Last minute stuff.. - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Slacker** · 05-08-2006, 12:46 AM

K got most everything bought, most everything reserved and what not.

Need to do a few last minute purchases. Need to talk to my bank, get a little bit of money converted.

What else can you guys think of that I might have forgotten? Please list ANYTHING (i wont think you think im stupid!)

Also, I was kinda stupid and waited forever to book a way from London to Amsterdam. A flight is like waaay more than I want to pay. So a ferry it is for me. Should I just wait till I get to london then speak to a travel agent there? Or what should I do?? No Amsterdam = no meetup for ME!!! (oh no!!!)

Btw, I leave Thursday!

Thx!

**space virgin** · 05-08-2006, 01:15 AM

You could probably take a coach to Amsterdam relatively inexpensively, what with the chunnel and all. Try http://www.nationalexpress.com to start...

And don't forget your plane tickets or passport as you leave the house!

**LostFarmboy** · 05-08-2006, 01:27 AM

Ummm.....random things not to forget:

- travel insurance
- 2 photocopies of important documents (passport, tickets, etc), 1 to leave at home with someone and one to carry in your bag.
- phrase books and travel guides
- 1 decent book to read for those long train trips
- pen
- any medication you may need
- pocket knife
- sunscreen
- MP3 player and battery charger
- camera and charger
- if you're an aussie - VEGEMITE!!
- little first aid kit

have fun dude

**florencia9699** · 05-08-2006, 05:41 AM

- Band aids
- Batteries (and the charger, and any cable you may need for your camera)
- Small Notebook (as a travel diary?)
- Toothbrush

**GoKrazy** · 05-08-2006, 06:16 AM

And bring a few safety pins - I always forget them and it always seems like I need them for something or other.

If you are going to use a credit card while traveling call them up and tell them where and when you are going to be traveling. This way they won't accidentally freeze your credit on suspected identity theft (last time i went to Europe the bank called my house making sure that I really was in Europe - nice touch I think)

LFB has a good point about the photocopies of all the important documents - I do that too in case something gets lost or stolen.

**benna2** · 05-08-2006, 07:34 AM

This may sound dumb but if you are going to be having someone (like a family member or close friend) looking after your banking for you, let your bank know who this person is! I had a friend depositing my paychecks while I have been gone, she had my bank account number and I thought that would be sufficient since she was only depositing and not withdrawing money. The bank was quite weary of someone having that much information on me and put a long hold on all my checks! When I go home for the summer, I am definately going into the bank and letting them know that I travel a lot and who will be looking after my banking...

**Somnambulation** · 05-08-2006, 01:50 PM

I took a ferry from London to Amsterdam. I remember it being just a little cheaper than a flight. We bought our tickets at Paddington Station, but IM sure you can buy them anywhere. You have to take a train to Harwich and then catch the ferry from there, and then once in Holland you take another train to get to Amsterdam itself.

**Slacker** · 05-08-2006, 08:10 PM

Im sure the people at my hostel can help me figure this stuff out right?

K talked to the bank today, got that all fixed up.

They would have charged me like 20 dollars to change things into pounds and euros, so i said screw that i'll get it at the airport when I get there.

K all of the suggestions so far are excellent. Anymore?? Please and thank you!

**Joker** · 05-08-2006, 08:31 PM

Avoid changing money in airports- usually more expensive.

Attempt to use banks that aren't near the airports, since they're usually cheaper, or for that matter if you can pay in US$ ask for change in Euro's.

**florencia9699** · 05-08-2006, 08:53 PM

Dont forget the nail clippers!! i know it sounds gross... but believe me... you'll be bitching about your feet in 2 weeks if you dont...

Also, Egypt is very hot, so I recomend taking a cap (to cover from the sun) and something to whipe sweat with... seriously... going in and out the tombs and the pyramids makes you really sweat! Totally annoying. Also take sunblock as was mentioned before.

And dont forget your sunglasses!

(and condoms)

PressurePoint · 05-08-2006, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by florencia9699@May 8 2006, 07:53 PM

(and condoms)

[snapback]119155[/snapback]

Must not forget those!

**bellelass** · 05-08-2006, 11:44 PM

Heaven forbid...

hehe.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 05-09-2006, 02:27 AM

If you have credit cards you will be using or may need to use in an emergency, call them and tell them where you are going and for how long so they put a note on your account. You do not want them locking up your card because they see a charge come through from Spain and think its fraud. Consider doing the same with your bank for your ATM card (if you haven't already as it sounds like you spoke with your bank on other issues).