International Travel Hints / Tips Requested!

[FenderNed]

OH! And always, always, always keep your passport in the same pocket/sleeve/case or whatever you use to store it. I was in a panic on a train platform in Switzerland on my way to London a few years ago because I couldn't find it. I almost missed the train to go back to the hotel to look for it. ... It was in the "other" pocket of my laptop bag. I had my suitcase open, rummaging through my clothes.... it wasn't a fun feeling.

Also, similar to the other post.. I now make copies of my passport just in case it's lost or stolen. It will be much easier to deal with if you have the information.

[LaterBloomer]

When do you land? Your flight may arrive before your hotel will let your register. If that's the case, check before you go to see if your hotel has a luggage room where you can leave your luggage until the room is ready. (Most do, but it's a real pain if they don't. If yours doesn't, PM me, and I'll give you a hint that has helped me.) Then, get out and walk around. Let your body adjust to the new time zone.

[marianne202]

Great tips, more things I never thought about. We land at 9am and have about a 2 hour drive to get to the town where our hotel is. We are planning on stopping for breakfast on the way to our hotel. I'm hoping we can sleep on the flight. I bought about everything we can get for my daughters ears and the kids motion sickness. I have special ear plugs that equalize the ear pressure, bonine, motion sickness bands, decongestant, nasal spray and benedryl. Hopefully, we will have a peaceful trip. Thanks again!

[STG]

A few years ago, my mom forgot one of our passports at home but we had enough time to go back and get it...
Another time (this past summer) my sister thought our flight was 2:45 and it was really 1:45 and we didn't have enough time because we were going from Florida to NY so we didn't need to be there 3 hours before. We ended up staying there another night. If they would have let us go in right away when we came, we would have made it but they were so slow...
Also last summer, somebody didn't have room to put their stuff in the suitcase so they took out my bag and put it on the carry on so they can have room for their stuff. I didn't find out until the lady found liquids in our carry on (perfume, contact solution, hair cream etc.) and it was thrown out.
A different time, my dad went away and the people forgot to transfer his suitcases so he was stuck without anything for a week...
This past April, when we were about to come home from France, the guy said that my mom is not allowed to leave because someone by mistake made a mistake with her social security number. So when the guy scanned her passport he saw that there was a notice that she can't leave...It took ages till they found out that the person who made the exit order (or whatever you call it) mixed up the SS# and finally she was let out.
Lol we travel a lot so we always have all these weird stories.

[LaceyLady]

I agree with the other posters. Their advice is quite good. I am not sure if I have much more to add.

I don't know if you and your kids can sleep easily, but I find it very hard to sleep on a plane, which makes overnight flights quite tiresome. I see other passengers fall asleep immediately upon takeoff when I spend most of the night trying to go to sleep. I can read and write (quite legibly) during a flight, but not sleep. Just be aware that one of your kids (or yourself) might not be able to sleep much during the overnight flight.

About tips, I agree to check at your hotel what the local custom is. In some countries, the expected tip is small, in others it is 15% or more, in others you are not expected to tip extra because the tip is included in the bill.

And I agree, do make copies of all passports and IDs just in case.

For the ears, I just chew gum, but it seems that the other posters have good suggestions. I don't have any advice on motion sickness because thankfully no one in my family has motion sickness (I am glad because I love to fly).

I just want to add that I think it is great for your kids to have this opportunity to visit other countries. I traveled to Europe and South America when I was young (last trip was 10 years ago) and I loved it. I have also visited Mexico many times (last trip was last year). It is great to experience other cultures and landscapes (and languages - I just realized that I have not really visited any English-speaking countries).

I hope you have a great trip!

[OE800_85]

Um, not sure if this was mentioned...couldn't read every post...use credit card whenever possible. The exchange rates on them are often better than what the bank gives you, and it's quite convenient. I do that quite often in asia. Also, there are some banks (the smaller credit unions) that allow you 1 free international transaction per day, where they pay you back all atm fees.

I think the dumbest thing to do is romp around Europe with a huge wad of cash, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Take money out regularly, and don't keep too much on you. Always have a backup stash (USD or Euro, doesn't matter, not too much money) that you keep only for emergencies and have stowed away safely. Other than that, i'd use plastic as often as possible, much safer.

If you have a smartphone, put some relevant apps on it, like language/translation, or just get some tiny phrasebooks, not everyone will speak english.

[OE800_85]

also most places i've been to in europe include a service charge on bills, you shouldn't tip on top of that. I think tipping's gotten WAY out of hand in this world today.

[irnbru]

Some countries require an additional form of ID if paying by card. While the UK uses 'chip and pin', several continental European countries do not.

Depending on where you go, some parts of some countries will stop on a Sunday (parts of Germany, especially Bavaria). So, if you need water/snacks, make sure you have them in advance.

Train and bus travel is usually pretty cheap on the continent.

Take a decent book in your hand luggage

Littering and jay-walking laws are dependent on the host country.

Otherwise, don't be afraid to throw out as much jumble phrases as you can in the local lingo and enjoy!

edit: Yes, before I forget - continental Europe is enjoying a breakout of E-Coli. When you get here, check with whoever you are staying with what the current status of eating raw fruit/vegetables/bean sprouts is.

[CLEP101]

My advice, if you don't want to spend the majority of your trip on the toilet,

[SIZE="5"]DRINK BOTTLED WATER ONLY![/SIZE]

Baby Wipes, Baby Wipes, Baby Wipes. They go with me to every country I visit. It's all fun and games until you find yourself in a place that's never heard of Toilet Paper. :roflol:

[STG]

edit: Yes, before I forget - continental Europe is enjoying a breakout of E-Coli. When you get here, check with whoever you are staying with what the current status of eating raw fruit/vegetables/bean sprouts is.

I thought I heard last week that it was over already...?