What would you be doing right now? I went to the bank yesterday, and figured out our debit cards. (This is a new-ish bank, and the account is set aside for this trip. We have a $500 withdrawal limit on this card, and also an ATM card with a larger limit. Would you be comfortable with those two cards? Yes, a credit card will also be traveling with us. We are packing our carry-ons and also bringing 1 bag between us that we will check. That will carry things that women need but that won't fit in our bags. (You know, some of us do need extra shoes. And I mean NEED.) But some decisions about those need to be made. I am copying itinerary, e-mails about reservations, passports, drivers' licenses, and other items of identification. I'll haul along a binder with a set of these copies, and leave one at home.
Again, what else would you be doing (or what am I doing that you would do without?)
Posted by
San Diego, CA
129 posts
not sure what you mean about a binder? I just put our copies in a manila folder that can be folded or put flat. You'll get annoyed with the binder on day 2. Also, if possible, scan them and put them online (try google docs or in an email). did you call your banks to let them know exactly what countries and when you are visiting? very helpful. clean up the house. always nice to come home to a nice clean house. pack some snacks for the plane, and the first day or two. I grab a couple Luna bars. You'll be jetlagged and on odd hours at first, and you can't get food in the middle of the night or early in the morning like you can here in the states. Read as much as you can about where you are visiting, and read helpful tips for metro, when to visit sites, etc. have at least $200 USD in case your cards don't work or for emergencies. Have fun!!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
Make sure to take and use a money belt. As someone else posted, be sure to tell all your financial institutions WHERE and WHEN you will be traveling and then ask them to repeat the information you just told them. We do that now ever since Chase refused our attempt to use our Chase card in Ireland, the only country we were visiting that year, after my wife told them about it in person. I do not take US $ to Europe but rather rely on ATM cards - 2 from different financial institutions - and one credit card. Never had any problem getting $ there. Happy travels
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
-Call your credit card company (-ies) and tell them the dates you'll be gone and the countries you'll be in. -If you take prescription meds, make sure you have more than enough for your trip (if the trip is 3 weeks, take one month's worth of meds). -If you wear glasses, take a spare pair and your lens prescription. -I go over my packing list and run errands for anything I'm missing, such as travel-size toothpaste (go to your dentist's office and get one or two tubes for free!), granola bars, etc.
Posted by
OP
Marengo, USA
95 posts
Yes! I did contact our bank about where we'd be going.
And when I said binder, i meant a notebook. But manila folder does sound better. Thanks!
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Melody You are doing great! Also suggest that you get $100 - $150 worth of Euros so that you don't need to stop at an ATM at the airport. This will pay for your transportation and a meal if need to hit the ATM. You can order from your own bank or online from Wells Fargo who will mail them to you for a small fee. Ask for small bills. Are you emailing your itinerary to other friends or relatives with phone numbers of the hotels? Also to yourself if everything is lost! Assume you have figured out how you are going to communicate with home or to your companion while you are there. You may need to call your cell company to get it set up the way you want. Keep packing! And have a great trip! Bobbie