What to bring to UK?
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I’m leaving tomorrow for a 2 week trip to the UK. I’ve never been, and I’m used to sunny California. Any thoughts on what I should pack? I am a minor, and we’re staying in hostels. Any help would be much appriciated. Thanks
No tour guide. We’re going for our Girl Scout final trip thing, and our leader hasn’t told us anything. And we leave tomorrrow morning at 5
It will be cooler and wetter in the UK than in California.
A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in your daily life. You are allowed two carryons so your purse plus the backpack will be OK.
Hold your checked luggage to ONE regular-size rolling suitcase (not more than 50 pounds).
You don’t need 14 changes of clothes for a 14 day trip: Don’t worry about wearing the same outfit more than once (just be presentable).
If you don’t have easy access to laundry facilities, underclothes can be washed in the bathroom sink. You can also wash shirts & trousers in the bathroom sink – there will be a laundry somewhere if you don’t want to do that. Shampoo takes out grease stains and a little conditioner (or "conditioning shampoo") reduces wrinkles.
1 Jacket, preferably with a hood and at least semi water resistant
1 Sweater
6 Shirts (3 short-sleeve & 3 long-sleeve)
2 Jeans,
2 Not jeans/skirts
1 Short pants
8 Changes of underclothing
2 Pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 or 2 Swimsuits (+ beach clothing & sandals if going to the seaside)
1 Set of gym clothing & shoes (optional)
1 Tavel-size umbrella
Try to choose classics, and items that you can mix and match. Have at least one set of "nicer" clothing.
Take a supply of USA toiletries and over-the-counter medications with you. The same items will be available in the UK, but the brands will be unfamiliar and they will cost more. Ditto with prescription meds.
Wear one set of clothing on the flight. Pack the jacket, sweater, 1 ss shirt, 1 ls shirt, 1 trousers, a set of underclothing, and basic toiletries in your carry-on. (check the rules at www.tsa.gov).
Mark or tag all checked bags with something that makes them more distinct. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might accidentally pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a good phone number + e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the check-in counter are OK.
Send an e-mail message to yourself with your passport number & date of issue. Ditto with the numbers of the credit cards you will take with you. That way the info is easily accessible in case something is lost or stolen.
Hope you have a good trip!
teen tours under $5000?
Posted by admin
so im gonna be 16 next summer and want to go on a teen tour to like california or the midwest. i DONT want to stay in hostels and would like it to be at least 2-3 weeks. ANYTHING will help! for next summer. and no community service projects.
Your budget may be a bit low to exclude hostels, college dorms, etc. Typically, you’ll find the the teen tour programs are similarly priced for similar tours.
Teen Tour Agencies (there are lots out there), take a look at their programs.
http://westcoastconnection.com
http://www.atwteentours.com/
http://www.reinteentours.com/
Teen tours through schools and community colleges (non-credit, Extended / Community Learning) are sometimes lower priced, but they usually either involve community service or some sort of academics, like history/government, but not always.
What are you interested in? There are camp programs that would likely be in your budget. Usually with the camp programs you have free time where you can hang out and explore, with adult supervision. Colleges are one place to find camp programs, but some programs will be for college credit, so they charge the typical unit cost, plus room & board, so the cost at private colleges will be more than your budget. (eg; USC summer film programs are $1300 a unit, filmmaking courses tend to be 8 units, screenwriting 3 or 4 units.)
Good luck!
TRAVELLING TO THE STATES FROM AUSTRALIA?
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A friend and i are planning our trip for the end of the year to America. We are doing it cheap and kind of in a ‘backpackers’ way, haha. We need lists of cheap hostels, cheap fun things to see and do in California, Florida and maybe New York. We’re not sure yet, but California is a definet.
Train, Plane or bus? Which is cheaper to get from California to Florida, we were thinking train because we can see alot more of the country along the way? Still not sure..
Also i think were just taking a huge backpack each, instead of luggage and suitcases. Is it a good idea to keep them in those lockers at train stations, the ones that you pay for? or just keep them with us at the hostel…
We plan to stay for how ever long our money lasts.. I guess we should have about 5,000 each by the end of the year. Is that enough? (not including flights). So about 10,000 between us, for maybe 2 or 3 months?? Were both 18 and female.. Thanks!
ANY INPUT WILL BE APPRECIATED!! thankssssssss 
P.S ; Is it illegal to sleep on the beach?
P.P.S ; Do Americans like Australians?
You should inquire at the US Embassy or a consular office about this to get better answers, but I’ve read that you’ll need to provide definite dates when you plan to arrive and leave in order to get a visa. You may also need to tell them where you plan to stay, which I would guess means confirmed hotel reservations. And if you plan to bring $10,000 or more into the US, you’ll need to pay taxes on it. Some high-limit credit cards may be a better option.
As far as getting from California to New York, flying would be faster and possibly less expensive. Amtrak, which is what passes as our national passenger train service, only serves 500 cities in the US. They can get you from LA to New York in four or five days, depending upon if you want to stay in Chicago for a while before you catch your eastbound train. (A good idea, by the way.) From New York, they can eventually get you to Florida. Go to www.amtrak.com for details on routes, schedules, and fares.
Another way to get around the US is by bus. Greyhound Lines is the dominant carrier for bus travelers in this country, and they coordinate their routes with other companies so you can make connections to almost anywhere in the 48 contiguous states. Go to www.greyhound.com for their information.
I hope you enjoy your trip.
Oh, how did I forget this fact? It’s the most obvious. When it’s winter in Australia, it’s summer in the US, and vice versa. Pack accordingly. And if you’re bringing any electronic gadgets, our standard current here is 110-volt, 60-Hertz. If this is different from the standard in Australia, plan accordingly.
Travelling to The States from Australia?
Posted by admin
A friend and i are planning our trip for the end of the year to America. We are doing it cheap and kind of in a ‘backpackers’ way, haha. We need lists of cheap hostels, cheap fun things to see and do in California, Florida and maybe New York. We’re not sure yet, but California is a definet.
Train, Plane or bus? Which is cheaper to get from California to Florida, we were thinking train because we can see alot more of the country along the way? Still not sure..
Also i think were just taking a huge backpack each, instead of luggage and suitcases. Is it a good idea to keep them in those lockers at train stations, the ones that you pay for? or just keep them with us at the hostel…
We plan to stay for how ever long our money lasts.. I guess we should have about 5,000 each by the end of the year. Is that enough? (not including flights). So about 10,000 between us, for maybe 2 or 3 months?? Were both 18 and female.. Thanks!
ANY INPUT WILL BE APPRECIATED!! thankssssssss
P.S ; Is it illegal to sleep on the beach?
california is a great place to visit!but be aware that it is a big state!if u want to get from Aus to US or any other country or even travel btw US itself,go to sites like Orbitz.com,Expedia,Cheaptickets.com-they offer u the best airline deals from various airlines..and you can choose like packages-where its hotel+airline tickets.If u want to travel to the whole of California-U can start from down from San Diego all the way up to San Francisco.Or u can start from San Francisco then all the way down to San Diego.U can take the train to other states or even within the state but be prepared for the long hours of journey.Domestic flights in US is generally cheap.But of course you can take the train if u want to experience it-www.amtrak.com/.Amtrack is the train website-it has stations all over US.Bus-www.busville.com/.Famous busses are like United Limo etc.If you want to go from Cali-Florida-i think its best to take a flight coz LA-Miami is abt a 4hrs+ flight.LA-NY,you definately should take a flight coz Cali is the West and NY is East.Its a 7hr flight fr LA-NY.However if u take the train and stop btw other states to see the whole US-then I guess it possible to get fr LA-NY by train.But if dont plan to stopover anywhere.u’ll be burned out by time u reach NY.Hope this helps.Good Luck!=)
Any suggestions for a summer vacation for two at $1500 or less?
Posted by admin
My husband and I would love to take a little vacation this summer, but we’re saving up to buy a house, so we don’t have too much extra money. Do you have any suggestions for a one week vacation costing $1500 or less? That amount would have to include airfare, hotels (or hostels), and all activities.
We live in California, and we would love to go somewhere far away — either international or on the East Coast. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! At this point, we’re thinking of either a cruise or a road trip to Vancouver (stopping to visit a few relatives in Seattle).
I appreciate the suggestions for a cruise line, Bunny. I’ve never been on a cruise before, so I have no idea where to start looking. I will check out the Carnival cruise website and see what I can find. Do you have any suggestions for destinations?
I agree that you could do a cruise for that amount. Not only does it include your "hotel" and activities, but your food as well. There is quite a lot to do on a cruise. Excursions are a little bit more, but they are also optional, You are free to explore the Islands you visit on your own.
I recommend Carnival or Disney cruises. I have been on eight Carnival cruises and one Royal Caribbean. We did not enjoy the Royal Caribbean. And I have heard good things about the Disney cruise. I have talked to fellow cast members who have gone and they said there is a lot of things for adults to do, as well as separate areas just for adults. And even a dining room just for adults (But you will need to make reservations as they book up fast).
Travel tips: San Fran to L.A?
Posted by admin
hey,
My friend and I are going to California for 3 weeks in September. We are flying into San Francisco and out of L.A. We don’t want to go straight from one to the other so were thinking of stopping off in places along the way. We are 21 so are looking for somewhere fairly lively and somewhere with hostels available.
Does anyone have any tips on where to go in between? Where is nice to stay for a few days? And also what is the best way to get around?
Thank you.
Sara
If you’re going to drive from one to the other take Highway 1, which goes along the coast and has amazing scenery. (I-5 is quicker but goes extremely boring, and should only be taken if you need to get from one to the other quickly.) Interesting places:
1) Ano Nuevo–elephant seals stop along here when they migrate, they’re very impressive. Note that this depends on the season and I think you may need to book in advance…
2) Santa Cruz–gorgeous beach town with a famous boardwalk and great views. Very relaxing. Wander up to the university for great views and other 20 somethings to hang out with.
3) Monterey and Carmel–2 hrs south of SF. Amazing scenery and one of the world’s best aquariums. Point Lobos immediately south of Carmel is especially recommended.
4) ‘Big Sur’–the region south of Monterey is gorgeous, with many state parks and great views.
5) Hearst Castle–the enormous mansion built by the newspaper magnate citizen Kane was based on. A must see.
6) San Luis Obispo–pleasant town that’s a good place to stop on the way from SF to LA. Check out the madonna inn.
7) Santa Barbara–the American Riveria.
YOu’ll need a car to do this (though I’d guess tour companies probably also can arrange something.)
LA Auditions & Hostel question.?
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I really would like to visit LA and would like to try some auditions. Can’t find any in NY. I was thinking of going to a Hostel in California. It’s cheap enough that I can actually afford staying there. about 35+ a day.
Think that could work? Stay at a hostel while trying for auditions and sight see?
Can you "LIVE" in a hostel? Seriously? Rent in LA scares me.
Oh, I know I’m not ready.
But I DO want to at least visit LA. And hey if I’m there, and I’m already subscribed to a few online casting sites, what the hell and why not give it a go? I mean, it would be suicide to move out there and start fresh, but if visiting……
I’m subscribe to several online casting sites and I didn’t get a call back from any submissions. It’s the ones the backstage dot com message board members recommend.
I dunno all I have is about 20 stupid extra work on my resume. I was going to do a mass mailing but what agent would want an extra? Unless I have a demo reel I don’t think getting an agent is possible.
You don’t know any other actors you can move out with? If you’re planning to stay for awhile, and believe me, if you want any chance, you’ve got to, why not come with someone else, or the intent on finding a roommate/room? Having a roommate isn’t the greatest idea, especially another actor, lol, but it’s better than a hostel and do the math, the cost would likely be less. In addition to LA, you might look at North Hollywood, Glendale, and Burbank, the typical places for young struggling actors to live.
If you’re planning to come out for just a couple of weeks, you likely won’t find many auditions. You gotta commit!
Call the various hostels and ask.
http://www.google.com/search?q=hostels%2C+los+angeles
http://www.hostels.com/us.ca.la.html
http://www.usahostels.com/hollywood/index.html?lang=10
http://www.orangedrivehostel.com/
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Do you have any training? If not, you really want to get some before auditioning. You don’t want to do a bad audition, it will be hard to get future auditions with those casting directors. You need to know what you’re doing because directors don’t have time to teach on the set. = ) If you have an acting instructor, they should be able to coach you to find an agent in NY, and then the NY agent can point you in the right direction for LA.
Are you signed up with Central Casting? http://www.centralcasting.org/
Hotels/Hostels for minors?
Posted by admin
ok, i know hotels dont allow minors to check in, but what if my parent calls before booking and tells them that she is fully responsible for anything that happens and faxes the contract and she signs it? im 16 and going to California [los angeles] in February, are there any hotels/hostels that will allow this? if not, are there any other options?
—IM GOING TO LOS ANGELES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY PURPOSES!
No, that will not work. Someone of the minimum check-in age MUST check in and MUST stay in the hotel with you (it doesn’t have to be in the same room, but they have to stay at the same hotel–I’ve done this many times before).
Your only other real option would be to stay with family or friends if you have any in L.A.; you could also camp out in the woods (NOT recommended).
Can someone give me some advice when it comes to travelling in california..?
Posted by admin
…I’m from europe, and really want to go to the US, the problem is that no one really is willing or interested in travelling with me..so I’m thinking about going alone.
I know many people say that it’s not a good idea. Last year I joined a guided tour (trek america)…but I really want to be more free when I go somewhere. The question is: Is it safe? maybe not safe but I hope you get what I mean…
I want to see San Diego, Los angeles, and grand canyon and the Hoover dam, I know there are tours from Las Vegas. How "good" is it to travel with greyhound or Amtrak?
How easy is it to find a good hotel/hostel? And what standard should I go for?
I’m really interesting in knowing "everything", thanks!!
(I know that the best way to travel is by car )
There are a few touring companies that will be able to assit you, Amtrak is slow, but a great way to see a lot of the country. Greyhound has some risk involved. Many of the terminals have seedy people hanging around for a handout and they are not located in the best neigborhoods. If you use them, do not walk to your hotel/motel–use a taxi or hotel service van. As long as you stay with the tour you will be safe in Los Angeles and San Diego–be aware that both of these cities have major gang problems, so you need to stay close to someone that knows the area so you don’t venture outside of safe areas. There are few hotels close to the dam and canyon and they are pricey , best to stay in Las Vegas and make day trips. Try and not get sucked into gambing at the hotel casino’s, you can loose a lot of money real fast.
You may consider visiting a web based travel service like priceline.com, or orbits.com, or expedia.com.
The canyon is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen in my life, it is worth the trip, even if you don’t get to see anything else.
How do my best friend and I prepare to go backpacking in California this summer?
Posted by admin
First of all, i’m so excited. this is one of the best ideas we’ve ever had. we’re both in college and want to see the world.. and for us.. San Francisco is the place to start. We love the nature, and the music, and I want summer to be here already.. it’s only November.
So who could help me? What should I know?
We’re going to be staying in a hostel, ive looked them up online and each time i become more excited.
Any tips? Places to see in San Francisco?!
Also, any pointers on how to relay this information to my parents?… i feel like they won’t be all for their "little girl" traveling across the country with only my best friend. Seems fine to me, and we’re going to do it. But how can i talk them into knowing its all going to be fine?!
After all, we are both 18. We decided that since we’re only young once, we should act upon our desires to live as though each day was our last. More people should realize this.
Help please with any of these questions would be greatly appreciated! : )
Thank you!!
San Francisco is a great city and a great place to kick off a tour of California – it could be the trip of a lifetime! I’m not sure where you are coming from or how you are planning to get to California. A cross country road trip could be fun. If you drive, it’s better to park outside the city and take BART in, there is little parking in the city itself. If you are flying into San Francisco, you will have no problem getting from the airport to any point in the city via BART and MUNI. I don’t know how you are planning to get around outside the city, but I strongly suggest AGAINST hitch-hiking. In this day and age, it is very dangerous. You’ll be too young to rent a car, but you can take Amtrak from the Bay Area to pretty much any other major city in CA.
My favorites in SF
* Ghiradelli Square
* Pier 39
* Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge
* Cable cars
* Haight and Ashbury
* City Hall
* Even if you’re not gay, as long as you have an open mind the Pride Parade (June 26)
My Tips on SF: Wear good walking shoes and dress in layers. Summer can be unpredictable weather wise; you could hit a heat wave or it could be cold and foggy.
I doubt your parents will be thrilled about this idea. But they will probably be more receptive if you can prove you’ve done your homework and you have a plan. You should have an idea of how you are going to get around, where you are going to stay, and how much it’s going to cost. You should also know a little about the areas you plan to see, so you don’t end up in the wrong neighborhood. Maybe also take a self-defense class to put them more at ease about that sort of thing.