general resources

[clay dube]

Let's use this section for general travel tips (getting visas, passports, electricity...).

[clay dube]

Click on the icon below to open a general travel planning checklist from the LA Times. Among the items to note are those involving passports, visas, medications, and the like.

[clay dube]

Here's an article from the LA Times (1/22/06) on the new travel ID and on getting a passport. Act now -- your passport is good for 10 years and you'll need it before getting a visa.

[Anonymous]

AAA also provides passport services if you're a member. I got mine processed at the post office. If you don't have one, start the process now, it takes quite some time to recieve it.
Julia

[Anonymous]

What sort of medical preparations do we need to make? I think I remember reading about a physical.
Perhaps I am too tired and did not notice a check list specifically for our trek.
Thanks[Edit by="ngasparik on Mar 14, 8:50:42 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

If you plan on getting any vaccinations ex. Hep. A- you need a blood work order first. Once you have that done, they'll issue you a vaccination. I would call your health provider for details (ask about "travel shots"), some are on a walk in basis, others you need appts.
Julia

[Anonymous]

Thank you Julia. My curiosity circles around the question: Are certain medical shots and exams required for our journey? What are you all going to do? For instance, Julia, did you get a Hep A shot?
Here's to nothing falling through those itty bitty cracks. Thanks! Nicole

[Anonymous]

I am sure when we meet for our "weekend," Clay will give us all the medical info we need to know.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure Clay will give us all the info. From the research I've done, there aren't any vaccinations required, but there are some "suggestions". Most are region specific. I've already had the Hep. A for a different trip. Do your research though and decide what is right for you.
If you have Kaiser, they have a pretty informative pamphlet you can request.
Julia

[Anonymous]

I like to read what the US State Department has to say about foreign travel, I though it was interesting. These is only a specific site for China, I guess that Japan isn't considered foreign enough to warrant its own list.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1173.html

[clay dube]

Many of us will stay in touch with others from China and Japan via email. It's cheaper and , given the time difference and phone card hassles, much easier. Most internet cafes are cheap and they are readily located. In some cases, bargains exist right within our hotels.

Please be sure that you set up at least one email account using a free service. This will enable you to easily communicate with family and friends from the road. Many of these will permit you to read your pop3 mail (e.g., your district or other account) as well (you'll need to set this up in advance as you'll need to know your server address).

I have used Yahoo mail for years and find that it works quite well. Features include spell checking, effective spam filtering, and automatic virus scanning.

http://www.my.yahoo.com

Google mail is also excellent (click here), but you may need someone who already has it to "invite" you to sign up.

Hotmail is Microsoft's offering (http://www.hotmail.com).

Others:
Excite

FastMail

Advanced

If you are setting up a Yahoo or Google account, you can also add UCLA Asia Institute and other news to your My Yahoo or Google homepage.

For Yahoo here's what you add under "rss feed": http://add.my.yahoo.com/rss?url=http://www.international.ucla.edu/asia/rss/rss.asp

For Google here's the rss feed: http://international.ucla.edu/asia/rss/rss.asp

[clay dube]

I recommend staying in touch with folks here in the US by email. You may also call and be called. We'll eventually provide you with hotel phone numbers and addresses, but for now, please note these two resources from timeanddate.com.

What time is it?
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

How do I call?
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/dialing.html?p2=33

[Anonymous]

I already have an Earthlink account. Wil that work as well?

[clay dube]

Most of the services that offer a web interface (e.g., AOL), should work. It's not a bad idea to have a back up email account should there be some problem accessing your primary account from China.

[clay dube]

Greetings from Beijing -- we just arrived with the Palos Verdes group a couple of hours ago. At this point, the number one tip is pack light. Save space for new found treasures.

The image is nothing special, but it surprises me that the LAX folks haven't learned that they could see ad space on the luggage movers.... Click below to see what awaits you at the Beijing airport.

[Author]

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