Any tips for international travel?

Question

I am packing for a 20-day exchange program trip to Germany. I'll be on an overnight flight and for 10 days I stay with my exchange partner and her family (she came here earlier this year) and then the next 10 days I am touring Germany and Switzerland. I plan on writing everything down so that I don't forget anything... but I was wondering if anyone had some travel tips I could use?

Thanks.

Answer 1

bring a gift for the family you're staying with. something the mom can use around the house.

Answer 2

Flight suggestions:

Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online.

Call the airline before your flight date if you want to request a seat. Some airlines don’t do advance seat selection and others charge a fee. The reservations agent will tell you if there are restrictions. Go to www.seatguru.com for info on seating arrangements in airlines. Try to sit in a window or aisle seat - NOT in a middle seat.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to "check". The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels in containers over 3 ounces and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag. Go to www.tsa.gov for more info on prohibited items.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.

You are allowed two carryon bags, but they have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Take some things to do or read. Also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack "travel size" liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your passport, frequent flier number, and ticket (or flight information if it's an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport two hours before your flight. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Europe suggestions:

Do some research (Internet is OK) on the places you might visit.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and is very convenient as a day pack for sightseeing.

Take clothes that you can mix and match, and that can be washed (don't need to be dry-cleaned). Pack enough for a week. - you will be able to wash clothes somewhere, even if it is in a sink using shampoo & conditioner (which reduces wrinkles). "Normal" clothing is OK, but not if it is overly casual. Pack at least one set of "dress" clothing & shoes unless you KNOW you won't need it.

Avoid taking any electrical appliances that require a voltage converter (Germany and Switzerland are both 220v). It is better to buy things like a hair dryer and curling iron after arrival.

You need a pair of broken-in "walking" shoes if you plan to sight-see on foot.

Take a folding umbrella and a light jacket that is at least semi-water resistant (one with a hood is best). You don't say exactly where you plan to go, but summer weather in the mountains of Germany and Switzerland can be cool - even cold at higher altitudes.

Notify the issuers of any credit or debit cards that you plan to use them abroad. That way using the card(s) in France won't trigger an automatic "security hold" that could be inconvenient.

Take your driving license/state ID even if you don't plan to drive. A DL works as daily ID so you don't have to show your passport all the time (and risk losing it).

Take your student ID if you have one. Museums and other attractions usually offer discounts for students.

Send an e-mail message to yourself with the numbers for your passport, ID, and credit/debit cards. An option is to send yourself scanned copies of your passport, etc. That way the info is available from any computer connected to the Internet if something should be lost or stolen.

Buy an under-the-trousers security belt - available at luggage shops and in the luggage department at large stores. It is basically a rectangular pouch with an elastic strap that goes around your waist under your clothes. Keep your passport and most of your cash & cards in the belt.

Unless your program includes insurance, check with your home medical insurance to find out if it covers you in Europe AND will pay for “medical evacuation” to home if necessary. If yes, make sure you have proof of insurance (ex. insurance card) with you. If no, buy "trip medical insurance", which is cheap and sold by travel agencies & airlines. DON"T travel without medical insurance.

Try to learn enough German to read a menu & order in restaurants, read schedules, ask directions, tell time & dates, and buy things in shops. For example, learn (it's NOT hard):

Please/thank you

Excuse me

Yes/no

Left/right

Hot/cold

Up/down

North/south/east/west

Yesterday/today/tomorrow

Primary colors

Days of the week/months of the year

Count to 100

Basic food items (chicken, beef, fish, cheese, bread, etc.)

Where is...?

How many...?

How much...?

Hope you have a great trip!