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AnonymousAnonymousI found a Samsonite Converter/Adaptor at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for $19.99. The price at Fry's is better but this store is closer to me. I also bought travel packs of toilet seat covers at Longs Drug Store in Redondo Beach. Another thought, you might save the last part of your toilet paper rolls and tuck them in your suitcase or bag.
Jewell
AnonymousI found travel size toliet paper and seat covers at Target.
Christina
AnonymousDon't forget to bring a lock for your suitcase. You can buy a special lock that the airlines are capable of opening. It is more important to lock up your suitcase when you are away from the hotel during day excursions.
Jewell
AnonymousI was reading up on the places we'll visit in China and Lijiang sounds like a really interesting place. There is a group of natives there called the Naxi's and their traditions closely resemble those of the Tibetans. Couples that get married don't live together. When they have children, the children live with their mother and the father is expected to provide for them financially. It sounds like a very "old world" part of China where they still follow many ancient traditions. I am really looking forward to visiting Lijiang because it sounds like a culture entirely different from our own.
AnonymousWhere did you find this type of lock? What is it called?
Christina Varela
AnonymousIt is a travel sentry certified lock which means that the airlines are able to unlock it. It came with my luggage (samsonite) which I purchased at Macy's. Probably any luggage store would have them available. I just think that it is important to have your luggage secured in the hotel rooms. After recently traveling to China, my mother lost her flashlight, film, adapter/converter, and some batteries, which she was keeping in her luggage.
Jewell
AnonymousWatch out for those flashlight thieves. It's a huge ring based out of the Alaskan Slope 
AnonymousLouis Harley reminded me that in the Del Amo Mall there is a location for exchanging money if anyone wants to get a head start.
Christina Varela
AnonymousYesterday, I made a purchase at the Del Amo Mall. In Macy's luggage department, upstairs from Joann's, I found a TSA lock for $13. I also purchased a cloth passport and money holder for $13. It might be a good idea to keep your money in a safe spot other than carrying a purse. They also have many other travel accessories.
Lea
AnonymousWe’ve been to China!
As a return visitor, I am thrilled that we were all able to visit what is quickly becoming one of the most powerful countries in the world. It gives me pause to think that we are no longer the strongest superpower yet we have this magnanimous duty to assist China in surpassing us so that we can be partners, live side-by-side, grow in some form of parity. It is in all of our best interest to work with our Chinese friends as they move forward.
[Edit by="cashb on May 3, 6:23:49 PM"][/Edit]
AnonymousDear Future China Travelers,
Before I set out on this trip, I was told to pack the normal stuff, so I did what I usually do for going on overseas adventures. Nonetheless, now that I have returned from our trip, I would like to at least toss out some helpful hints for those going on the trip at a future date. Things to consider to pack: Aside of the normal stuff...you may think about packing...
1. A bathing suit - since many of the places we stay have a place to swim and it can rejuvenate a weary traveler to take a quick dip.
2. Power bars, tuna packets, small packets of trail mix or other familiar goodies to have as alternatives to the Chinese fare.
3. Lots and lots of baby wipes, hand sanitizer, small roles of charmin bathroom tissue for the Eastern bathroom situations and toilet seat covers for the Western bathroom situations.
4. Do not buy those magnetic toys or anything magnetic for your souvenier pile because it will not make it through the airport computers and search.
5. Like Chi suggested, lots of dollar bills are helpful for bartering etc. (in addition, make sure that the dollars or any other cash bills are perfect - not folded, torn or corners off, because you may have a difficult time exchanging them...some of our money was refused for those reasons.)
6. Make sure to pack enough cash or traveler's cheques, whichever you prefer, because if you do use your credit cards you will be charged a surcharge for the foreign exchange.
7. Change your money at the hotels, because at least when we went, you were not charged an exchange fee like the fee charged in the airport.
8. Make sure to take an extra camera battery for your camera, so one can charge in the hotel and one can be with you on your daily outings.
9. An umbrella is really advisable as is a good warm hooded sweatshirt.
10. Taking clothing that is light enough to wash and dry in one night is a great idea.
11. Layer, layer, layer your clothing for all kinds of temp changes.
12. Make sure to get prescriptions for antibiotics like CIPRO and for stomach problems in reaction to the food before you leave and keep them in the proper bottles and inside the main suitcase that you check.
13. At least at the hotels we went to you did have a blow dryer, but it was useful when paired up with roommates to have an extra one, so one can be in the bathroom and the other out in the room getting ready. Also, make sure to bring plug converters with you...available at Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy's.
14. Money belts are really helpful but the coolest contraption I saw was worn by Lea and Jewell which was the around the neck money belt...really convenient. They got their at Macy's.
15. Sunglasses are really helpful and so is suncreen. Bug spray at least during the time and weather we experienced was not necessary.
16. If you bring a camera, bring an around the neck case to avoid keeping one in your pocket which attracts thieves. There is so much going on that keeping that camera around your neck is a really good idea. I got an inexpensive case at Best Buy.
17. Bringing an IPOD with some inspirational music, relaxing music and familiar music is another good idea for short breaks from the travel and chaos. I listened to Mulan while experiencing the Terra Cotta Warriors which was quite thematic and envigorating.
18. Do not buy water to take on the plane with you. It will be taken from you before your board. You will get water on the plane and can ask for water any time during the flight.
19. Make sure to bring addresses with you to write postcards and try to get those written the first day during your visit. I sent postcards on the last day of Shanghai, Day 3 of the trip and they still arrived 3 days after we returned from the 2 week trip.
20. If you are going to take photos of little children bring loose stickers or tiny candies to give to them as treats. They are appreciated.
21. Definitely bring a good wind breaker or even a warmer jacket than that - just one.
22. Eye drops are a really good idea due to the smoking and pollution that is constantly present. Tissues in the small packets help with being able to put the drops in anywhere anytime.
23. Wearing shoes that you can just slide off for the airport trips is a good idea, since you will be taking them off.
24. Pack a good carry on with a padded shoulder strap for the extra stuff you will bring home because YOU WILL BRING HOME EXTRA STUFF!
25. If you have the time, put your name and email address on small pieces of paper to give to the students you visit, so they can keep in touch with you.
26. Airbourne or the 1000 Vit C packets are really great to try to avoid getting a cold or coming down with a sore throat etc.
27. Tylenol or Advil is really important to have with you. Take one for the plane flight and when you start to feel a bit under the weather.
28. Have a journal and writing utensil for jotting down notes and keeping track of your travels. If you bring a glue stick you can glue in some of the tickets, postcards and other items right into your entries daily. Cathy and Carol kept great journals.
29. If you have a cell phone, get the chip or find the way that you can make calls from China to California. Then, if you are lucky, you can wake up to "The Polish National Anthem" every morning!
30. Bring a pair of pants that is one size smaller than you currently wear. They will come in handy at the end of the trip, when you realize that you have dropped a few pounds.
31. Pack some gum for helping to pop your ears as the plane takes off and some breath mints to follow the silk worms you eat!
32. Bring enough socks and underwear for the whole trip. It is really nice to have the fresh clothing, at least these pieces to put on daily and it doesn't take much room.
33. Bring some powder for freshening up that you like to smell because it will feel a bit like home.
34. It wasn't really necessary to bring shampoo, soap or lotion as all of the hotels had the stuff. I did bring it and came home with some of it too.
35. Women: make sure to pack your monthly supplies and enough of them. I didn't see any place to buy the stuff f.y.i.
36. The mini suitcase lock is a really good idea and at least gives you peace of mind.
37. Bring some good reading material for a break from long bus rides etc.
38. A deck of cards is fun to have and comes in handy for making friends.
39. Bring a good cloth for wiping sunglasses and camera lens...again, it comes in handy.
40. Pants with pockets are really great and so convenient!
Don't worry about a hat...if you have a P.V.H.S. red baseball cap, you won't need anything else! 😛
I am sure there are other helpful hints.
These are a few of mine.
Hope they help the next group of educators who venture to Asia!
Susan Pavelka Gregg
[Edit by="spavelkagregg on May 26, 11:36:21 AM"][/Edit]
AnonymousWhat an awesome list Susan!!! I really appreciate the time it took to you jot all that down. I would add Claritin and cough drops even if one doesn't suffer from allergies. The smoke and pollution (dust from Gobi Desert) really bothered me and I was not prepared for that! Thankfully, my friends were!
AnonymousHey there Carole,
How are you adjusting to being back at school? Chris sends his hello your way!
Yes, thanks for adding the Claritin and cough drops. Also, Elzbieta would probably
add Pepto Bismol as would Lea (thanks to those who remembered) because it really
came in handy when they got ill for 24 hours. A nail file isn't a bad idea because I know that Barbara was looking for one when one of her nails was torn during the travel. Again, if the nail file or tweezers, if you bring them isn't in the main checked suitcase, it will be removed.
I still remember marvelling at the guy at the airport who thought he could bring his electric drill and other tools through the xray machine. Wow! There were several of us in awe over that sight! Wishing you well and looking forward to seeing you on Monday afternoon in class.
-Susan[Edit by="spavelkagregg on May 26, 11:37:51 AM"][/Edit]
AnonymousDear Traveling Buddy,
Just remember, if you would have brought a smaller pair of pants and a bathing suit, we wouldn't have had the fun shopping for these items! P.S. I am still wearing my lucky beaded bracklets. Yes, I must agree with Carol. Your list is great for future travelers.