<h3>What are some things I should do to get ready for my first trip to central europe?</h3>
This May/June, I will be going on a trip to Poland and Slovakia with a college group, and I was wondering what are some things that I could do to get ready.
<strong>Slovakia best answer:</strong>
<p><i>Answer by Barry</i><br/>Research the two countries before you go - they have tourism websites and there are lots of other info resources on the internet.
Learn how to say please, thank you, yes, no, where is?, how much?, how to count to 10, and primary colors at least in Polish. English (and German) should work in Slovakia.
Understand the exchange rates: For example, a US Dollar is currently worth a little less than 3 Zloty, so a 10 Zloty cappuccino is costing you almost 4 bucks. A 100 Koruna cappuccino is costing you a little more than 4 bucks. See Yahoo Finance, International, Currency.
Get an American Express Travelers Cheque Card rather than traditional paper travelers checks - the AMEX cards work in ATMs (go to www.americanexpress.com and click on Travel, then look under Travel Resources at the bottom, right corner of the page).
About 3 days before you depart, notify any credit card providers (Visa, AMEX, etc.) if you plan to use their card in eastern Europe. It will save you from the provider placing a security hold on the card when it suddenly gets used overseas.
Hotel & transport should be taken care of if it is a group trip. If you are handling your own arrangments, make sure you have confirmed (Confirmed!) hotel reservations and take copies of the confirmations with you. It eliminates potential conflict. Also find out how to get from the airport to the hotel before you leave home. Many hotels offer airport pickup service for about the same as a taxi even if they don't have a free shuttle. Ask.
You may be able to use your cellphone in Europe. Call your cellular provider and ask - note that the per minute rate may be very high. ATT (for example) sells pre-paid phone cards with better rates.
Strongly consider buying travel health insurance - it is cheap and eliminates all kinds of hassles if you need medical attention overseas. Travel agents, airlines, and American Express sell it.
Dress appropriately, both in terms of style and for the weather.
May/June is reasonably warm in eastern Europe, but take a sweater, windbreaker, and umbrella.
Pack light - take no more than one regular-size suitcase (with wheels) plus a carry-on bag (small backpacks are good). Note that most airlines have a 50 pound limit for checked bags on international flights.
Electricity in Europe is 220 volts so most USA electrical items won't work there w/o a voltage converter (which is heavy). Use dual-voltage items - most laptops accept 220v. You also need an adapter to connect "flat" USA plugs to "round" European outlets even if the item accepts 220v. Stores like Best Buy and CompUSA sell a multi-adapter (also fits UK-type outlets) surge protector for about $ 20. Get one if you are taking any items with USA plugs.
Pack a basic first aid kit with OTC meds like asprin, Pepto-Bismol, & sinus tablets. Also take bandaids, eyedrops, lip-balm, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Any prescription durgs need to be in their original containers from the pharmacy, with your name clearly legible on the label.
Send your passport number & expiration date to yourself in an e-mail message. Knowing the number speeds up the process of obtaining a replacement passport if yours is lost or stolen.
Traveling from North America will result in jet lag as most of eastern Europe is 7 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (Noon in Chicago is usually 7:00pm in Bratislava & Warsaw). Try to sleep on the flight, even if it isn't very good sleep. Hydrate as some of the jet lag problem is caused by the very dry air in the passenger cabin. Don't overdo it the first day. Force yourself to stay awake until 9:00pm local time - if you must take a nap, don't sleep for more than 2 hours or you risk waking up at Midnight, wide awake.
Treat the people you meet like they matter as individuals - especially service staff in restaurants, hotels, etc. Tip 5% even if "service is included".
Finally, remember that it isn't "just like home" - stay home if you don't enjoy change.
Have a good trip!</p>
<p><strong>Padolinek, Slovakia 20081103</strong>
<img alt="Slovakia" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3637/3336078419_740fda8401.jpg" width="400"/><br/>
<i>Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14153997@N06/3336078419">topsafari</a></i>
Podolinek, Slovakia
For more information on the area, please see the Bardejov, Slovakia Set.
For more information on the entire trip, take a look at the Central and Eastern European Collection.</p>
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