Expectations
As a Global Citizen Journey (GCJ) delegate, you are embarking on a commitment to citizen diplomacy and service.
A GCJ trip is very much a shared experience: you will be part of a group and most of your time in the host country will be with the group. You will participate in workshops and dialogue, to develop skill and capacity as a citizen diplomat, including cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, leadership development, compassionate listening, and environmental awareness.
During the journey, delegates will be expected to exhibit standards of behavior that are sensitive to the needs of the group: our personal choices impact the whole. We ask you to refrain from behaviors that may detract from the unity of the group, bring an element of risk or violate the trust or integrity of the group. This includes any behaviors that are unsafe, unhealthy or illegal either in the U.S. or in the host country, and calls for discretion around behaviors that might be deemed offensive to others. Global Citizen Journey reserves the right to dismiss from the group any delegate who violates these agreements.
In order to prepare you for this experience and enhance its value, you will be expected to attend a number of meetings with your fellow delegates before and after the trip. Indeed, the journey begins as soon as you are accepted. Attendance and full participation will help you get the most from the journey as well as prevent problems and unnecessary stress. The meetings will cover the following:
• History and culture of the host country
• How to navigate life in the host country, including cultural differences and challenges
• Team building with fellow delegates
• Skill building including compassionate listening, conflict resolution and leadership development
• Cultivating a philosophy of citizen diplomacy
• Logistics for the trip, including health and safety
• Sharing in preparation and tasks
• Insight into integrating the experience into your own life
There will be preparatory meetings prior to departure – conference call participation is an option, if you are unable to be physically present. In September there will be two evening meetings. Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to departure, there will three sessions, one of which will be an all-day training session.
Upon return, the delegation will continue to meet to provide mutual support, integration and processing of lessons learned, as well as planning for the implementation of individual communication plans to share experiences with the public. Specific dates and times will be communicated well in advance.
Travel/Airfare
TBD
Check In
International airlines require that you check-in for your international flight no later than two hours prior to departure; three hours may be a safer bet. This is often needed because of time-consuming security checks and the risk that the airline may have overbooked the flight.
Baggage
Should your luggage get lost en route, it may take several days to recover. Most items are fairly easily replaced in India and can be bought. Valuable items such as cameras or binoculars, and essentials such as prescription medications and of course your travel documents and money should always be hand carried on all flights. Checked luggage should be locked and properly labeled. Remember to remove all sharp objects from carry-on and stow in your main luggage.
On international flights, you are allowed to check two bags and have one carry-on bag. Each of your checked bags can weigh up to 70 Ibs. The carry-on must fit under the seat. IMPORTANT NOTE: Domestic flights (such as the leg from Delhi to Srinigar) only allow one checked bag, maximum of 25 kg (
For most trans-oceanic flights, you may only be allowed to check your baggage to your first major layover city where you must claim your baggage, and re-check it onto your continuing flight.
Missing Your Flight
If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, please contact Susan by messenger or WhatsApp – or by text. If your flight was cancelled, or you missed your flight, you need the airline to put you on the next flight to your destination – either on one of their flights or on another carrier. Explain that you are joining a pre-paid trip and you must arrive in time or you will have trouble meeting up with your group. Once you know what time you will arrive please call or email. If you are not met at the airport upon arrival go to the group hotel and contact your trip leader. If the group has already departed, ask for a message from the trip leader or call the emergency contact number listed on your final bulletin for further information.
Arrival
Upon arrival proceed through customs and immigration and then baggage claim and currency exchange.
Jet Lag
If your flight crosses more than three time zones, then you might experience “jet-lag”. Symptoms of jet-lag include:
Fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating and generally feeling off form.
The symptoms arise because your body clock is slow to adjust to the new time zone. Jet-lag tends to be more of a problem if you are older, if you are flying east or if you are flying long distances.
If your stay in the new time zone will be brief (1 or 2 days) then you are unlikely to be able to adjust to the new time zone.
Combating Jet Lag:
This can be achieved with a few simple remedies. During the flight the air you breathe on the plane is very dry; you can reduce the risk of dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids (although the free booze may be tempting it’s best to stick to water or fruit juices to stay hydrated!) Avoid cramps by taking brief strolls but if this isn’t possible then stay in your seat and perform neck and breathing exercises, toe wriggling and tensing and relaxing the muscles of your arms and legs. Then adjust your watch to your destination time and, in accordance with this, plan when to stay awake and when to sleep, and when to take a snack or main meal.
In your new time zone adjust your habits as fully as possible to the new local time. Physical activities (walking, sightseeing) that take you outdoors are particularly important as light and activity help your body clock readjust. After a flight to the west times corresponding to 9pm – 3am on old time are best. Naps however can mislead the body as to when it is night and so try and push through the tiredness.
Research has demonstrated that exposure to bright light at appropriate times can reduce the symptoms of jet-lag. The times of exposure to light and dark are important and the light source must be sunlight or from special light bulbs. As a rough guide, the symptoms of jet-lag will last up to TZ/2 days after a flight to the west, and TZ/1.5 days after one to the east, where TZ is the number of time zones crossed.
Safe Sun Exposure
One of the reasons people may choose to head to India is to find some sun. That is all well and good but overexposure to the sun can be very damaging. Overexposure to the suns UV rays can cause sunburn, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased chance of skin cancer. Take care not to burn in the sun and remember the following:
Avoid sun exposure between 12 and 2pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest and where possible stay in the shade (the sun is also stronger the closer you are to the equator). Remember though to be careful in and around water as UV rays are reflected by water.
Wear loose-fitting, closely woven cotton fabrics that you cannot see through, a broad-rimmed hat to protect head, face and the back of neck and use a broad spectrum (blocks UVA and UVB rays), high protection factor sunscreen (SPF 15) applied frequently especially after being in water. Also wear sunglasses that filter out UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.
Another risk of overexposure to the sun is becoming dehydrated. Avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest hours is an obvious start and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to replace lost fluid.
Departure
TBD
Early arrival/Late Departures
TBD
Passport/Visa
TBD
Payment
TBD
Travelers Insurance
As a friend and US delegate on behalf of Global Citizen’s Journey we will do everything we can to make sure your time with us is safe, healthy and successful. However, should the unexpected occur, we want you to be fully protected. We therefore strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive international travel insurance.
** We require the Medivac portion (emergency assistance and evacuation).
Some delegates have had good luck with Urban, recommended by Lonely Planet. Other insurance plans are available. It is wise to secure this insurance as soon as you purchase your ticket.
Emergency Contact Information
As a traveler, it is extremely important to have an emergency contact person in the U.S. This could be a parent, other relative, or friend. That person’s contact information: name, address, and telephone number(s) (preferably 2) should be kept with you at all times and given to the project director. Your contact person should also have a copy of your passport, including the page that has the visa stamp on it in case your passport is lost or stolen. She/he should also have a copy of your birth certificate, flight and program itineraries. This would be helpful in case you lose your passport and information needs to be sent to the U.S. Embassy to speed up the process.
Emergency information concerning U.S. citizens traveling abroad may be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 and (202) 647-4000 after working hours, on Saturdays and holidays.
For further information regarding emergency contact and procedures for U.S. citizens in your country of travel, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.usembassy.gov/
Shots/Health
Recommended Vaccines:
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS |
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito-borne |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Polio | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
Source: https://www.passporthealthusa.com/destination-advice/india/
For more health information for your journey to India, please read go to the official website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india
Weather
40 F to 60 F with occasional rain/drizzle
Clothing/Packing
These are suggestions based on past experiences by GCJ delegates. Some things will not be needed unless you are continuing your travels after the delegation trip.
Hygiene:
Dental floss
Deodorant
Hair Brush
Nail Scissors
Shampoo
Soap
Toothbrush/paste
Towel
Face cloth
Water bottles
Sanitary supplies
Papers, Documents, Money:
Cash
Contact book
Credit card
Passport
Tourist info.
Small album of photos
Insurance info
Journal
Highly recommended to bring
Entertainment:
Playing cards
Reading material
Journal
Writing utensils
Thank you cards
Food:
Energy bars
Vitamins
Clothes:
Bathing suit
Hat
Pants – long/short
Running shoes, sandles
Shirts / t-shirts
Blouses
Socks
Sweater or long sleeve
Underwear
PJ’s
Work clothes
One dressy outfit
Earplugs for sleeping
Medical:
First aid kit
Lip balm
Mosquito repellant
Sunscreen
Malarial medicine
Antibacterial hand sanitizer
Mild pain reliever
Immodium or Pepto Bismol
Motion Sickness meds
Melatonin 3mg
Optics:
Batteries
Binoculars
Camera
Battery charger
Flashlight
Sunglasses
Universal plug
Electrical transformer
Arrange Before Leaving:
Garbage collection
Furnace program
Lights on timer
Neighbors notified
Turn water off?
Turn gas off?
Watering plants
Check w/ your ins. provider
Immunizations finished?
House / Pet sitter
Arrange for mail
Bedding:
Sleeping sheet
Mosquito netting
Miscellaneous:
Bunjee cords
Garbage bags
string
safety pins
sewing kit
laundry pag
gifts
Electricity
To be checked
Computers/Internet
To be checked
Money
Prior to travel, please verify the US Dollar to local currency exchange rate. This can be done online prior to departure using the website: www.xe.com
Cash and travelers’ checks are readily accepted and can be exchanged for local currency at the airport, hotel or any banks when you arrive. All participants should carry a money belt for carrying valuables such as cash, air tickets, passports and credit cards.
Phones and Calling Cards
To be checked
Tips
To be checked
Homestays/gifts
To be checked
Donations
To be checked
Cameras
To be checked
Schedules/Self-care/support
TBD
Journal
TBD
Meals and extras
TBD
Fundraising/Financial Assistance
TBD
Compassionate Listening Preparation
To be checked
Airport Protocol
To be checked
Security
To be checked
Accommodations/Contact Information
TBD
