The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel - 2011 Edition
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2011 Edition The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Table of Contents
World, Here You Come....................................................03 You Could Be in for a Shock.................................................... 25
Trip Planning at a Glance......................................................... 04 Checkpoint: 3–8 Months......................................................... 26
18–24 Months Prior to Trip.............................................05 6–12 Weeks Prior to Trip..................................................27
Your Journey as a Globetrotter............................................. 05 Get Down to Details................................................................... 27
Trip-Planning Timeline............................................................. 06 Know About the Dough............................................................ 28
Checkpoint: 18–24 Months..................................................... 08 Checkpoint: 6–12 Weeks......................................................... 30
12–16 Months Prior to Trip..............................................09 4–6 Weeks Prior to Trip...................................................31
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Earnings and Savings for Your Trip....................................... 09 Pack Like a Pro............................................................................. 31
Your Adult Network.................................................................... 12 What’s Up with You?.................................................................. 32
The You Factor............................................................................ 14 Checkpoint: 4–6 Weeks........................................................... 33
Checkpoint: 12–16 Months...................................................... 15 On Your Trip.........................................................................34
8–12 Months Prior to Trip................................................16 Be a Savvy Traveler.................................................................... 34
Build Your Itinerary..................................................................... 16 Stay Safe........................................................................................ 35
Go Girl Scout Green!................................................................. 17 Journal Your Heart Out............................................................ 36
Fit to Travel?................................................................................. 19 Global Advocate......................................................................... 37
Checkpoint: 8–12 Months........................................................ 21 Home, Sweet Home.........................................................38
3–8 Months Prior to Trip........................................................... 22 Reverse Culture Shock............................................................. 39
Culture Quest.............................................................................. 22 Make a Difference in the World............................................. 41
Crossing Cultures....................................................................... 24 Where You’re Going, Where You’ve Been.......................... 43
Page 2
World, Here You Come
There’s a world outside your window,
just waiting for you.
Now is your chance to explore new places and cultures, sample food and
languages, and be the person you aspire to be. Make your way around the
globe one trip at a time with Girl Scout travel. Just by reading Exploration:
The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel, you’ll already be on the road to
changing your life forever.
Consider Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel your step-by-step
manual to exploring the world. Whether you choose a Girl Scout destination
(trip exclusively designed for Girl Scouts) or travel with your Girl Scout group,
the Girl’s Guide is like having your own personal travel agent. It provides the
structure, timeline, tips, and to-do’s to start your adventure. Since travel and
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Plan and make decisions about your trip—location,
destinations information is updated on the Girl Scout Web site regularly, be purpose, cost, and itinerary.
sure to bookmark www.girlscouts.org/travel for important announcements
and current details.
Discover your inner strength, your values, and new skills
One of the best parts of going on an international trip with Girl Scouts is that as you look at the world from different points of view.
you’ll share the excitement and passion of your travels with others by creating
a Take Action project inspired by your experiences.
Connect with others by working together towards a goal.
You’ll develop healthy relationships, feel a connection to
the community you’ll be visiting, and share your trip with
family, friends, and neighbors in your own community.
Have an amazingly crazy good time, and a meaningful
one, too. You’ll feel empowered to Take Action on
something you care about, whether it’s in the place
you’re visiting or in your own backyard. You’ll want your
Take Action plan to truly make a difference by effectively
sustaining itself long after you’ve moved on.
Page 3
Progress
Trip Planning at a Glance
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Choose Your Location 3-8
3-8
18-24 Months
Months
Develop the Purpose of Your Trip
Months
Brainstorm Trip Details
6-8
Weeks
Create a Budget
12-16 Plan Money-Earning Projects 4-6
Months Weeks
Build An Adult Network
Check Your R (Readiness) Quotient
On Your
Trip
Build Your Itinerary
8-12 Focus on Team Building
Back at
Months Determine Your Fitness Level Home
Get Travel Documents in Order
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Define Your Own Culture
3-8
Explore the Culture You’ll Be Visiting
Months
Your progress
Know How to Deal with Culture Shock
is shown here!
Finalize Itinerary Details
6-12
Check Paperwork
Weeks
Confirm Plans
Track yourself throughout
this guide by using this key.
4-6 Pack Smart
Weeks Take Inventory on You
Be Safe and Savvy
On your Journal Your Heart Out
trip
Be a Global Advocate
Reflect on Your Trip
Back at
Get Back into the Groove
home
Spread the Word
Page 4
Take Action
Progress
18–24 Months Prior to Trip
18-24
18-24
Months
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Your Journey as a Globetrotter 3-8
Months
Start planning your dreams right now! Want to backpack in Switzerland? Be part of a 6-8
conservation project in the Galapagos? Learn about dolphins in Honduras? The very first item
ker s Weeks
on your to-do list is to think about where you want to go. Get excited about the details of the trip.
al M a
De
Traveling with your Girl Scout group? Start with a kickoff meeting so everyone gets a chance to 4-6
& Breaker
Weeks
voice her ideas.
The Travelers Itinerary
s On Your
Trip
Back at
Who’s going? Does everyone have the Once you have your location, pull together To participate in a Girl Scout international trip Home
you must:
time and commitment needed forplanning ideas for an itinerary—a detailed outline
• Be a registered Girl Scout (Cadette or older)
and money-earning? Planning and prep of your proposed journey. Keep your • Travel as/with a group
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
time can be anywhere from one to two trip’s purpose in mind as you determine • Have at least two accompanying adults on your trip
years or longer. where you want to go and when. See “8–12 • Have prepared for an international trip by taking
Months Prior to Trip” for tips on building shorter trips with your group
(Girl Scout Progression)
Give Your Trip a Purpose your itinerary. • Get approval from your Girl Scout council
What do you want to get out of your trip? • Submit all the required forms to your council
This can be as broad as learning about All in the Timing
another culture or as specific as exploring When is the best time to travel? Consider
a particular language, the arts, environ- cost, weather, and school, family, and/or
ment, an historical event, or a social issue. holiday obligations. How long can you be
Your purpose will guide where you go and away? Consider the time it will take to earn
what you do. and save the money you’ll need. Let your
Trip Tip:
family know of your big plans. You’ll also
need to designate an adult as your trip
Location Scout adviser, someone to guide and coach you
Research countries you’re interested in is the perfect
through the big stuff. Need help selecting t Travel Log t
visiting. If you’re traveling with a group, The Girl Scou The Girl Scou
an adviser? Find more information on this p an io n to Exploration: se ss
encourage everyone to gather information, com se it to as
under “Your Adult Network” on page 12. bal Travel. U t plan-
then hash it out democracy-style. Every- Guide to Glo er, re co rd importan
trav el .
yourself as a experiences
one gets a chance to make a case for her te s, an d re flect on your p ts to
ning no ing prom
location. Then make a decision as a team. filled with writ .
The journal is in d se t for your trip
t yo u in th e perfect m w .g irl sc o ut s.
ge : ww
e travel log at
Download th wn journal.
Page 5
te yo ur o
crea
org /travel or
Progress
Trip-Planning Timeline
18-24
18-24
Months
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
A visual timeline that shows the steps leading to your Use the timeline below to chart your adventure—or create your own. Be sure to
3-8
departure date is a handy tool. It can help you plan, add important dates to your timeline: the benchmarks and smaller tasks you’ll Months
need to complete to accomplish your goals. Copy it, decorate it, enlarge it—do
accomplish goals, and gauge the time leading up whatever you need to keep yourself on task. Post it on a wall or locker or set it as
to your exciting departure. your opening page when you turn on your computer. Place it somewhere you’ll
6-8
Weeks
see everyday.
4-6
Weeks
18-24 12-16 8-12 3-8 On Your
Months Months
Trip
Months Months
Back at
Home
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Page 6
Progress
Trip-Planning Timeline (continued)
18-24
18-24
Months
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
3-8
6-12 4-6 On your Back
Months
Weeks Weeks Trip Home 6-8
Weeks
4-6
Weeks
On Your
Trip
Back at
Home
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Trip Tip:
ill be on a
er yo ne who travels w
N o t ev Adjust your
nning cycle.
two-year pla n’t skip step
s.
in e ac co rd ingly, but do
timel
Page 7
c k l ist e next phase
Che on to th u:
Progress
18-24
18-24
ove yo
ou m r trip, did
Months
Months
r e y u
Befo ning yo
18-24 Months of pl
an
ip lo
catio
n? 12-16
u r t r Months
e yo
rmin ose?
D e te
r i p purp you
ur t uals
8-12
y yo i v i d Months
tif or in
d
Iden roup
h e g ?
ose t ? ities
Cho ing with activ
3-8
Talk to people you know who have are g
o
idea
s for
t r i p
mily
?
Months
m yo ur fa
already been on at least one other Brai
nst o r
el se
ed w
it h
and
iser ?
6-8
ra v a d v Weeks
destinations trip. Plan
t the
t
u r Girl y
t
Scou urcounc
o
il
o
h y ion fro m
k wit
4-6
—Yelean, 14 s
Chec n permis
Weeks
b ta i
o
Connect with your global sisters through the World Association of On Your
Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)/world centers (http://www. Trip
wagggsworld.org/en/world/centres). Interested in England, Switzer-
land, India, or Mexico? These countries are home to the four world Back at
Home
centers, where girls from around the globe can learn more about each
other, the Girl Guide/Girl Scout movements, and the countries they are
visiting. The centers offer special programs and the facilities provide
Note
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
s & Id
inexpensive lodging for Girl Scouts. Visit the world centers through our
destinations program as well.
The world centers:
• Our Chalet (Switzerland)
eas
• Pax Lodge (United Kingdom)
• Our Cabaña (Mexico)
• Sangam (India)
For additional Girl Scout travel advice and information, visit the
Girl Scout travel site: www.girlscouts.org/travel.
ly for world center summer
Book group reservations ear ut
in advance. Visit the Girl Sco
programs—at least one year
Trip Tip: Web site, www.girlscouts.org/w
ho_ we_ are /glo bal /wa ggg s/
out www.wagggsworld.org
world_centers.asp, or check
for descriptions.
Page 8
Progress
12–16 Months Prior to Your Trip
18-24
Months
12-16
12-16
Months
Months
8-12
Months
Money Makes YOU Go Round the World 3-8
Before you go money-earning crazy, you’ll need to know how much money Months
your trip will cost. Fill in the boxes below to create a budget. Remember to
6-8
check exchange rates—the rate at which the U.S. dollar may be converted into Weeks
another currency—when creating your daily expenses.
4-6
Weeks
Travel Budget
On Your
Trip
$ for You
think about this... Back at
$ for Group
Home
Expenses $________ • Where are you going to stay?
$________
Passport $________
$________
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
• What will airfare cost?
Airfare $________
$________
Lodging $________ • Will you be attending events?
$________
Food $________
$________ • Are there registration costs?
Event fees $________
$________ • Will you sightsee?
Souvenirs, gifts $________
$________
Local transporta
tion $________ • How much will you spend on museums,
$________ performances, etc.?
Miscellaneous $________
$________
Emergency mon
ey $________ • How much will you need for food?
$________
Admission fees • Have you included personal expenses:
ter, etc.) $________
(museums, thea $________ souvenirs, film, post cards, gifts, etc.?
Total
Help Y • How much for local travel: trains, buses, taxis, airport
o
the Co urself and
shuttle, etc.?
rsion of this
age printable ve
m
the Sa munity at
pendix for a full-p uals. • What do you need for emergencies?
*Note: See the ap as well as a work sheet for individ
budget work sh
eet
me Tim
AM
e! • Have you considered the cost of tips for tour
assac guides, taxi drivers, etc.?
almost husetts Girl S
th cout sp
bottles ree years co ent
to rede lle
em. Th cting cans an
Page 9
not on
ly help e actio d
also co ed t n she t
vered t he environm ook
Austra he full ent, bu
lia. cost of t
her trip
to
Progress
Earning & Saving for your Trip
18-24
Months
12-16
12-16
Months
Months
8-12
Months
Now that you have an idea of
ol Ideas
3-8
how much the trip is going to Money-Earning
Months
cost, how much do you need Co for Earning Money
Guidelines 6-8
to earn?
Weeks
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
4-6
• Participate in the Girl Scout Cookie program • Get council approval for all
If you’re traveling with a group, decide how much money-earning projects.
Weeks
• Provide childcare at an event such as a
money each girl and her family can contribute. community meeting or celebration dinner • Always check with your council before
Then determine how much you can earn and • Pick up litter after sports events requesting funds from local organizations, On Your
Trip
contribute on your own. What’s left is the foundations, or businesses. Imagine if
• Organize a car wash they gave you $50 when your council could
amount you’ll need to raise through money- • Do face-painting at a neighborhood event have gotten $5,000 if you had coordinated Back at
earning projects. the request? Home
• Hold a can or bottle drive
• Present travel plans to potential
• Teach dance or cooking contributors—but leave the “ask” to adults
Establish a group goal. How much will your group
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
• Care for pets In other words, share your excitement
need to earn together? Everyone needs to agree about your goal, but let the adults ask
• Create your own product or service
on who does the work and who benefits. For for donations.
example, what if someone decides not to travel • Set up a group travel bank account
with the group after she helped earn money? Look around your community and note what overseen by a designated adult.
How will money be managed? The group must needs there are to be filled and how these • Review the money-earning
needs match up with interests the girls in your information on the GSUSA Website:
create a team agreement in advance. Be money group have. www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/
smart. Consult with your adult adviser about money_earning/
ways to keep money safe.
Here’s the cool thing about working on money-
earning projects: You’ll not only be working towards
your trip, but you’ll be building skills like budgeting,
goal setting, marketing, and working with custom-
ers. You’ll also learn good business practices you’ll
own forever!
Page 10Progress
Been There, Done That
18-24
Months
12-16
12-16
Months
Months
8-12
Months
Girl Scouts have traveled everywhere, so why not benefit from their experience?
3-8
Here are ways Girl Scouts have earned money for travel: Months
6-8
Weeks
4-6
Weeks
“I know of troop
s in small comm
big money-earni unities that have
ng dinners and br put on On Your
sell tickets ahea eakfasts. The ke “We sell roses
d of time, so you y is to for Mother’s D Trip
feed those who only buy enough wholesaler who ay. We partner
RSVP. Otherwise food to sells us roses fo with a flower
for extra food.” , you are out the sell them for $2 r $9 a dozen an
money 0 a dozen. Ther d we Back at
expense, and e is no out-of-p Home
we get money oc ket
time of the orde from the custom
r. Then, we pick er at the
flowers the da up and deliver
y before Mothe the
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
nice boxes an r’s Day. The girls pr
d each rose ha epare
so they are real s a water vial on
ly fresh.” its ba se,
‘Jolly Jars,’ jars with
“We made and sold
to make cookies or
layered ingredients
hot chocolate.”
where
n , w hich is
Ore g o ys off.
f c ourse, n s , so it pa e
cans . O op c a 0. So, w
c o ll e ct pop d e p o sit on p rth about $1 g .”
“We e cent o
ans is w ors all year lo
n
as a fiv f pop c
I am, h g fu ll o
nd n e ig h b
age ba iends a
A garb n s f rom fr “We run the town Father/Daughter Square
tc a
collec Dance and Spaghetti Supper.”
Page 11Progress
Your Adult Network
18-24
Months
12-16
12-16
Months
Months
8-12
Months
Your network of trusted adults includes
3-8
your parents or guardians, Girl Scout adviser, Months
volunteers and council staff, friends or relatives
who have traveled, and others. Perhaps your 6-8
Weeks
doctor, teacher, or guidance counselor can offer
information, hands-on help, or advice as well.
4-6
Weeks
Parental Buy-In On Your
If you want to go on a trip, you’ll have to partner Trip
with your adult adviser and let your parents or
guardians in on your big plans. Once you have Back at
Home
figured out the trip basics, organize a meeting
with families and Girl Scout adults to discuss
details, timelines, and finances. Put a professional
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
spin on it by presenting your trip like a business
plan. Use PowerPoint, for example, to make a
slick slideshow. Include your purpose, itinerary,
budget, money-earning projects, and more.
Consider holding family update meetings every
two to three months.
Besides the group meeting, you’ll need to talk
to your family individually. Review your council’s
guidelines and qualifications for trips together.
Talk to your parent or guardian about the trip—
where you want to go, why, the cost, etc. Once
you have their approval, use your timeline to
keep you moving full steam ahead, adding dates
for completing applications (for destinations),
earning money, etc. Give yourself plenty of time
to get references and review your application.
Page 12Progress
Wheel of Chaperones
18-24
Months
12-16
12-16
Months
Months
Girl Scout group’s
volunteer adviser 8-12
Months
Wheel of Chaperones school
adviser/
3-8
Months
Outside of giving you moral and financial support, you’ll need adults non-parent teacher
to accompany you on your trip. These individuals might be Girl Scout relative
volunteers, relatives, teachers, or someone completely different. wheel of 6-8
Weeks
Chaperones can have a big impact on your traveling experience, chaperones Girl Scout
so make sure you have a say. Check with adults to make sure 4-6
you have the right number of adults for your group. well-traveled Alumna Weeks
family friend
On Your
Check out the Wheel of Chaperones. Think about each person Trip
(and add two of your own). What are the pros and cons of add your add your
having each person chaperone? Who do you think would make idea here idea here Back at
the best chaperone? Consider age, travel experience, safety skills, Home
temperament, level of responsibility, and familiarity with Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Take it a step further by writing the name of at least one person
from each category who could be a potential chaperone.
Who do you know 5 Things to look for
in each category? in a Chaperone–
Potential chaperone
Girl Scout Volunteer Quality/Characteristic Maritza (a part-time volunteer with your group)
Sets a positive example She is a great role model.
Group’s Adviser
Has prior traveling experience with girls She’s been on local trips with our group before and she went
School Adviser/Teacher on a trip to Our Chalet with another group last year.
Girl Scout Alumna Is someone I could trust/turn to for help I went to her when I was having that problem with Morgan.
She gave me good advice and kept it just between us.
(Your Category)
Is knowledgeable (or willing to be) about Definitely! She’s already helped our group learn about the
(Your Category) Girl Scout travel world centers.
Well-traveled Family Friend Handles pressure and stress well When the bus never showed up for our whale-watching trip,
Non-parent Relative all the girls freaked out, but Maritza calmed everyone down
and figured out a way to get us to the boat in time.
Page 13
Sounds like Maritza would make an excellent travel chaperone!Progress
The You Factor
18-24
Months
12-16
12-16
Months
Months
8-12
Months
Take a break from trip planning and focus on you planning. How ready are you to travel the
3-8
globe? Readiness means more than just packing the right shoes or being a good planner. Months
It’s about having the maturity to handle situations that arise when you are traveling. After all,
being a globetrotter doesn’t just happen overnight! Take the “R U Ready?” quiz below to find 6-8
Weeks
out how much readiness you have and how much you have yet to attain.
What’s Your R (Readiness) Quotient?
4-6
Weeks
Read each statement. Rate yourself on a scale 1–5 in terms of how true each statement is to/
for you, with 1 being nothing like you and 5 being totally like you. Results On Your
Trip
Your Readiness Quotie
nt Back at
Home
Are you Ready? Super Quiz If you scored 16 or
less—
your R quotient is on
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Discuss
the low side.
with your family if tra
veling internationally
is right for you. You ma
y need to get a little
01 I have visited another country before. 1 2 3 4 5 travel experience un
der your belt. Check
more
out the
tips in the “Up Your R
Quotient” box. There
02 I am interested in other cultures. 1 2 3 4 5 of time before your
trip to up your level.
’s plenty
03 I’ve been away from home for more than one week. If you scored 17 or
1 2 3 4 5
27—
your R quotient is so
in the middle. mewhere
04 I’m open to trying new things, even foods. 1 2 3 4 5
Being in the middle me
ans there’s room to
05 I’ve traveled without my family. 1 2 3 4 5
improve! Which statem
low on? Focus on tur
ents did you rate yours
elf
ning those statemen
and you’ll be “ready” ts into 4’s
06 I adapt well in new situations. 1 2 3 4 5 to go in no time!
If you scored 28 or
07 If I got separated from my group, I would be able to stay calm. 1 2 3 4 5
your R quotient is himore—
You are
gh.
so ready to travel the
08 I have a positive attitude. 1 2 3 4 5
you make a great lea globe! Not only will
der for your group, bu
be a great role mode t you’ll
09 I follow the rules. 1 2 3 4 5
in your group who co
l as well. Reach out to
uld benefit from your
a girl
quotient. high R
10 I get along with different personalities. 1 2 3 4 5
11 I communicate my frustrations and fears openly. 1 2 3 4 5
Page 14Progress
t
cklis he next phase
18-24
Months
12-16 Months Chee you movetornipt,oditd you: 12-16
12-16
Months
Months
r r ?
Befo ning you dget
pl an a t e a bu
of re
nd c cts
8-12
c o sts a ng p
roje Months
i n e r n i
rm ea
Save lots of money, plan to do a lot Dete
i c h mo ?
ney-
3-8
h
de w o do
of stuff, and get help planning from Deci going t
u ’ re a pero
nes?
Months
yo ial c h
someone who’s familiar with where t i f y po
tent mily
ur fa group?
6-8
Ide n y o Weeks
you are going. pt o of a
t t h e tri as part
en nd
— Catherine, 17 Pres dually a 4-6
d i v i Weeks
in
Work hard to earn the money for On Your
Trip
your trip. It’ll be worth it! Back at
— Alexandra, 14 Home
We promised to pay for the trip
Note
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
ourselves. We worked hard to earn
s & Id
the money. With the help of our
community (through our bake
eas
sales), we were able to go!
— Ruth, 15
• Talk to Girl Scouts who have traveled. Ask about what worked
and what didn’t with their money-earning projects.
• With council approval, talk to local organizations and
media outlets about your travel plans. Planting seeds
here and there can bring an unexpected and happy
harvest of financial support.
• Remember, you have a great money-earning project
you’re already a natural at: the Girl Scout Cookie
program. Put a lot of effort into this year’s sale!
Page 15Progress
8-12 Months Prior to Trip
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Months
Build Your Itinerary 3-8
An itinerary is simply a plan for what you want to do on your trip. You can plan an itinerary Months
that is tightly packed so you won’t miss all the exciting sights or you can keep it loose for a
6-8
more leisurely approach. Determine with your group an itinerary that fits everyone. Weeks
Research activities you would like to do during each day of the trip. Do you need to buy tickets in advance or book additional 4-6
travel? Check out opening and closing times for the sights you plan to visit and make sure they fit into your schedule. Keep in mind Weeks
that it’s important to be flexible and open-minded. How much can you really squeeze into a day? Create space for a last-minute
addition you may learn about while on your trip. Also, be realistic about travel times, and have a backup plan—something unex- On Your
Trip
pected is bound to happen. Being spontaneous is part of the fun, but is less fun if you don’t have a plan B.
Back at
Use the daily itinerary below as a sample; a template is available in the appendix.
When creating your
Home
itinerary, consider:
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
• Departure and arrival times
• Designated group meeting spots
• Transportation modes
• How many miles you will walk each day.
6/2/08 • Do you have appropriate shoes and clothes?
EL ITINERARY • Breaks for meals, snacks, water, bathroom
AV
DAILY TR Notes • Lodging locations, contact information, and
eets in lobby check-in/check-out times
Group m
Schedule • Sites and event details
Time
t
Breakfas
• Rituals for night time, including bed-check
G
7:00 per girl
1.40 euro
MORNIN
• Potential airline and other delays—weather,
Cos t
edral ups accidents, strikes, holidays, etc.
8:00
Notre Dame Cath plit into small gro
ro to Girls s
9:00
Take Met
!!
re Dame
Tour Not e ll y in small gro
ups When you have your itinerary set,
ro tothe Louvr Eat individ
ua
check out page 7 in The Girl Scout
Take Met Travel Log and choose an itinerary
Lunch item to get obsessed with!
Page 16
Notes
Schedule
Time
ouvre
Tour the L
ON
1:00Progress
Go Girl Scout Green!
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Months
As you travel to unfamiliar lands and explore new cultures, remember you’re not just
3-8
Susie Q. from Anytown, USA. You’re a Girl Scout of the USA—and that’s pretty special. Months
As corny as it may sound, it’s true. As a Girl Scout, you represent the largest voluntary
organization for girls in the world. The name “Girl Scouts” and your uniform can open Trave
l Resp
6-8
Weeks
doors for you. Maintain the positive image of the organization and practice good man-
ners. You’re representing the entire organization when you travel as a Girl Scout. Follow onsib
the tips below to show your “Girl Scout green.” Girl S
cout
ly 4-6
Weeks
do—a s ar
nd th e respons
mean is a ible fo
s resp pplies to t r wha
t the
On Your
their e r a
cultu cting and b vel, too. Re y say and
Trip
Call or write ahead to make reservations. Wherever you go, inform whomever is in charge re, an e spon
take p d the n efittin sible
that a Girl Scout group is coming. Tell them how many are in the group and what you will ublic g loca
owne trans
p
envir
o n m l peop travel Back at
be doing. d rest o e
auran rtation, ea nt. When p le, Home
ts, an t
d try t in small-s ossible,
o me c
Decide with your group on rules for personal equipment (cell phones, iPods, etc.). et loc ale, locally
al peo
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Remember you will need international calling service if you want to dial home on your ple.
cell phone. Consider purchasing calling cards.
t not
broken, bu
n g le a rro w is easily p rove rb
Girl Scouts leave a place cleaner than they found it. A si anese
ndle. —Jap
ten in a bu
Whether buddies are chosen or assigned, make sure no one feels left out or unwelcome.
Practice living the Girl Scout Law by being a sister to everyone.
Be sensitive to others’ needs, habits, and customs.
Don’t forget to say “thank you” to your host, and to show your appreciation afterward.
Maybe you’re living up to your greenness, but what if someone else on your trip isn’t? It
could create one sticky situation and may even be embarrassing. Bring up the topic with
your group.
Page 17Progress
What would you do?
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Months
Talk about the tips listed on the previous page, and, as group, agree on how you want to travel
3-8
together. Commit to helping and holding each other responsible for rules of travel. Don’t just make Months
rules for the sake of making rules, however. Make it count. Talk about what will happen if someone
breaks the agreement. Talk about what you’ll do if someone… 6-8
Weeks
Wanders off on her own: Disrespects another person: 4-6
Weeks
On Your
Trip
Lacks a positive attitude: Is cranky or mean: Back at
Home
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Refuses to be open-minded, Disrespects the local customs of the
flexible, or try new things: country in which you are traveling:
u han dle it
l yo
Trip Tip How wil p?
: u
as a gro thly
Four Re nt smoo
s ponsib g o 10 0 perce e t yo u
le Trave g to to g
• Learn ler Tips ren’t goin gestion cout
as muc
h Things a me. Try this sug phrase , li k e “s
custom as you re ti tc h o
s ca
• Be aw , values, pract n about
the e nti with a c a rting g to
are of p ices, an r te d : C ome up if th in g s are sta
re fo c u s-
eople’s d sta
a re minder s a w ay of
and bo
dy behavio religion. shout,” a s
atchphra
s e a
• Ask be language. r, dress se the c
for , south. U
and offe e you take som roup.
• Respe
r to sen e o n e’s pho ing the g
d copie to
ct the e s
nvironm .
Page 18
ent.Progress
Fit to Travel?
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Months
Chances are you’ll be doing a lot of walking, carrying your own luggage, and having some long
3-8
days. Perhaps you’ll be taking a trip where you will hike, ski, or kayak. Ready for the challenge? Months
Start by rating your fitness level; a good measure of this is how easily you can do everyday things.
Can you run for the bus without your heart pounding like crazy? Can you carry a stack of books 6-8
Weeks
home from school with no problem?
4-6
Take the fitness test below to help determine your physical condition. Weeks
01
On Your
Run up two flights of stairs (at least 32 steps) without stopping. How do you feel? Trip
a. I can talk comfortably and could run up another two flights.
b. I’m too winded to talk. Back at
c. Where’s the ambulance? Home
02 Take a three-hour hike. How do you feel?
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
a. I could do another three hours.
b. The first hour and a half was a breeze. But, now I’m tired.
c. I’ll just lie here until someone rescues me.
Results
03 Carry a 30-pound bag for 20 minutes. How do you feel?
a. No problem. Where to now?
b. I did it, but I’m ready to put this thing down now.
c. I had to ditch the bag after five minutes. If your answers we
Your fitness level is a
re mostly A’s:
3.
04 How do you feel after completing this test?
a. What test? I feel great!
You’re in great cond
ition. Keep it going!
b. I’m a little bit sore and tired. If your answers we
You’re right in the mi
re m ostly B’s:
c. I’m ready for a vacation. ddle of the fitness me
your trip has intense ter. If
physical activities, yo
ing to need to bump u’re go-
your fitness level up
a notch.
If your answers we
Your fitness level is a
re m ostly C’s:
1.
You international trip
will be physically challe
for you. The good ne nging
ws: You have plenty
get yourself into bette of time to
A B C
r condition. Ask your
or an adviser for healt doctor
h and fitness recom
tions that will prepare menda-
you for your trip.
Page 19
Highest LowestProgress
How Strenuous Will Your Trip Be?
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Months
The physical activity level of your trip can range from mild to strenuous, depending on
3-8
where you’re going and what activities you will be enjoying. Go back to your itinerary and Months
rate each activity using the scale below. Assign one, two, or three bullets
depending on how much physical exercise your trip will require. 6-8
Weeks
• Light walking and hiking for an hour or two a day. Bags stay at our place of lodging
4-6
the whole time. Weeks
•• Moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, and other activities that require only an On Your
average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy. We have to pick up and go with our bags Trip
every couple of days.
Back at
Home
••• Hiking, trekking, or cycling of up to eight hours a day or other activities that require
a high level of fitness. And those bags go where we go.
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
How does the physical activity level required for your trip match your personal fitness
level? If there’s a gap, use your preparation time to get in shape. Marathon runners don’t
just one day decide to run 26 miles—they build up endurance and stamina over time.
You may not be running a marathon, but follow their example by gradually building up
your personal fitness so you’re ready when trip-day arrives. Take frequent hikes or brisk
walks so you will be prepared to endure long days on the road. Work out at the gym, play
sports, take a dance class, lift light weights, and take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Grab a buddy and find your own enjoyable way to get in shape.
Trip Tip:
ss
group at the fitne
Is everyone in your W ha t ca n
the trip?
level demanded by ve l wh os e fit -
ter tra
you do to help a sis at ’s ne ed ed?
th an wh
ness level is lower
the chaperones?
What if it’s one of ur
ical activity into yo
Incorporate phys a wa lki ng , hik ing,
gges t
group meetings. Su ur
component of yo
or biking club as a
ar ation.
group’s trip prep
Page 20e c k l ist next phase
Ch
Progress
to the :
ve on
mo ou
, did y
18-24
e you
Befor ing your trip
Months
nn
8-12 Months of pla
t? 12-16
sspor
r a pa
Months
ly fo erary?
App aily itin
e d d
tail
e a de
8-12
h
Creat ior wit
behav
Months
Months
e o f
od
Don’t cram too many activities into a short trip. Instead, Agree oup?
on a c
ation
3-8
r
spend lots of time on things you really want to see—un- your g c o m munic as having Months
and uch
s afety he group s ing the
less, of course, you only want an overview. Disc
re
u
e
s
m
s
or t
ents f ards and w
c
ear 6-8
ag calling
Weeks
s?
— Melissa, 17 phone olor t-shirt t card
?
sa m e c
c y c ontac 4-6
n
merge
your e
Weeks
Have an open mind... Not everything goes according to Pre p a r e
s leve
l?
fitnes
plan, but that’s what makes it more exciting! Ident
ify y o u r
iv it y level of
your On Your
Trip
al act
— Sarah, 16 t h e physic
Rate ivities? Back at
t ke
trip ac to ma
Home
need ss level?
There was a lot of communication in the months mine
Deter ents in yo
if yo u
ur fitn
e
before the trip—through online groups and message adjus
t m cal
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
our lo
v a l from y
boards. The girls and adults were able to discuss what ppro
Get a ut council
c o
?
Girl S
we wanted to do, what to expect, and who was
going to do what.
— Della, 13
• Check with your Girl Scout council to make sure you’ve
Note
completed the proper forms and have met the necessary
s & Id
eas
requirements for travel. Some councils require girls to
participate in specific training.
• Does your group have a designated first-aider? Check with
your group adviser or chaperone. This is a must!
• If you don’t have a passport, apply now. Also, look into visa,
vaccination, or other requirements for entering the country
you are visiting. Make all necessary preparations.
Page 21Progress
3-8 Months Prior to Trip
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Culture Quest 3-8
3-8
Months
Months
What makes one country different from another? What distinguishes one group
6-8
of people from another beyond geography, language, and food? Culture! Weeks
Culture is defined as a shared set of values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors 4-6
widely held by members of the same group or community. But wait, culture is Weeks
much more than meets the eye, literally. Certain features of cultures are visible
(foods and clothing) but some aspects are not so easy to see (values, On Your
Trip
importance of family, etc.).
Back at
Home
lture
Visible Fea
tures of Cu
Invisible
Ways to Learn
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Feature About the Culture of a Country
s of Cultu
ress re
• Styles of d ple
ay s o f gr eeting peo t • Beliefs
about h
•W and other ar ospitality
Pa in ti ng s, sculpture, • Import
ance of
• Explore Web sites and visit the library for
• time
• Values books, magazines, newspapers, movies,
• Literature d hand gest
ures
and travel DVDs.
ressions an • Childre
• Facial exp aring pra
ctices (c
stoms • Attitud
• Holiday cu es abou
t p
hildren a
nd teen • Contact your council to see if other girls
• Respon ersonal s)
• Music sibilities space/p or adults who have visited your destination
o f c rivacy
• Conce hildren a would be willing to talk to you.
• Dance pts of fa
irness
nd teen
s
ns • Nature
• Celebratio of friend
ship • Find cultural, civic, or exchange organizations
d s • Ideas a
• Fo o bout clo that offer information.
• Conce thing
• Greetings pt of self
rituals • Work e
• Religious thic • Contact chambers of commerce or travel
• Religio agencies willing to provide resources.
us belie
• Conce fs
pts of be
• Rules o auty • Don’t leave out your friends and family.
f polite b Your aunt may have never been to Costa Rica,
• Attitud e havior
es towa but maybe her friend has.
• Role of rd age
family
• Genera
l world v
iew
Page 22Progress
Your Own Culture
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Before you “cross” into another culture, think about the culture that defines you.
3-8
3-8
Look at the questions below then write your responses in your Girl Scout Travel Log. Months
Months
6-8
Weeks
What languages do you speak?
4-6
Weeks
What music do you listen to? What dances do you know?
On Your
Trip
What foods do you eat at home? Back at
Home
In your family, what is considered polite and what is considered rude? What manners have you
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
been taught? (Think about such things as table manners, behavior toward guests in your home,
what to say when answering the telephone, how to say thank you for a meal.)
What do you wear on special occasions? What do you wear every day?
How often do you see your extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins)?
What role do they play in your life?
What holidays and ceremonies are important in your family?
Describe something you value: it could be an aspect of behavior like respect or honesty. It could
be a person such as a mother, father, brother, sister, or friend. It could be a goal, such as going to
college or designing a Web site. What do you like to do?
Based on your answers, how would you describe your culture?
Page 23Progress
Crossing Cultures
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
The more you know about the culture you’ll be 3-8
3-8
visiting, the less likely you’ll make a cultural faux
Months
Months
pas. Could shaking someone’s hand, drinking milk, 6-8
or sitting down cause a cultural misunderstanding?
Weeks
It depends on where you are. 4-6
Weeks
Check out these stories of girls who traveled abroad. What would you do? On Your
Trip
Akina’s Kisses the first spoonful she realized the milk was
Back at
Although France is known for amour, warm. Her host family explained that cold Home
Akina didn’t expect kisses every time she met beverages are not good for your health. Warm
someone. When she traveled to Paris and put milk with cereal isn’t so bad after all, Kate
out her hand to shake, she was in for a surprise. realized.
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
On more than one occasion, the Parisians
she’d met pulled her in and kissed her on both Annie’s Flowers
cheeks. Her new friends’ expressions of greet- Annie was excited to present a bouquet
ing were a little unsettling at first, but with time of flowers to her new Senegalese friends.
Akina grew to appreciate their warmth. However, instead of looking happy, they
looked a bit insulted. Annie didn’t realize that
Susana’s Shoes it’s considered “unclean” to use your left
Susana welcomed her Indian host mom’s hand for such things as eating, paying the bill,
invitation to have a seat after a long day of shaking hands, and presenting gifts. From then
exploring the city. She sat down in a chair, threw on, Annie made sure to use her right hand.
up her legs, and kicked back. Her host mother’s
reacted in horror. Little did Susana know it What would you do if you were in these
was an insult to let the bottom of her feet (or situations? Avoid cultural pitfalls by doing
shoes) face someone because that is consid- your homework and finding out about cultural
ered the dirtiest part of the body. practices. It also helps to be aware of your sur-
roundings. How are people reacting to you?
Kate’s Cereal Take visual cues from the locals. If someone is
After a long journey and a restless night’s sleep, reacting to you strangely, stop and think about
Kate couldn’t wait for breakfast at her German what you’re doing!
host family’s house. “Perfect. They have cereal.
Page 24
Just like in the USA.”, Or so she thought. AfterProgress
You Could Be in for a SHOCK!
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Culture shock is more common than you realize. It doesn’t matter how short or long a trip is; everyone experiences some culture shock. That
3-8
3-8
doesn’t mean you are destined to spend the entire time in your room freaking out. Everyone handles culture shock in different ways and just as Months
Months
quickly as it comes, it may go. Your best defense is to understand what culture shock is and use the “Ward Off Culture Shock” tips listed here.
6-8
Weeks
EU
PHORIA ANXIETY RE
JECTION JUSTMEN
AD T 4-6
Weeks
On Your
Trip
Back at
Home
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
1. You start off with over-the-top 2. Then, a feeling of nervous- 3. Negativity is often the 4. Finally, things start to come
happiness or feeling totally ness or stress about being in an next phase. You may make together and you adjust to your
excited about a new culture. unfamiliar place may start to judgments: things not only surroundings. Maybe you don’t
Everything is new and you can’t set in. You may feel homesick. feel different, but wrong. But, love everything, but now you
wait to explore. It’s perfectly natural to be a little remember, it’s not up to us to can see the positive.
anxious by new surroundings or decide what is good or bad in
like “I just don’t fit it in here.” other cultures.
Ward Off Culture Shock
Be open minded and receptive. Communicate your feelings and Have positive, realistic expecta- Ask questions. If someone
concerns. Talking it out always tions about where you’re going responds to what you say or do
Find humor. When does laugh- helps and lets others know and what you’ll be doing. in an unexpected way, inquire
ing not make you feel better? what’s going on with you. about that response. It can lead
Express warmth, empathy, and to an opportunity for cultural
Be flexible. It’s not the end Accept that things may be respect for others. exchange.
of the world if things don’t go unclear. Don’t judge because
Page 25
exactly as planned. you don’t understand.Checklist
Progress
ning
hase of plan
to the next p
18-24
u m ove o n Months
Before yo you:
ional trip, did
3-8 Months your internat
12-16
Months
invisible
st ig ate th e visible and
In ve lture?
make up a cu
features that
8-12
Months
r
make up you
Try to immerse yourself in the culture n e ch arac teristics that
Defi 3-8
?
own culture
3-8
as fully as possible. be visiting
Months
Months
culture you’ll
— Brenna, 17 Explore the 6-8
ut?
inside and o Weeks
es of culture
Really get to know where you are with the stag
Get familiar 4-6
Weeks
shock?
going before you get there; it will form to
tent to Travel
mean more when you get there. Submit an In
Appendix)
On Your
Trip
GSUSA? (See
— Anna, 18
and lodging
Make airline
Back at
Home
reservations?
Since coming back from my trip,
I realized I shouldn’t judge people
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
before really getting to know them.
— Patrice, 13
Notes & Id
• Spend time with a person or group who are part of a culture
different than yours. Think of it as life practice for your trip.
Analyze your experience. What went well? What did you learn?
eas
What surprised you? What didn’t go so well? Think about how you
may have contributed to the positive or awkward moments.
How can you apply what you learned to you upcoming trip?
• Create a “language card” with common words and phrases to
carry on your trip.
Ciao Adio
Hola s
Page 26
BonjourProgress
6-12 Weeks Prior to Trip
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Get Down to Details 3-8
Months
With less than three months before you leave, you’ve entered the nitty-gritty finalize
6-8
6-12
details zone! If you’re traveling with a group, now’s the time to pull together a meeting; Weeks
Weeks
remember to include chaperones and other adults. Look at all the information you and
the other girls have gathered. What’s left to do? 4-6
Weeks
Revisit the Itinerary On Your
Trip
Pull out your daily itineraries and go over them with a magnifying glass (not literally!). Has anything
changed? Double-check places, dates, and times. Confirm your lodging. Even if nothing has Back at
Home
changed on your end, it doesn’t mean that the hotel you are staying at didn’t have a computer
failure and lost your reservation or that popular tourist attraction had a last-minute closing for
renovations.
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Safety Check
As a group, go over all travel safety guidelines again. Do you know:
• What to do if accidentally separated from the group?
• What to do if emergency help is needed?
• How to navigate a crowd?
• How to perform basic first-aid procedures?
• How to represent Girl Scouts?
Family Meeting
Just like you did all those months ago, hold a group family meeting. This time, go over the final
details. Whoo Hoo! Your family will definitely be impressed with your ability to plan a solid
international trip. Going over the details also will create clear communication with your family,
so they’ll know where you’ll be at all times and be as excited as you are about the great
experiences you’ll be having. They’ll also feel assured by your safety plans. The group family meeting
is also a good time to have your parents or guardians fill out forms that haven’t been completed yet.
Page 27Progress
Know About the Dough
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
3-8
ATM / Debit Card
Months
6-8
6-12
Weeks
Weeks
Pro: ATM machines abound internationally, giving you access to cash
4-6
virtually any time and generally at the best exchange rate. Weeks
Con: International ATMs can carry fees as high as $5 per withdrawal, so it
might be a good idea to use a bank that has a large international pres- On Your
Trip
ence.
TIPS Back at
Home
• Ask your bank about withdrawal fees at overseas ATMs. Also, let them know you
will be traveling abroad so they don’t think your card was stolen and block access
to your account when they start seeing charges from Paris!
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
• Make sure your ATM card is linked through one of the major networks (PLUS,
Cirrus, Mastercard, Visa, etc.).
Travelers Checks Credit Card
Pro: If they are lost or stolen, they can be replaced within 24 hours. They Pro: Credit cards are like insurance—hopefully you won’t need them, but
can be exchanged for local currency at a bank or used directly at many if you run out of or lose your money, they come in handy.
stores. Con: Not every card has the same replacement policy overseas. Plus,
Con: You won’t get the best exchange rate for them. And most banks add some credit card companies charge fees for international transactions.
a surcharge for issuing them. Also, you’ll need to find places during your
trip that accept travelers checks or can convert them to local currency. TIPS
• Most credit cards are widely accepted, but check your card’s policy on interna-
TIPS tional transactions and replacing a lost or stolen card.
• Travelers Checks come with serial numbers that you should record and keep in a
• Call your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling abroad.
safe place—without those numbers, there’s no refund!
Page 28Progress
Know About the Dough (continued)
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
So, you’ve researched where to go, saved money, 3-8
and ordered a passport. Before hopping on that Months
plane, get your monetary ducks in a row. 6-8
6-12
Weeks
Weeks
Review your budget and balance it against troop funds. Is it looking good? If you’re still
4-6
short on cash, have the group come up with a last-minute money-earning plan. By this Weeks
point, airline tickets, lodging, transportation, event fees, and whatever can be purchased
in advance should have been done. All troop funds should be collected. On Your
Trip
Deciding what kind of money to bring can be overwhelming, especially when there are so
Back at
many options. Weighing the pros and cons will help you decide what will work best for you. Home
What kin
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
d of mone
y is right for y
ou?
Cash
Pro: Cash is universally accepted.
Con: It will need to be converted to local currency. This can
be done at local banks or currency exchange bureaus. Once
money is lost or stolen, you cannot replace it. Carrying a lot of
cash around may not be safe.
TIPS
• When converting US dollars to foreign currency, shop around
for the best rate, as it will vary from place to place. In general, the
best rates will be from major banks and the worst will be through
exchange kiosks at airports or train stations.
• If you exchange some money before leaving the United States, do
so at a major bank to get the best rates.
Page 29e c k l ist next phase
Ch ve on
mo
to the :
ou
Progress
e you , did y
Befor ing your trip
18-24
Months
nn
of pla
6-12 Weeks d fina
li ze t h e bud
get?
12-16
ce an going
you’re
Months
Balan n e y
of mo
e w h at kind
Decid with you?
8-12
Months
g
to brin ry?
Make sure to plan ahead of time e th e t r ip itinera
3-8
Finaliz
and the experience will be amazing. a fety gu
idelin
es? Months
a ll s ies?
— Katelin, 17 Meet ve l polic 6-8
t ra 6-12
ouncil Weeks
Weeks
re to c s?
Adhe ticket
ation
I pushed myself everyday to go ase tr
ans p o r t 4-6
Purch ns?
Weeks
outside of my comfort zone and e acc
o m m odatio
Finaliz
I am really glad I did. I proved re q uired
forms
?
ts
On Your
Trip
it a ll paren
to myself that I’m capable Subm
orm a t io n with
rip inf
Back at
of anything. R e v ie w all t s?
n
Home
uardia
— MaryKate, 16 and g
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
Talk to other people that you know who
have already been on a destination trip.
— Yelean, 14
Notes & I
• Do you have special food needs. Visit www.cdc.gov/travel/content/
deas
Survival-Guide.aspx for diet and health information for travelers.
Trip Tip:
your
vel forms you (and
Find out which tra to fill ou t.
n) will need
parent or guardia
Page 30
cil.
Contact your counProgress
4-6 Weeks Prior to Trip
18-24
Months
12-16
Months
8-12
Months
Pack Like a Pro 3-8
Months
What you pack can make or break your trip. Too much stuff and you’ll be lugging around a
6-8
heavy suitcase. No comfy shoes? Blisters could be in your future. Follow the packing tips below Weeks
and people might just think you’re the pro!
4-6
Weeks
Weeks
• Know what you have to work with. Check • Leave a little room. Where are you going
airlines to find out about restrictions on to put all the funky things you bought?
On Your
luggage size, weight, and carry-on. If you’re And don’t forget SWAPs and souvenirs. Trip
traveling between countries, investigate Unless you’re prepared to ship things
specific regulations for those countries. home, leave some wiggle room in your bags. Back at
Home
• Go light and easy to wash. Choose an • Bring special supplies with you. Get extra
easy-care wardrobe that can be mixed film and sanitary supplies because they may
Girl Scouts of the USA Exploration: The Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel
and matched and adapted to unexpected be expensive abroad. Travel can sometimes
occasions and unpredictable weather. disrupt menstrual schedules.
Hand-washables and clothing that dries
fast are good travelers. Layering is impor- • Keep the important stuff close to you.
tant, especially when traveling at different Place airline tickets, passport, cash, travelers
altitudes. Minimize bulky items, like shoes, checks, medicine, contact lenses, glasses,
coats, and sweaters. etc. in your handbag or money belt. Pack your
carry-on luggage with one spare change of
• Pass on the bling. Keep expensive jewelry clothes just in case your checked luggage
at home. Avoid appliances and electronics gets temporarily lost.
like hairdryers and laptops that can weigh
down your bag and often require special • Pull your own weight. Take a walk around the
power converters. Instead, use that space block with all your luggage. If you come back
for an extra pair of contact lenses, huffing and puffing, unpack things that might
sunglasses, socks, etc. not be so vital. As a rule of thumb, you should
be able to run for a train with all your things.
• Go label crazy. Label your luggage,
clothing, and equipment inside and • Don’t miss page 11 of The Girl Scout Travel
out with your name and address. Log for a packing list that you can make
your own.
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