Currency Exchange:
With this link you can either check the currency exchange rate or you can purchase foreign currency and have it mailed directly to your home - just remember to order early enough to get it before you leave. The euro and the czech crown (In Prague) are the currency you'll be using.
FYI: You shouldn't have a problem using ATMs over there to get local currency. ATMs are located everywhere - you won't have trouble finding one. They do charge a nominal usage fee of a couple dollars. Let your banking institution know your dates/location of travel before you leave so they won't red-flag your card! (Some will require a two week advance notice to get the info into their system.)
https://www.ezforex.com/web_tran_menu.asp
Cell Phones:
Cell phone companies' international calling plans vary greatly so if you already have cell phone service, check with your carrier to see if you can add international service, how much it costs and whether you need any additional equipment such as a SIM card. I have included a link to a very reputable, reasonably priced company (National Geographic) that sells or rents international phone service/equipment.This site also has a comparison chart for their service against several other cell phone companies. ( T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon.) http://www.cellularabroad.com/
Airline:
You will be flying Air France. Follow this link to their website which includes all sorts of helpful tips regarding luggage and regulations.
The flight from Seattle to Paris will last approximately 13 hours Yes, they will feed you - two meals. If you have special dietary needs - diabetic, low cholesterol, etc. let me know so we can order that. You then will have an approximately 1 hour flight to Munich.
FYI: You can take 2 bags with a maximum weight of 50 lbs. each. They will charge you for overweight bags! http://bit.ly/airfrancebaggageinfo
Weather:
Here is a link to weather in the various cities we'll be visiting. But don't hold me to the forecast! Click on the link then type in the name of the city.
http://bit.ly/NfDoD
Tips:
- Do NOT wait until the last minute! Get your passport, luggage, etc. as soon as you can. (Remember, you're leaving the day after finals so you're going to want to prepare early.)
- Get a suitcase on wheels! Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
- When packing roll your clothes - less wrinkles and takes up less space.
- Choose clothing you can mix and match or that hand wash/dry easily so you can get by with fewer items.
- Be sure you have an converter if you plan to plug anything in. Ladies, you will also need an adaptor if you plan to use a curling iron or flat iron - otherwise you may blow out the circuits on the entire floor of the hotel! (Yes, it really happened.)
- Along with your toiletries make sure you pack a scrubby or washcloths - European hotels don't supply them. (They think it's unsanitary.)
- Familiarize yourself with the cities you'll be visiting - use the links provided - so you can make the most of your time there. Look to see what attractions/points of interest you don't want to miss. There will be a guided tour of each city so you can get a 'feel' for each locale.
- DO NOT forget your camera!!!! And extra batteries/charger, etc.
- Be sure and provide me a copy of your passport, emergency contact info, and cell phone number, if you plan to take one.
- Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs. (Consider shipping very fragile items.)
- I have a packing manifest (list) that is very helpful. Let me know if you'd like a copy - I'll email it to you.
- Make sure you keep your passport with you throughout the flight.
- Things to put in your carry-on: set of clean underwear and clean shirt (in case your luggage gets lost!), something to read or do (book, puzzles, etc.), music player, passport, any prescription meds, headphones, munchies, paper/pen, gum (helps when your ears are popping), patience, sense of humor.
- Want to purchase clothing in Europe? Follow this link to a size conversion chart: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothing_sizes