Osher Course 2012 - Week One

06-19-2012

 Osher Course 2012  – Plan the trip of your dreams

(Tuesdays 1:00 to 2:50 p.m., Room 104 Lawrence Hall)

Instructor – David Bear:  traveler@travelersjournal.com

Course schedule and resource list posted at www.travelersjournal.com/articles2.php?ID=622

 

Brief Bear bio and travel background: Polly – Often worked in travel related fields -Why Bear went over the mountain.

How course will be organized – refer to resource sheet.

Bear’s Laws?  Going and coming versus being there.

 

Week 1

1. What’s your trip? Do you have a destination in mind?  Doing basic research online.  Tourism agencies, travel guides, Wikis, Google or Bing. 

2. Why? What are your reasons for going? 

3. Where? Domestic or International? If leaving the country, do you have a passport with at least 6 months validity? Will you need to get a visa/s for your visit?

4. When? Time of year? Have you been thinking long about this trip or did an opportunity just arise? Are you likely to encounter holidays or special events there that will complicate your trip? High season, low, or shoulder? Reason the seasons. 

5. How? What are the ways to get there? Will you fly, drive, train or bus? How about taking a cruise or escorted tour?  Are you comfortable planning the trip and assuming responsibility, or would you prefer using a travel agent or tour company?  If not, consider package tours that combine travel, transfers, and accommodations.

6. How much will it cost? Estimating expenses/setting a budget. Be aware advance deposits often required many months in advance and that full payment for airfare due at time of reservation.

7. Language issues?  Is English spoken?  If not, will you be able to communicate?

8. Safety and security issues? Any special risks or dangers of places you want to go?

9. Assess your own health needs and physical capabilities.  Will trip require special vaccinations?

10. Health insurance? Do you have it? What does it cover?  Will it provide protection in other countries? Know that plans and coverage differ dramatically. U.S. medical insurance may not be accepted abroad. Blue Cross is, but on a reimbursement basis. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs do not provide coverage or reimbursement for medical costs or hospital stays abroad. Medical evacuations are very expensive. Always contact your provider before you go to make sure and purchase extra coverage if necessary.   

11. Travel and trip insurance: Is it necessary? Where to buy it? What does it cover? Know that some American Express, Visa and Master Card may provide coverage for arrangements purchased made with them or offer extra protection plans.

 

Some practical tips:

Establish a trip folder, whether on computer or in a manila folder for information you gather during research.  Could also be on an Excel spreadsheet.

 

Set up a schedule for trip planning and a checklist of items that need to be done or considered, both before you go and while you’re away

 

Create a calendar for the actual days of the trip

 

Pick a place to physically gather items you want to take along on the trip

 

Make a bookmark folder to gather Web sites you visit during research

 

Make sure your passport will have at least 6 months validity at time of trip. If you don’t have a passport, get one.

 

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