Now that you are enrolled for your tour the real fun begins. No matter what trip you are going on there are some very important things to take care of. So let's get started!
First: Get your Passport
Before we talk about what to bring, let's talk about what you are going to bring it IN! We suggest the following (3) very important pieces.
(1) Carry-on suitcase. We're talking about the size that can fit into the overhead bins on the airplane. Traveling light offers a myriad of pleasures.
First: Get your Passport
- If you need to renew your passport or do not have a passport go to www.travel.state.gov and click on Passports. If your passport will expire 6 months from the first day of your getaway or had a name change, you will need to renew it. As regulations, costs, and lead times change periodically it is important to read this site thoroughly.
Before we talk about what to bring, let's talk about what you are going to bring it IN! We suggest the following (3) very important pieces.
(1) Carry-on suitcase. We're talking about the size that can fit into the overhead bins on the airplane. Traveling light offers a myriad of pleasures.
- Ease of getting to and from airports.
- Greater safety for your belonging at transportation hubs. Having too much to haul makes you a target for scouting thieves.
- Ease of getting to your apartment. Many of our most charming apartments are in centuries old buildings that have been renovated to include modern conveniences, but often require climbing a few flights of stairs to enjoy them.
- (1) Personal carry-on item: This could be the same bag you will be carrying around town during your vacation. We suggest a backpack with thick straps that can be carried in front of your body. Here is our reasoning:
- First of all, let me set your mind at ease. I have never been pickpocketed, nor had my purse stolen.
- Second of all, I know people who have. Our highly intellectual philosophy is this: If you don't have a purse, it can't get snatched. If you don't have valuables in your pockets, they can't get stolen.
- Third, pickpocketing and purse snatching has become an art form in many European cities. But thieves are just people and they are looking for the easiest target. If we can make things a little more difficult, chances are high, you will never be a victim. Your backpack (or bag of sorts) should have thick straps that cannot be easily cut or hooks that can be disconnected easily. Also, if you carry it over both shoulders as opposed to one, you are doubly protected. Wearing it in front discourages unzipping and sneaking things out the back. Generally you will use your backpack to carry a water bottle, companion guide, map, a camera and perhaps a notebook or phone with wi-fi capabililities.
- Money belt: This is a pouch that is fastened around your waist via an elastic belt with a snap-on clip. The pouch is tucked into the front/side of your pants just below your waist. Positive: Very comfortable, very secure. Negative: Can be awkward to access.
- Money belt: This type has two loops that you run your belt through and then the pouch is is tucked into pants. Positive: Very comfortable, very secure. Negative: Only works if you wear a belt.
- Neck Pouch: This is a pouch attached to a long cord that goes around your neck and drops down to about your navel kind of like a necklace worn under your shirt. Positive: Comfortable, easy to access. Negative: Incidents of the cord breaking have been reported. Also if it is seen, it can easily be cut. A scarf worn during cold weather can avert the problem of it being seen.
- Leg Pouch: This is a pouch that is strapped to your calf under your pant leg with an elastic belt. Positive: It is not noticeable at all. Negative: It can sometimes feel like it is falling down to your ankle, making it feel insecure. It is also quite awkward to access.
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Small Suitcase w/Luggage tags
(2) Pairs long pants* (3-4) shirts with sleeves* that have the possibility of layering (2) sweaters (1 for summer tours) (2) lightweight scarves (omit for summer_ (1) undershirt for layering (omit for summer tours (1) waterproof jacket (1) umbrella (2) pair good walking shoes (need to have a good sole that buffers bumpy walking surfaces) (7) pair socks Undergarments Pajamas Beach clothing if desired (Recent law passed requires you to wear clothing on the way to the beach...seriously!) Grooming Supplies Razor, brush, comb, hair styling items.(Blow dryers are provided in all apartments. Please note that appliances that heat up such as curling irons, and blow dryers from the US will not work appropriately even with an adapter...they will burn up within minutes.) Electronics Phone, tablet or laptop, cords, chargers, adapters Other Comfort foods like hot chocolate, granola bars or favorite candy bar can come in handy. TSA Luggage combination lock. *Most churches in Europe do not allow sleeveless shirts or shorts. |
Personal Carry-On
General: We suggest you carry in your backpack everything you would need should you get separated from your suitcase. (The overhead luggage bins often get filled and some passengers are required to check-in their luggage at no cost) Liquids Place all liquids in a clear, quart size, plastic bag. These items would include toothepaste, skin care products, sunscreen, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer, contact lens solution, liquid makeup, hairspray and gels, liquid medications. (Each item cannot be larger than 3 oz. Security enforces this strictly and will immediately discard items over 3 oz.) Check your airline's website for other luggage restrictions and details. Other Personal Items: Medications*, feminine products, tissue *If you have medications that require you to go over the limit for liquids, speak with your airlines about their check-in procedure. Electronics: Phone, tablet, or laptop (something with wi-fi capability) camera, video camera, extra batteries, earphones. Information: Lori Ann's World Tours, llc Companion Guide, Contact information for tour guides upon your arrival (this will be sent to you 2 weeks prior to the first day of the Getaway) Emergency health information, Phone number for credit/debit card to call if they are not functioning. Pencil and paper Nice to haves: Neck support pillow, gum, favorite snacks for airplane, airports, and upon arrival to destination city. Reading material, downloaded movies, apps,and/or music. |
Money Pouch
Top Priority Items to be kept secure: Passport Copy of identification pages of passport Driver's License Credit Card Debit Card (Inform credit and debit card company at least one week in advance of upcoming travel) Extra US Dollars (200) Extra Euros (200) Travel Insurance Policy Record (if purchased) Safety Tip: Put this belt on when you leave your home in US and only take it off to go through security or when lounging in the apartment. |