The Global Scavenger Hunt™

Travel Vitals

All The Stuff You Need To Know Before You Go on The Global Scavenger Hunt!

We care about your HEALTH:

For those of you with a series of germ-phobias this is the site for you! All the official USG travel health information you could possibly want from the Centers for Disease Control. Or for you folks that prefer the private sector, check out Travel Health Online. And for those that want a real Big Picture understanding of potential global bugs, there's always the World Health Organization.

No matter where you go you have to do official PAPERWORK:

First you'll need an official passport, so contact the U.S. State Department. You may need a visa to enter a country, so you better check out the place you want to visit at Embassy World for their complete directory. Whether you purchase tacky tourist trophies, priceless objects de art, jewelry, or household goods, you better check with the U.S. Customs to see if it's legal to bring your stuff back into the country.

What could be more important than your SAFETY:

Politics aside, it's always best to check out a few sites to see who's protesting, planning coups & counter coups, torturing their citizens or raping Mother Earth, etc. The first place to research and get the official party line is at the US State Department's travel advisory reports. The sun may have set on the British Empire, but they still have great spies everywhere and their Foreign & Consular Office offers great travel-related advice. Canadians are friends with everyone and they're honest, check out their Foreign Ministers Report. And of course the Australians have a great information service too! If you trust the French, their Foreign Legions have great intell at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Finally, for a completely unbiased source of where the international danger spots are and how to protect yourself, see the Kroll Associates site and the Overseas Security Advisory Council. Remember, governments will continue to disagree, but people are people everywhere!

Ready, set, now for the DESTINATION INFORMATION:

They spend $45 billion-a-year of your hard earned tax money, so make them prove their worth and check out the CIA's World Fact Book. You can get travel brochures e-mailed directly to you from just about everywhere now, so click to the Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory and pick your destination. Or visit the more Chamber of Commerce-like Official Travel Sites.

Three sites that we really like that may help you put together a thoughtful travel adventure are UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. The highly informative Human Rights Watch, and the equally important Amnesty International site.

Other fun and HELPFUL SITES:

Want to know what time it is anywhere in the world, check out The World Clock.

Need to know International Dialing Codes?

Eliminate those nasty cultural faux pas by knowing what's acceptable and what's not before you go at Culture Online.

Find out how far it really is from here to there at How Far Is It?

Want to stay connected on the road, Internet cafes are all the rage from Timbuktu to Katmandu, click to The Cyber Cafe Search Engine.

Learn to say "bottoms up" in 70 languages at the Travel Translator.

Find out just the facts from Country Watch.

Typhoon season? Beach weather or ski season? Find out for yourself at either the Weather Channel, World Climate or Earth Watch.

MONEY Issues:

Need to change money or want to know the name of the money you'll be using?

Among the best is Full Universal Currency Converter or The Currency Converter to help you do the math without an advanced degree or calculator.

Need cash quickly? These two sites will let you know how best to access your money at global ATMs using Visa or Mastercard.

ARRIVING & DEPARTING:

Check out the airport's services, food and other travel info at the terminals before you arrive, by visiting Airports.

Know all about the airline you're flying on after visiting with Landings.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

Maybe the best site of it's kind that allows you instant maps to all the world's mass transit systems is at Subways Navigator. Another great site will get you from many airports to the downtown metro areas the quickest and cheapest at Getting Downtown

MAPS:
We love maps at GreatEscape2008 and there are a lot of great map sites out there in cyberspace. Here's a few that we really like: Interactive Atlas or the old commercial standards like: Rand McNally, National Geographic and World Atlas

Finally you're on your way...now for the PACKING:

For what to take, what to take it in and how to pack it, see The Complete Carry-On Traveler. And for how to make the best of your electronics stuff on the road anywhere, check out the World Electronic Guide.

Travelers Packing List

We at The Global Scavenger Hunt™ believe that you should always be prepared like every good Boy Scout/Girl Guide is told at a young age. You never really know what you'll need along the way do you? Especially on a Global Scavenger Hunt!

This edition of the Travelers Packing List is not meant to cover every travel situation, but merely serve as a guideline. It will help you prevent the dreaded Packer's Block: The irrational inability to intelligently decide what you really need on a trip; but more importantly, what you don't need! Obviously, people have different tastes and needs. Our only advice is to pack as lightly as possible to avoid the equally-dreaded Packer's Stoop: Which results from carrying too much stuff. Symptoms also include marriage dissolution, Team conflicts and extreme upper body muscle development. Now we don't want that, do we?

Face it, we will be traveling around the world during the months of late-April till mid-May, do some research. We won't we traveling to extreme cold places, but it could get cool in the evening. Rain is always a possibility too. Be wise in your choices! Some say that how we pack our bags define our journeys…we know you'll be having a really great journey!

NOTE: A word to the wise, again because this bears repeating...many folks who went on The Global Scavenger Hunt last year didn't make wise choices...it not only cost them money to ship their unneeded stuff home from remote places...it cost them points in the contest because they were too slow and spent too much time tending to their BAGS and their stuff. But, more importantly, it cost them enjoyment because they were overburdened by their unnecessary material possessions. Pack light folks, and take a roller bag!

Rules of Thumb For Packing:
Take nothing you couldn't bear losing!
If YOU can't carry it -- it doesn't go!
Stick to a single color scheme for versatility.
Pack half the stuff and bring twice the money!
Split your necessities 50/50 with Teammate.
Think about stuff you can share with your Teammate.
Take old socks and underwear and throw them out!
Roll up your clothes, don't fold them to save space.
Pack in your checked bag stuff that will slow you down with security.
Load your heavy items in the middle and bottom of bag.
Carry a photo of your bag with you in case it gets lost?
And remember: The lighter your burden, the more pleasant the journey!

Pre-Departure Check List:
Valid Passport
Required Visas? (Contact us!)
Necessary Health Documents/Prescriptions
Transportation Tickets
Frequent Flyer Cards
Phone Calling Cards
Emergency Information
Insurance
Traveler's Checks, Currency, Credit Cards & ATM Cards
Personal Information
Copies of all the Above
Immunizations: tetanus& polio booster, typhoid series, gamaglobulin, anti-malaria pills...

Travel Gear:
Main Bag
TSA Approved-Security Locks
Document Organizer/Fanny-pack
Everyday Bag (Carry On)
Money Belt/Security Pouch
Extra Souvenir/Presents Duffle Bag

Everyday Basics:
Sunglasses
Watch
Raincoat/Umbrella
Visor or Brimmed/Floppy Hat
Scarf & Bandanna
Still Camera, Lenses, Flash, Film & Batteries
Video Camera, Film & Batteries
Radiation Proof Film Bag
Binoculars
CD/Cassette Player, Headphones & Music
Extra Batteries
Calculator/Currency Converter
Travel Alarm
Reading Material
Address Book
Travel Journal & Writing Utensils
Snacks
Water
Travel Neck Pillow
Eye Shade & Ear Plugs
Tissue & Wet Towelettes
Flashlight & Batteries
Matches
Sewing Repair Kit
Zip-Lock Plastic Bags
Travel Towel
$1 bills (tips and fees)
Business cards (with e-mail addresses)

Travel Health Kit:
Prescriptions
Aspirin/Bufferin/Tylenol/Motrin/Advil/Pain Relievers
Regular Vitamins
Contact Lens Items
Extra Glasses
Anti-Diarrhea Medicine (Lomotil, Imodium)
Laxative
Cold Medicine
Sleeping Pills (Melatonian)
Antibiotics: Cipro, Noroxin, Ceftin, etc. (ask a Doctor)
Lip Balm
Pepto-Bismol, Tums
Echinacea
Q-Tips
Tooth Brush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss
Antiperspirant
Moisturizer
Razors
Mole/Second Skin
Contraceptives
General First Aid Kit
Nasal Moisturizer Spray
Insect Repellent (with 25-50% Deet)
Sun Protection (Waterproof & SPF 30)
Antibiotic Cream (Neosporin, Bacitracin)
Malaria Medication
Motion Sickness Medicine
Oil of Cloves
Decongestant
Personal Hygiene Items
Nail Clippers, Scissors, Tweezers
Band Aids
Swiss Army Knife
Hand Sanitizer Towelettes

Comfort Items:
A candle
A picture of loved ones
Herbal Teas
Incense

Items For The Men:
Light Jacket/Windbreaker/Adorik
Dark Sweater or Fleece Pullover
Walking Shoes
Casual Dress Shoes/Sandals/Sneakers
Socks (dress & athletic)
Underwear
Casual Pants
Dress Pants (Khaki's)
Sport Jacket
Bathing Suit
Shorts
Short-sleeved T-shirts, Polos
Long-sleeved Dress shirt
Belt

Items For The Ladies:
Light Jacket/Windbreaker/Adorik
Dark Sweater or Fleece Pullover
Walking Shoes
Casual Dress Shoes/Sandals/Sneakers
Socks (dress & athletic)
Underwear/Bras
Casual Pants (Khaki's)
Sarongs or Casual Skirts
Bathing Suit
Shorts
Short-sleeved T-shirts, Polos
Long-sleeved Blouse
Belt

Team Items (Take a Community Bag, aka The Football):
Team Notebook & Pens
Laptop, Modem, Phone Jack, PC Cards, Plugs
Still Camera, Lenses, Film & Batteries
Video Camera, Film & Batteries
Battery Charger & Electrical Adapters/Converters
Gifts for Children (balloons, stickers, postcards, pencils, tooth brushes)

Things You Probably Won't Need:
50% of the above...
Business Cards
Letterhead
Jewelry
Travelers Checks (use ATM's & Credit Cards)
Guide Books
Umbrella
Scarf & Gloves
International Drivers License
Blow Dryer
Iron, Two words: Wrinkle-free!
Language Phrase Book or Converter
Neck Pillows
Leave the Camouflage Military-style Clothes at home!

Things To Do Before you leave Home:
Change your voicemail
Stop paper deliveries
File your taxes...remember they're due April 15th and you'll be...still not telling!?
Stop the mail (US Postal Service Form 8076)
Unplug computer after you back everything up!
Put some lights on timer switches
Pet care?
Gardening care?
Prepay your necessary bills!
Put an electronic "On GreatEscape2009 be back May 10th" sign by setting your e-mail program.
And don't forget to take the trash out!

Still have some unanswered questions? Contact us...


Home 2009 Global Event GreatEscape Foundation Contact Us
CONTESTANT INFO: Travelers Comments Media Quotes FAQ's How To Apply Terms & Conditions Using a Credit Card THE PRESS ROOM: Event Press Releases Event Fact Sheets Media Coverage Press Liaison PostCARDS Travel Blog GLOBAL GALLERY: Video News Release 2008 Event 2005 Event 2004 Event 2002 Event Travel Shots ABOUT US: Event Director's Letter Contact Us Privacy Pledge Site Map	Travel Vitals All The Stuff You Need To Know Before You Go on The Global Scavenger Hunt! We care about your HEALTH: For those of you with a series of germ-phobias this is the site for you! All the official USG travel health information you could possibly want from the Centers for Disease Control. Or for you folks that prefer the private sector, check out Travel Health Online. And for those that want a real Big Picture understanding of potential global bugs, there's always the World Health Organization. No matter where you go you have to do official PAPERWORK: First you'll need an official passport, so contact the U.S. State Department. You may need a visa to enter a country, so you better check out the place you want to visit at Embassy World for their complete directory. Whether you purchase tacky tourist trophies, priceless objects de art, jewelry, or household goods, you better check with the U.S. Customs to see if it's legal to bring your stuff back into the country. What could be more important than your SAFETY: Politics aside, it's always best to check out a few sites to see who's protesting, planning coups & counter coups, torturing their citizens or raping Mother Earth, etc. The first place to research and get the official party line is at the US State Department's travel advisory reports. The sun may have set on the British Empire, but they still have great spies everywhere and their Foreign & Consular Office offers great travel-related advice. Canadians are friends with everyone and they're honest, check out their Foreign Ministers Report. And of course the Australians have a great information service too! If you trust the French, their Foreign Legions have great intell at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Finally, for a completely unbiased source of where the international danger spots are and how to protect yourself, see the Kroll Associates site and the Overseas Security Advisory Council. Remember, governments will continue to disagree, but people are people everywhere! Ready, set, now for the DESTINATION INFORMATION: They spend $45 billion-a-year of your hard earned tax money, so make them prove their worth and check out the CIA's World Fact Book. You can get travel brochures e-mailed directly to you from just about everywhere now, so click to the Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory and pick your destination. Or visit the more Chamber of Commerce-like Official Travel Sites. Three sites that we really like that may help you put together a thoughtful travel adventure are UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. The highly informative Human Rights Watch, and the equally important Amnesty International site. Other fun and HELPFUL SITES: Want to know what time it is anywhere in the world, check out The World Clock. Need to know International Dialing Codes? Eliminate those nasty cultural faux pas by knowing what's acceptable and what's not before you go at Culture Online. Find out how far it really is from here to there at How Far Is It? Want to stay connected on the road, Internet cafes are all the rage from Timbuktu to Katmandu, click to The Cyber Cafe Search Engine. Learn to say "bottoms up" in 70 languages at the Travel Translator. Find out just the facts from Country Watch. Typhoon season? Beach weather or ski season? Find out for yourself at either the Weather Channel, World Climate or Earth Watch. MONEY Issues: Need to change money or want to know the name of the money you'll be using? Among the best is Full Universal Currency Converter or The Currency Converter to help you do the math without an advanced degree or calculator. Need cash quickly? These two sites will let you know how best to access your money at global ATMs using Visa or Mastercard. ARRIVING & DEPARTING: Check out the airport's services, food and other travel info at the terminals before you arrive, by visiting Airports. Know all about the airline you're flying on after visiting with Landings. GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Maybe the best site of it's kind that allows you instant maps to all the world's mass transit systems is at Subways Navigator. Another great site will get you from many airports to the downtown metro areas the quickest and cheapest at Getting Downtown MAPS: We love maps at GreatEscape2008 and there are a lot of great map sites out there in cyberspace. Here's a few that we really like: Interactive Atlas or the old commercial standards like: Rand McNally, National Geographic and World Atlas Finally you're on your way...now for the PACKING: For what to take, what to take it in and how to pack it, see The Complete Carry-On Traveler. And for how to make the best of your electronics stuff on the road anywhere, check out the World Electronic Guide. Travelers Packing List We at The Global Scavenger Hunt™ believe that you should always be prepared like every good Boy Scout/Girl Guide is told at a young age. You never really know what you'll need along the way do you? Especially on a Global Scavenger Hunt! This edition of the Travelers Packing List is not meant to cover every travel situation, but merely serve as a guideline. It will help you prevent the dreaded Packer's Block: The irrational inability to intelligently decide what you really need on a trip; but more importantly, what you don't need! Obviously, people have different tastes and needs. Our only advice is to pack as lightly as possible to avoid the equally-dreaded Packer's Stoop: Which results from carrying too much stuff. Symptoms also include marriage dissolution, Team conflicts and extreme upper body muscle development. Now we don't want that, do we? Face it, we will be traveling around the world during the months of late-April till mid-May, do some research. We won't we traveling to extreme cold places, but it could get cool in the evening. Rain is always a possibility too. Be wise in your choices! Some say that how we pack our bags define our journeys…we know you'll be having a really great journey! NOTE: A word to the wise, again because this bears repeating...many folks who went on The Global Scavenger Hunt last year didn't make wise choices...it not only cost them money to ship their unneeded stuff home from remote places...it cost them points in the contest because they were too slow and spent too much time tending to their BAGS and their stuff. But, more importantly, it cost them enjoyment because they were overburdened by their unnecessary material possessions. Pack light folks, and take a roller bag! Rules of Thumb For Packing: Take nothing you couldn't bear losing! If YOU can't carry it -- it doesn't go! Stick to a single color scheme for versatility. Pack half the stuff and bring twice the money! Split your necessities 50/50 with Teammate. Think about stuff you can share with your Teammate. Take old socks and underwear and throw them out! Roll up your clothes, don't fold them to save space. Pack in your checked bag stuff that will slow you down with security. Load your heavy items in the middle and bottom of bag. Carry a photo of your bag with you in case it gets lost? And remember: The lighter your burden, the more pleasant the journey! Pre-Departure Check List: Valid Passport Required Visas? (Contact us!) Necessary Health Documents/Prescriptions Transportation Tickets Frequent Flyer Cards Phone Calling Cards Emergency Information Insurance Traveler's Checks, Currency, Credit Cards & ATM Cards Personal Information Copies of all the Above Immunizations: tetanus& polio booster, typhoid series, gamaglobulin, anti-malaria pills... Travel Gear: Main Bag TSA Approved-Security Locks Document Organizer/Fanny-pack Everyday Bag (Carry On) Money Belt/Security Pouch Extra Souvenir/Presents Duffle Bag Everyday Basics: Sunglasses Watch Raincoat/Umbrella Visor or Brimmed/Floppy Hat Scarf & Bandanna Still Camera, Lenses, Flash, Film & Batteries Video Camera, Film & Batteries Radiation Proof Film Bag Binoculars CD/Cassette Player, Headphones & Music Extra Batteries Calculator/Currency Converter Travel Alarm Reading Material Address Book Travel Journal & Writing Utensils Snacks Water Travel Neck Pillow Eye Shade & Ear Plugs Tissue & Wet Towelettes Flashlight & Batteries Matches Sewing Repair Kit Zip-Lock Plastic Bags Travel Towel $1 bills (tips and fees) Business cards (with e-mail addresses) Travel Health Kit: Prescriptions Aspirin/Bufferin/Tylenol/Motrin/Advil/Pain Relievers Regular Vitamins Contact Lens Items Extra Glasses Anti-Diarrhea Medicine (Lomotil, Imodium) Laxative Cold Medicine Sleeping Pills (Melatonian) Antibiotics: Cipro, Noroxin, Ceftin, etc. (ask a Doctor) Lip Balm Pepto-Bismol, Tums Echinacea Q-Tips Tooth Brush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss Antiperspirant Moisturizer Razors Mole/Second Skin Contraceptives General First Aid Kit Nasal Moisturizer Spray Insect Repellent (with 25-50% Deet) Sun Protection (Waterproof & SPF 30) Antibiotic Cream (Neosporin, Bacitracin) Malaria Medication Motion Sickness Medicine Oil of Cloves Decongestant Personal Hygiene Items Nail Clippers, Scissors, Tweezers Band Aids Swiss Army Knife Hand Sanitizer Towelettes Comfort Items: A candle A picture of loved ones Herbal Teas Incense Items For The Men: Light Jacket/Windbreaker/Adorik Dark Sweater or Fleece Pullover Walking Shoes Casual Dress Shoes/Sandals/Sneakers Socks (dress & athletic) Underwear Casual Pants Dress Pants (Khaki's) Sport Jacket Bathing Suit Shorts Short-sleeved T-shirts, Polos Long-sleeved Dress shirt Belt Items For The Ladies: Light Jacket/Windbreaker/Adorik Dark Sweater or Fleece Pullover Walking Shoes Casual Dress Shoes/Sandals/Sneakers Socks (dress & athletic) Underwear/Bras Casual Pants (Khaki's) Sarongs or Casual Skirts Bathing Suit Shorts Short-sleeved T-shirts, Polos Long-sleeved Blouse Belt Team Items (Take a Community Bag, aka The Football): Team Notebook & Pens Laptop, Modem, Phone Jack, PC Cards, Plugs Still Camera, Lenses, Film & Batteries Video Camera, Film & Batteries Battery Charger & Electrical Adapters/Converters Gifts for Children (balloons, stickers, postcards, pencils, tooth brushes) Things You Probably Won't Need: 50% of the above... Business Cards Letterhead Jewelry Travelers Checks (use ATM's & Credit Cards) Guide Books Umbrella Scarf & Gloves International Drivers License Blow Dryer Iron, Two words: Wrinkle-free! Language Phrase Book or Converter Neck Pillows Leave the Camouflage Military-style Clothes at home! Things To Do Before you leave Home: Change your voicemail Stop paper deliveries File your taxes...remember they're due April 15th and you'll be...still not telling!? Stop the mail (US Postal Service Form 8076) Unplug computer after you back everything up! Put some lights on timer switches Pet care? Gardening care? Prepay your necessary bills! Put an electronic "On GreatEscape2009 be back May 10th" sign by setting your e-mail program. And don't forget to take the trash out! Still have some unanswered questions? Contact us...	101 BEST TRAVEL WEBSITES™ Travel NEWStand TRAVEL RESOURCES: Travel Directory Travel Advice Potential Countries Our Must See Lists Go/NOGo List Travel Articles Our Top 10 Lists The World's Greatest Travelers™ Travel Humor Human Rights Nobel Prize Winners Responsible Traveling Our Favorite Travel Blogs Travel IQuiz™
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