Final Pre-trip Thoughts

Well, we've done it: regular meetings, other meetings, events, dinners, fieldtrips, fundraisers, partner visits, practices, and more practices!  Just one more, final, meeting next Tuesday, and then we're off!  Very exciting!  Get packed EARLY so you have time to make any changes without panicking!

Some final thoughts...

Review the packing list...think light!  You probably don't need as much stuff as you think you do.  Laundry will be available several times during our stay.  You don't need something different for every single day!  Mix and match.  At the very least, be sure to take the basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, other toiletries, enough socks and underwear, and so on).  Whatever you forget, or find that you need, you will be able to find there.

For your binder, be sure to include:

• JW Address roster (I'll email you the latest copy)
• Daily itinerary
• Travel itinerary
• Print-out of your flight e-ticket
• Your speech (if you are making one)
• Jpn/Eng Phrasebook
• Notes from presentations (grammar, phrases, numbers)
• "Help me, I'm lost!"
• Name (business) cards
• Song lyrics to Lean On Me and This Land is Your Land
• Blank paper to keep journal and take notes
• Binder pockets (as we go along, you'll collect sightseeing brochures, tickets, papers, maps)

If you need another copy, check our Documents page.


Other Notes

DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!

Any liquid or gel-like toiletries (including make-up) you take on the plane MUST be put in a single, quart-sized zip-loc bag and placed in the top of your backpack.  This is to enable quick pass-thru at airport security.

If you take an electronic device, such as a digital camera, smartphone, or iPod, be sure to take your battery charger(s)!  No adapters are required.

If you do take a smartphone, be sure to turn off roaming and network cellular data.  This will prevent potentially HUGE data roaming charges!  Also, contact your phone service provider about international calling.  Be sure to learn how much it costs to make calls or text before going.

Take a few dollars ($10-$15) to buy a late breakfast at the airport, and for any snacks/drinks once we pass security.  You will not need any US currency in Japan, except maybe to give as souvenirs.

At our next meeting we will distribute JW uniform polos, travel T-shirts, and businesss cards.  We will also exchange dollars into yen.  And that will be that.  Our next meeting will be at 5:15AM at Colton upper parking lot, then off we go!

Last, yes, leaving at 5:30AM for a flight that doesn't depart until 11:13AM does seem excessively early, but our goal is to get past the bulk of the early rush hour traffic in the South Bay.  The last thing we want is to get stuck in traffic.  Sacrificing an hour of sleep is well worth the peace of mind of being there with plenty of time to spare.  Your being on time and traveling together is greatly appreciated.