|
|
| *Travel Tips>>>Poland Travel Tips |
What are some things I should do to get ready for my first trip to central europe? |
Travel Info 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. Travel Tips I would agree with much of the above, except to say that more people will speak English in Poland than in Slovakia. The languages are not the same, but are similar, so go ahead and learn important things in both languages. You'll go far in keeping the locals happy. And when they are happy, your interaction with them will be a happy one. Make 2 photo copies of your passport and leave one copy home with someone reliable, and take one copy with you in a separate piece of luggage. Never carry it and your passport together. One thing to remember in these countries is they are generally much quieter than America. MUCH quieter. In Slovakia, when you're on a public bus or train, you don't hear anyone talking. Maybe a low murmur of combined whispers, but that's about it. (From what I remember, Poland is the same way.) VERY opposite a typical American college group. People in this area equate loudness with drunkenness. Be sensitive and be quiet. Close your mouth and open your eyes and you'll have a much better experience as you won't be bringing America with you, but you'll absorb the places you're in... that's the reason you're going after all, isn't it? Poland & Slovakia are not so much "eastern Europe" anymore. Enjoy yourself and have fun. Stay open to new ideas and new experiences. Source(s): Have lived in eastern Europe for 8 years. Other Travel Tips 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! Pack a lot of cash...i know this because I'm from Krakow and there you will want to buy good things like memories and there are nice chicks in Poland so say "Ja kocham Polske" and they might like you and make sure you exchange some American money for Polish zloty and try not to get arrested by the cops there...They are strict and they never joke around...If you take your American driver's licence then you can drive a car there for 30 days or if you have a international licence then you can drive for 60 days i think...And go have fun because Poland especially Krakow is the best... |
| Tags |
| General - France Belgium Denmark Greece Netherlands Poland Portugal Russia Turkey General - Europe (Continental) Cruise Travel |
Travel Info Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |