Talk to me like a 2nd-Grader: International Travel Basics (Slovenia)

[Anonymous]

How long is the trip, OP? For a week or less, don't worry about laundry. Just pack many things in ziplock bags, and then keep some for the truly dirties (like undies and socks). I also have done the "bring your oldest, rattiest underwear and throw them away" thing. Unless you go into a mud pit, you can wear things more than once.

Also, don't pack by type (shirts, socks, underwear) but rather by days. So if you have two bags, put three full days of stuff in one (pants/shirt/socks/underwear) and two full days in the other. This way if a bag goes astray, you have enough clothes to wear. And always have one day of stuff in your carry-on. If there's a flight delay and you are stuck somewhere, you won't have access to your checked luggage.

Also, if you have smaller flights in Europe, their baggage limits are stricter than long-haul, so watch those. If you're not sure you need it, you don't and leave it home.

Also, always keep some US cash separate from the rest of your valuables. If your purse gets snatched, you have something. I always have either a money belt or one of those pouches you wear around your neck and shove down your shirt. Also, keep copies of your main passport page with photo in multiple places, including with someone back home. Keep one in each suitcase. If you lose your passport, it will make all the difference in getting a replacement. And be very nice to the embassy or consulate person who helps you. That also can save a lot of time and grief.

Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, please do some traveling internationally. It's important. And to more places than Slovenia. Nothing wrong with Slovenia, but please get a broader international education. Whatever work you are in, it will do you good.

Spoken like a true rich person. Never change, DCUM.

Untrue. I spent a year traveling throughout South America with very little money. Just my backpack and working a few jobs as I went.

But your response is small minded, that you need money to travel. Very...american.

Yeah, that sounds awful. I'll pass.

[Anonymous]

If you are in Ljubljana I recommend reading a little bit about Jose Plecnik. He played an important role in the architecture and city. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C5%BEe_Ple%C4%8Dnik

Have a wonderful time, beautiful country, lakes and castles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Really appreciate the advice re: using ATMs to get Euros, specifically which ATMs to use.

I called my bank & they charge a withdrawal fee, plus the ATM will charge a fee apparently, but it's still going to be cheaper than getting Euros through my bank here.

I have 2 credit cards alerted that I'll be traveling internationally, and Target claims I can use my RedCard MasterCard as an ATM card with no Target fees. So I may try that.

If I arrive in Slovenia with no Euros to my name, that's OK? I really hate paying my bank $15 just to purchase Euros. That's the fee they charge to have Euros shipped to any branch from a 3rd-Party.

All the advice given is very much appreciated! Thanks for taking time out of your day to post & help me out.

If you don't get enough from your friend, there are exchange places where you can buy euros before leaving. They aren't an awesome rate, but there's no flat fee, so if you just want enough for a cab ride, they aren't bad.

[Anonymous]

Op, I'm the one who told you to travel more. I'm glad you clarified that you are traveling for part of your education. Have a great time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, please do some traveling internationally. It's important. And to more places than Slovenia. Nothing wrong with Slovenia, but please get a broader international education. Whatever work you are in, it will do you good.

This is a ridiculous thing to say. Not everyone can afford it. I earn just under $4,000 a month, am in $10k worth of debt, don't have health insurance, and haven't been on a vacation in 12 years. Obviously those who can, do. But randomly telling someone who's probably traveling there for work to travel more? Unless you're funding it, STFU.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the good advice, everyone. I leave later today & am looking forward to my trip!

[Anonymous]

Enjoy and report back! Would love to hear how it went.