Top ten things to do before you go....
(If you are registered for the convention, keep the June 14 email from Mary Luck handy. Its a trove of information and includs a copy of the convention program.)
1. Don't forget to pack an adaptor so you can charge your phone, laptop or tablet. No need for a converter just an adaptor. Details see Blog 4/13/2012
2. Make a copy of your passport (just picture page) drivers license and credit card(s) and keep a copy in a suitcase and somewhere besides where you keep your passport and credit cards. If lost its easier to get them replaced or canceled. Any US embassy will replace a passport in a few hours. I know from first hand experience. Details see Blog 1/9/2012
3. Call the credit/debit card bank toll free number on the back of the card and follow the instructions about letting them know your travel dates and destinations. Not to do so risks having your card not work since it will appear to be used out of your normal routine. Its simple to do and will save you the anguish not having a card that works. Details see Blog 4/27/2012
4. Your cell phone/ smart phone will work fine BUT you need to be sure you have let your carrier activate it for international use. It will save you lots in fees and charges to get it activated. With ATT it brings the cost of use to .99 per minute from over $2.00 without international activation.
5. If you have a smart phone... TURN off you DATA PLAN when you leave the US and don't turn it on till you return. You have a contract plan for the US but in Europe they don't recognize it and can really hammer you with some outrageous charges. You can still use WI-FI if its available and don't need your data plan on to use either WI-FI or use it to make a call or text.
6. To stay in touch back home use SKYPE on your smart phone or laptop. Its just pennies to call phones back home and free if you call a PC anywhere. Skype was invented in Estonia. It is easy to use and even has a video feature so you can show the folks back home all the cool things you are seeing. Tallinn has free WI-FI through town and in our convention hotels. How cool is that? Detail see Blog 3/8/2012
7. The weather in Estonia will be cooler than back home unless there's an unexpected heat spell in the next few weeks. It should be pleasant ranging from highs in the low 70's to lows in the high 40's. Certainly not muggy and a pleasant contrast to Alabama in July.
8. Do not over pack. European airlines generally limit checked bags to 20Kg (44 lbs) and 16 lbs for carry on. Some are pretty strict about weight limits and will charge for excess weight and may not allow a second bag checked. The smaller "discount" carriers may have cheap fares but then can really sock it to you with the overweight baggage fees. Be careful. Best to not try to match shoes with every outfit. All the main functions at the convention are casual. Coat and tie at the final banquet is appropriate but no need to bring more formal outfits. Details see Blog 5/4/2012 and 5/24/2012
9. Texting is an inexpensive way to stay in touch. I pay .15 cents per text traveling abroad with ATT and that is with or without a plan in Europe. Texting will be a great way to stay up with your friends at the convention. You can become a texting teen fool and impress your kids when you get home. Details see Blog 3/15/2012
10. Get money at a local ATM up arrival in Europe. It will be in Euros and you'll get as favorable an exchange rate as you would going to any bank without waiting in line. Carry some US cash in smaller denominations. The dollar is still the premier world's currency and works for tips (don't over tip) and to barter at local street markets. Also carry Euro change to tip public restroom attendants. Details see Blog 6/6/2012
(If you are registered for the convention, keep the June 14 email from Mary Luck handy. Its a trove of information and includs a copy of the convention program.)
2. Make a copy of your passport (just picture page) drivers license and credit card(s) and keep a copy in a suitcase and somewhere besides where you keep your passport and credit cards. If lost its easier to get them replaced or canceled. Any US embassy will replace a passport in a few hours. I know from first hand experience. Details see Blog 1/9/2012
3. Call the credit/debit card bank toll free number on the back of the card and follow the instructions about letting them know your travel dates and destinations. Not to do so risks having your card not work since it will appear to be used out of your normal routine. Its simple to do and will save you the anguish not having a card that works. Details see Blog 4/27/2012
4. Your cell phone/ smart phone will work fine BUT you need to be sure you have let your carrier activate it for international use. It will save you lots in fees and charges to get it activated. With ATT it brings the cost of use to .99 per minute from over $2.00 without international activation.
5. If you have a smart phone... TURN off you DATA PLAN when you leave the US and don't turn it on till you return. You have a contract plan for the US but in Europe they don't recognize it and can really hammer you with some outrageous charges. You can still use WI-FI if its available and don't need your data plan on to use either WI-FI or use it to make a call or text.
6. To stay in touch back home use SKYPE on your smart phone or laptop. Its just pennies to call phones back home and free if you call a PC anywhere. Skype was invented in Estonia. It is easy to use and even has a video feature so you can show the folks back home all the cool things you are seeing. Tallinn has free WI-FI through town and in our convention hotels. How cool is that? Detail see Blog 3/8/2012
7. The weather in Estonia will be cooler than back home unless there's an unexpected heat spell in the next few weeks. It should be pleasant ranging from highs in the low 70's to lows in the high 40's. Certainly not muggy and a pleasant contrast to Alabama in July.
8. Do not over pack. European airlines generally limit checked bags to 20Kg (44 lbs) and 16 lbs for carry on. Some are pretty strict about weight limits and will charge for excess weight and may not allow a second bag checked. The smaller "discount" carriers may have cheap fares but then can really sock it to you with the overweight baggage fees. Be careful. Best to not try to match shoes with every outfit. All the main functions at the convention are casual. Coat and tie at the final banquet is appropriate but no need to bring more formal outfits. Details see Blog 5/4/2012 and 5/24/2012
9. Texting is an inexpensive way to stay in touch. I pay .15 cents per text traveling abroad with ATT and that is with or without a plan in Europe. Texting will be a great way to stay up with your friends at the convention. You can become a texting teen fool and impress your kids when you get home. Details see Blog 3/15/201210. Get money at a local ATM up arrival in Europe. It will be in Euros and you'll get as favorable an exchange rate as you would going to any bank without waiting in line. Carry some US cash in smaller denominations. The dollar is still the premier world's currency and works for tips (don't over tip) and to barter at local street markets. Also carry Euro change to tip public restroom attendants. Details see Blog 6/6/2012
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