Blog Category: Travel

Travel can be hectic, even horrific, at times.  Flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage, etc., can frazzle even the most seasoned globetrotter.  There are steps you can take to lessen the impact of these possible catastrophes, however.  Below are some practical recommendations to make traveling to your international deposition less worrisome.

Allow an extra day for travel

You will need at least one day after your arrival to adjust to the time change.  Consider allotting an extra day to cover any flight delays or even cancellations which may disrupt your travel – the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported over 960,000 delayed flights and over 80,000 canceled flights for 2015.  Remember that if you are flying to the Asia region, it will be 8 to 14 hours ahead.  Be sure to calculate your departure date accordingly.

Carry-on Essentials

It is unreasonable to expect you can pack appropriately for international travel in just a carry-on, but you can make sure your carry-on has your essentials and valuables (copies of your passport and other travel-related documents, etc.).  This way, if your baggage is delayed or lost, you at least have your irreplaceable items, and you should be able to manage until your luggage catches up to you.

Customs issues:

These are avoidable.  Check all visa requirements and make sure you are prepared with any necessary visas, required vaccinations, proof of return or onward travel, etc.  Requirements can be found on the website of the State Department.  Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.  To bypass interminable lines in Customs, create a Global Online Enrollment System and apply for Global Entry.

Miscellaneous

Check things like weather, currency conversion rates, voltage, and safety precautions before your travel.  Activate your phone’s global capabilities.  Register with your Embassy in case you need their assistance while abroad.  Enroll in the Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) with the State Department to receive important safety and security announcements.  Notify your family of your travel plans and provide them a copy of your itinerary and travel-related documents.  Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans, as well, to avoid any declined charges during your travel.

Relax

Of course, things can go wrong even with the most meticulous planning.  But if you have prepared, the only thing left to do is let go, hope all goes smoothly (it likely will), and enjoy your flight.  Bring your favorite author for some quiet reading or enjoy a movie (or 2 or 3, depending on where you’re headed!), take a nap or chat with your fellow travelers.

Once you’ve arrived for your international depositions, acquaint yourself with your reporter and videographer.  They may have some travel tips for you, too!  Let them make the business aspect of your trip easy, as they provide you with realtime to allow you instant access to the witness’ testimony, and a high definition recording of the deposition, which can be used in trial in case the witness cannot be compelled to testify in the U.S.  With consummate professionals, your depositions will go smoothly so you can head back home on schedule!

For more information on international depositions, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

Planet Depos recently compiled an International Deposition Guide (available online).  In addition to providing detailed information and best practices related to international depositions, regional sections list country-specific information, as well as each country’s respective flag.  This eye-catching display of a wide variety of beautiful flags got me wondering about the symbolism in the flags.  As you travel for international depositions, it’s always a good thing to know a bit about your destination’s culture, and flags can clue you in to a country’s values and history.  Read on for a bit about flags from frequent deposition destinations.

Japan: the flag of Japan is widely recognized, of course, a clean white banner with a large red disk (the sun) in the center.  The official Japanese name is Nisshôki (sun-mark flag), though the more common name is Hinomaru (circle of the sun).  Japan is commonly referred to as “the land of the rising sun,” and Japanese mythology holds that the Emperor is a descendant of the sun goddess.  The flag is not without controversy, as some (even in parts of Japan) view it as a symbol of ultranationalism.  In 1999, the Law Regarding the National Flag and National Anthem was passed, making the Hinomaru a national symbol.

Sweden: the design of Sweden’s flag is thought to date back to the early 16^th century – a golden Scandinavian cross against a blue background.  The colors are taken from the Swedish national arms, and the design was adopted from the Danish flag (after Sweden was no longer under Denmark’s control).  The flag was officially adopted in 1906.

Hong Kong: the flag of Hong Kong features a white, five-petal orchid flower, each petal containing a five-pointed red star, set on a red background.  The color red signifies a few things, among them zest, and the link between Hong Kong and China.  The flower symbolizes harmony, and the red star in each petal represents communism and socialism.  The flag was formally adopted as the Hong Kong national flag in 1997.

United Kingdom: Union Jack is probably one of the most recognizable images the world over.  The flag actually combines the crosses of three countries – England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland (though since 1921, only Northern Ireland has been part of the United Kingdom), united under one Sovereign.  These three crosses are the cross of St. George, patron saint of England – a red cross on a white ground, the cross saltire of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland – a diagonal white cross on a blue ground, and the cross saltire of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland – a diagonal red cross on a white ground.  The Union Jack was officially adopted as the national flag in 1801.

When planning depositions in any of these countries, or anywhere abroad, you can gain valuable insight into local culture by working with local reporters, videographers, and interpreters (if applicable).  These resources not only reduce or eliminate travel expenses for your court reporting team, but can assist with logistical details ranging from printing exhibits, monitoring the connection for your mobile videoconference, to booking conference rooms on your behalf and streaming realtime text and audio to your colleagues participating remotely.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions worldwide for over 10 years, and has reporters, videographers and interpreters living throughout the world.  For information on scheduling your depositions abroad, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

As mentioned in previous blogs, international depositions provide prime opportunities to expand your cultural horizons and tap into your inner Magellan.  If you aren’t attending your depositions overseas via videoconference, your travel will expose you to local traditions and fascinating histories, as well as offer up the finest in culinary treats!  Ask your reporter or videographer where to find the best dishes.  Ask your interpreter how to place an order in the local dialect!

Laksa, a spicy noodle soup, is another favorite in Singapore

The city-state of Singapore is a rising star in the world of international arbitration and is also considered by foodies to be one of the world’s hot spots.  Street food is a particular treasure, reflecting the small nation’s diversity.  The Malaysian word rojak (mixture) describes the population, as well as a celebrated Singapore dish: salad with large fruit, potato, cucumber and mushroom chunks, mixed with roasted peanuts and typically topped with sweet potato gravy heavy on the chili.  Laksa, a spicy noodle soup, is another favorite in this island city-state.  If you find yourself in Singapore for a deposition or arbitration, channel Anthony Bourdain and grab a bowl!

A blog on gastronomic delights wouldn’t be complete without including France (at least, not a blog written by a Frenchie), home to the world’s gastronomic capital, Lyon (my Grand’pere and Grand’maman’s hometown!).  Not only is Lyon home to one of the U.S. Consulates where you can depose your willing witness in France, but it is the hub of seemingly limitless delectable dishes.  The sausage is unbelievably tasty (though your arteries will not appreciate the experience).  Regardless of where your depositions in France are scheduled, your court reporting team can direct you to the best places in town to eat.

Lyon – The food capital of France.

When not savoring the local cuisine, of course, there’s work to do.  You didn’t travel to Asia or Europe just to pack on a few pounds!  A realtime reporter can help you maintain efficiency with roughs delivered shortly after the conclusion of the day’s depo, in addition to having provided immediate access to the day’s testimony, either on a loaner laptop or your own.  The experienced interpreter keeps the deposition moving along without unnecessary delays caused by ignorance of the subject matter or lack of professionalism.  The skilled videographer speedily and expertly resolves any technical issues which can sometimes arise, again keeping the deposition proceeding in a smooth, timely fashion.  Keep in mind, the videographer’s high definition recording can be used in trial if needed, as foreign witnesses often cannot be compelled to testify in person at a U.S. trial.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions and legal proceedings abroad for over 10 years.  For more information, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

International travel for your depositions can be exhausting — and not nearly as glamorous as it may seem.  However, traveling around the globe to take depositions or other legal proceedings is certainly not without its perks.  For example, it exposes you to a plethora of cultures, and if you’re lucky, you may get to witness some very unique aspects of those cultures.  Nothing displays local traditions in Asia like a holiday.

On September 27, 2015, Mid-Autumn Day was celebrated throughout Asia, with a myriad of traditions packed with symbolism and history.   The holiday (of Chinese origin) is also known as Moon Festival, legends involving the moon woven into the celebrations.  One of the most popular of these legends is the story of Chang’e, who drank a magic elixir which instantly made her immortal and flew her to the moon.  One tradition during Mid-Autumn Day is to make offerings of food to her and ask her for good fortune.

In Hong Kong, a special pastry called a mooncake is part of the celebration.  The pastries, so it is believed, were used by Yuan Dynasty revolutionaries to pass messages to each other in secrecy.  The Fire Dragon Dance, born in the 18^th century to stop a plague, has been a tradition resurrected each year since then as part of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.  Lantern carnivals are hosted by countless Hong Kong neighborhoods to celebrate the festival (these span the days surrounding Mid-Autumn Day), with a bright array of lanterns, dances, and other colorful demonstrations.

Your local court reporter or videographer can tell you where and when  various celebrations occur if your proceedings in Asia fall near a holiday.  Even if your trip overseas doesn’t coincide with a holiday, the reporter, videographer, or interpreter can recommend places to really experience the local culture (not to mention the best food!).  After a long videoconference with opposing counsel in the States,  try that tucked-away restaurant known only to locals..  Teaming with the right court reporting firm provides not only quality coverage, but with local reporters, videographers, and interpreters, you also avoid travel costs and add a heavy dose of culture to your trip.

Planet Depos has been covering legal proceedings throughout Asia for more than a decade.  Reporters and videographers living in the region cover proceedings throughout Asia, often on short notice.  In addition to professional expertise, these reporters and videographers will gladly share their experience living in Asia to help you get the most out of your trip when you leave the conference room.  For information on legal proceedings throughout Asia, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888-433-3767 or international@planetdepos.com.

In a previous blog, we provided a checklist for international travel.  Once you have all items checked off and your trip’s details are fully planned, however, there are still aspects of international travel to consider.  One of the more daunting pieces of international travel is a long plane ride and the wear and tear the flight can take on you.  Here are a few tips to take the edge off.

Bring Reading Material: With the wonders of technology you don’t even need to lug a pile of books around, so you can bring as many books, magazines, etc., as you like!  Whether you want to peruse a gardening magazine or enjoy a classic like War and Peace (you’ll have enough time if you’re flying to Japan!), reading will relax you and make the time fly, as you do.  You can even watch an amusing “Dick and Jane” video to learn about new court reporting services.

Educate Yourself on Your Destination: It never hurts to know a bit about the culture of the country you’ll be visiting.  There are sites online which provide helpful tidbits about social norms, from dining to business etiquette.  Your court reporting firm can also provide more detailed insights with accompanying anecdotes.  With reporters and videographers living and traveling abroad, they can provide invaluable logistical advice as well, such as the best way to get to your hotel from the airport, where to get real local cuisine, etc.  Have an idea of a spot you’d like to visit while overseas for your depositions?  Ask your firm for tips on the best times/routes to visit.  Your reporter or videographer will be able to offer you the benefit of their experience abroad, to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

Sleep: Sleep is certainly a wise option for a long flight.  You want to be well-rested when you arrive at your destination.  It’s best to arrive at least one full day ahead of your depositions to adjust to the time change.  You can check in with your court reporting firm when you arrive to get an update on any logistics they’re handling for you (e.g., print jobs, conference rooms, food and beverage, etc.) or notify them of any last-minute changes.

Planet Depos has been covering international depositions for over a decade, with reporters and videographers living throughout Europe and Asia.  The Planet Depos team has the experience, technological expertise, and professionalism to cover depositions anywhere in the world with the same ease you experience in the U.S.  For information on scheduling an international deposition, contact International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or via email at international@planetdepos.com.