Tips and Tricks for the Next Groups!

Here are some tips and tricks for the next two groups, groups 2 and 3, for their trip to Florida. Group 1 had ups and downs, and we did not know what to expect from anyone or anything. Here are some tips for the next few groups so you don't make the same mistakes we did!

When at the motel:

1. Eat breakfast. You're going to need something in your stomach for the longer car rides.

2. Be prepared to sweat, sweat, and sweat some more. Embrace the sweat. DO NOT bring nice clothing, they will become damp and soaked in sweat, and you might want to throw them out by the end of the trip.

3. Coffee at the motel is awful; there is a Dunkin Donuts in the vicinity of the motel, get coffee from them.

4. Bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and mini deodorants. They will help you out a lot. Hats will prevent scalp sunburn, bug spray will prevent mosquito bites, and mini deodorants will lessen smells in the van.

5. You may not have time to talk to people from home, let them know you are busy and have fun. Don't get caught up with worrying about what's going on at home. You paid good money to go on this trip, and you should enjoy it.

6. Fill your ice bucket in the hotel the night before unless you don't mind using sink water to fill your water bottles.

7. Make sure medical necessities are packed and always able to be with you (epi pen, asthma inhaler). Make sure everyone in your group knows your allergies!!

8. Be prepared to be outside ALL DAY.

9. Be at the van EXACTLY at the time Dr. Z says to be there, or you will be left behind.

When in the van:

1. It will be easier to get in and out of the van if assigned seats are kept. Car sick people in the front, and no tall people in the back.

2. Bring headphones if you do not want to sit in silence or listen to anyone else's music. Car rides can range from half an hour to two hours or more.

3. Be prepared for long car rides, so bring water and maybe even snacks if you forgot to eat breakfast.

4. If you have a baby bladder, don't be afraid to ask to stop. However, don't ask too frequently. If there are no clean bathrooms to be found, then you may need to find a spot in the bushes.

5. Clean up after yourself in the van. It will only cause more of a mess and more of a smell than you want there to be.

When in the field:

1. Commit to memory what poisonwood is and looks like. DO NOT TOUCH ANY PART OF THIS TREE. You could break out into a serious rash, poisonwood is worse than poison ivy and poison oak.

2. Be aware of going from hot to cold to hot to cold temperatures. It will happen.

3. Drink water, even if you don't normally drink it. You will become dehydrated if you refuse to drink water.

4. Always remember that Florida sun is a lot stronger than Jersey sun, so use sunscreen liberally. Put sunscreen everywhere, not just where you think you will burn. If you have a mentality of "I don't ever burn", you WILL burn in Florida. Just put the sunscreen on.

5. Keep medical necessities on you at all times. (epi pen, asthma inhaler). You never know what you will run into.

In General:

1. If you don't know if you get seasick (learn more about seasickness here), take Dramamine the night before and an hour before you leave for the boat.

2. If you do get seasick, continuously drink water. Drink water before, and after you puke. It is a lot better to throw up water than it is to throw up anything else.

3. Watch out for your groupmates, make sure they don't dehydrate or get really bad sunburn because they're sick the entire time on the boat. Help them out by applying sunscreen for them, tying their hair back, and making sure they drink enough water.

4. Remember that this is a class before it is a vacation. Do your work, and don't put reflections or drawings off until the last minute. It's easier to just get them out of the way.

5. Have fun and make friends!! You will sweat, laugh, and maybe even cry with this group for a week!