Osher Course 2012 – Week Three

06-19-2012

 Osher Course 2012  – Plan the trip of your dreams

(Tuesdays 1:00 to 2:50 p.m., Room 104 Lawrence Hall)

Instructor – David Bear:  traveler@travelersjournal.com

Course schedule and resource list posted at www.travelersjournal.com/articles2.php?ID=622

 

Week 3 - Daily activities/Day of travel considerations

 

What will you do when you get there?

1.     Outlining daily schedule. Researching the possibilities in advance. What do you want to see and do?  How will you get around?  If you have a lot on the to-do list, don’t underestimate the logistics. When planning itineraries, remember: less is more. Keep closing times and days off in mind. Always allow for flexibility, depending on weather and other conditions and contingencies that may arise.

2.     Money matters. Using credit cards (Magnetic strip v. embedded chip), debit cards, pre-loaded credit cards, ATMs abroad (Cirrus and Plus), currency exchanges, and travelers checks.  Foreign exchange transaction fees (3% except at Capital One, Chase, Amex Platinum.  Currency exchanges.  Traveler’s checks (in dollars or foreign currency)

3.     Finding food.  Indentifying restaurants and making reservations.  Other options?

4.     Electricity issues – points on power (110/220 AC, DC power) and different plug configurations.

5.     Laptops, Ipads, Kindles and travel electronics.  Cameras and other equipment.  Getting connected.

6.     Communications - Cell phones, smart phones, and blackberries. How accessible will you be? How accessible do you want to be?

7.     Keep safety and security in mind. 

 

Practical tips

Contact your credit card/ATM provider and let them know your travel plans

Set up and learn to use Skype accounts as a way to keep in touch with people back at home.

Many places offer City passes, museum cards that can provide significant savings (2 for 1 deals) if you use them wisely.  

           

The world has five basic ungrounded plug configurations and eight for grounded plugs. The one Americans use, two flat, parallel prongs, is standard in the Western Hemisphere. Most ungrounded plugs in Europe have two round prongs, but there are local exceptions. For example, British sockets take either three flat or two oversized round prongs. In Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, plugs have two flat prongs, but they're set at angles.  Rule of thumb for plugs. Since the two-pronged system is used in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Japan, U.S. travelers only need adapter plugs for trips to Europe, Britain and Australia.  Conair Travel Smart® All-in-One Adapter include surge protector ($10) but not a current convertor.  

 

Travel day considerations

1.   Packing tips – checked bags (fees) and carry-ons (what you can take with you). 

2.   In-flight health issues – keep hydrated and walk around

3.   Bringing medicines and prescriptions.  Taking medicines en-route.

4.   Electronic ticketing issues.

5.   Getting to the airport.  28X, Super Shuttle, On and off-site parking at airport.

6.   Negotiating the airport maze - TSA security inspections and restrictions

7.   Issues involved with mid-trip connections. Connecting times and missed flights.

8.   Bring your own entertainment, books or DVDs

9.   Thoughts on dealing with travel fatigue and jetlag

10.                 Bringing it all back home – Value added taxes/claiming refunds. US customs and duty

 

Homefront considerations - What things have to happen while you’re away

1.   Stop delivery of mail and newspapers.

2.   Arrange to pay any bills that may come due while you’re away.

3.   Pets and plants, who will take care of them while you’re gone.

4.   Lawn/House care.  Shoveling in winter.

5.   Home security issues.  A safe for valuables and important papers?  Automatic   timers to turn on lights.  Empty refrigerator and freezer.  Unplug electronic equipment. Can turn off water to washers.  Adjust furnace/AC and water heaters to lowest settings.  Close blinds and curtains on ground floor Make sure stove is off and garage door closed.

6.   Notify relative or trusted neighbor of your travel plans.  Could give them an itinerary to keep with contact phone numbers and passport/visa details.  Give them a key and have them check in occasionally. If you have an alarm system, make sure they know how to use it. House-sitters can be a good option for extended stays.

 

Practical tips

Pack a few zip lock plastic bags or use them to store liquids in luggage

Bring items you can give or throw away during the trip to lighten load and make room for purchases.

If buying duty free liquors, remember to repack them in suitcases after clearing customs, or they may be confiscated at security

The duty free allowance has been raised to $800 per adult for items you bring back with you.  But you can also mail items worth $50 each day to home and friends/relatives.

 

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