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

[Anonymous]

Long story, but I'll be traveling to Slovenia later this month. I've never traveled internationally & I've rarely flown anywhere for that matter. What do I need to know, at the *most basic* level?

Got a passport recently, will take driver's license too. The trip involves several meetings, so dress code has been set as "business casual" most days. I know enough to arrive at airports early (I'll be dropped-off, so no parking concerns). Thought I should check airline websites for most-current carry-on restrictions, luggage restrictions, liquid restrictions (like shampoo). Calling my cell phone provider to get International Service set up. No meds or anything I have to take with me. I've read that temps should be in the 60s-70s while I'm there.

Should I check with my bank to see if I can get Slovenia's currency while still in the US? Should I get AmEx Travelers Cheques?

I've been told that access to a washing machine may be limited or "very expensive." I was told I'd probably need to wash clothes in the bathtub! WTH?! Do I take detergent for that? Seems pretty extreme.

I'll be more or less on my own for the trip & don't want to overlook something critical. Advice at the most basic level would truly be appreciated. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Great questions. I'll tackle two piece:

I think travelers checks are pretty old school. Take your ATM card and a couple of credit cards and you'll be fine. You may want to call the banks that issue them ahead of your trip to warn them that you'll be using them abroad, so that they don't think the charges are fraudulent.

As far as laundry, most nice hotels anywhere can do laundry. It just gets expensive sometimes. I occasionally wash my own things in the hotel sink and hang them to dry, but I certainly prefer to use a hotel laundry service or pack enough to get me thru the trip.

Have a super trip!!!!

[Anonymous]

How long will you be gone? How much time on your own will you have? Have you traveled in the US before?

I would suggest getting a guidebook for Slovenia, so you can learn a little about the country, customs, language, and maybe some things you want to do on your off time or before/after. DK Eyewitness are very good guides (for reading ahead esp. as they have a lot of cultural/historical info, although they can be heavy and less useful for "what should I do today") or you could look at the Rough Guides or Fodors.

You can check with your bank and credit card companies about fees for overseas use-- these can vary a lot by company/card (and +1 to letting them know you'll be gone).

I find it's helpful/nice to learn a bit of the language/a few phrases. Even if most people speak english they usually appreciate the gesture and it can make things easier. It's very easy these days with all the apps and online resources to study a bit, even of an uncommon language.

Get some app-based text messaging for your phone, like whats app, viber or imessage, because Europe is generally a lot better about having free wifi, so if you can message over wifi for free you won't need to use data from your phone plan.

[Anonymous]

You can buy small travel packets of Tide or Dreft and wash underthings in your sink but I just bring enough clothes to last me for a week.

[Anonymous]

Money: take an ATM card, a credit card with a chip (or 2), and (yes I know it is old-school) $500-$1000 in cash. The ATM card will probably work, but you can always exchange USD if needed. Take $20s or $100s and make sure they are new-ish and clean (no marks).

Slovenia uses the euro. You could ask around to see if anyone you know has any so you can have a little cash when you arrive (in my office somebody always has some around...)

Laundry: I never count on using hotel cleaning/laundry services, but it's a nice backup plan.

For small and light items, you can hand-wash in the hotel sink (I just use soap or bath gel), rinse, roll in a towel and then step on the towel to squeeze out more water, and hang to dry.

Packing: For this length trip, you should be able to go carry-on with one rolling bag + one briefcase/tote bag. Wear your heaviest shoes and clothes. Make sure your clothes for the airplane are very comfortable and that you have some layers--many people find airplanes to be cold.

If you do check a bag, make sure you carry on what you'll need for the first day in case the bag doesn't make it--at a bare minimum, toiletries and a change of underwear/socks/tshirt.

Arrival: find out in advance what the plan is for arrival? They will be meeting you? (Easier but you have to think about looking moderately presentable). Van? Taxi? Hotel pickup? Public transport?

My TMobile plan includes free texting in a bunch of countries.

Other: I always make a text document that has all of my travel information (flight dates/times/numbers, hotel information, other contacts, passport info) and mail it to myself so it's in my phone.

[Anonymous]

Call your credit card company in advance to tell them you will be traveling internationally. When my DH travels and does not call in advance, we sometimes get a call from the fraud hotline.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PPs for all the great advice! I do have a list of key phrases already & I've been reading up on the history of the country/region. Won't have a lot of free time, but do have a list of places I'd like to visit if I can.

Great to know I can use imessage for free over Wi-Fi from Europe! Thanks for the tip. I realize I'll need an adapter to charge my iPhone, so I'll need to look into that.

I've already notified my credit card that I'll be traveling, so they've put a notice on my account for those dates. There's a 3% fee anytime I use my card, so I'd rather use Euros when possible. Seems like I should try to get Euros before I travel, versus trying to get them when I arrive...???

Good suggestion to call my bank, also, and have them put the same notice on my account + get info on ATM fees they'll charge me + see if I can buy Euros there.

Please keep the advice coming. Really appreciate everyone's time.

[Anonymous]

I cross-posted with others so thank you to those who recently commented. All great advice & I'm taking notes. Laundry advice especially appreciated. Just found it hard to believe I couldn't use a washer in the hotel, but it may not be a great one so I will come prepared.

[Anonymous]

Usually the cheapest way to get euros is by atm withdrawal (or buying them off someone who just got back), but if you want to have some you can check around for rates and fees at various banks/exchanges.

[Anonymous]

I used to travel with a friend who would handwash her underwear every night--it was dry by a.m. That was not my style, but it worked. You can always use a hairdryer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to travel with a friend who would handwash her underwear every night--it was dry by a.m. That was not my style, but it worked. You can always use a hairdryer.

A friend of mine used to only travel with old underwear and would just throw them out every night

[Anonymous]

Ditto calling credit card company to tell them the dates of your trip and using your ATM card to get euros directly. Use ATMs in the passenger-only side of the airport or inside a bank. Try to avoid the ones on the street if you can, especially ones that aren't affiliated with a bank.

You really don't need to worry about language. We have traveled in and through Slovenia a couple times and found that almost everyone speaks very good English.

I would look at a guide book if you have time (or Trip Advisor) to learn if there are any sights you would like to see if you have time. Ljubljana is a lovely town and worth strolling around. Lake Bled is a stunner and less than an hour from Ljubljana if you have the time. Postonja caves are also interesting.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Tips on packing light:

Pick a color scheme and stick with it. Everything you bring should match everything else. Bring mostly neutrals and maybe one or two complementary colors.

Think about stuff that does not need to be ironed. Wrap dresses are great, as all kinds of knits.

Also bring a couple of casual/loungy things.

Go really easy on shoes. Two pairs, max.

Yes on a travel adapter. I use a universal adapter with a lightweight power strip; can plug in computer, phone, and backup phone battery all at once.
This + this:
http://www.amazon.com/GSlife-Portable-Universal-Including-Smartphones/dp/B00P3BK3DK

http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-UL03-A-Universal-Travel-Adapter/dp/B00210MRGC