Alumni Travel
Helpful Traveling Hokie Hints
Money Matters
- Notify your credit card company that you will be traveling overseas, particularly if you carry a Virginia Tech Visa card. Chase Bank tracks purchases to prevent and monitor credit card theft - if they are unaware that you are traveling, your purchase overseas may be blocked. They will want to know travel dates and location.
Card member contact 888/399-2586 - Travelers checks are still a safe way to carry funds but used less now with ATM's. For couples traveling, be sure to get the checks in each of your names or dual checks. Keep check serial numbers separate from checks.
- Many small village shops prefer local currency and some do not take credit cards or cash travelers checks. The Euro is now in use throughout most of Europe. Currency exchange is available at hotels, banks and machines - rates will vary from place to place, usually with a commission charged. Check out this site for more on the Euro.
Photography
- Purchase enough film in the U.S. before you go. Film is much more expensive outside of the U.S.
- Bring a disposable camera or two "just in case" something happens to your regular camera.
- Some locations, especially churches, may not allow flash photography inside the building. Try 800 speed print film without flash. Or purchase post cards if you are uncertain whether photos will turn out.
- Dealing with security scanning – do not put film in checked luggage. Some of the new checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. Put all film, developed and undeveloped, along with camera in a large zip lock bag and request visual inspection vs. the scanner. Some airport security stations may comply and some will not but it’s worth the request to spare your film’s quality from one too many scanners.
Luggage
- NO knives, nail files, scissors or ice-pick type items of any kind are allowed in carry-on luggage or on your person - this includes pocket knives and corkscrews. Pack these items in checked luggage.
- Each passenger is now allowed just ONE carry-on bag and then a purse or briefcase. This bag should have ALL the necessities you might need if your luggage is misplaced - this would include medications and essential toiletry items. An extra shirt, change of undergarments and night clothes can help minimize the inconvenience of delayed luggage.
- Because of the new luggage screening guidelines, keep your luggage UNLOCKED. To secure zippers and clasps, use twisty-ties (that secure plastic garbage bags).
- Use the bright colored travel company tags included in your travel packet. Also have another permanent tag on your luggage, such as the "Travel'N Hokies" tag. At check-in, make sure your bags are correctly tagged with airport's three letter code.
- Pack a copy of your flight schedule itinerary in EACH of your checked bags. This will facilitate return of luggage if they happen to get misplaced.
- Couples should consider "cross packing" their checked luggage - have an outfit or two in each other's bag in case one bag is delayed.
Safety/Airport Security
- Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate the replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy with family or friends. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. Have another copy if you have a travel companion that they can keep.
- To expedite security checks, have your photo IDs ready and available. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. Removal of footwear is mandatory in some airports.
- Place jewelry, mobile phones, pagers, keys and other metal items, including the contents of your pockets, in your carry-on baggage until you clear security.
Miscellaneous Stuff
- The internet is more common now for international destinations. Most larger hotels, cruise ships and river cruisers have internet. Expect to pay for internet time. Consider getting a hotmail.com or other free email service account. E-mail is a great way to touch base with friends and family during your travels.
- Local customs - your travel director will advise you on any customs that are significant.
Last Minute List
- Be sure to reconfirm all of your flights 3 days before your departure - or as travel company suggests.
- Leave information about your passport, flight schedule, trip itinerary and hotel with family or friends.
- Make a copy of the front page of your passport and put it different place than you carry your passport.
- Make sure you take along a government issue photo ID such as a driver's license with you. Passport name and air ticket name MUST match. Take along a copy of marriage license if newly married or last name is different than spouse.
Finally, be prepared for security and flight delays, airline and airport strikes. Count these variables as a "normal" part of air travel in our Post-September 11 era. Bring a good book, items to keep you comfortable and a good attitude for adventure!