Shalom Hartman this summer

[cellio]

I just registered for the Shalom Hartman Institute summer program in Jerusalem (after confirming a sane refund policy in case the region goes pear-shaped in the meantime). My rabbi recommended this program a few years ago and I've been eying it every year, and this year the stars aligned (dates, interesting topic, timely responses to email queries). It sounds like a great experience and I'm excited to finally be going.

I'm also kind of nervous -- not about the program, and not about the Iran thing (I can always bail), but rather about being a solo international traveler. This will only be my second time off the continent and the first time I went with a tour group so I didn't have to personally arrange anything, and somebody was steering us in useful directions. Those of you who've done this "foreign travel" thing, this is your enthusiatic invitation to tell me anything you think I ought to know, no matter how big or small.

Whee! Eeek!

Comments

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

1) get trip insurance. AAA has it. It only covers the trip and any injuries or incidents during transit time, but it's worth the peace of mind.

2) get about $20 value of their local currency before heading over. It helps.
If you have a layover in the UK or Spain, get some pounds or euros as well, for beverages at the airport. Some friend or another will have enough to get you through transit.

3) xerox your passport and ID, keep them separate. If you know someone else traveling, hand them a xerox of yours, and carry a set for them, just for in case of mugging. Again, peace of mind.

4) If there is an over the counter remedy you rely on, bring it. Small comforts lend a lot of peace.

5) load your mp3 player with benign amusements for the transit. You likely won't need them, but it's nice to know you have a pass-time of an intensity you control.

6) Contact your credit card company and bank both now and the duration before the trip to alert them that any unusual international activity is valid. (I have stories)

7) print out some contact cards to share with the great people you meet! It means no writing required at inopportune times.

8) there's probably a lot more, but the main thing is
Congratulations on the opportunity! This sounds like a fantastic experience, and I wish you all fulfillment with it!

[ticklethepear.livejournal.com]

as for #3 - I'd also scan them and email them to myself. and leave copies with someone at home.

might also be good to register with the consulate and get on their travel warning email list.

[cellio]

Good point about scanning and emailing.

It never would have occurred to me to contact the consulate; thanks. That's something I do from here before going, not something I do there, right?

[ticklethepear.livejournal.com]

http://israel.usembassy.gov/service/subscribe2.html

Usually there's a page also where you can official "register" but I didn't see it. Good luck!

[cellio]

Thanks for all the helpful hints!

I love the cards idea.

[ticklethepear.livejournal.com]

I get my cards from vistaprint.com. Inexpensive and nice designs.