Ok, its official, I am in panic mode. I leave in 11 days and I am still trying to get things together. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to find a credit card with no-fees. Thank God I have a Capital One Card, its the only card with no international fees. I looked into a Visa Travel Money pre-paid card, but the fees were insane. Then today I looked into an American Express pre-paid card, but it will take 10 business days to get here and I can't even guarentee it will be accepted in London because Visa dominates the Olympic Games. So, I am going with my Capital One Card.
Next issue, getting my Eurostar Tickets for Paris. I wanted to use my debit card, but that doesn't work. Going to have to use my Visa next. The conversion rates are driving me crazy and I have to budget my money based on pounds and not US dollars. My budget is another thing I am working on. I have no idea of costs in London for food and memorabilia, it is all a guestimate.
I am currently on the phone verifing I have a ISIC card. This card is an International Student Identification Card, you can find information at ISIC.org. The card is for anyone under 26 years old or a full-time student who travels internationally. They also offer an ITIC, International Teacher Identification Card. It comes with basic insurance as well. It also offers discounts when you travel at home and abroad. I applied for this card last month and have yet to receive it. I paid the $25 so I want my card.
I thought I was prepared to go already, just needed to get some things in order, but I wasn't expecting to hit these snags. I know I have 11 days, but 4 of those days are weekends and not much can get done through credit cards or issues that require working business days.
I have my packing list ready, my new luggage has arrived, my trading pins have arrived, my Team USA gear is ready to be packed, I am doing my laundry and updating my website. I am working on my coursework and I am checking things off my to-do list that I seem to be adding to everyday. I am not sure if I am nervous, excited or in just plain panic mode right now. Today, it just decided to hit me...I am leaving in 11 days!!!!
Next issue, getting my Eurostar Tickets for Paris. I wanted to use my debit card, but that doesn't work. Going to have to use my Visa next. The conversion rates are driving me crazy and I have to budget my money based on pounds and not US dollars. My budget is another thing I am working on. I have no idea of costs in London for food and memorabilia, it is all a guestimate.
I am currently on the phone verifing I have a ISIC card. This card is an International Student Identification Card, you can find information at ISIC.org. The card is for anyone under 26 years old or a full-time student who travels internationally. They also offer an ITIC, International Teacher Identification Card. It comes with basic insurance as well. It also offers discounts when you travel at home and abroad. I applied for this card last month and have yet to receive it. I paid the $25 so I want my card.
I thought I was prepared to go already, just needed to get some things in order, but I wasn't expecting to hit these snags. I know I have 11 days, but 4 of those days are weekends and not much can get done through credit cards or issues that require working business days.
I have my packing list ready, my new luggage has arrived, my trading pins have arrived, my Team USA gear is ready to be packed, I am doing my laundry and updating my website. I am working on my coursework and I am checking things off my to-do list that I seem to be adding to everyday. I am not sure if I am nervous, excited or in just plain panic mode right now. Today, it just decided to hit me...I am leaving in 11 days!!!!