Luggage Reminders!

Greetings Fellow Treavelers! From this point forward I intend to remind you of your overbearing mother. Periodically, I am going to post bits of "wisdom" on traveling as we are now less than a month from departure. Humor me. It's really all designed to calm my nerves. The above chart is an example. Because we are traveling in three groups we cannot print our boarding passes ahead of time. So...every minute will count. Please be aware of the United Airline carry-on restrictions.

Also, It appears that both airlines allow for one carry-one, one personal bag (purse, backpack, briefcase etc.)and two suitcases. The tour company HOWEVER only allows ONE suitcase. It's a storage on the tour bus issue. My advise pack warm & light.

Lufthansa Baggage Policies

United Baggage Policies

Things to Ponder:Passport Copies - Cell Phones - Bank/Credit Cards - Medications

Make Copies - Just in Case
Just like you back up all your critical files on your computer (you do do that, don't you?), you'll want to make at least two photocopies of your itinerary, your passport information page (the one with your picture and passport number) and copies of your credit cards showing the numbers. Give one copy to your mom, or someone else you trust and can get a hold of any time of day or night. Keep a copy of your passport and credit card info with you but in a different place than the original items.

Call your Bank
If you plan to use your VISA Debit card or a ATM card (I suggest you bring both, just in case) make sure that you call your bank before you leave. Most banks put a European hold on accounts. They will need the dates you are traveling and will put a note on your account. Also, make sure that you have a 4-digit password as most European ATM's will not accept longers pin numbers.

Call Your Credit Card Companies
A couple of days before you leave for your vacation, call the 800 number on the back of the credit cards you're taking with you. Make sure the credit card company knows you will be charging things in different countries on your vacation. Otherwise, your charges will very likely be refused.

Got Meds? Write down the details
Before you travel to Europe, make sure have the medicines themselves, but also record the scientific name of the medicine. Just because a US doctor prescribes something with a generic name doesn't mean you can replace that medicine in Europe. If you know the scientific name of the drug you're taking, at least the name of the active ingredient, you have some chance of replacing a medicine you've forgotten, or need in an emergency. Keep the list in a safe place and give a copy to someone.

Options for Using a GSM Cell Phone in Europe
European cell phones work on the GSM standard. In the US, Cingular and T-Mobile use GSM, but many other cell providers do not, so you cannot always use your US cell phone in Europe. If you have a GSM phone in the US, taking it to Europe (if your plan allows international roaming) can be expensive.

If you want a cell phone in Europe, you have these options:

1. Purchase an unlocked GSM cell phone and European SIM card: Purchase a cell phone that works in Europe and a SIM card for the country you are going to. This is the best option if you travel to Europe each year and make and receive a lot of calls (calls are inexpensive).

2. Rent a GSM cell phone and European SIM card: Rent a cell phone that works in Europe and a SIM card for the country you are going to. This is a good option if you do not travel each year (calls are inexpensive).

3. Use your GSM cell phone from the US and your US cell account: If you are on a GSM system in the US and your phone and plan allow international roaming, this is a good option if you need the phone for emergencies only (calls are expensive).

The European cell phone situation changes constantly - pricing, options available, whether or not foreigners can buy a cell phone.