Traveling to China for the Olympics? Top 10 Things to Take with You

1. Antibiotics/Imodium/Tylenol/Neosporin/Eye drops/ Benadryl—for emergencies, stomach virus, diarrhea, pollution that dries your eyes, or other aches and pains—Use when Chinese herbs and medicines don’t work or you are not sure about the prescribed Chinese drug. Don’t forget to have an emergency contact number and a number with address to a credible Chinese hospital.

2. Cash/ATM/credit card---hotels and some restaurants take credit cards. Most restaurants, stores and any small restaurant and shops only take cash/ RMB (Chinese currency is called Renminbi (people's money).
3. Small compact camera that takes video and photos (with several 4GB SD cards)—for those unforgettable moments. Don’t forget a strap to hang camera around your neck as the unforgettable moment usually happens before you can get the camera out of the case.

4. Money/passport pouch –comfortable pouch to wear under your shirt. Keep with you at all times. Scan copies of your credit cards, passport and important documents. Make them easily accessible on your web mail.

5. Map, backpack and walking shoes—take a backpack to keep your hands free when shopping, comfortable shoes for touring the sites and an English map of the cities you will visit. Google the city you are visiting and download a map.

6. Personal care goods---small hair gel, good shampoo/ razors-use shampoo as shaving crème (tomorrow, look for the “top 10 things to leave at home”)

7. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes---if you end up at small restaurants or eating establishments that have no soap or hand towels to dry and clean your hands. Wet Wipes for dirty messes or if you get stuck where there are no western toilets or toilet paper; wipes come in handy during these tense moments.

8. Gifts for Chinese people that help you—beef jerky, dark chocolate, herbs from the US; Chinese LOVE these as gifts. China makes everything else.

9. Small bags of to-go snacks—when traveling you will rarely have the convenience of convenience stores and fast food to pick up a quick snack. If you are nervous about eating at the small Chinese restaurants—pick up some peanuts and energy bars.

10. Book, (White Ghost in China) and Mini-MP3 player with loads of music and family photos---you will be traveling by bus, train, plane, taxis waiting in traffic and standing in long lines. Purchase your book at: www.whiteghostinchina.com