Packing and traveling

You can go to the Government website for official listing of what you are allowed to carry. Clemson folks are traveling on American Airlines, so you can go to AA.com, there is a link for what you are allowed to carry.

There are restrictions for your checked luggage, but those are rather easy to figure out - no explosives, that sort of thing.

As for your carry-on, the posters at Atlanta Airport tell you that you are not allowed more than 3 ounces of liquid. All carry-on toiletries must fit in a 1 quart zip-lock bag. If you have medications, it is a good idea to have them in your carry-on.

In my carry-on, I take one change of clothes. Luggage does sometimes get lost. I also carry with me a set of ear-plugs which help for sleeping on the plane. The other thing I carry is a water bottle. You can't carry liquid through the security gates, but you can re-fill it once you are in the gate area. Fill it and carry it with you on the plane. Carry your important papers with you, don't put them in your checked luggage.

Get on the plane, eat the meal, and go to sleep. As exciting as it is to be on a plane heading to Germany, the ride is not as exciting as what you will experience there. Sleep on the plane so you will be able to enjoy at least part of your first day in Germany.

What Kind of Luggage?

I have had a number of folks asking me about luggage. I carry a bag made by REI. It is small, but see my earlier notes about backing light. You can see the bag (and order one) off the web. Search REI.com for "REI Hitchhiker." I have pasted the link below, but such links are subject to change.
http://www.rei.com/product/754687

My first trip to Germany, I took a suitcase/backpack which had a zip off day bag. REI also has one of these. It is more expensive, but it is very versatile:
http://www.rei.com/product/747912?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&vcat=

The other option is to buy a backpack. These are very popular with American's traveling in Europe. I have an earlier version of the pack found at this link. It is currently at a great price.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39277867&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

I check this suitcase when I fly and carry a book bag with me. When I get to Germany, I stuff the book bag in the suitcase. I also have a should bag, sort of an over sized fanny pack, which I carry with me daily. The suitcase with a zip off day pack has both. There are also a number of backpacks with a removable top. This also gives you the ability to carry everything as one bag, but then have a smaller bag for day trips.

Hope this helps!
Pastor Chris

Money while traveling

A big question is what to do about money while traveling. It is really very simple and easy.

You can exchange USD for Euros at most American Banks. You can also do so at airports on either side of the ocean. You can take out euros at the ATM's in Germany.

I will get some Euros before I leave - probably 150 or so. My bank has a flat fee whether I get 100 or 10,000. So, I will be collecting USD's from our students and including them in my exchange. Other groups might want to organize and do the same.

Most places will accept your American VISA/Mastercard. But, there are often fees associated with International transactions. These might be a flat fee, they might be a percentage. You can check with your bank.

Germans tend to use cash. They don't pull out the Debit card at every meal. Be considerate and plan to pay cash for your meals.

If you want to use a credit card for souvenirs, that should work. But, you never know what that service fee is going to be.

I use cash for most of my transactions. When I use up what I brought with me, I will go to a bank and make one larger withdrawal (100-200 if needed.)

My bank has a reciprocal relationship with one of the major German banks - so I only pay a small ATM fee. Check with your bank to see what they offer.

REMEMBER to call your bank before you leave and let them know that you will be in Germany. If they don't know this and charges appear, they may shut the card down.

I do have multiple cards. I carry two on a trip like this. I put them in separate places, so if one is stolen, I have another; if one gets blocked by the bank back home, I can use the other. I do this because I am "leading" the group and I have to have access to money. You might not want to do this, or need to. But, if you have two cards, it is something to think about.

One other comment - about tipping. German wait staff are paid a more reasonable wage than American counterparts. They appreciate tips, but don't live on them. The typical tip is to round up to the next euro. If your tab is 6,40, pay 7 euro. If you are paying for a number of persons, or the tab is larger, you might leave 2 or 3 euro. If you leave 18% (American minimum) they might chase you out of the restaurant and tell you you left your change on the table. This happened to us our first dinner in Eisleben in 2004.

Document security

I was asked about documents for this trip. Good question.

It is a good idea to purchase one of those Passport Pouches which hangs around your neck and goes under your clothing. Nothing is as precious to you, while abroad, as your passport. Mine is around my neck all the time (I put it under my pillow at night and hide it when I am in the shower - actually I hand mine to my wife and ask her to hold it till I return.) I also put my VISA Card in this pouch - provided I won't be needing it during the day. I plan out my day so as to minimize the times I will need to pull this pouch out.

I also make two copies of my passport. I put one in a separate bag so it won't disappear if the real one does. The second copy I leave with the secretary at the Church. (I will be asking all the Clemson students to bring me a copy for this purpose.) A copy at the Church means someone could FAX a copy to me, if I loose everything.

While speaking of documents - I also make two copies of my insurance card. Same drill as above. Make sure that your insurance has international travel coverage.

I also carry my SC Driver's License. This is a good, photo ID. I carry it separate from my Passport - loose one, got the other one.

I would also recommend that you take your University ID. Almost all the museums offer "Student Rates." With that ID, you are set.

General information about your trip.

I sent the follow information to the leaders of the groups coming to Germany. I thought I would post it here, for everyone. It will answer some of your questions. If you have others, ask them of me and I will post answers here.

In case you don't know, there are 5 schools coming, over 4 weeks: Furman, Univ of Florida, VA Tech, Clemson, & Univ of New Mexico.

1. Kat will meet the groups at the airport, unless otherwise arranged. The issue will be her getting last week's group settled and over in time to meet you. It is simple to get from the airport to the main train station. The train station is like a mall - three levels of shops, restaurants, bars, internet cafe.
2. Inter-city travel will be by train. We cannot over stress how important it is to pack light. You will be carrying their luggage on and off trains. Backpacks really are better than rolling bags. Many German cities have cobblestone walk ways.
   
3. Housing in Eisleben will be at a Youth Hostel. This is 10 minute walk from the City Center. I requested rooms according to the information I have. There is no breakfast at this hostel. We will have use of the kitchen. So, you will need to arrange, with your group, breakfasts.
4. Scott & Claudia are arranging at least one dinner with members of the congregation. So, your group will be broken into small groups and welcomed into homes.
5. We are organizing a walking tour of Eisleben for you. There is also a Luther Birth Home Museum. If you want to see this, you would do so during your free time. You would also need to cover the cost. I can't find the price. I think it was around 6 Euro - and worth it.
6. When you take the day trip to Erfurt, you will need to buy city train tickets once you get there. Estimate about 4 euro each.
   
7. I have arranged an English tour of the Monastery in Erfurt. This includes admission to the Luther Museum there. I have not lined up a tour of the city.
8. In Eisenach, you have a choice. You can take a city bus (2 euro) then walk up the hill (about 1.5 mile up) to the Castle. Or, there is a taxi service which will take you all the way from the bus station to the castle. Last year they charged us 5 euro each way. Your group can decide.
9. We have a reservation for an English tour at the Wartburg.
   
10. The Hostel in Wittenberg is new. It was under construction when I was there last year. The rooms are 4 person rooms with private baths. Breakfast will be provided.
    
11. Our tour in Wittenberg is being coordinated by the Wittenberg Center. In addition to arranging for a guided tour, they will arrange for a panel of local church members to discuss with us Church life in Germany. The Directors of the Center are eager to meet all of you.
12. Most of us will spend our last night in Berlin at the Hostel operated by the Berlin Mission. This is very centrally located. Kat will get you started in identifying what you want to see. She will be leaving you on Saturday to meet the next group.

Also, I created a facebook group for those going. Some of us thought it would be interesting to see who is going from the other schools. And, if someone gets photos up early, those following will have pictures. The group is by invitation - have folks friend me, then contact me and I will admit them.

Kat's Packing Recommendations

The thermal underwear is a must. I also think the three-option jacket is an excellent idea (I'll certainly have one!).

I don't know how many of us in college--particularly the ladies--wear khakis frequently, and therefore might not even own any (I don't). However, I'm told by people that actually know what cold is like that they tend to be warmer than jeans just by nature of the fabric. I think you'll find that jeans are heavy, but you can wear one pair for a week without washing them if you're careful.

Mom has a point about the slippers, but a good pair of thick socks will serve two purposes: keep your feet warm on the very very cold days and trick Germans into thinking you have Hausschuhe. If they're not fooled, a family may also offer you a pair. Typically, a family will have an extra pair or two (some families I've stayed with kept up to 6 extra pairs for family members that live in other towns!) and they might let you borrow them if you're real nice. I wouldn't bring real slippers unless you just have a bunch of room in your suitcase you want to fill.

I'd also skip the Clemson shirt altogether and put on something garnet. It's a darker color and it will keep you warmer ;) .

When I get there, I'll post again to tell you just how cold it is. Scott and Claudia have said that last year (when it snowed on the Clemson group) was unseasonably WARM! We might need to find extra long underwear if they're right.