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Travel
Tips |
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Airport
Procedures |
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Packing |
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 Cool
Links |
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Before You Go |
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Passports / Visas |
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Currency |
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Safety |
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Customs / Duty |
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Shopping |
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Electricity |
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Tipping |
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Hotel
Check-In |
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Travel
Insurance |
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Jet
Lag |
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Before
You Go |
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The minute you decide to travel
outside your home country be sure that each person traveling has a
valid passport. (U.S. citizens are reminded that Canada and Mexico
are also considered international and require a passport.) Your passport
should be valid for at least six months after the last day of your
trip. Not all countries require this extended validity but some do,
and it is not worth the worry. |
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Passports
and Visas |
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In the United States, you can obtain a new or renewal passport
form through most post offices or at regional Passport Centers.
Precisely follow the instructions on the form. You must have current,
regulation photographs and proof of citizenship-usually an official
government copy of your birth certificate or an expired passport.
In addition to a valid passport, some countries require an additional document known as a visa or
tourist card. Visa requirements are different for every country and for different citizenships.
Since they change often, always check for the latest information
through the consulate or embassy for each country you will travel through or to, or seek help from a professional visa
service company. Additionally, the Internet is a good source of
current information. There are many different types of visas such
as those for business, pleasure or transit travel. Some countries
may require a multi-entry visa if you are transiting or stopping
in the country more than once. Ask questions and explain exactly
how you are traveling. |
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Currency |
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We suggest getting a small amount
of currency for the first country you are visiting before you leave
the U.S. or at the airport bank at your arrival point. Once you are abroad, exchange your money or travelers check
at banks (the rate is usually more favorable than at hotels or exchange
bureaus). It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you
convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea
not to carry too much cash. Many countries have ATM machines that
accept most U.S. ATM card. Just be sure you know your ATM password
in numbers - the keypads on foreign ATMs do not always have letters.
Credit cards are also readily accepted in most major cities or tourist
areas. On January 1, 2002, the euro became the official currency in most European countries. The former national currencies are no
longer legal tender. For more information and pictures of the euro
notes and coins, click on this link: http://www.x-rates.com/photo_list.html |
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Electricity |
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The following countries use 220
voltage: France, Italy, Spain, Central Europe, Greece and the Greek
Islands, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, China, Thailand, India, Morocco,
Vietnam, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. The
following countries use 240 voltage: Australia, New Zealand, Myanmar,
Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Ireland and Africa. Mexico and Brazil use
110. The United States uses 120 volts. A converter is necessary for
the voltage difference and plug conversions are necessary in many
countries as well. Travel kits that include both are readily available
at many types of stores. |
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Jet
Lag |
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The tired, hazy feeling caused by changing time zones is known as jet lag. It is exacerbated by spending an
extended period of time inside an airplane, where the air is very
dry and the pressure can cause lethargy and even swelling of the
arms, legs, hands and feet. Here are some things that can help reduce
the effects of jet lag.
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Avoid alcohol and caffeine
before and during the flight. |
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Get adequate rest before
your flight. |
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Reset your watch to the time
zone of your destination when you board the plane to begin getting
used to the new schedule. |
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If you are traveling on an
overnight flight, resist the urge to watch movies. Creating
a quiet, dark environment in which you might sleep, will help
alleviate the effects of jet lag. |
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Walk around the plane occasionally
and do isometric exercises at your seat. |
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Drink plenty of water and
juices. |
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When you arrive,
make every attempt to jump right into the local schedule including your eating and sleeping habits. Push
yourself to stay up until your regular sleep hour. If you must sleep during the day, keep your nap to no more than an hour. If you wake up during the first night at your destination, resist the urge to get up and watch TV or read for hours. This will
generally relieve the uncomfortable feeling in one day. |
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Packing |
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Packing light will make your trip
much more pleasant in many ways. Depending on your type of transportation
and accommodations, you could be forced at some time to manage your
own luggage through some situation. Most frequent travelers take simple clothes that can easily be mixed and matched
and only require a couple of pairs of shoes. A vacation is for enjoyment!
Don't make it a burden. (Tip for weather-changing times: carry a pair
of gloves, a warm scarf and a hat. With these easy-to-pack extras, even a lightweight sweater will
be warm enough on a chilly day; and they take up very little space
in your suitcase.) Always include a copy of your itinerary and your
identification inside each piece of luggage where it is clearly visible.
This will prevent lost luggage if your handle gets broken off or your exterior tags
get pulled off. Gently squeeze any plastic containers you are packing
to release some inner air pressure and seal them in a zip-lock plastic
bag to prevent leakage. Carry your own washcloth, many countries do
not provide them to hotel guests. Put your medication, eyeglasses,
an extra pair of underwear, sleeping apparel, emergency toiletries
and valuables in your hand-carry luggage. This will be worth the weight
of carrying it in the unlikely event your luggage is lost. |
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Hotel Check-in Times |
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Most hotels have a late afternoon
check-in time to allow for maid service after the last checkout time
(usually about 12Noon). The hotel will gladly store your luggage while
you wait, but in order to not waste the day you arrive, be prepared
with comfortable shoes, your camera and film, and necessities in your
hand luggage that will allow you to enjoy even the first day. We make
every attempt to get our clients into the hotels at the earliest possible
time. |
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Tipping Suggestions |
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Tour package: Local sightseeing
guide: $3 per person, per half-day tour; driver: $1-2 per person, per half-day; tour escort (tour manager who may or may not act as a guide):
$5 per person, per day; private car tours: $12-$16 per person for
each full day of sightseeing. Hotels: Porter: $1 per bag; chambermaid: $1 per person, per day.
Remember that in Europe, most restaurants include gratuities for the wait staff. Double check if you are not sure and if the service was good, leave a small token appreciation tip. Cruises: When tips are pooled: $10-$12 per person, per day. When tips
are given to individuals: Waiter/bus staff: $4 per person, per day;
stateroom steward: $3 per person, per day; maitre d' and headwaiter:
$1 per person, per day. |
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Shopping |
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Shopping in a foreign country can
be a wonderful experience. With the appropriate documentation, some
countries will refund the Value Added Tax (VAT) on large purchases. Always get a formal
receipt. Be sensible when searching for a real bargain, however, and exercise
care and common sense when making any purchase. Remember - just like in this country, if a deal seems
too good to be true, it probably is! |
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Customs and Duty on Purchases |
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U.S. residents must declare the total value of all articles acquired
abroad which are in their or their family's possession at the time
of arrival. A Customs officer at your first point of entry will determine the amount of duty, if you exceed the exemption.
U.S. residents are normally entitled to bring back $800 per person, though
this varies and could be higher or lower, depending on the countries you
visited. Both residents and non-residents will normally be required
to pay a flat 10% rate of duty on the first $1,000 above their exemptions.
More information is available from the U.S. Customs web site: http://www.customs.gov/travel. When you are preparing for your trip home, try to pack all your
new purchases in one bag and keep all your receipts in one place.
This system will make an examination or request to see an article easy and quick so you are not tied up in Customs where you may miss your connection.. |
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Safety |
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We don't want safety concerns to
overwhelm you, but it is important that you use common sense while
on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations
as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Carry
your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't
put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the
same place. (In case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables
and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables loose
in your room or slipped into your suitcase. Use the hotel safe. Keep
copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers check
numbers in the hotel safe. Pickpockets can be found wherever there
are tourists. Women should keep their handbags in front of them at
all times. Watch for crowds of jostling people--they are the perfect
setup for sticky fingers. |
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Travel Insurance |
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Travel Insurance can cover a plethora of concerns. Obviously you
can include injury or death benefits and can add medical expense
coverage. Always check with your own medical insurance provider
as to whether your personal policy covers you when outside your
home country. If you are covered under Medicare, be advised: it
does NOT cover you outside the United States. Emergency Assistance
is part of the Medical Coverage and pays the expense of an emergency
medical evacuation from remote locations, which can be extremely
costly. Baggage Insurance covers loss or damage to your belongings
during the entire trip, no matter where or how it occurs. Trip Cancellation
protects payments you have made, which may be lost if you are forced
to cancel your trip within the penalty period for a covered reason.
It also covers loss of funds if a supplier becomes financially insolvent
and unable to perform its duties. Obviously, there are certain exclusions
and a possible exemption for pre-existing conditions. We advise
you to read the policy carefully and call the insurance company
with any questions. Even with these issues, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND
THE PURCHASE OF COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE.
Click on this link to access TravelSafe Insurance where you can get quotes as well as purchase coverage that will take effect immediately, giving you complete peace of mind. |
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Airport
Procedures |
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Arrive early - very early - to
avoid problems and delays, as well as to eliminate much of the stress
of lengthy procedures. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours
prior to your scheduled flight time. Other helpful hints: |
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Be dressed in comfortable,
easy-to-inspect clothing and shoes. |
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Keep your personal belongings
with you at all times. |
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Never pack your documentation
and tickets—always have them readily available in your
hand-carry bag. |
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Always check your routing
tags placed on checked luggage by airline personnel, to make
sure they are actually going to the final destination of your
day's travel. |
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After check-in is complete,
step away from the counter and double check your airline tickets
to make sure you have the appropriate number of coupons and/or
boarding passes for each flight segment you are taking (a connecting
flight requires two coupons, one to the connecting point
and one to the final destination). |
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Put your documents in a safe
place and if traveling with a companion, make sure both know
where they are. (This can avoid a frightening bout of panic
when thinking you have lost them.) |
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If you are heading
home, sell back any foreign currency before going through immigrations
and security. |
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Get into the formalities
line early to make sure you have plenty of time to wait through
delays and still arrive at your gate without rushing. |
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Always double check with your international carrier about what is currently being allowed in carry-ons and checked bags. Don't overpack! Most airlines have fees for larger or heavier bags and it is also the most frequently lost or left behind for the obvious reasons. |
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