Page Title

TRAVEL
ABROAD WITH
KIDS -
Cells, Toilets etc.

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS

CELL PHONES -

I have my existing cell-phone carrier (Verizon)set up my cell phone for use overseas - it costs
me about $10.00 for the set-up fee for my husband and me and $4.00 per month. It takes 24
hours to kick in so you only need to set it up a day or so before you leave.

HOWEVER, some friends of ours did not have the same experience! There carrier (Sprint)
said they would need to upgrade their phone first! If you do get to use your phone - just make
sure you cancel your "subscription" when you get home for overseas dialing.

If you need to rent or purchase a cheap phone go to www.mobalcommunications.com
We bought a phone for $49.00 and paid usage fees of about $1.50 per minute. This version
doesn't allow for phone calls in US but I have a phone for that! Worked great overseas and
had peace of mind.

Your phone will work the same and people will be able to get a hold of you - I only told people I
wanted to call me know that my phone worked over there so I didn't get charged 99 cents a
minute for all unwanted calls. It was great being able to get ahold of my husband when we
got separated .

My mother-in-law rented a cell phone from her rental car carrier and spent about $100 (this
was about 2 years ago - so check prices) She said it was easy - she never used the phone
but had peace of mind- which is worth $100 - especially if you have kids, etc.

Also, we've used 2 way radios - they work great for short range and now some have longer
ranges - pick these up at Target or GI Joes, etc. Don't rely on these for traveling with others in
separate vehicles - I can tell you from experience - ours did NOT work out at all in this instance!

ITINERARIES:
Always make sure you leave as detailed of an itinerary with a good friend
or family member in case of emergencies

Toilets:

Use them before leaving your room, at your lunch or dinner place and keep change in
your pockets for the public ones – some like the ones by the Eiffel tower are
underground. (about 1 Euro – 2 Euros and will sometimes need small change for the
lady who assists there.
The cleanest port-o-potties can be found in Paris (of all places) – self-cleaning every
time! They look like a roundish phone booth - but you pay for them, as in most
elsewhere in Europe - Keep change with you at all times - The "sanisettes" are open
from 6am - 10pm
PLEASE see this guid on Paris toilets and how to use them - very important - you
should NOT allow a child under 10 to use alone:

http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/articles/paris-public-toilets.htm

We've found it difficult to use bathrooms in cafes, restaurants, etc - if we were NOT
customers - they frown on this at times.
If you're in a pinch - look for WC/Toilet signs, McDonald's (major cities) or a Starbucks!

Money

It is REQUIRED IN FRANCE that all tip is already INCLUDED in the price of your meal
– be weary of anything that says otherwise and of “American style” credit card receipts
with tip area! IT IS however, customary, to leave a little change - a few Euros ONLY- a
after a meal. Check all other countries
Also, the exchange rate is not great right now so try to purchase everything you can with
credit cards – they get a much better exchange rate than we individuals can – use
your cards wherever possible! American Express is NOT preferred in France, however
as they charge businesses more money. VISA and MasterCard are great!
ATM machines in France and most other places will have an English language option
– They are called Bureaux de Change -
13 years ago we had a very hard time with collecting money from a citibank visa - but
they are better now
Traveler's cheques work well - you can get your money back if they get stolen but it is
still work - hold on tight to everything
Consider having your significant other or friend wear a money belt

LAUNDRY:

Bring Woolite with you - it'll save you a headache (just wrap it in a plastic bag before adding it
to your luggage!) Lastly, while in France, especially Paris, it will be useful to find a
“BLANCHERIE” or laundry place (one that does it for you – drop-off). With our three children, it
was simply impossible to pack 3 weeks worth of clothing for each and still manage our bags,
diapers and all! The hotels charge an absolute fortune and a week’s worth of clothing for my
family of five costs 100 Euros – a small price to pay (20 each!) for clean clothes, pressed and
ready for a new day! Plus, not having to lug around another bag was a wonderful feeling for
my already sherpa-like husband! Haha

CLOTHING:

Be smart! Wear comfortable clothing for you and your kids - but try to avoid stereotypical
American clothing - t-shirts with slogans, cut off shorts, etc. If you do, be prepared to be
followed by every pick-pocket, "gypsy" in town! Here is an interesting article from Fodors that
lays it out:

http://www.fodors.com/wire/archives/001677.cfm

For kids - I put them in Gymboree outfits (I buy them on sale!) and even Target stuff. I avoid
non cotton items and have them brak in a new pair of walking shoes - before leaving on our
trip - For shoes, I like Eccos, Elefanten, tevas, Striderites - any shoe with rubber soles and
breathable uppers -

Some of the brands I mention are expensive - I look at zappos, shoes.com an ebay for the
best prices (Ebay - DOES sell new stuff and have shoe vendors online!)
Just find comfy shoes for yor kids - or YOU will be miserable!

Have Fun:

Your trip is your journey and things CAN and DO go wrong – it’s okay! Keep a positive
attitude and learn to laugh! I’ve been over there a dozen times and each times it is
new! Whatever happens will make your storytelling much more exciting to friends back
home!
TRY to speak a tiny bit of whatever language the country speaks – even their worst
English is better than our French,etc , usually but they don’t want to feel embarrassed
about bad their English is until they hear you speak theirs! Silly – but I promise this is
true!

Visit these websites for general information about Europe, and other countries for visitors:

http://europeforvisitors.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/

http://www.fodors.com/

http://www.jeffweiss.com

Voila - les toilettes! Bring your
change and NEVER allow
your children to go in alone -
as it can be dangerous
afterwards for the cleaning
aspects!