I got some questions about tips for the trip. So I thought I would write this not only to help others but so I remember.
The app cittymapper is a wonderful tool. Download it before you get to your destination. Even though you need wifi or data to get the directions once you turn data off or lose wifi it will keep marking your location as you walk. This is so much better then google maps and iPhone maps.
Cash. We went back and forth on how to get cash. We read that it was better to get cash at your destination using your ATM at a local bank. The banks in the US charge a big fee to change currency. However your US bank will charge you a percentage of the currency exchange and a fee for using a different bank, plus side, the European bank won't charge another fee. Now I was worried that my ATM was going to get stuck on the machine or something was going to happen. Also the dollar is worth less and I didn't want to keep getting cash out. So we ended up getting cash the airport (even thought everyone tells you not to) however the fee was lower than what my bank was going to charge me in I change the money here in the US or using an European ATM. So the fee was lower and because it goes as a charge my bank did not charge me a fee or a currency exchange.
Make sure you change your phone to an international plan. ATT has a monthly plan. We did the 200 MG (which by the way was not enough even thought we had wifi everywhere) we could still send text message s(but not iMessages or pictures without using data out course). We did this for both phones in case we got separated.
Have a backup plan in case you lose a connections, something is wrong with your reservations, your passports get lost/stolen, etc. Plan for all scenarios.
Don't carry too much stuff with you. We did not carry a backpack or a big purse while we were exploring each city. I had a small cross over bag with our medical cards and my ID, as well as my phone and whatever snack fit in there. We wore our jackets around out waist.
Don't take your phone out all the time. We used our phones at the paces we had lunch/dinner and made sure it was set for our next destination. Even though we did look at t at random times and used it for pictures we did not use a self stick and did not take it out all the time. You don't want to call attention to yourself.
If you are traveling with kids talk to them about the worst case scenario (something gets stolen) and how to avoid it. Remind them not to walk away from you (regardless how old they are), there is so much people everywhere.
Download any apps you may need to help you translate either verbal or written. This will help you.
Make sure you have a PIN number for your credit card, if available. Our card doesn't;t have a pin number and we had to sign everywhere, which is fine. However the MacDonald's over there you can order on a machine but you need a PIN number other wise you have to order with a cashier and believe ,e the language thing is an issue.
Pack light. We took two medium size bags and one carry one. We also packed two buffalo bags for the way back. We checked in everything overtime we could, there are many airlines that will check in your carry on for free even if you do it once you are at the ticket counter but you also have the ability to take it with you in case they charge.
Arrive at the airport early. In Paris to Barcelona we arrives two and a half hours before our flight, it took us over an hour to check in our bags. By the time we passed security it had time to use the bathroom and board our plane.
Book the earliest flight. If you are taking tow different flight on the same day, and you did not book them together, take the earliest. When we flew from Barcelona to London (to go to Canada) we almost missed our London flight. The first flight from Barcelona was 30 minutes late, the bags took forever to come out, and we had less than an hour to check in and board for our next time, go h yeah we also had to change terminals. So plan ahead and have a backup plan in case you do miss your connecting/next flight.
Plane food, it's still pretty bad. So back a snack, buy something at the airport, specially if you are traveling with kids. The boys tried everything but didn't eat to much of anything. Be prepared. Hungry kids are not happy kids.
Make sure you have google pictures and that you back up your pictures often. This way if your phone gets stolen you will still have aces to your pictures.
If I think of anything else I will add it here. Happy planning.
P.S. I did not proof read this blog, at all. As always I am avoiding doing homework lol!
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