An intercontinental nightmare, what the heck?
 

Just over a week away from my first intercontinental trip. We're going to Paris, a trip I've dreamt about for pretty much my whole life. It's the first of many overseas trips we have planned and I'm very excited about it. That said, I haven't been that worried because I've done my homework and I've asked most of the questions about customs and getting around and read a buncha threads, etc. I'm prepared.

But last night I had a heck of a nightmare. In my bad dream, not only did we get on a weird plane that reminded me a little bit of the house on the rock (hello, that's bad enough right there), but we were in Business class and had to pay 25 cents for a cookie, which we had to share. Then there was something wrong with the plane so they told us to go to Disney World while they sorted it out (WHY Disney was right next to the hangar in Indianapolis, I don't know, but that's dreams for ya), and then I got lost in a Disney backlot maze and couldn't find my way out.

I've experimented a bit with lucid dreaming, so usually I can fix my nightmares and turn them into something pleasant. This time, though, no matter how many times I went back into the dream consciously, I couldn't find my way to the plane. I finally gave up and decided to get up and start my day. And now I'm kind of out of sorts and unsettled.

I feel fine about this trip. I mean, I have a couple of questions about exchange rates and traveler's checks (what's the scoop on the Euro and do I really need the travelers checks, because they always seem like such a PITA to me), but they're not panic-inducing questions. And other than that, I'm okay about it. So what the heck? Maybe it was the fried rice I ate for dinner, maybe it's some subconscious fear of finally realizing a dream so integral to who I am, maybe it's just brain garbage. I don't know.

So of course, I had to come and share my feelings immediately with my FT friends, because I knew that:

a) you guys could tell me I have nothing to worry about,
b) you could maybe explain the Euro,
and
c) maybe tell me about your first transcon trip and how it went and if you were at all nervous beforehand, whether consciously or subconsciously?

TIA,
GG

As for concerns about the flight, don't be. As a pilot once said over the intercom as we were exiting the plane, "please be careful, now that the safest part of your trip is over."

Once you're there, you'll be fine. Paris, if not always "tourist-friendly," is very well tourist-equipped. Easy to get around, etc.

As for the Euro, I wouldn't bother with traveller's checks. Just bring your ATM card, there are multiple machines at the airport. Easy as pie. I haven't used travellers checks in years. If you want to be belt-and-suspenders sure, buy $100 in travellers checks, just as an emergency fund, but I very much doubt you'll need them.

Huh?
 

Wow, you need to lay off the heavy stuff... BTW its intercontinental flight, transcon denotes coast - to - coast...

a) You have nothing to worry about if you did your homework
b) the euro is a wonderful thing compared to the days of francs, lira, etc... when you arrive you can exchange (divide $1 by 1.27) and get euros, but plastic is widely accepted all over there...
c) I was always somewhat anxious but that will fade, not a big deal just relax, enjoy the locals, don't be one of those that expect it to be like it is at home, and have fun...

cheers.

That's exactly what I told Mr. GG. After my nightmare, when he was supposed to be reassuring me ( :rolleyes: ) he mentioned the exchange rate and traveler's check issue. :mad: I can't even remember the last time I saw traveler's checks. Geez.

GG

when I read the thread title, I was thinking of a transcon. then I did read your post and - you are talking about a transat - or an intercon. for me a transcon is for example a JFK-LAX flight.

everything will be ok :)

what exactly do you want to know about the Euro
get some cash at ATM ans pay most with creditcard

when I read the thread title, I was thinking of a transcon. then I did read your post and - you are talking about a transat - or an intercon.

LOL, heavy stuff, I KNOW! :D Seriously, what the hey? And thanks for the correction. I'm still waking up, obviously, LOL.

I'm hoping it totally won't be like home, btw. If Paris was like Indiana...well, that would just be sad. :)

GG

25 cents for a cookie? were you flying NW :D I always use atm,s too best exchange rate. Take out 200 euro each time not 100 or you get fees both times.

Yep, got it fixed. Like I said, I'm kind of unsettled today. LOL

Thank you. :)

Are the coins easy to tell which is which?

GG

yes. just the small cents 1,2,5 are a little bit confusing - hey I live in €-Zone, but then again ... ;) you'll be fine. plastic had a good acceptance in most countries.

From the thread title, I thought this was going to something about "How much compensation do I deserve?" :D

Go with the advice above and you'll be fine. I loooove Paris and can hardly wait to get back there! (from one midwestern girl to another)

Okay- just to clarify, I'm taking plastic for sure. They're charging me 3% for using it in a Euro-zone, but I'm still totally fine with it. I just figure I'll want some cash for the random croissant or beverage. See, I've done most of my homework. So why did the plane remind me of the House on the Rock?! :rolleyes:

I'll be back later to ponder this and other questions. Thanks for any advice, I knew FT wouldn't let me down. :)

GG

If you are worried about your credit card being stolen or anything like that you can always get one of the American Express Travelers Cards which is just a debit card version of the travellers checks.

The first time I flew overseas I had nightmare for a week or so ahead of time and the whole way over. It wasn't about paying for cookies though!!!!

a) You have nothing to worry about.
b) The Euro is a currency, used in a bunch of countries in Europe. The rate is around US $1 = Euro .78 -- or, in reverse, Euro 1 = US $1.28. Take a cheat sheet. Key tip: be careful not to get mixed up with the 1 and 2 Euro coins. And forget the travelers checks -- just use your ATM card (though you should check with your bank first that it works overseas, and what fees you may be charged; note also that some foreign ATMs won't accept a PIN that is more than 4 digits).
c) Can't help you there - my first (you say transcon but I think you mean intercon? transcon should mean "across a continent", no? - e.g., JFK-LAX) overseas trip was when I was young enough that I don't remember it clearly - Mom & Dad took care of the logistics.

Enjoy the trip - Paris is a great city.

- Michael

Even though you've done your homework, it's natural to stress over the unknown. You're unlikely to find yourself in a situation that you can't deal with, however. I can assure you that everything will be fine, but I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Now, sometimes a plane is just a plane, but could the dream relate to some other issues in your life?

One more piece of advice about ATMs. Some US banks have reciprical agreements with European banks.
I know if you use a BofA debit card, there are several European banks that you will not be charged a withdrawl fee. If you end up doing lots of withdrawls, it may be worth checking into.
BofA's partners:
Barclays (United Kingdom)
BNP Paribas (France)
Deutsche Bank (Germany)
Santander Serfin (Mexico)
Scotiabank (Canada)
Westpac (Australia and New Zealand)


As far as nervousness, etc., during our first trip overseas, the most nervous time was after first getting off the plane and clearing immigration. We were like, ok, now what? We are in a country where we don't speak the language and don't really know where we are going.
Once we got to the hotel and settled in, we took a couple small trips out and about in the nieghborhood.
So, my advice, have a plan on how to get from the airport to the hotel. We thought we could just jump in a cab and tell them the hotel name (it was a major hotel). That was not the case. So, have the hotel information and a way to get there.
Start off small to get comfortable. I wouldn't go right from the hotel to a full day's tour of the city.
We have also had success in new cities by taking bus tours. It gives you a good overview and usually gives you the ability to get off and on.
Have a great trip!