AccomModations
See New FAQ below!
The Hotel Erzsebet in Budapest - click photo for more info
The Crystal Palace Hotel, Prague- click photo for more info |
Frequently Asked Questions: Preparations for the trip
• What should I pack/what's the dress code?
Company visits and most other activities will be business casual (no jeans/shorts/t-shirts please). Jackets/ties/business attire will not be required. We will be attending an opera, and a couple of nice restaurants, so some of you may want to dress up a bit for that (I plan to wear a sport jacket – no tie). But business casual is ok. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual, as this can mark you as a tourist. The idea is to blend in.
Pack lightly – you don't need a different outfit for each day. I usually pack about a week's worth of clothing and bring a small bottle of liquid detergent to wash stuff in the sink as needed. But there are some reasonably priced laundry services available for those who aren't into hand washing. Bringing an extra (empty) bag may be a good idea for those of you who wish to bring back souvenirs.
Keep in mind that most airlines have lowered the weight allowances for checked bags to 50 pounds each. This is not much. I suggest weighing your bags after packing them to avoid having to repack or pay extra at check in. You will need to check your airline's website for their specific baggage allowance.
It may be too cool to swim outside but bring a swimsuit anyhow (and flip flops or bath shoes) if you wish to explore the thermal baths in Budapest , which are really neat. For those who like to jog there are places to do so near our Budapest and Prague hotels, so running shoes/attire might be an option for some.
Things you should take along:
• Photocopy of passport (very important!)
• A loud battery powered alarm clock
• Credit and/or ATM card and/or travelers checks
• A small amount of U.S. currency
• Camera
• Some warm clothing (see www.weather.com for avg. temps), Prague will be cooler than Budapest
• Comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
• Aspirin/pain relievers/medications (in original, labeled packages!)
• Flips flops/bath shoes
• A small umbrella and/or a raincoat
• A notebook and pen/pencil
• A laptop (not required but highly recommended) |
Things you might want to take along:
• Something to play music with
• A micro recorder (to tape speakers)
• Guidebooks for each country
• Dictionary/phrasebooks
• Money belt
• Extra eyeglasses/contacts, sunglasses
• Business cards
• Good book(s)
• ** Shampoo/conditioner/soap (will be in hotels, or can buy there)
• ** Laundry soap (or can buy there)
• ** Sun block, insect repellent (or can buy there) |
**IMPORTANT: Please visit the TSA web site for a list of prohibited items and more tips on what to pack when traveling abroad:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Also, consult this State Department web site for other packing and travel tips:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
Note that electricity is 220 volt so American appliances don't work without a converter and plug adaptor. See http://kropla.com/electric.htm for more information on this.
• What is our schedule?
It should be available here, under Class and Travel Intinerary, by mid-April.
• Do I need a laptop/will we have computer access?
A laptop is not essential but is highly recommended as it will make it easier to complete the blogging assignments. It is also the easiest way to communicate with family and friends. The alternative is to use internet cafes, which are cheap and can be found easily in both Prague and Budapest. If you bring a laptop you will need a plug adaptor (see question #1). Most have voltage adaptors already, but check yours to be sure. There is wireless internet available at both hotels, but you will need to pay for a local internet card/account to access it. Price varies by hotel, but charges are generally in line with what U.S. hotels charge for similar services.
• Where will we be staying?
See the hotel descriptions and links above.
• How do I call home? How can people call me?
To place an international call you will need to dial:
Exit country code + Country code + City/area calling code + the number
Hungary: +36 Exit country code: 00
Czech Republic: +420 Exit country code: 00
City Calling Code(s):
Prague: 2 Budapest: 1
United States: +1 Exit country code: 011
Email is the easiest and cheapest way to communicate with friends and family. But those who wish to be in closer or more frequent contact may consider purchasing an international calling card or renting a cell phone that will work in Europe . Those of you with tri-band cell phones that are able to work on the GSM frequency will be able to use them in Europe . Otherwise, leave your cell phone at home. I cannot recommend specific calling card or phone rental options but a Google search will reveal several.
• How do I get money and/or pay for stuff?
There will be ATMs everywhere that you can use to withdraw local currency from your U.S. bank account. This is what I do for cash. You can also pay for just about everything with a credit card, so bring one if you have one. Visa and MasterCard are most common, American Express less so. You may also choose to bring travelers checks. Personally, I think they are a hassle since you need to cash them, deal with currency exchange, etc. But if you don't have an ATM or credit card then this is your best bet.
