Now that we're less than two months away, and I've clearly been in packing mode, let's talk about the benefits of travel-sized packages. I don't know about your house, but the guest bathroom in my house has more travel-sized toiletries than an entire boat of Caribbean pirates could use.
When preparing for a trip like ours, consider packing two or three travel-sized amounts of whatever you need (soap, shampoo, deodorant), rather than packing a large container which you won't use up. Smaller containers take up less room, and leak far less if they do open in your bag . . . and you can throw away the containers when they're emptied. Plus, our first weekend is spent at a hotel, so you can always use their hospitality products (rather than getting into your own stuff).
Carry-on or in the luggage? What do you HAVE (really - not just what you WANT) to have, if you should not have your luggage for two days? Pack your carry-on well:
1. Basic first-aid and hygienic needs: band-aids, prescription medicine (and the doctor’s order), antigas/antacids, hygenic products, travel sickness medicine?
2. Change of clothes (in case of loss of luggage) - our second day is Capri, so pack light clothing and a swimsuit
3. Your family gift (if meltable or fragile)
4. Healthy snacks: fruit-based snacks, crackers with cheese/PB, protein bars
5. Copies of necessary documents - passport, all credit cards and IDs (both sides), prescriptions - one to give to your Director, one for yourself
6. Comfort items for long-distance travel - warm sockies, inflatable pillow, earplugs
7. Something for writing - you'll fill out several documents during your journey, plus you WILL be taking Italian courses (for university credit) when you get to Siena
Please be sure you're learning some Italian, too, before we depart - that will be the MOST important carry-on you have - your brain!
Hugs,
L :)
P.S. This Thursday is our departure info meeting. For those of you who cannot attend, I will be posting an audiocast of the meeting on this blog (if I can - if not, I'll send it out by e-mail and post it on Quia or the Google Group page)!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Packing - Liquids and electronics
Probably one of the most (few) brilliant ideas by the flight companies was to limit sizes of liquid containers to 3 oz on carryons. Really, what person is so attached to their GIANT shampoo bottle that they can't move into a small bottle for traveling? Which is my fun, quick point for today. Girls (or guys), if you have a favorite liquid - shampoo, perfume, lotion - which you HAVE to take on your travels, please move it into a 3 oz. travel bottle (and it's even better if the bottle is already labeled with its size). For a 2.5-week trip, you won't use more of that liquid, whatever it is. Plus, if it breaks open or leaks in your bag, that's a far smaller issue than if you took your original bottle, right? And weigh your giant shampoo bottle right now to remind yourself of how much weight you're NOT carrying through Italy.
I'm sure this goes without saying, but we're not headed to the center of Africa or the remote desert. People live in Siena and Italy (and we're living with them), which thus necessitates grocery stores. Buy your mouthwash/body soap/hand soap/toothpaste/shampoo at the grocery store, and share it with your roommate. Get your small electronics - hair dryer, fan for room if you need it - in town, too, rather than taking your own and bringing an adapter (with which you WILL blow our your electronic device). If you must bring an Ipod, get an European plug at the Apple store (and do the same for your cameras, or just bring extra charged batteries). Pack lightly, and you'll be rewarded in the end by being able to bring more gifts/regalia home to share with your loved ones!
Just my input (like the cell phone thing) . . .
L :)
I'm sure this goes without saying, but we're not headed to the center of Africa or the remote desert. People live in Siena and Italy (and we're living with them), which thus necessitates grocery stores. Buy your mouthwash/body soap/hand soap/toothpaste/shampoo at the grocery store, and share it with your roommate. Get your small electronics - hair dryer, fan for room if you need it - in town, too, rather than taking your own and bringing an adapter (with which you WILL blow our your electronic device). If you must bring an Ipod, get an European plug at the Apple store (and do the same for your cameras, or just bring extra charged batteries). Pack lightly, and you'll be rewarded in the end by being able to bring more gifts/regalia home to share with your loved ones!
Just my input (like the cell phone thing) . . .
L :)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Cell Phones: To Rent or Not to Rent?
Just had an e-mail from a parent, asking about cell phones and general communications access for while we're in Italy (ah, such a brief stay). Over the years, I've seen kids handle communications during the trip in many ways:
1. Renting a cell phone (but it takes serious control on the part of the kiddo - can get expensive if they have to keep in touch with their friends) - a good way for you to immediately be able to reach your child at all times (but the homestays all have their own phone lines, which you can call directly). Personally, I'm not a fan of cell phones, but SPI has a leash to me, too. :) Those kids without a cell phone never mention any regrets - they make plans as everyone leaves to return home for dinner, and they meet up in the Campo after dinner at their homes. I think the ones without the cell phones feel a little more freedom than the others.
Life in Italy is community-based, not the American individual-based style we're so accustomed to. I discourage students bringing anything which isolates them from others (Ipod, handheld games, etc.), both for the regret of losing something so expensive, but also for the reason of losing out on an opportunity to meet someone new or find a new experience to communicate (which is REALLY why we're here).
2. By computer - not only does Dante Alighieri have computers available for the students, but there are so many cheap internet spots throughout the city. It's how I do most of my communication. And, kids, you can write one e-mail and send it to everyone, then get out of there faster and enjoy more of your time in Siena!
3. Cheap International calling spots - my favorite one is just $.10 a minute to call home directly. How I keep in touch with my husband during my Italy stays. There are several in the center of town.
4. Calling Cards - it's a MUCH better deal to use a calling card from the US to call Italy, rather than the other way around. A $20 international phone card will last a full 3 week trip, with my husband calling me. 20E schede internationale might last me a week, calling my husband in the US. You can get an international calling card from anywhere like Walgreens or CVS, and call to the homestays. Make plans for specific times when you'll call (usually around 6 PM in Italy - 11 AM in Dallas - is a good time - after touring, before dinner . . . during homework time?).
I hope this helps you in making your decision as to whether an investment in a cell phone is worth it to you . . . could be more gelato money, my friends!!!
abbraci,
L :)
1. Renting a cell phone (but it takes serious control on the part of the kiddo - can get expensive if they have to keep in touch with their friends) - a good way for you to immediately be able to reach your child at all times (but the homestays all have their own phone lines, which you can call directly). Personally, I'm not a fan of cell phones, but SPI has a leash to me, too. :) Those kids without a cell phone never mention any regrets - they make plans as everyone leaves to return home for dinner, and they meet up in the Campo after dinner at their homes. I think the ones without the cell phones feel a little more freedom than the others.
Life in Italy is community-based, not the American individual-based style we're so accustomed to. I discourage students bringing anything which isolates them from others (Ipod, handheld games, etc.), both for the regret of losing something so expensive, but also for the reason of losing out on an opportunity to meet someone new or find a new experience to communicate (which is REALLY why we're here).
2. By computer - not only does Dante Alighieri have computers available for the students, but there are so many cheap internet spots throughout the city. It's how I do most of my communication. And, kids, you can write one e-mail and send it to everyone, then get out of there faster and enjoy more of your time in Siena!
3. Cheap International calling spots - my favorite one is just $.10 a minute to call home directly. How I keep in touch with my husband during my Italy stays. There are several in the center of town.
4. Calling Cards - it's a MUCH better deal to use a calling card from the US to call Italy, rather than the other way around. A $20 international phone card will last a full 3 week trip, with my husband calling me. 20E schede internationale might last me a week, calling my husband in the US. You can get an international calling card from anywhere like Walgreens or CVS, and call to the homestays. Make plans for specific times when you'll call (usually around 6 PM in Italy - 11 AM in Dallas - is a good time - after touring, before dinner . . . during homework time?).
I hope this helps you in making your decision as to whether an investment in a cell phone is worth it to you . . . could be more gelato money, my friends!!!
abbraci,
L :)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Packing and Prepping
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
With the fun of TAKS and other pandemics this week, it completely passed me that we're now less than two months away from our departure!
This month, Jay and I have three different roadtrip weekends. I'm always amazed at how much we pack when doing a weekend road trip - it's so different from when I'm traveling abroad! Which brings me to this month's topic - PACKING.
Right now is a good time to start thinking about how you'll pack for the trip. In one of my monthly newsletters, I give you a good challenge on how to judge if your suitcase is suitable. But what to pack in it? Department stores are offering outrageously good prices on seasonal clothing, all which would be great for Italy (no gashes, no ads, and no cleavage, please). You might have a homestay who will do one load of laundry for you (mine doesn't - come join me at the laundromat one afternoon the second week if this is the case). Either way, pack clothes which don't have to be dry-cleaned. I forget this rule every year, and always slap my forehead at the mid-way point in the trip. If it's machine-washable, it's sturdy enough to be washed during our trip. And I definitely expect you to pack so little that you need to get your clothes washed once (even though our trip is brief).
I'm a sweat-er. Seriously. Like a PIG. The Meta Sudans has nothing on me. Which means that I seek out clothes which breathe well (like linens and cottons) but hold up under a lot of movement. And I don't bring anything brand-new on the trip. If I've bought shoes for the trip (one of the two pairs which I bring), I've worn them since early May. Actually, this is my first year to NOT buy a new pair of sandals - I've totally fallen for Merrell shoes! Prior years' travelers can tell you . . . no matter the brand of "high-performance" shoe - birkenstocks, sofft, clarks, etc. - I've always ended up on our Capri day with bleeding, blistered feet. And that's just our second day of the trip! Last summer, I invested in some Merrell sandals, and, well, I'm a loyal fan now. Besides these shoes, I'll bring one nice pair of sandals to wear in the evenings.
Not to sound shallow - my focus when we're traveling is appreciation for people, language, food, and the experience - but the most important thing to focus on as you prepare for this trip (besides learning necessary Italian phrases and terms) is to pack sparingly and smart. No one should come off the plane with more than one suitcase, and a backpack or small carry-on bag (if you must).
a piu tardi!
L :)
With the fun of TAKS and other pandemics this week, it completely passed me that we're now less than two months away from our departure!
This month, Jay and I have three different roadtrip weekends. I'm always amazed at how much we pack when doing a weekend road trip - it's so different from when I'm traveling abroad! Which brings me to this month's topic - PACKING.
Right now is a good time to start thinking about how you'll pack for the trip. In one of my monthly newsletters, I give you a good challenge on how to judge if your suitcase is suitable. But what to pack in it? Department stores are offering outrageously good prices on seasonal clothing, all which would be great for Italy (no gashes, no ads, and no cleavage, please). You might have a homestay who will do one load of laundry for you (mine doesn't - come join me at the laundromat one afternoon the second week if this is the case). Either way, pack clothes which don't have to be dry-cleaned. I forget this rule every year, and always slap my forehead at the mid-way point in the trip. If it's machine-washable, it's sturdy enough to be washed during our trip. And I definitely expect you to pack so little that you need to get your clothes washed once (even though our trip is brief).
I'm a sweat-er. Seriously. Like a PIG. The Meta Sudans has nothing on me. Which means that I seek out clothes which breathe well (like linens and cottons) but hold up under a lot of movement. And I don't bring anything brand-new on the trip. If I've bought shoes for the trip (one of the two pairs which I bring), I've worn them since early May. Actually, this is my first year to NOT buy a new pair of sandals - I've totally fallen for Merrell shoes! Prior years' travelers can tell you . . . no matter the brand of "high-performance" shoe - birkenstocks, sofft, clarks, etc. - I've always ended up on our Capri day with bleeding, blistered feet. And that's just our second day of the trip! Last summer, I invested in some Merrell sandals, and, well, I'm a loyal fan now. Besides these shoes, I'll bring one nice pair of sandals to wear in the evenings.
Not to sound shallow - my focus when we're traveling is appreciation for people, language, food, and the experience - but the most important thing to focus on as you prepare for this trip (besides learning necessary Italian phrases and terms) is to pack sparingly and smart. No one should come off the plane with more than one suitcase, and a backpack or small carry-on bag (if you must).
a piu tardi!
L :)
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