1. Belize Meeting #2 January 7 How to pack for a trip in February and other updates

2. Don’t overpack! You don’t need 14-20 different outfits One carry-on and one check-in is ideal. The more you have, the longer things take for all of us. This is a vacation/educational trip. Some of the comforts of home will not be there…..and should not be there.

3. Packing clothing for Belize Average Weather in Belize for February: – Average Low temp: 71 degrees Fahrenheit – Average High temp: 83 degrees Fahrenheit – It rains an average of 9 days/month – pack an umbrella just in case – Weather is predictable and obviously much better than in Michigan during the same time

4. Clothing Shoes that you can comfortably walk in no matter what the weather. DON’T RELY ON JUST FLIP FLOPS or sandals. You don’t need to pack 14 different outfits. You can wear some things more than once. We will not have a “dress code” but we should look presentable. Limit the number of “American” clothes you bring. Bring at least one pair of pants and one long sleeve shirt.

5. Clothing continued If you are checking a bag with most of your clothes, pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on – just in case. Clothes with reliable pockets are recommended. Socks/underwear – bring plenty! Small items and they take up the least amount of space.

6. Other items Belize uses the same electrical outlets that the US does. No adapters are needed. The tentative hotels will all have internet access and/or Wi-Fi. Make a copy of your passport and have it with you. Do not pack either the passport or the copy in your check in bag.

7. Other items continued Toiletries – 3-1-1 rule from TSA http://www.tsa.gov/traveler- information/3-1-1-liquids-rulehttp://www.tsa.gov/traveler- information/3-1-1-liquids-rule – A little toothpaste and toothbrush should be with you with your carry-on. – If you are checking a bag, most of the rest of your toiletries can go there. These are easily replaceable if lost.

8. Other recommended items Personal Electronics – in your carry-on. Great for the plane ride and less likely to be damaged. SUNSCREEN and hats for shade. A water bottle is a necessity as well. Headphones are GREAT. We don’t all need to hear what each other is listening to. Cameras! Disposable are best, dual phone/camera is second best. Pictures are ENCOURAGED!!!! Your tour guide will likely give you opportune times to snap pictures. Reasonably sized books are encouraged.

9. Medication/First aid Epi-pen => If you have an allergy requiring one, please bring two. The adult in your group should have one as well. Medications => Parents may have students self dispense or elect for Mr. Yowchuang to hold these. I will have a first aid kit with us.

10. Currency Belize dollar is the currency. Rate is about 2:1 (2 Belize dollars = 1 US dollar). ATMs are available in cities. Tourist areas will accept credit cards. Small shops/local businesses may or may not. Foreign Currency Exchange Services => 251 Merril Street, Suite 238 in downtown Birmingham Many places in Belize may accept US currency. Bringing a mix is a good idea.

11. Final word about packing Pack with the intent of staying cool and dry All items are replaceable in the event that something happens. You are not. Safety first, passport second, your stuff is a distant third. Don’t overdo the books/electronics. You will be BUSY!! We are just over 30 days away!!

12. Other Tentative Information Tentative Hotel Information => 2/15 to 2/17 => Lamanai Hotel – Belize City 2/17 to 2/19 => Crystal Paradise – San Ignacio 2/19 to 2/21 => Corona Del Mar – Ambergris Caye Travel Blog Set Up! => Berkleybelizetrip2016.blogpost.com Travel counterparts => We are tentatively matched up with a school in New York – approximate size is 14.

13. Up Next…… Register your trip at https://step.state.gov/step/ This informs the US Embassy in the country you are traveling to that you will be in country. This is a good thing.https://step.state.gov/step/ Inform credit card/debit card companies of trip Please get the parental authorization forms notarized 30 days before the trip. This includes students who are with their parent per EF. Next meeting => February 4 => Please bring all forms and passport copy!