We are getting ready to depart for our post graduation adventure in less then a week. What are some last minute things that you take care of or sometimes forget before heading off? Items you always forget to pack, reconfirming hotels, money issues, etc.
Thanks for all your advice on this and past posts. I really feel our trip is going to be much more fun and much less stressful due to all the help I received from this community. Au revoir and Ciao!
Melissa, Have a wonderful time and tell us all about it when you return. Did you call your CC company to tell them you'd be traveling. Did you pack some mole shin/second skin for any blisters you might get? Do you have your journal? Who's feeding the cats?
I always try to remember to
Then relax and have a great time! Oh yes Leave your worries at home too!!!!!
I forgot my maps and phrasebooks! The phrasebooks were mostly no problem until we were in a restaurant in Italy where they didn't speak English and the owner of our B&B had told us their specialty was horse. Well, my kids and husband did not want to eat horse, and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what horse was in Italian!!
Cavallo is horse in Italian.
I would never eat cavallo either!!! I love them too much!
Take oft-needed over-the-counter medicines with you - aspirin, Pepto, etc. They're only sold in pharmacies in France and Italy, which have limited hours. Don't go overboard - of course you can find a pharmacy. It's just good to have the basics with you.
Melissa,
I leave in just over two weeks. Last week I hit Target and gathered all the little nicknacks needed for traveling. Little Tide packs for laundry, first aid kit, tissues, sun screen, single packs of Advil, little deodorants etc.. all for less than a dollar each. I picked up a chamois (sp) to roll wet clothes after washing to help dry faster. Remember to call credit cards and bank to let them know you are leaving. I have already done once and will call again just to make sure they have my information. Happy Travels!
In my money belt I have a little slip of paper with my credit card numbers, ATM card numbers and the phone numbers to dial direct in case they go missing or get stolen so that I can call and cancel them. Also, a photocopy of our passport signature/photo page that gets hidden in my backpack somewhere. I also call the bank and credit card numbers to reconfirm that they know I will be traveling overseas so that they don't lock down my cards.
I also use public transportation to my first hotel and I like to print out a subway map or whatever it is that I need to find it - mark the map, write the directions or whatever. I like to have that firm somewhere.
Hi Melissa. When you are at the airport, you must have your Airline boarding pass with you when you walk through the airport security scanner. Do not misplace your U.S.A. passport. An other thought : apparently you will travel to Europe immediately after your academic year at a college or university ends. When I graduated from a college, I felt physically and mentally and emotionally exhausted. I think that is not a good time to go on a whirlwind trip in Europe. That is a good time for resting at an Alpine lake in Austria, or at an uncrowded place at the Mediteranean Sea, or at a spa town that has warm water baths and massage.
Most important last minute preparation- relax, and enjoy. You've been asking questions on this forum for several months, trust me, you're as well prepared as anyone. When you come back, I'm sure you'll have a world of experience you can share with others who ask questions. Enjoy!
Following up on Doug's reply above -- always bring some Immodium AD. You probably will not need it -I never have, but it's invaluable if you do.
Realize you will return and since you will, relax and have fun.
Don't let someone elses "must dos" drive your trip. If you want to sit down in the plaza and watch the world go buy...do it!
photocopy all your documents so you have copies.
Also email yourself all your documents to a webbased email account so you can access any documents, travel voucher or anything that you may need. Including phone nubmers, CC numbers ect...Create a folder in your webmail styricly for saving this type of information so it is easy to access.
I also leave all this information with my parents as well so if I can not access it they have the information. Also important is make sure that someone has your all your itinery and ways to contact you while you.
I second the imodium one just to be on the safe side.
Make sure you don't forget any travel adapters you need for electonics.
Melissa, I try to start my packing list months before I leave. That way I can add items as I remember them and,hopefully, not forget anything. Happy travels!
Sunglasses -- I seem to always leave them in the car as we go to the airport. Kleenex and lip balm in my pocket for easy access along with some quick small bill cash (last minute airport stuff).
Be sure you are still covered by medical insurance after graduating! A traveling companion once picked up Salmonella on a trip to India and ended up with a $50,000 hospital bill on her return.
Make sure your parents have a copy of your itinerary, and pick up calling cards so you can call them.
I say this because my mom goes nuts and thinks I've been mugged and left for dead in some alley if I don't keep in touch. I don't know how close you and your parents are, but you really don't want them calling the American Embassy in a panic because they haven't heard from you in a week and you said you were going to be in Paris but they have no idea where you are (etc, ad nauseam)
Also make sure your credit card/debit card has a 4 digit PIN, and that you know it. You generally don't want to use your credit card at an ATM since they charge for cash advances, but if you need money you need money! (which reminds me that I still have to call my credit card company... heh...)
