There are many things that you might want to consider before
going to play overseas. When I first left to play in 1999
I got two big bags (maybe too much). But one big durable
luggage bag is sufficient for travel overseas. A duffle
bag and backpack for practice and travel if the team doesn't
provided it (small instances).
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Frequent Flyer programs are smart to start because teams
pay for your flight and travel in the country in your do
fly within the country where you play. With all flights
paid why not benefit and get a free flight and awards?!
I'm signed up with Lufthansa and it covers all Star Alliance
members which include United Airlines, Spanair and more.
Flights across the Atlantic can earn you up to 3,000 miles
and within Europe depending where you flight 500+. So get
your cards before you leave and have them ready at the airport.
I suggest that you pack kind of light because there are more
restrictions with luggage weight flying overseas. If you need
something urgent you can buy overseas so take your most favorite
gear. That brings me to basketball
shoes. If it’s not in your contract then
its best to buy your shoes in your home country. If you are
living in the USA then its much cheaper to buy in the states
because basketball
sneaker prices are almost doubled, unfortunately.
Take your favorite yummy candy, books and supplies because
more than likely you won't find it overseas. Especially
books in English, that is unless it’s a translation
book or dictionary :) If you're in need of a good book overseas
AmazonBookstore
is the best and cheapest place to buy books online. Shipping
is cheap and standard low rates even for shipping
books internationally!
Digital
Cameras and Camcorderswhen you are abroad is nice to have because you
can show your family and friends your team and environment.
You can get your photos developed online and send them directly
to your family. There are several companies that I use for
online developing: Shutterfly
(the best), Online Photo Album (Flip
Album), Snapfish
Online Developing. Two cheap places
to buy great digital cameras are Amazon
and TigerDirect.
TigerDirect sells computer equipment which
brings me to my next point, communication back home and
calls. With the internet being a popular way to communicate
with family and friends its a great idea to have a laptop
with you when you play overseas. Why? Although laptops
seem expensive they are much cheaper now then when I first
purchase mine! But calling
rates with cell phones can
become expensive. Calls from a cell phone could cost up
to $1.00 per minute to the USA. But calls within Europe
could cost up to $0.50 cents.
So if you have a laptop
and have an internet connection it could save you hundreds
on your phone bill. Some people have run up phone bills
from $500 a month. Yeah that’s too much to spend for
calls so its best to either get a calling
card so check the best rates from the particular
country or find a good laptop. I suggest Dell,
Apple G-Book, Compaq,
and Toshiba
laptops for traveling. Writing letters and
emails to stay in touch with family its cheap and economical.
If you're anticipating being homesick visit ourhomesick
guide for help and support!
