TIPS AND TRICKS

Plan Ahead Tips:

1. Plan ahead to get any kind of prescription or personal items in plenty of time so you don't have a huge long list of things to do the week before you leave. Think about things that make life comfortable for you and pack those items in advance (as flying regulations permit). Chapstick? Tylenol? Hair conditioner? Nail file? Can't sleep without your special pillow?
   
2. Plan ahead because since mid-2006, ALL air travelers are REQUIRED to have passports. It takes about 6 weeks. Regular service is $97 but if you wait too long to order, you'll have to pay extra fees: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
3. Plan ahead to get the required shots so that your arm isn't all swollen up on the airplane because you just got your tetanus shot the day before.
4. Bring a small gift for the family which you present on arrival or shortly thereafter, for example, a picture book of San Francisco or California, some typical food treats (however, not chocolate, which melts easily), tea towels.

While you are in Mexico:

1. Wear flat, comfortable shoes - a must for uneven cobblestone streets!
2. Keep an eye out for little things your family likes or uses. On the last evening, during the final ceremony, the community gathers and NDNU participants give little gifts to our families. You might find a basket on a bus trip to the local marketplace and fill it with little inexpensive items for your family - a tea they like, or a special sweet treat they might not buy for themselves. You can also bring something special that represents the town you live in - cable car guest towels if you live in San Francisco, for example. This, too, could be added to the basket.
   
3. Figure out some way to have a few pesos always handy for bus fare. It's really awkward to dig for money while holding up the bus line.
4. When you get off and on buses, double-check to be sure someone in the group is not lost or has not fallen asleep!