Czech Heritage Tours 2012

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

• Electrical converters are necessary for all electrical appliances including shavers, blow dryers, curling irons, etc.  Converters may be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, Rand McNally Bookstores, etc.
• Fanny packs or Across-the-Shoulder Bags (Not a good idea to carry large handbags while traveling Europe, especially in larger cities)
• Under-the-shirt passport holders or money belts are available at Super Wal-Mart, Target, Rand McNally Bookstores, etc. (recommended)
• Bring a cell phone or telephone calling card if you plan on making calls to the United States.  Check with your cell phone provider for rates and additional information.  Don’t forget your charger!
• First aid kit including Dramamine for motion sickness, Tylenol, Immodium AD, Pepto Bismol, band-aids, antiseptic ointment, etc.
• Small calculator, useful for money conversion
• Camera and/or video camera (extra film and batteries)
• Packing materials for breakable purchases such as packing bubbles, Scotch tape, etc.
• Sewing kit
• Kleenex packets (some European restrooms lack in this regard)
• Laundry detergent in Ziploc bag
• Toiletries and washcloths (European hotels typically do not provide these)
• Umbrella, sun visor, sunscreen, hat or cap
• Addresses of US family members and/or friends for postcards
• Comfortable walking shoes

HINTS / IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS

• Obtain passport and/or check expiration on current passport at least 6 weeks prior to travel.  Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after returning.  For renewing or applying for a new passport, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/
• DO NOT PACK YOUR PASSPORT IN YOUR LUGGAGE!
• Make a copy of your passport and place it in your suitcase in case it is lost or stolen.
• Check with your medical insurance carrier prior to departure to determine European medical coverage.  Bring your insurance card with you.  We highly suggest purchasing AccessAmerica travel insurance.  If you purchase it, AccessAmerica will coordinate with your private insurance carrier while abroad if necessary.
• Airlines only allow ONE checked bag plus ONE carry-on bag and ONE personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop, small backpack, tote bag, camera bag, etc) free of charge on international flights.  Each additional checked bag will incur a fee of $55 per bag.  Checked bags must not exceed 50 lbs. or 62 inches (14” height + 22” length + 9” depth) each in order to avoid an additional charge.  Checked bags weighing over 50 lbs. will incur an additional fee of $100.  Bags over 70 lbs. will NOT BE ALLOWED.  Carry-on bags must fit in an overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you (no larger than 22" x 14" x 9").
• Daily medications should NOT be packed in your suitcase but taken on board in case luggage should get lost.  TSA requires all medication to be in original containers.
• Place shampoo and other toiletries in Ziploc bags.  Due to heightened security measures, only travel size toiletries (3 oz. containers or smaller) may be brought through the security checkpoint/on board the aircraft.  These items must be in a clear Ziploc bag.  Larger sized liquids must be placed in checked bags and may not exceed 16 ounces or they will be confiscated by TSA and thrown away.
• We suggest you pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost and a pair of socks to wear on the plane.  If this happens, usually the airlines will deliver the bag to your hotel within a day or two.
• ID tags are necessary on all bags and we suggest putting a distinguishable marker (colored ribbon or brightly-colored ID tag) on your luggage as bags tend to look similar.  Remove all prior travel tags.
• Due to heightened security measures, do not pack sharp objects such as wine corkscrews, metal nail files or pocket knives in your carry-on bag.  These will be confiscated when going through security!  These items, however, can be checked.
• ATM machines are readily available.  A small transaction fee will apply.  There will also be US cash money exchange available on the bus at no charge.  Traveler’s checks are another option and can be redeemed at large city banks during regular business hours for a fee.  Carrying large amounts of cash (over $500) is not recommended.
• VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted.  Due to credit card fraud, be sure to call your credit card company to make them aware of your travel plans.