Things I'll need for a trip to the London, Glasgow & Dublin?

Question

I'm going on vaca and I know things are different there so I want to know what items I may need to bring, like one of those european outlet converters to plug in your cell charger.... Or anything else I may not even have thought of.

Answer 1

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.

The cinema, TV, and the Internet have reduced the differences between the USA and the British Isles - you won't have any problems in daily life.

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 (Ireland and the UK are 220 volts). It is better to buy things like a hair dryer and curling iron after arrival.  The UK uses the standard 3 flat prong British outlet, so you need a plug adapter for US electrical items that accept any voltage (like laptops and most cellphone chargers).  I have not been to Ireland so don't know what type outlets are standard. Luggasge shops sell packs with multiple adapters - try them to make sure they fit your plugs (many adapters only take US 2 prong plugs - won't take the 3 prong type that is standard on laptops).

If you want to use your USA cellphone abroad you need to call customer service and authorize that.  You also need a phone that works in Europe (dual band handset or "international phone").  Do find out how much your cellular provider charges for using your phone in Europe (probably $1 per mnute).

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 Scotland can be cool so take a sweater unless you plan to buy one there.

Notify the issuers of any credit or debit cards that you plan to use them abroad. That way using the card(s) in Ireland or the UK 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 you are traveling with a program that 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.

Hope you have a great trip!

Answer 2

Bear in mind that Dublin uses (€)euros and the UK pounds, aside from that a rain jacket or umbrella will be advisable along with comfortable walking shoes. Also be aware that most DVDs you may buy there will not work in USA as they are different formats.