International Travel

[Sycamore Chins]

Some of you may remember, back in january/february I got accepted to do an internship at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey, UK.

Well I leave a week from tomorrow and it's just starting to sink in that I'm going to be in a completely different country for almost 4 months. Starting to get nervous!!!

Anyways, any tips for international travel/living in another country (especially the UK) would be MORE than appreciated!

The most out of the country I've ever been is Toronto (and no offense, but that doesn't really count for much) so I'm completely lost!

A few Q's:

1. How much should I convert to pounds here in the US and bring with me?
2. It says that you don't have to pay for checked bags for international flights. I'm flying from Baltimore to Philadelphia to London - do you think I'll have to pay for the B-more to Philly flight?
3. Does the UK have many of the similar brand names as the US? or completely different?

I'll probably think of some more.

Thanks!!!

 

[alli713]

As far as checked bags and paying extra, I think it depends on the carrier, as some companies now charge per bag and some don't.

If you're bringing electrical things like a computer etc., make sure and get some sort of adapter/transformer so you can plug them in and don't fry them!

 

[Sycamore Chins]

Got the adapter, and all my chargers can accomodate the different voltages and such so I'm all good there - it has surge protection too.

I'm flying US Airways to London - and it says no charge for (i think 2) checked bags for international flights. But I'm wondering if they're going to charge me for the leg from Baltimore to Philly. Or if I'm all clear since "overall" it's an international flight.

 

[CerLynn]

I lived in London for 2 months during my junior year and absolutely loved it. Not sure on the baggage/flights - I flew Virgin, and I don't recall being charged anything extra, but it probably does vary with the airline.

As far as money, be prepared for what seems like outrageous prices. I think things are better now, but when I was there, the exchange rate was nearly 2:1, yet something that was $5 here would be 5 pounds there. It may be better if you're in a more rural region - the cities are always more expensive. I'd probably convert 100 pounds or so, although I found myself using my credit card more and more often. Visa will definitely work there, but others, such as Discover, they don't take.

Some brand names are different there. ASDA is essentially their equivalent of Walmart/Target - huge lifesaver. Tesco is one of the cheaper grocery stores as well, if I remember. However, the "universal" brands like Coke, etc are still there.

Above all, just try to enjoy yourself. It took me a good few weeks to really settle in, so don't worry if you feel overwhelmed at first. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions, though I'm not sure what all I remember from 2 years back

 

[tunes]

No extra advice - but congratulations again! I would be getting pretty excited too.

I'm assuming we will see pictures..............

 

[Sycamore Chins]

No worries - you will be bombarded with pictures!

I've been monitoring the exchange rate. It's around $1 to .67 pounds right now. I've been cheering everytime it nears .70 pounds LOL I'm hopeful. I've been told some things are more expensive on the island than the 'mainland' but other things are cheaper.

Definitely bringing my debit/credit card - but I do need some cash. I have to take a taxi from the airport to the place I'm staying (which i'm very nervous about since apparently they don't have real addresses on the island X_X)

I'll be getting there 4 1/2 days before my internship starts. That way I can get my bearings and also have to buy/rent a bike to get around. It's going to be SO weird not having my car at my disposal!

 

[Rebecca]

You will have so much fun. London is one of my favorite places in the world. My advise for traveling, especially if you will be there for a full two months, is to explore the little places. Discover local venues and cafes, immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible, and give the tourist-y stuff the cold shoulder. Some things you can't miss, obviously, but others are just unnecessary. Honestly, I took one look at Big Ben and said, "It's a clock."

 

[Sycamore Chins]

Well, I'm staying in Jersey, UK - one of the Channel Islands. I'll be working full time so I'll only have weekends to go to the 'mainland' and also visit wales, scotland and ireland.

But I'm hopeful I can get alot accomplished in almost 4 months of weekends!

Ah, here's another kicker - the place I'm staying...no kitchen. So I have to eat out 24/7. It should be pretty cool though - I should become acquainted with every restaurant/cafe on the island by the end of the summer! lol