I have never flown out of the US, I am going to GREECE in May?

Question

Any tips for a long flight? Any tips for 1st timer on traveling out of the US?

Answer 1

Ear plugs and eye patches make sleeping on a plane a lot easier - that and popping a Tylenol PM when you get on board. Make sure to request a window or an aisle depending on your preference. Besides looking out of it, it's easier to sleep leaning up against the window, but it's obviously easier to stretch and head off to the loo when you're sitting in the aisle seat. You just don't want to be stuck in the middle on a long flight - misery.

And check the meals that the airline offers. Often the vegetarian, kosher, etc. meals are much better tasting and much healthier than the regular fare.

As for traveling outside of the US for the first time, keep in mind not everything is efficient, timely and not everyone will speak English. Try not to get frustrated when the unexpected happens - because it will.....hopefully a lot as it usually means fun if you approach it with the right attitude. You won't only be experiencing Greece while you are there, but you will be creating pretty significant memories for yourself - create ones that you will enjoy.

Greek people are very warm, friendly and happy to teach you about their culture. You will have no lack of fabulous food and beautiful scenery. Relax, have fun, and let your mind expand.

Have a great trip!

Answer 2

Keep your passport with you at all times, especially when shopping because you can claim the VAT tax back when returning to the US. The VAT is the sales tax. Citizens of non-EU countries can apply to get the VAT refunded when leaving the country. Ask about the tax refund before you actually pay, because some vendors will actually take off the VAT before charging your credit card. You will need to show the receipt and the original goods at the airport (prior to going through the security check in most airports), and get the receipt stamped. Then you can ask for cash refund or get it credited to your credit card account.

Notify your credit card company that you will be using your card abroad, including the cities you are visiting and dates of travel. If you are buying high end luxury goods, you will probably have to call again and get a special authorization code at the point of sale at the store so be prepared. I also recommend getting euros prior to leaving the US. The ATMS abroad give you crappy rates on the exchange as well as charging a ton of fees.

Be sure to review the new rules on liquids when you travel.

Food is Europe is a lot more expensive than in the U.S. I would recommend buying bread, cheese, cold cuts, fruits, etc. from a local supermarket and storing them in your mini-fridge in the hotel room to save on the cost of breakfast and snacks. Many hotels abroad charge ridiculous rates for breakfast. Also check out the minibar fridge - many of them are on electronic sensors - if you pick up a can of soda, even if you don't drink it, you'll be automatically charged. Ask the concierge to arrnage for a taxi the night before your departure, taxi service is not like in the US.

Answer 3

I can't speak to Greece specifically, but here are some general tips.

Don't sweat the language - you can always find someone who speaks english or someone to translate. Even if you don't, you can still find ways to communicate.

If you smoke, use nicotine gum (4mg) and the patch (the strongest available).

Try to stay up before and sleep most of the plane ride - there isn't much to see flying over the ocean. Take some snacks and pop - you might even take a little alcohol to help you crash.

ake a hand towel, washcloth, small piece of soap, and clean shirt - a small cleanup on a long plane ride can really bring your spirits back.

If you will be calloing back to the US, consider getting Vonage for a month - you can rack up a bill fast using motel or calling cards.

If you use a calling card at the airport, make sure nobody is within ear shot or looking over your shoulder. Whne I dial, I hug my body close to the phone, cover the pad with the palm of my hand, and shift my body from left to right every 3 or 4 digits so nobody can see the numbers I am entering for my calling card.

Watch for con men when you arrive. I am not familiar with Greece, but many forein airports have con men waiting to jump foreigners as soon as they hit ground - when they are tired, confused, and most susceptable... and the security always looks the other way.

If you are getting a taxi, get 1 at the queue. Don't let anyone (other than security) touch you luggage. If someone does or if someone hassles you and they won't go away with the 1st "No" get very loud and vocal - they are con men - they do not want to draw attention.

If you have connections, look up the route between gates in the back of the plane magazine - heck, just tear out the sheet. Get to the gate early - early enough to change gates if there is a last minute change - don't count on the monitors to be correct.

Change most of your money at the airport - they have the best exchange rates by far.

Whne shopping or touring, take either of 2 approaches:
1- Dress like a local -or-
2- Pack som ratty clothes o you ook like a broke traveller or backpacker. this also works out well if you want to carry some stuff in a backpack.
Either way, you won't be bothered much and can enjoy your time much more.

If you go with a backpack, use a small luggage lock if you have 1 so you don't have to worry about it getting picked. Better yet, get a fannie pack with the luggage lock so you don't have to worry about setting it down and loosing it. They make large fannie packs now for day packers - as large as a purse.

Keep most of your cash in your front pocket. Empty your wallet of most items. Leave all your keys except those you wil need (house and car) (saves carrying around useless metal).

Have several credit cards. Split them between your luggage and wallet. Record the credit card phone numbers and the credit card numbers with some of the credit card numbers increased or decreased and place this document several places so that if 1 gets lost, you have all the info to report it without having to worry about giving out your info, and you have another card to use in the meantime.

Use your credit card as much as possible. If you get conned, you can stop payment or the entire credit card. If it gets swiped, you are only legally responsible for $50 in false charges, whereas most will not charge you that.

Stash most of your cash and your passport in the motel safe at the desk. Seal in an envelope with your initials all over it. Ask the clerk to initial as well. Don't trust the motel staff or the room safe.

Carry a photocopy of your passport everywhere. Don't forget ot take your driver's license.

Carry a good map everywhere. Carry the phone number of the motel and any local contacts everywhere. Carry the name and address of the motel or friends you are staying with in Greek everywhere (to give to a non-english speaking cab driver). Know how to ask for directions to get a taxi - in a pinch you can probably get a restaurant or tourist attraction to call 1 for you.

Don't try to bring back produce (will get confiscated). If you go to or came from a farm, don't tell them at customs (they may want your shoes). If you get a souvenir made of animal hides, feathers, etc. don't report it to customs - report it as something else (for example, I bought a goatskin drum, which I reported as just a drum). If you want to buy something that looks like it might be an antique, tell them it is a gift fot the people you are staying with (I lost out on a great find (an old hunting spear) in Australia because the laws didn't permit the particular item to leave the country).

Now that all the negative stuff is out of the way, make sure to have fun. After seeing the sites, enjoy the local culture and cuisine. Go to the clubs. Eat at local restaurants. Cruise the shops. If you get a chance, get to know the locals. I have been overseas several times. All have been great experiences which have changed m view of the world at least a little.

Answer 4

Bring along some snacks, a couple of books or magazines that interest you, Check the TSA rules on what you can carry on the plane. You might want to bring one set of clothes in your carryon, in case your bags don't arrive when you do. Any medications, plainly marked, in prescription bottles, and eyeglasses, if you wear them. You will need your passport, and should keep it handy. Also wear loose comfortable clothing and shoes that you can loosen. On a long flight, when you are sitting for some time, the fluid tends to flow to your legs and feet. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 5

Bring an open mind, a sense of adventure and leave behind preconceptions....and try not to overplan. Keep in mind that travel is at its core an excercise in freedom. Overplanning limits that freedom and ensures that nothing interesting happens to you. Enjoy the difficult situations the most because these will be the ones you remember the best.....most of all have fun! Real travel changes people, be open to that change....

Answer 6

Bring books, etc. to keep you occupied. Maybe even rent a portable DVD player so you can watch a movie. I have trouble with my ears during takeoff and landing, so I use earplugs. I like Ear Planes, but there are many brands.

Get traveler's checks in the currency of the coutry you are visiting. A Visa credit card is also good when you are travelling overseas. MasterCard is not as accepted abroad.

Just stay on the alert. Don't assume everyone who wants to help you is your friend. Most of them are trying to be nice, I'm sure, but there are lots of pickpockets, etc. who prey on Americans. Keep your wallet/purse in a safe place (not your back pocket!)

Get a phrase book, but I'll bet most people will be happy to practice their English on you.

Good luck!

Answer 7

People traveling to a new country often get cold or flu symptoms the first time, 'cos you're meeting new viruses. Bring your favorite medication. And passport, visa, money (for Greece, bring your ATM cards).

Answer 8

what we call political correctness grew to become into around long in the previous WWII The Nazis certainly used what could be seen at the instant as political correctness propaganda against the Allies, which comprise the British. despite the fact that many human beings may well be curious as to precisely which "political correctness propaganda" the Nazis have been brainwashed with. Why do you employ the word "individuals, sheep they are?" Are you no longer American?

Answer 9

It is like a long in country flight - same procedure as always.

have fun.

remember to take a valid pass and enough money or credit cards:-)

Answer 10

Bring gum your ears tend to pop