I feel the need to take a moment to address what I have always found to be a primary concern in my own travels: Group conflicts.

I don’t care where I’ve gone or who I’ve gone with some type of conflict has always come up. It is inevitable. Put people in close proximity for long periods of time and tempers are going to flare. We all need to be aware of the possibility and be willing to cope with our frayed nerves and frustrated emotions.

Remember, it’s not a long trip, the situation is temporary, and your emotions are probably more a product of proximity than real anger. Here are some tips to deal with Group Conflicts that arise while travelling:
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Your friends or extended family want to visit Europe. You also want to visit Europe. Before you know it, someone says “Hey! Let’s go together!”

You’re thinking “why not?” It would be nice to travel with new people. These days the travel possibilities are endless, including group travel (with other couples or families), multi-generational travel, “girls’ getaways” and “mancations”. It’s a chance to try something new, to meet people and reconnect.

Besides, there are many reasons to go with people you might not have travelled with before. You’ll have a chance to build on your relationship — you get to know each other better and create long-lasting memories. You’ll have a chance to experience things you might not have tried otherwise, and share your own experiences with others. (Not to mention sharing the expenses too!)

But the possible pitfalls? Arguments — especially ones that could damage a friendship or family tie. Also, you’re spending a lot of time and money on this trip, so you want as little fuss as possible.

If you’re travelling with new people, here’s what you can do to make the trip a little smoother:

Compare styles. The choice of destination and travel date aren’t the only things you’ll have to agree on. To find out if you’re compatible, here are a few things to discuss before you get down to details:

- Budget. Like it or not, you have to talk about money because it’s going to influence other factors. Come up with some reasonable numbers that everyone can agree on for meals, accommodations, transportation and activities so everyone fits comfortably within their means.

- Pace. Do you want to explore one place in depth (like spending a week in Paris), or do you prefer more variety (like a European tour)?

- Accommodations. From hostels to high-end hotels, there are places to stay to suit any taste and budget. Vacation rentals are also an affordable option for groups. What type you choose, and how many rooms you’ll need, will depend on people’s comfort levels.

- Transportation. If you’re visiting more than one country, are you willing to hop a bus or train to get around, or do you prefer to fly only? Are cruises an option too?

- Activities. It’s not always possible to mix sports with art galleries and tours of the countryside with days at the museums. Find out why activities are “must haves” versus “off the table”.

- Routine. Your daily habits — like when you go to bed, how late you sleep in and when you prefer to bathe — may be different. Routines don’t have to match, but they do need to work together.

- Deal breakers. Is there anything you absolutely won’t do? Any health issues that require consideration? It’s best to get them out in the open in the planning stages.

There are no right or wrong answers to the above questions, but speak up if you find there are too many differences. Either you can work around them — or mutually agree the trip might not be a good idea after all.

Be flexible. Spending time with people is as important as where you go and what you do, so it’s important to be open to new experiences and activities in order to accommodate everyone’s interests and expectations.

A good measure of patience is also required. The more people you add into the itinerary, the more potential for mishaps, changes and other issues to crop up.

Plan together. Here’s a quick tip for travelling with someone new: before you meet up, get out the guidebooks (both online and in print) and research the destination. Have everyone come up with a list of a few “must see” or “must do” items and a list of “it would be nice to see or do” items. (The number on your list will depend on the number of people and how long your trip will be).

Next, it’s time to amalgamate those lists and start plugging items into the itinerary. You might find it helpful to have one person in charge of planning an entire day, including where to eat and what to do.

If you’re web-savvy, try a travel planning website like Tripit.com to help coordinate and communicate the details. Alternatively, you can create a “group” on a social networking website site like Facebook.

Be assertive. The best way to achieve the win-win scenario in planning is effective communication. Don’t be afraid to speak up about something you don’t agree with, but avoid being aggressive as well. Starting sentences with words like “I think”, “I’d like to”, and “Why don’t we try…” can help you get your ideas across without seeming like you’re dominating the conversation.

Take a break. Even if you don’t think you need it, give yourself some space by building in a break (especially if everyone is sharing accommodations). A little time apart can give you a chance to pursue an interest or activity that others don’t share, or enjoy a little “me time” to relax and recharge.

The same goes for some “alone time” for couples, and a break for parents. It’s okay to want a little time to yourself.

Double up. Packing can be tricky at the best of times, but you can lighten the load by coordinating your efforts. You likely won’t need four copies of your guidebook, multiple hair dryers or numerous first aid kits. Find out what items you can share or exchange (like some toiletries, books, etc).

Exchange details. If you’re not travelling with a spouse or next of kin, your travel companions will be your go-to people in an emergency (and vice versa). Here’s some critical information everyone should have:

- Name and contact information for someone at home.

- A copy of (or access to) insurance information and important documents.

- A list of medical issues, allergies or medications that would affect acute or emergency care.

- Any special instructions for medications or prevention.

In addition, everyone should know how to contact the local embassy’s emergency hotline.

Preserve the memories. A nice follow-up to a vacation could be collaborating on a special project, like a scrapbook or album, to commemorate the event. Take time to share photos and stories, write about your trip or even publish your own hardcover book.

Overall, the best strategy when travelling someone new is to know as much as you can before you go — and as much as possible, plan for any potential hiccups you might experience along the way.

Once we head over to Killarney we will have the opportunity (and I’m sure everyone is interested in this) to take some driving tours. I have outlined 4 tours and I believe we can easily do 2 to 3 of these.

Unfortunately, it looks like the Cliffs of Moher will be out of range. It would require a five and a half hour round trip drive to visit them. We can still do it, I’m just assuming no one will want to drive that much. It’s up for debate. The Dingle Peninsula offers a good alternative route to Moher as it has some impressive coastal views and cliffs.

I will be posting more information on the routes so that you know what each one has to offer.

I have been researching some of the tours available for wicklow county. I’m not sure about the rest of you but this area is of particular interest to me. There are lots of  beautiful places to see! Below is information I’ve found regarding the tours.

Coach Tours of Ireland:

Offers a one day tour of wicklow at a cost of 24 Euro or 35 dollars a person per the current exchange rate. The tour departs from Dublin between 9-10 in the morning depending on where you hop on. (as it picks up from various stops in Dublin).  At 10:30 there is a thirty minute coffee stop and we stop in Avoca or (Ballykissangel) for lunch.

The tour covers the following areas:

Glencree, Wicklow, Lough Tay, Sally Gap, Glendalough, Avoca.

Sally Gap is where P.S I love you was filmed and Avoca is where the show BallyKissAngel was filmed. I’m a big fan of the movie and the show so think this to be a very awesome opportunity. We will “pass” by several areas and get photo opportunities and there will be a 20 minute guided tour of the old monastic site and a chance to walk around. Overall I think it is a good  general tour that offers a little bit of everything wicklow has to offer.

website: www.coachtoursofireland.ie

AVOCA TOURS – GUIDED WALKING TRAILS AND BUS TOURS:

Avoca Tours offers a variety of tours including:

THE BALLYKISSANGEL TRAIL:-

(Duration  1.5 hour guided walking trail. Cost of 8.5 Euro per person)

Avoca has an interesting history in film making, most notably in recent years for the BBC Production of BallyKissangel which was filmed in the village for 6 years. This trail gives you all the inside information, pinpoints the locations of poignant and hilarious moments in the series. See the village locations visit the famous FITZGERALDS PUB  and the Church.

THE HISTORICAL VILLAGE TRAIL: -

(Duration: 1.5 hour walking trail @ 8.5 Euro.)

Walk through the colourful Main Street along the avoca River and experience its mining, film and literary history at first hand. Walk the woodland walk, see the ancient cemeteries and churches. Retreat in time and the re-enactments at the Old Court House. Hear about the fair days and market days, employment in the mines and mills in the village. Visit the towering village church, and handweaving mill. Then come back to the present and enjoy today’s village atmosphere.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE  TOUR OF THE VALE OF AVOCA:

(Duration: 3 hours @ 22.5 Euro)

Set off on this 3 hour tour and experience the history and heritage of this beautiful valley, and its most notable sights. See the many Churches built over the centuries. Immerse yourself in Avoca’s mining heritage. View the panoramic scenery of this glacial valley from the Spink or White Cross. Visit the Mottee Stone and hear the folklore about how this ice age stone ended on top of this hill. Visit The Meetings where the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers meet to form the Avoca River and made famous by Ireland’s National Poet Thomas Moore. Come back to the village, home to Ballykissangel and the Avoca Handweavers, relax and unwind, have a tea or offee and browse around the village shops.

THE IRISH COUNTRY PUBS BUS TOUR :

(Duration: 4 hours) @  49. EURO
Join our guide who will drive you through the beautiful Avoca countryside and stop off at four public houses in the area. Hear about the history and folklore attached to each place you visit. One pub brews its own beer, one is reminiscent of Ireland in days gone by, and you will visit two landmark pubs withtraditional Irish music. Finish your tour with a bowl of home-cooked traditional Irish Beef Stew (included in
price of tour).

What I think is great about AVOCA TOURS  is that it gives everyone the opportunity to go on whichever tour they would prefer. Because the tours start every hour or so. Therefore if you wanted to do the 3 hour heritage tour you could, then someone else who wanted to take the walking tours could to that or you can go to 1 walking AND  1 bus  there is just alot of flexibility here.

Website:

http://visitwicklow.ie/tours/avoca_tours.htm

I having a bit of a problem planning the time frame for these sights. They are all in very close proximity to each other and to Dublin; however, each would take a considerable amount of time to visit. If we are leaving mid-morning from Dublin on January 1st, we are starting out with only half a day ahead of us before we need to settle in somewhere. Half a day does not take us very far down the road when we factor in stops at Bray, Powerscourt Gardens, and Powerscourt Waterfalls. Glendalough itself will take at least half a day. Driving to Glendalough, passing by Lough Tay, another half a day.

The problem is that there is nowhere very interesting to stay in between all of these locations. Bray, Greystones, and Wicklow are all underdeveloped Dublin commuter towns. I feel like it would be a waste to spend too much time in this area. The goal will be to spend little additional time in this region of Ireland.

Powerscourt Gardens looks interesting, but I am willing to bypass it to save time, if necessary. Powerscourt Waterfall is a must-see. Bray was interesting to me because it has a very nice coastal hike that we could do, which is 3-miles long and connects to Greystones. I would like to see the coast here and am uncertain on whether to bypass Bray or not. Lough Tay, the Military Road & Sally Gap, along with Glendalough are all a must see.

Here is what I recommend (times are approximate):

January 1, 2010
1) 11:00am Depart Dublin via R115 scenic route.
2) 12:00pm Arrive Powerscourt Waterfall.
3) 2:00pm Depart Powerscourt Waterfall.
-> OPTION: Visit Powerscourt Gardens, 10 minute drive north of Waterfall.
4) 2:30pm Arrive in Town of Bray, sight-seeing and coastal walk.
5) 6:30pm Depart Town of Bray.
6) 6:45pm Arrive in Town of Greystones, book into hotel. Sight-seeing in Greystones for the night.

January 2, 2010
1) 8:00am Depart Greystones via scenic route: Delgany Rd. > Tooman Rd. > R755.
2) 8:45am Arrive Lough Tay for trail walking and sight seeing.
3) 10:30am Depart Lough Tay for Glendalough via R759 W > R115 S.
4) 11:30am Arrive Glendalough. The distance between Lough Tay and Glendalough is actually only about 16 miles. The hour drive-time is accounting for reduced speed and sight-seeing stops along Sally Gap. Guide book recommends a full day for Glendalough. I’ll give it half a day.
5) 4:30pm Depart Glendalough; head towards:

From Glendalough we could go to: Kilkenny (65 miles SW), Enniscorthy (50 miles S), Wexford (65 miles S), Waterford (90 miles SW).

I believe our first stop in West Ireland will be Cork. If we want to get to Cork by passing through the middle lands of Ireland, including towns of Cashel and Cahir, Kilkenny is a better option as it keeps us farther north. If we pass through Waterford, this will take us south, along the southern coast of Ireland and we will likely pass through Dungarvan and Youghal.

Feedback please!

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

Near the end of the Military Road and Sally Gap, we come upon Glendalough. Glendalough (Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning “Glen of Two Lakes”) is a glacial valley located in County Wicklow, Ireland, renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest, and destroyed in 1398 by English troops.

Kevin, a descendant of one of the ruling families in Leinster, studied as a boy under the care of three holy men, Eoghan, Lochan, and Eanna. During this time, he went to Glendalough. He was to return later, with a small group of monks to found a monastery where the ‘two rivers form a confluence’. Kevin’s writings discuss his fighting a “monster” at Glendalough; scholars today believe this refers to his process of self-examination and his personal temptations. His fame as a holy man spread and he attracted numerous followers. He died in about 618. For six centuries afterwards, Glendalough flourished and the Irish Annals contain references to the deaths of abbots and raids on the settlement.

The present remains in Glendalough tell only a small part of its story. The monastery in its heyday included workshops, areas for manuscript writing and copying, guest houses, an infirmary, farm buildings and dwellings for both the monks and a large lay population. The buildings which survive probably date from between the 10th and 12th centuries.

The Gateway

The Gateway to the monastic city of Glendalough is one of the most important monuments, now totally unique in Ireland. It was originally two-storied with two fine, granite arches. The antae or projecting walls at each end suggest that it had a timber roof. Inside the gateway, in the west wall, is a cross-inscribed stone. This denoted sanctuary, the boundary of the area of refuge. The paving of the causeway in the monastic city is still preserved in part but very little remains of the enclosure wall.

The Round Tower

This fine tower, built of mica-slate interspersed with granite is about 30 metres high, with an entrance 3.5 metres from the base. The conical roof was rebuilt in 1876 using the original stones. The tower originally had six timber floors, connected by ladders. The four storeys above entrance level are each lit by a small window; while the top storey has four windows facing the cardinal compass points. Round towers, landmarks for approaching visitors, were built as bell towers, but also served on occasion as store-houses and as places of refuge in times of attack.

Near the end of the Military Road and Sally Gap, we come upon Glendalough. Glendalough (Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning “Glen of Two Lakes”) is a glacial valley located in County Wicklow, Ireland, renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest, and destroyed in 1398 by English troops.

Kevin, a descendant of one of the ruling families in Leinster, studied as a boy under the care of three holy men, Eoghan, Lochan, and Eanna. During this time, he went to Glendalough. He was to return later, with a small group of monks to found a monastery where the ‘two rivers form a confluence’. Kevin’s writings discuss his fighting a “monster” at Glendalough; scholars today believe this refers to his process of self-examination and his personal temptations. His fame as a holy man spread and he attracted numerous followers. He died in about 618. For six centuries afterwards, Glendalough flourished and the Irish Annals contain references to the deaths of abbots and raids on the settlement.

The present remains in Glendalough tell only a small part of its story. The monastery in its heyday included workshops, areas for manuscript writing and copying, guest houses, an infirmary, farm buildings and dwellings for both the monks and a large lay population. The buildings which survive probably date from between the 10th and 12th centuries.

The Cathedral

The largest and most imposing of the buildings at Glendalough, the cathedral had several phases of construction, the earliest, consisting of the present nave with its antae. The large mica-shist stones which can be seen up to the height of the square-headed west doorway were re-used from an earlier smaller church. The chancel and sacristy date from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The chancel arch and east window were finely decorated, through many of the stones are now missing. The north doorway to the nave also dates from this period. Under the southern window of the chancel is an ambry or wall cupboard and a piscina, a basin used for washing the sacred vessels. A few metres south of the cathedral an early cross of local granite, with an unpierced ring, is commonly known as St. Kevin’s Cross.

The Priest’s House

Almost totally reconstructed from the original stones, based on a 1779 sketch made by Beranger, the Priests’ House is a small Romanesque building, with a decorative arch at the east end. It gets its name from the practice of interring priests there in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its original purpose is unknown although it may have been used to house relics of St. Kevin.

St. Kevin’s Church

This stone-roofed building originally had a nave only, with entrance at the west end and a small round-headed window in the east gable. The upper part of the window can be seen above what became the chancel arch, when the chancel (now missing) and the sacristy were added later. The steep roof, formed of overlapping stones, is supported internally by a semi-circular vault. Access to the croft or roof chamber was through a rectangular opening towards the western end of the vault. The church also had a timber first floor. The belfry with its conical cap and four small windows rises from the west end of the stone roof in the form of a miniature round tower.

St. Mary’s Church

One of the earliest and best constructed of the churches, St. Mary’s or Our Lady’s Church consists of a nave with a later chancel. Its granite west doorway with an architrave, has inclined jambs and a massive lintel. The under-side of the lintel is inscribed with an unusual saltire or x-shaped cross. The East window is round-headed, with a hood moulding and two very worn carved heads on the outside.

Trinity Church

A simple nave-and-chancel church, with a fine chancel arch. Trinity Church is beside the main road. A square-headed doorway in the west gable leads into a later annexe, possibly a sacristy. A Round Tower or belfry was constructed over a vault in this chamber. This fell in a storm in 1818. The doorway inserted in the south wall of the nave also dates from this period. Projecting corbels at the gables would have carried the verge timbers of the roof.

St. Saviour’s Priory

The most recent of the Glendalough churches, St. Saviour’s was built in the 12th century, probably at the time of St. Laurence O’Toole. The nave and chancel with their fine decorate stones were restored in the 1870s using stones found on the site. The Romanesque chancel arch has three orders, with highly ornamented capitals. The east window has two round-headed lights. Its decorated features include a serpent, a lion, and two birds holding a human head between their beaks. A staircase in the eastern wall leading from an adjoining domestic building would have given access to a room over the chancel.

Reefert Church

Situated in a grove of trees, this nave-and-chancel church dates from around 1100. Most of the surrounding walls are modern. The name derives from Righ Fearta, the burial place of the Kings. The church, built in simple style, has a granite doorway with sloping jambs and flat lintel and a granite chancel arch. The projecting corbels at each gable carried verge timbers for the roof. East of the church are two crosses of note, one with an elaborate interlace pattern. On the other side of the Poulanass River, close to Reefert are the remains of another small church.

St. Kevin’s Cell
Built on a rocky spur over the lake, this stone structure was 3.6 metres in diameter with walls 0.9 metres thick and a doorway on the east side. Only the foundations survive today and it is possible that the cell had a stone-corbelled roof, similar to the beehive huts on Skellig Michael, County Kerry.

The Caher

This stone-walled circular enclosure on the level ground between the two lakes is 20 metres in diameter and is of unknown date. Close by, are several crosses, apparently used as stations on the pilgrim’s route.

Temple na Skellig & St. Kevin’s Bed

The ruins of this small church are located at the base of the cliffs on the southern shore of the Upper Lake. The site is not safely accessible to visitors, but may be viewed from the Miners’ Road, across the lake. West of the church is a raised platform with stone enclosure walls, where dwelling huts probably stood. The church was partly rebuilt in the 12th century.

St. Kevin’s Bed is a small cave in the cliff to the east of Temple ne Skellig. The entrance is about 8 metres above the lake. Please note that the site is not safely accessible, and has been the site of many serious accidents. It may be viewed from the Miner’s Road, across the lake. The cave runs back 2 metres into the cliff and was reputedly a retreat for St. Kevin and later for St. Laurence O’Toole.

Additional Information: Available here. and here.

Moving westward from Lough Tay we intersect with R759. This is a regional road in Ireland that runs south-east to north-west through the Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains from the R755 near Roundwood in East Wicklow to the N81 in West Wicklow. It is a route used by many people travelling between east County Wicklow and areas inland who wish to avoid the longer journey via the congested M50 in Dublin. It is one of two routes through the Wicklow Mountains from east to west, the other being the Wicklow Gap which is crossed by the R756.

If we pass through here, based on weather, we will need to do so with caution. In winter it is often dangerous or impassable due to snow and ice as it is not treated by the Local Authority.

The highest point on the road is at the Sally Gap where it crosses the Military Road (R115), 503m (1,650 ft).
The road passes through some spectacular scenery, including the deep corrie lake Lough Tay below Luggala in the eastern hills, the moorlands of the Sally Gap plateau and the valley of the River Liffey for its descent from Sally Gap down to the N81 in west Wicklow. The road is 27 km (17 mi) long.

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This last one is for me.

Lough Tay is a small but scenic lake set in the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, Ireland. It lies between the mountains of Djouce and Luggala, and is most easily viewed from above, from the R759 or the Wicklow Way as it descends past the J. B. Malone memorial. It is fed by the Cloghoge River, which then drains into Lough Dan to the south. The northern coastline forms part of an estate belonging to the Guinness family; it is edged with a beach of startlingly white sand, imported by the landowners; the similarity to a pint (a glass) of Guinness therefore seems somewhat intentional.

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If we’re lucky we will see it like this.

I was able to set up a virtual tour around Dublin to orient everyone towards what we can see in the prime city.

You will need to do a couple of things in order to view them, so follow these steps:

1) Download and install Google Earth: http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html

2) Download Google Earth Tour Files:
a. Dublin_Sights – This file is a collection of sight markers.
b. Dublin_Tours – This file includes tour routes and virtual tours.

3) Open Google Earth and load .KMZ files.

a. File > Open > Select the file from your hard drive. Click “Open.”
b. They will load in the “Places” tool bar on the left.
c. Make sure the boxes by their names are “Checked.” if they are not checked they will not display on the map.

4) Double click one of the 4 virtual tours and it will automatically play.

5) Interact! Turn on “Geographic Web” under the “Layers” Toolbar on the left. Then click on picture icons, pan the map, and spin it around. The tour will progress slowly so that you have time to look at pictures and examine the area.

Enjoy!

I know I have already sent this list to you guys, but because Chris and Marissa missed out on it the first go around I am posting it here. This will also make it easier to find when you start making. I have, additionally, made some changes to it, so peruse once more. I’m sure you’ll find it exciting and stimulating, maybe even titillating.

THE ULTIMATE COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TRIP BACKPACKER’S PACKING LIST
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It is important to remember that we all will have to carry our luggage around with us as we (1) traverse cities (2) search for hostels and hotels (3) wait for trains and buses (4) board trains and buses (5) go through airport security, and (6) most importantly we have to fit it all plus all of our bodies in our Ford Galaxy minivan. The better you plan, the lighter you can pack, and the lighter you pack the more you will appreciate your planning and your trip. I have traveled around Europe packed to the gills with everything I might could ever need in any situation, completely fatigued by my luggage, and feeling silly about all the unnecessary crap I brought with me. So, think and choose wisely. I.E. One book usually suffices, the extra pair of casual shoes that match that dress perfectly are generally unnecessary, and the complete Sephora salon-in-a-box has a poor weight/benefit ratio when traveling. Choose wisely. Also consider that each person can carry a universal necessity. I.E. Someone can pack shampoo and conditioner to be shared, and the other can pack a bottle of hairspray and a brush. Just food for thought.

Travel in Style – Ford Galaxy

You want to limit yourself to three (3) bags.

(A) Your carry-on size luggage bag. This will preferably have wheels on it.
(B) Your personal item bag. This can be a backpack or secondary bag in addition to your purse and/or camera bag.
(C) Toiletry bag. This will be necessary in any shared bathroom situation for keeping all of your essentials easily accessible and portable. It should be waterproof & to contain any spilled liquids that you hold inside it.

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FOR YOUR CARRY-ON SIZE LUGGAGE:
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(Trust me, the time and worry you save yourself by packing carry on only is worth leaving a few things behind. Get a regulation size carry-on bag WITH ROLLERS. You’re going to hate life if you have to carry the fucker everywhere.)

- Do not bring any valuable jewelry or purses! Do not bring your favorite shirt! Do not bring something you cannot bear to lose or damage! Leave it at home.

2/3 – Pairs of jeans (plus the pair you travel in). Jeans are good because they don’t get dirty fast and can be worn a few times without washing. They are also warmer than cotton pants. You won’t need shorts or dresses for this trip. Unless you’re trying to turn your groin into an arctic tundra. So Chris, you should probably pack a dress.
7 – pairs of socks, thick socks, give or take. Buy cheap ones at target that you can throw away at the end of the trip to make space for souvenirs.
10 – pairs of underwear (minimum) you literally can never take too many pairs of underwear. Travel is hard, you’ll change them twice a day probably. Pack a couple pairs in your personal item bag JUST IN CASE.
# – Long underwear, as many pairs as you like. I will likely bring 3/4 pairs of long thermal underwear for days when it is particularly cold or when we plan to be outside for a long period of time.
# – Thermal shirts. These are great under sweaters, keep you warm, can be worn with anything, can be slept in.
1 – “Dressed Up” outfit. I will bring a blazer and one or two pressed collared shirts. These be combined with jeans just to dress up appearances a little when necessary.
1/2 – Fleece sweater. It can double as a cushion or pillow and is very warm.
1 – Warm jacket. I’ve found the best jacket for cold and semi-wet weather to be the thick wool type. You can go to Burlinton coat factory and find them in different lengths for $50-100. A mid length one like this one here would be great, though mine is shorter:

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Claiborne-Mens-4-Button-Wool-Coat/2307852/product.html

They keep you warm & dry, block all wind, and dry fast when damp. Money very well spent.
1 – Multi purpose outdoor jacket. Windproof & water resistant. Check out selection at Target (Champion), or Sports Authority/Bass Pro (Columbia/North Face). Preferably with an expandable hoodie in case of rain.
2 – Pairs of shoes. Don’t bring too many pairs, they are bulky. One pair for casual, one pair for slightly nicer occasions. Closed toe only, you’ll look ridiculous wearing sandals over there. If we go hiking you will need to bring a pair of hiking shoes. These may double as walking shoes if you get a pair that serves both purposes.
1/2 – Belt(s)
1 – Compact umbrella or poncho. Or substitute for outdoor jacket.
1 – Pajama pants, you’ll want something not revealing because people will probably see you wearing it in the hostel. No you can’t sleep with your shirt off.
1 – Plastic bag/garbage bag/laundry bag (something to put old clothes and damp things into).
1 – Lightweight towel, cheap so that you can throw it away at the end of the trip (Walmart). Don’t bring mom’s finest Egyptian cottons.
1 – Pair of shower sandals! VERY IMPORTANT. Also throw away at end of trip.
1 – Power converter. Often times the coverter is built into the charger already, so check that it says 110-220volts, otherwise you’ll need a separate coverter.
1 – Plug adapter. For things that have a converter built in, you’ll still need an adapter. You can probably find all of these things at Walmart.
1 – Pillow case…trust me or trust the hostel. It’s light and doubles as a laundry bag.
1 – Wool cap/scarf/gloves if you like; but you’ll probably find ones over there you want to buy instead.

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FOR YOUR 1 PERSONAL ITEM CARRY ON BAG:
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(This can be another carry-on size big or something smaller. I’m going to use a mid-sized backpack for ease of carry and will probably carry it will sightseeing also).

1 – Camera / camera battery charger / extra batteries for camera / memory cards
1 – Headphones, preferably ear bud style for smaller size.
1 – Cell phone and charger.
1 – Watch (buy a $10 one from Walmart).
1 – Small flash light, bring it if you have it, can help in the hostel after dark.
- MISC: pens, notebook, book to read, sunglasses, contact lenses + accessoris, extra pair of glasses.
- I will bring (1) pair of earplugs and a neck pillow. The neck pillow is a little bit of a pain to lug around, but anytime you are flying or driving, this thing will be worth every bit of inconvenience for helping you sleep easier.

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FOR YOUR TOILETRY BAG:
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(A small, preferably water resistant/proof toiletry bag will be very useful in lugging your things back and forth from the bathroom if we use the public ones. Also, you can hit up a CVS for many of your toiletries in travel sizes.)

3/5 – Zip lock baggies (can be very handy at random times).
10 – Safety pins (These can be used to lock zippers on your bag while out in the city, smaller pins are harder to open. You can also use key rings on zippers, but they are a little more cumbersome. Various other uses pop up, like locking your pockets shut).
1 – Razor
1 – Toothbrush/paste
1 – Bottle liquid soap (liquid will be easier to carry than a bar)
1 – Shampoo/conditioner (getting a 2-in-1 will be lighter).
1 – Ladies may want to bring a roll or toilet paper or some pocket tissue packs, can also be purchased upon arrival.
1 – Deodorant/cologne/perfume
1 – comb/brush
1 – nail clippers
1 – moisturizer
1 – travel size q-tips

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DOCUMENTS:
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- Passport: Check passport expiration date, it needs to be 6 months past the date you are travelling (i.e. no earlier than JUNE 2010). Otherwise get a new one right now.
- ATM Cards
- 50-200 Cash (american or otherwise, I dont’ recommend carrying more than this. I usually take american dollars to get me to the location, then pull money out of an ATM once I am there. ATM’s are the best way to get money. I’ll keep my American Money for my expenses once I return home or exchange it in the airport).
- Driver’s license
- International Driver’s license
- I like to keep all of my vital financial cards in a wallet in my front pocket (which you can lock with a safety pin :]). For tickets, passport, and the rest I carry a small portfolio. Something with a zipper on it is best. I use a key ring to lock that portfolio in my backpack. Here is a style I like, but a cheaper version is ideal :

http://www.swissarmy.com/TravelGear/Pages/Product.aspx?category=personalleathergoods&product=30305701&

- TSA has allowed the use of TSA approved luggage locks. They can have combo/key locked, but they have a bypass key that TSA can use to open them to search luggage. This way you can leagally lock your luggage for transport.

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BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
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- Photocopy your Flight itinerary, ATM cards, Driver license, and passport and leave it with you family at home.
- Put a copy of your driver license in every bag you take.
- Wash dishes
- Empty Trash
- Shave
- Unplug electrical stuff
- Turn off air conditioner
- Memorize ATM card pins
- Wash dirty clothes
- Pay rent and other bills
- Empty all liquid containers
- Clear fridge of perishables

Got mine! Did you apply yet? It only took about a week.