web-sites to get a list of allowances and restricted items. I plan on it. I'm in the beginning stages of learning how to fly overseas. You guys are being very helpful. I never knew such things,  | ||
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