AUSSIECON 4 TOUR

Things You Might Need to Know

(We will continue to add to this as warranted)

· What kinds of documentation do I need for the trip?

You need a passport and visa, both of which, if you are a US citizen, you can apply for online. Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for your passport and http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/visa-options.htm for your visa. Make copies of both and leave one set with someone at home. Take another set with you so that you don’t have to carry the originals on your person all the time.

· If I don’t want to carry a lot of cash, what should I be using on this trip, a credit or a debit card?

Use the one with the better conversion rate. We have found that our credit union’s debit card’s conversion rate tends to be lower (1% over the daily bankers’ buying rate). However, you should check with the issuer of each card.

· Do I need any adapters in order to use my electronics (hair dryer, computer, etc.)?

Yes. You need a polarized adapter plug for Australia and New Zealand. Both countries have 240 volts. They area available from Amazon and any number of other places.

· Where can I get answers to questions about climate, clothing, and other things?

For New Zealand, try http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/questions.html#clothes.

For Australia, you will need clothing for a variety of climates. It will be a lot warmer in Cairns, which has a tropical climate. In the desert of the Outback, it will be warm and dry during the day and cool at night, when you will need a warm jacket. In Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, and Sydney, you can expect to need a jacket both day and night. Check some of the Aussie sites for specifics – and don’t forget your bathing suit for the Barrier Reef.

· Will we be taking all our bags everywhere?

When we go to Kangaroo Island, we will be leaving from Adelaide and returning to the same hotel two days later. The plane we will be taking on our return (we’re ferrying to the island) does not have a lot of room for luggage. Therefore, you will need a small carry-bag for the things you take for our two-night stay on the island.

· How much checked and carry-on luggage may I take?

You are limited to one check-in bag weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kilos). In addition, you may take one carry-on bag (not counting a computer or purse and subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule; see below). The checked bag limit is due to the handling requirements we will have on our various flights and coaches.

· Is there anything else I should I know about packing for the trip?

o Make sure you pack your medications, jewelry, and anything else of value in your carry-on bag for safety.

o Pack your liquids, where possible, in your checked luggage so that you don’t have to deal with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger).

· Where will the pick-up be at the end of Aussiecon for those of us going on the Australia tour?

Pick-up will be at the Convention Centre at approximately 3:30pm. You are responsible for getting your luggage from your hotel to the Centre.

· Do you need any additional information from me?

Yes; we need:

o Your bed preference – two beds or a single queen or king

o The name of your hotel in Melbourne

o If you are taking the New Zealand portion, which flight you are on