Bglobal Studies

Please contact Claudia at csimpson@globalblc.org for the latest visa application information.

If you do not already possess a valid and up to date passport, you need to apply for one immediately.  The application process can take just 4-6 weeks, but Claudia will need a copy of your passport far before then, so please, do not delay applying for your passport. Also, your passport must be valid for 6 months AFTER your trip date {for example- if your trip is scheduled for March 2014, your passport must be valid through August 2014}. Please make two copies of your passport: One to include with your Visa application and one for Claudia.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

We often have students ask if they need to have immunizations for our trips. This is up to you and your health care provider. It is not required. I would highly suggest you check with your health care provider and also with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you take prescription medications, I would suggest that you bring them in their original bottles. Store them in a zip-lock bag in your carry-on. This will help you pass through security without any further delay.

Jet lag can be a real drag. Here are 13 ways to reduce jet lag while traveling:

http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/13-ways-to-avoid-jet-lag/

Please arrive to the airport AT LEAST 2 hours before our flight. Not only will you be checking in with the airline and security, but this time is used to acquaint yourself with your fellow travelers and to be briefed on your global experience.

Tickets will be printed and distributed at the airport, upon check-in. As we have to book our seats as a group, we can only book your ticket for Economy Class. If you would like to upgrade your seat to first class, you must do so at the airport {this is only available if they have open seats and there will be an additional charge}.

I will be giving you luggage tags at the airport {if you are not flying out of GRR then they have been mailed to you}.  Please put these on your luggage.  It will help a great deal when we are trying to find our luggage.  After being up and traveling as long as we will have been, all black, blue or red luggage looks the same.

Please check the luggage restrictions for the airline that your trip is booked through:

United

Delta

US Airways

To claim your frequent flyer miles, simply bring your miles card to the airport when checking in. I cannot claim the miles sooner, due to being booked as a group.

As you arrive at the airport and go through security, I would ask that you be extra kind to the TSA workers.  What a wonderful witness you can be to the workers who have a thankless job.

A few things that could help in the speed of going through security would be to:

-Wear slip on and off shoes – put them through the scanner first – that way when they are looking at your other items you can be putting them back on.

-If you are wearing a sweater or jacket, put it in our carryon before getting to the line.

You can get it back out at the gate to put back on to save backup at the scanner line.

-Remove all things in pockets and jewelry. I keep an empty ziplock bag in my carry-on to put these items in. You can get it back out at the gate to put back on to save backup at the scanner line.

-If you are wearing a belt, put it in our carryon before getting to the line. You can get it back out at the gate to put back on to save backup at the scanner line.

-If you are bringing a laptop please remove them from your carry on and put in the tote.

-If you get singled out to be extra checked……..well ………now is really the time to put on a smile and think how safe the trip will be because the TSA is taking extra care of you.

While experiencing India, we will be staying at first class world hotels*.  Visit the accommodations and the amenities they have to offer:

*Hotels listed above may be subject to change. Please see your itinerary. for updated information.

You will be assigned a shared room for the global trip. Please let us know if you would like to share a room with someone you know {on your application or by contacting Claudia}.

If you choose to have a private room, the fee is an additional $600.

If you are planning on extending our time abroad, you must contact Claudia immediately, as she will need to make special arrangements for you.

If you would like additional information on how your spouse could join you on a Bglobal Experience, please contact Claudia.

Electricity and outlets differ from country to country. If you are planning on using a blow dryer, curling iron, electric shaver, Ipad, Kindle, etc., you will need to purchase a converter/adaptor. You can purchase this at the following big box retailers, such as: Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Meijer, Walmart, Walgreens or any travel specialty store.

For more information, please visit:

China’s weather in October is typically very comfortable. Read more on the average October weather:

As the trip draws nearer, visit The Weather Channel for your 10 day forecast.

Continental            Air Canada            BA            Lufthansa            United             Gate Guru             Seat Guide             Flight Tracker Pro

Skyscanner            My TSA             Cultures            Translate             BLB – Blue Letter Bible             Converter             Translator

Geocaching              ICE 4 TRAVEL            Help Call         iFirstAid Lite       UV Detector

However you stay connected with your friends and loved ones through social media, we got you covered.  We suggest you and your “followers” connect with us on one or more of the following social media networking sites. We’ll be posting status updates and pictures throughout your trip. A great way to keep connected!

Facebook                   Google+                       Twitter                             Flickr

There will be three dress categories as we travel. You will see on the itinerary what is listed as the dress for each day. Please see below for the dress specifications:

Business:
Men:  Shirt, tie and jacket
Women:  Suite dress or slacks

Business Casual:
Men:  Dress shirt
Women:  Dress or slacks

Casual:
Both:  You can wear your jeans and/or  your casual clothing.

No denim or jeans are to be worn for Business or Business Casual.

You may want to bring your business card to pass out to the business leaders that we meet.  They are also helpful to have to pass out to one another on the trip.

*Remember if you give or take a card from someone, you do not put it right into your pocket.  You take it in both hands till you walk away from the person you are talking with.  Thanks for remembering this!

On our trip we normally let the group know that it is customary to TIP any bus drivers and guides that we have.  So I just wanted to let you know the amount I would suggest…….but please know that this is at your own discretion.

If you are pleased with the tour, you can tip $2-$5  to the tour guide for a full day tour, $1-$2 to the driver. So if you have a single guide for 10 days, you will want to tip the guide $20.00-$50.00; and the driver $10.00-$20.00; $30-$70 total for both.

For the China trip we will have a single driver and guide with us every day.  I normally will collect the money at the first of the week and then give it to the guides and drivers on the last day.  Hope this helps in your planning.

Currency Converter

While the food is amazing in India we suggest that you bring a long some AMERICAN snacks.  A power bar, hard candy, trail mix, etc.  The bottled water is much cheaper in the grocery store over the street vendors {only drink bottled water}.

In India we tend to do a lot of walking and jumping on and off the train/plane.  I would suggest that when you start to think of what to pack you think of your feet.  I would suggest that you bring shoes that are comfortable to do a lot of walking in.

Also, if you can, I would suggest that you start walking now to get ready for this trip.  Did I mention we do a lot of walking?

Pick pockets are very common in high traffic tourist areas. Here are some helpful hints on how not to be targeted:

BOOKS –