Revised Posting of Trip to London Questions
 

I posted a message earlier about a trip I was taking with the band to London, England, and I guess I didn't include enough details, so here is the revised message.
I am going to London in December with my High School's band. We will be origionally departing from Cincinati International Airport, and probably will jump the pond from New York. I do not have to make the travel plans, so I can't help that, but i will need more tips on good ways to convert dollars to pounds, and also want tips on jet lag.
Finally, comparing Central Ohio to London, I would like tips on what to pack. This will be my first international flight, and I haven't flown since I was 7 (I am 15 now)I would like tips on the above info from people who travel regularly. Thanks

I love band nerds! As for pounds, the absolute best conversion is with an ATM card. Any chance of your having access to one? Your folks could open an account for your trip, and you could use that card. For other expenses a credit card is good, preferably one that does not add an extra percentage over the 1% that Visa/MC charge for conversion. Very few issuers don't, but Capital One, USAA, and the MBNA AAA card still don't.

I don't think you will have to worry much about jet lag. I have taken myriad students to Europe and their youthful bodies were always much more able to adapt than mine (except for the crew that woke up at 3:00 and went traipsing around Frankfurt).

Do make a copy of your inside passport info, bring a couple of extra passport pix in case yours gets lost or stolen. Makes getting a new one much easier. (Carry it somewhere separate.) A money belt is not a bad idea to secure your cash/cards where a pickpocket can't get them. I've had students lose their passports and be subject to theft because their lack of world experience made them a little careless (or out to lunch).

I'm sure you'll get much more advice about packing. I would say bring an extra pair of glasses if you wear them, copies of any prescriptions that are necessary.

And have a great time! (Boy, this takes me back to the good old days!)

Band nerd, I live in Indianapolis and have a husband who travels regularly to the UK on business. As for what to pack, think of late October/early November weather, because that's what London will feel like. It's not as bitter in December there as it is in the midwest. We have a niece and nephew in the UK and I can tell you that teens over there dress pretty much the same as you do, so don't worry about your clothing style. You don't need to buy anything special (though you might like to go shopping while you're in London!).

As far as jetlag, band nerd, everyone's body reacts differently to that. There's no way of telling what will happen to you. I have friends who can fall asleep on the airplane without any trouble, but I can hardly sleep a wink. I need a two hour nap when I get to Europe every time. Drink plenty of water on the plane, try to get some sleep, and maybe you won't arrive too jet-lagged. In any event, I bet you will have some free time once you arrive, so if you need to rest, you'll probably have the opportunity. (Your adult chaperones will make sure of that. :D)

About money: you can order some pounds before you leave, or you can get them from the ATM if you have a bank card. As LVSue says, that is your best place.

My 16 year old daughter is going on a trip to Italy similar to yours and we've had lots of meetings to discuss it. I think as you get closer to your trip, you'll be having informational meetings, too. Ask questions! And go to the library and get out some guidebooks--all different publishers, because they all have slightly different angles depending on the target audience. You still have lots of time to immerse yourself in your upcoming London experience!

I was a band nerd too but we only got to go to Niagra Falls!!!

As far as the extra passport photos, don't worry about those as long as you've got a copy of your passport separately from your other important papers. I also leave one copy at home with my family who, in the worst case scenario, could fax it to me.

The ATM/Credit Card scenario is the best way to get a good exchange rate, however if this is not possible get currency from a financial institution before you go. You will get the worst deal using currency exchange booths once you get there.

For jet lag I recommend drinking plenty of water and trying to sleep on the plane if it is night in London. Also, try to start eating your meals on that schedule as well when your on the plane. I have a feeling that sleeping will be hard on a plane full of your friends. Being young, you'll probably rebound more quickly then an old fart like me.

Finally, clothing; bring layers and an umbrella. Jeans and a sweater/sweatshirt over another shirt should suffice. If you have a waterproof jacket that would be a good choice.

Have so much fun!!!! Don't get in too much trouble.

Band Nerd, make sure you visit Camden Market in Camden Town! And buy the Time Out magazine when you get here to see what's on.

Band Nerd, I love the name! At my daughter's school they have the Orc-dorks (Orchestra kids)a self proclaimed name! They are a fun group of kids. My suggestion to you is to scan your passport and e-mail it to yourself. There are internet cafes all over London they are very cheap and a good way also to check in with your parents. If you lose or misplace your passport you can always retrieve a copy of it from your e-mail account. London is a great place for teenagers, you will have a great time!

A fifteen year old in the UK would not be able to use a credit card, I don't think. An ATM card would be fine, though. Get saving! London is expensive, I'm afraid.

Hey band_nerd

Jetlag? Somebody suggested that you try to sleep on the plane. I'm lol just imagining a group of excited, traveling teens actually sleeping on the plane! Maybe...but I wouldn't bet on it. Choose your seatmates wisely, as well as those around you, if you plan on sleeping.

Everybody has a different approach to fighting jetlag. My favorite is using my frequent flier miles to upgrade to business class where I really can sleep...and there are no band groups to keep me awake ;-)

But you're probably going to be tired when you get to London. The best advice here is to try to keep active on your arrival day and stay awake until a resonable local time...it will be tempting to nap or go to bed early.

Money?
Using an ATM card and getting cash from an ATM is probably the most economical route. Be sure to have a numeric PIN, take normal precautions about using ATMs and carrying cash. Look for ATMs associated with banks, not the stand-alone ATMs in retail stores or other places that charge a fee for use.

If you have a credit card in your own name, I think you can use it in most places in London (someone else posted info about restrictions on credit card use by teens...that's news to me).

Travelers checks are safe, but they are not widely accepted by small stores, restaurants, etc. in the UK. If you take travelers checks, get them issued in UK pounds (not dollars). You might also look at pre-paid spending cards offered by American Express (but again AMEX is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard).

The advice about avoiding credit card fees (overseas transaction fees) is a good. Also, when using a credit card overseas, don't let the merchant charge the card in dollars instead of pounds...this is called "dynamic currency conversion" and it is usually not a good deal (you can search this board for more info on that subject).

Have a great trip!

Dave White