Helpful Bulldog Traveling Hints

Money Matters

• Notify your credit card company that you will be traveling overseas, particularly if you carry a UGA MBNA America Bank, N.A. card. MBNA America Bank tracks purchases to prevent and monitor credit card theft - if they are unaware that you are traveling, your purchase overseas may be blocked. They will want to know travel dates and location. MBNA America Bank can be contacted at 1-800-421-2110.
• Travelers checks are still a safe way to carry funds. For couples traveling, be sure to get the checks in each of your names or dual checks. Keep check serial numbers separate from checks.
• Many small village shops prefer local currency and some do not take credit cards or cash travelers checks. The Euro is now in use throughout most of Europe. Currency exchange is available at hotels, banks and machines - rates will vary from place to place, usually with a commission charged. Check out this site for more on the Euro.

Photography

• Purchase enough film in the U.S. before you go. Film is much more expensive outside of the U.S.
• Bring a disposable camera or two "just in case" something happens to your regular camera.
• Some locations, especially churches, may not allow flash photography inside the building. Try 800 speed print film without flash. Or purchase post cards if you are uncertain whether photos will turn out.
• Dealing with security scanning - do not put film in checked luggage. Some of the new checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. Put all film, developed and undeveloped, along with camera in a large zip lock bag and request visual inspection vs. the scanner. Some airport security stations may comply and some will not but it's worth the request to spare your film's quality from one too many scanners.

Luggage

• NO knives, nail files, scissors or ice-pick type items of any kind are allowed in carry-on luggage or on your person - this includes pocket knives and corkscrews. Pack these items in checked luggage.
• Each passenger is now allowed just ONE carry-on bag plus a purse or briefcase. This bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment above and should have ALL the necessities you might need if your luggage is misplaced - this would include medications and essential toiletry items. An extra shirt, change of undergarments and night clothes can help minimize the inconvenience of delayed luggage.
• Because of the new luggage screening guidelines, keep your luggage UNLOCKED. To secure zippers and clasps, use twist-ties (that secure plastic garbage bags).
• Use the bright colored travel company tags included in your travel packet. Also have another permanent tag on your luggage, such as the Georgia Bulldogs Engraved Metal Luggage Tag. At check-in, make sure your bags are correctly tagged with the airport's three letter code.
• Pack a copy of your flight schedule itinerary in EACH of your checked bags. This will facilitate return of luggage if they happen to get misplaced.
• Couples should consider "cross packing" their checked luggage - have an outfit or two and medication in each other's bag in case one bag is delayed.

ETC. Stuff

• Europe has "Internet Cafés" as do cruise ships where you can get on the internet. Consider getting a hotmail.com or other free email service account. Email is a great way to touch base with friends and family during your travels.
• Local customs - especially in Italy, cathedral "custodians" frown on revealing clothing on women - bare shoulders and shorts. If you decide to wear shorts and sleeveless blouses, bring a cover-up for cathedral visits - a large light cotton scarf works great.
• Do not travel with expensive jewelry.

Last Minute List

• Be sure to reconfirm all of your flights THREE DAYS before your departure - or as the travel company suggests.
• Leave information about your passport, flight schedule, trip itinerary and hotel with family or friends.
• Make a copy of the front page of your passport and put it in a different place other than you carry your actual passport. This will prove beneficial should anything happen to your passport.
• Make sure you take along a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license with you. Passport name and airline ticket name MUST match. Please check this well in advance of your scheduled travel.
• Take along a copy of your marriage license if newly married or if your last name is different than your spouse.
• Finally, be prepared for security delays, airline and airport strikes. Count these variables as a "normal" part of air travel in our Post-September 11 era. Bring a good book or magazine(s), items to keep you comfortable and a good attitude for adventure!

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