Preparation Tips From Bro. Anderson

This is something Bro. Anderson recently e-mailed me and it is GREAT stuff. I recommend reading it and re-reading it when you start to lose enthusiasm about the trip (is that possible?).

Also, I'd like to start guiding the direction of the comments so a good conversation about the post can be fostered. So for this week the Comment Discussion is: What are different group dynamics you are already expecting?

EUROPEAN RELIGIOUS HISTORY TOUR PREPARATION TIPS

STANDARDS

Participants need not be LDS, but they are required to maintain the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Code of Honor of BYUI. These include high standards of honor, integrity, morality, graciousness and application of Christian ideals. Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and illegal drugs is required.

Clothing should be modest in fabric, fit, and style. Skirts should be at least knee-length. Clothing which is sleeveless, strapless, or revealing is NOT acceptable AND will not be permitted. Please do not bring shirts and pants that reveal the midriff.

GROUP DYNAMICS

VERY IMPORTANT: The actions of one member of the group effects all members. If you are late, we are all late. If you are rude with the Europeans or loud in the hotels we will all be labeled as rude and loud. Therefore, please be prepared to have a “team player” mentality. Because of safety concerns, we insist that participants be cooperative in following the instructions of tour leaders.

There are structured group experiences each day that you will want to be part of. Also there is individual time where small groups of individuals can explore things on their own. We will try to help you fulfill your expectations, but there are obviously limitations on some activities. For instance, tour participants are NOT allowed to travel on their own outside of the city that we are visiting as a group. There is plenty to do in the cities that we visit.

We expect you to keep curfew–normally this will mean be in the hotel by 9-10 PM and in bed by 11:00 PM. The trip is physically demanding. We leave every morning by 8:00 or 9:00 AM and we are on the go almost all day. You and others will need a good night’s sleep every night. If you get a good night’s sleep every night, you will maximize what you will see on tour and be happier. There have been some in the past who have taken naps during their free time because they don’t get to sleep at a decent hour at night. That is your choice...if the hotel is close enough for you to go back. But remember, that this may be the only chance you have to see some of the greatest sites in Europe. Don’t stay up late playing UNO–you can do that at home in the US.

You will learn a lot about yourself and human dynamics on this trip. You will see how you and others react when you are rested and when you are tired. You will find opportunities to see yourself and others respond selflessly or selfishly. You will have many opportunities to be honest and test your integrity or be dishonest and fail. If as individuals we pull together and function as a group, honestly and selflessly, we will have much more fun. We will enjoy each other much more and make friends for life.

As tour directors, we have worked very hard to help you have a great experience in Europe. A small part of your tour fee pays for our expertise. In other words, a part of your fee pays for the airfare, lodging, and transportation of the directors. We do not, however, receive a salary. Nor do you pay for any family members that might accompany a director. We have worked hard to keep your costs at a minimum and still provide you with a great tour. We work hard to use your money for you and the tour. We are very anxious to help you have a wonderful and exciting experience. YOU can make our experience as directors easier and more enjoyable if you will just be honest with us. If we know we can trust you, it greatly decreases our worries and allows us to say “yes” to you more often.

If you have desires or wants, or you are not pleased with something on the tour, please come and talk to the tour directors. We will be open with you and try to consider your viewpoint. We want you to communicate with us.

PASSPORTS

All U.S. citizens, even infants and children, need a valid passport to enter the countries we will be going to. (In Rexburg you can pick up application forms at the courthouse. Non-U.S. citizens will have to contact their own government agencies.) You will need an official birth certificate and two passport pictures (can be obtained at the McKay Library) to submit with the passport application. Although passports are usually mailed within two weeks of your application's receipt, it is best to allow three weeks for delivery in low season, five weeks or more from April through summer. (Get it now so you don’t have to worry about it.)

Please send us a copy of the first page of your passport (the one with your picture on it). If you lose your passport it is much easier to get it replaced if we have a copy. Also leave a copy of the same page with loved ones at home.

VISAS

If you are a U.S. citizen you do not need visas for the countries that we are traveling to. Your passport is the only document you will need. For non-U.S. citizens you will have to check with the governments of the countries involved to see if visas are needed.

MONEY

Bring whatever amount of money you think you would like to spend, but $100 to $200 will probably be enough for pastries, Italian ice cream, snacks, and a few souvenirs if you are pinching pennies. Bring more if you want to. Some students bring a combination of money and travelers checks. Money is easier to cash in most places, but travelers checks provide more safety. It is also a wise investment to buy a money belt, either for around the waist or the neck or both (under $10 at K-mart or WalMart). I like to keep my passport in a money belt that hangs from the neck and my money in one around the waist.

A credit card or debit card is also a good idea as a backup and for large purchases. But it is not wise to rely on cards as your sole means of finance. Keep your card safely tucked away in a money belt. Shopping is best done during free time, not during group time. The mostly widely accepted credit cards are Visa and Master Card.

PROTECTING AGAINST THEFT

BYUI is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of luggage or personal belongings. Mark your luggage with your name. NEVER leave valuables (money, credit cards, etc.) in your room or in your luggage. Luggage is easily lost, misplaced or stolen. Don't bring anything too valuable that will ruin your trip if it's stolen. Take appropriate precautions and there should be no problems. If you lose passports or plane tickets or money you are responsible to replace them.

HEALTH

Be forewarned: this trip can be physically demanding. We have a nice bus that will get us from city to city. There are times when we will take subways in certain cities. Nonetheless, there is still no way to see Europe without walking a lot–sometimes as much as 10 miles a day. Get in shape. Start walking daily (2 miles is a minimum). You will see more and enjoy Europe more if you are able to walk a lot each day. When in Europe, get a good night's sleep every night. You will pay for that fun pajama party/blab session with fatigue (or illness) the next day.

A first-aid kit could include vitamins, aspirin, cold capsules, band aids, antibiotics, and medications. If you have special needs like contacts, make sure you are well outfitted.

Try to get lots of sleep and rest the week before the trip, particularly the last two days. Get some sleep on the plane. Before you go, bolster your digestive system with yogurt. Get lots of fluids on the plane. On arrival, make yourself stay awake until an early local bedtime, take a walk and get some fresh air.

Most water in Europe is safe to drink. Some outside taps are not for drinking; read the signs. If you get diarrhea eat a bland diet (bread, rice, baked potato, clear soup).

You will not need any vaccinations.

LUGGAGE

You are responsible for your own luggage. The lighter you are able to pack the better off you are. Bring what you need, but be wise. The more you bring, the more complicated it gets. Start collecting the things you will take. Try to get by with as little as possible.

The airlines will allow you to bring a carry on, about the size of a overstuffed briefcase (or a college student back pack) and luggage that weighs up to 50 lbs. Two pieces total. No knives, hat pins, etc. Aerosol cans should not be packed in the carry on.

There are laundromats in Europe but it is sometimes just as easy to wash out our clothes in sinks and tubs at night and hang them up to dry. Do this as inconspicuously as possible. In other words try to hang wet things over tubs and in shower rather than over carpets. Bring darker clothes that wash and dry QUICKLY. Use big zip-lock or nylon stuff bags for toiletries, underwear and socks, camera gear, and stationary. Roll any clothes that can be rolled. Pack things tightly.

We suggest the following:

BESIDES WHAT YOU ARE WEARING OR CAN CARRY IN YOUR POCKETS

* A bag of some kind for carrying purchases. A small backpack works well.

* 1 skirt for church. Also many churches (particularly in Italy) require that legs be covered.

* 1 tie and shirt for church.

* 1-2 extra pair of pants. Bring pants made of material that will wash out quickly. Levi's are durable and comfortable.

* 7-8 extra shirts or blouses. Please no sleeveless or blouses that are too short at the belly or are cut too low at the top.

* 7-8 extra sets of underclothes and socks.

* Shoes should be comfortable and broken in. I bring a very comfortable pair for daily use and light, small, but comfortable pair for church. COMFORTABLE walking shoes are very important.

* As few toiletry items as you can get by with (but don't forget toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and soap in a small plastic container)! Carry as few liquid items as you can. They are prone to breakage and messy to clean up.

* If you must have a hair blower and curling iron make them as small as you can find and don't forget they must have European plugs or adaptors (220 watts). Some hotels will have hair dryers; some will not.

* A warm jacket and/or sweater.

* A small portable alarm clock.

* A camera. A camera case is recommended.

* Well made, strong fanny packs can be used for both men and women.

* A pen and journal.

* You may want a hat of some kind that gives good shade but can take abuse.

* A Portable clothesline and some Woolite.

* 1 small towel.

* Umbrella

The idea is to MAXIMIZE minimum space.

POLITENESS

Among many Europeans, Americans have the reputation of being ill-behaved and arrogant. They feel that we expect them to speak our language, eat our food, and put up with our manners. Common courtesy would demand that we behave as their guests. Be observant. Watch how the Europeans are acting and try to blend in. In general, the Europeans will be less boisterous and more reserved (speaking generally). While each country will be a little different, notice that few Europeans will shout at each other in the street, put their feet on the seat of the train in front of them, or sprawl out on the floor of the hotel lobby. Act like a representative of BYUI, be polite, and most Europeans will be warm and friendly.

EATING

Tipping is generally unnecessary as a 15% tip has already been added to the bill. If a tip is expected, it will normally say so on the menu or bill. To get tap water at a restaurant be polite, patient, and know the right phrase. Or carry a water bottle (Probably not a good idea in really good restaurants.)

The unit of measure in Europe will be a kilo, about 2.2 pounds. A kilo has 1000 grams. 100 grams of cheese or meat tucked into a loaf of French bread gives you about a quarter pounder. Figure out the money system; don't just hold out money and expect the correct change to come back. If you bring food into the hotels please do not make a mess; do not throw wrappers and paper on the floor.

THE LANGUAGE BARRIER.

Be polite, patient, and undemanding. Speak slowly, clearly, and with carefully chosen words. Do not use slang or contractions. Keep it simple. Use internationally understood words (ok, photo, pardon, holiday not vacation), use sign language, be observant and figure things out, try to use a little bit of their language if you can.

MISC.

• Europeans reverse the day and month in numbered dates. Christmas day is 25-12-95.
• Commas are decimal points and decimal points are commas. A dollar and a half is 1,50. There are 5.280 feet in a mile.
• When counting start with your thumb. The peace sign is an obscene gesture.
• The 24 hour clock is used.
• Europe measures temperature in Celsius. For a rough estimation, double the Celsius temperature and add 30.
• A kilometer is six-tenths of a mile. Multiply the kilometers by 6, divide by 10.
• Most places you will see will sell post cards and tourist books. Practice with your camera before you go.

CUSTOMS

You can take $400 of souvenirs home duty-free. The next $1000 is taxed at 10%. You can mail home one package per person per day worth up to $50 duty-free. Mark it "Unsolicited Gift." Post offices generally provide boxes and string and tape for about a $1. Customs regulations require about 10-15 frustrating minutes filling out forms. A box the size of a small fruit crate costs about $40 by slow boat (six weeks). Books are cheaper if sent separately.