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TRAVEL TIPS
PASSPORTS
Passports are required for all trips traveling abroad. You are
responsible for obtaining your own passport so please dont delay!
Visit your post office or a local office of the federal government
for an application form. Note that some countries require that
passports be valid for six months after you return to the United
States. Please be sure that yours is up to date.
We recommend visiting the
U.S. Department of State's website. This is a very informative
site, with answers to many passport and visa questions. It also
allows you to print an application form to obtain a passport.
Carry your passport with you AT ALL TIMES to ensure against loss or
theft in hotels. For added protection, keep a photocopy of your
passport in your suitcase. Hotels are sometimes required to hold
your passport in order to comply with local regulations.
VISAS
Most countries require no visas for U.S. citizens however it is
strongly recommended that you check with the respective embassies or
consulates of their visa requirements for the countries you are
visiting into.
TOUR DIRECTOR
Tour escort who manages your entire trip, and is responsible to see
that your vacation runs smoothly. He or she travels with you,
helping with everything from coordinating hotel check-in and
language translation, to advice on the best restaurants and sights
to see.
HOTEL CHECK-IN
Hotels are aware that their guests traveling from other parts of the
World are tired and travel weary. That is why they make every effort
to have you settled in your room as soon as possible. However, in
other major cities where occupancy rates are high, checkout time is
at varies from 1:00 2:00 p.m. Therefore, your room may not be
ready when you arrive. If you wish, you can reserve your room for
the previous day, to ensure an earlier check-in particularly if you
have had a long journey.
HOTELS
All hotels are exclusively First Class, Superior First Class and
Deluxe standard. It's worth remembering that room sizes in Europe,
UK & Ireland tend to be smaller than in other areas of the world,
and can vary within the same hotel, particularly in older, character
hotels.
CURRENCY
You will require varying amounts of local currency in each country
you visit. We strongly recommend that you buy a small amount of each
currency required before arriving as this enables you to make
initial purchases until you manage to get to a bank.
Mediterranean and North America accept most major credit cards. The
bill you sign will be in local currency. This will be converted into
your local currency and invoiced in the usual way. You can also use
American Express, Diner's Club, Visa, and MasterCard to obtain cash
abroad.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
For travel protection, it is recommended to purchase one of those
inexpensive travel insurance. It is the easy and affordable way to
protect your vacation investment should you need to cancel your trip
and to protect yourself against unexpected occurrences and expenses
while traveling. It allows you peace of mind while you travel with
us.
PHONE CARDS
Almost all hotels will add a service charge to the cost of any phone
calls you make from your room. This charge can be high, especially
for international calls. It is always cheaper to use public
telephones (pay phones) or an international calling service.
VOLTAGE
Electrical currents vary in most countries. We suggest you carry a
converter for your electric shaver, traveling iron, hair dryer, and
other small appliances. Best bet is to buy a universal electrical
travel adapter before you go, to help prevent accidents and damage
to your appliances.
LUGGAGE
Handling is included for one suitcase per person.
SHARING & CARING
Travel with your own folding umbrella and you will never be half
wet! When you share an umbrella with a spouse or traveling
companion, it means that you keep only half dry.
DIVIDE & CONQUER
Instead of packing one suitcase for one person, couples should split
their belongings between the two cases. That way, if one bag goes
astray, neither person is left without a change of clothes and
necessities.
CLOTHING
Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and you will not only be
more comfortable, you'll be more relaxed.
GLASSES AND CONTACTS
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring an extra pair, as well
as your lens prescription. Be sure to bring enough contact lens
solution.
FOOTWEAR
When your shoes look lovely but your feet are killing you, you've
made a big mistake. Make sure you have on a pair of 'broken-in'
shoes for daytime walking.
FAUX BAUBLES
Junk jewelry or fabulous fakes travel beautifully. Leave items of
great monetary or sentimental value at home where you know they are
safe.
PUNCTUALITY
As a member of a large group, your punctuality is important. Coming
down five minutes late in the morning can force your group leader or
tour manager to go looking for you and this can throw off the day's
schedule for everybody. Bring a reliable watch and alarm clock.
Don't count on morning wake-up call service.
BLOW IT UP
Plastic hangers that inflate are a great boon to travelers. They
keep the back separate from the front of your shirt or blouse and it
will drip and dry faster than a conventional wooden/wire coat
hanger. The blow-up hanger leaves the item wrinkle and snag-free.
THE BUZZ WORD
Wake-up calls are always given to passengers when on tour. Should
the call not go through, or heavy sleepers not hear it, your own
backup alarm clock provides good insurance. Choose one that is
lightweight and simple to operate. Tour Directors adore passengers
who are on time!
PRESCRIPTIONS
If you require prescription medication, you must take an adequate
supply with you and know how to administer the dosage. Carry all
prescription drugs in their original containers that show the
prescription details; do not bring pill boxes. Carry instructions
for any emergency, written by your physician. Do not rely on
refrigeration abroad for medication. Please make sure that your
group leader has a list of your medications.
RETURNING THROUGH U.S. CUSTOMS
When you return to the U.S., you generally go through U.S. Customs
at the first airport at which you land, whether or not it is your
final U.S. destination. If you have a connecting flight, re-check
your luggage after you have passed through customs.
You are allowed to bring back $800 worth of articles purchased
outside the country. If you exceed this limit, you are liable for
duty payments, often about 10 percent of the value.
TIPPING
Tipping is a widespread practice in Europe and North America and is
a customary way of acknowledging service.
Here are some guidelines:
Taxi fare, on meter 10-15%
Restaurant, total bill 10-15%
Tour Director US$4.00 per person per day
Motorcoach Driver US$2.50 per person per day
Local Sightseeing Guide US$1.00
When Service Charge is included, for service above average, a
small extra tip is suggested.
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