Unique Tours, Special Places

Girl watching hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey

Essential Travel Tips for Overseas Tours

Practical travel advice from decades of guided tour experience
These essential travel tips are designed to help you prepare confidently for your overseas tour, minimise stress, and avoid common travel issues before and during your journey

Click Here for printable checklist

Travel Documents & Passports

Travel Documentation

Group tours require all participants to be confirmed and fully paid before final travel documents can be issued. Documentation delays usually occur because bookings are processed as a group, not individually.

Passport & Visa Checks

Please check immediately upon receipt:
  • Passport validity (minimum 6 months beyond return date)
  • Passport condition (undamaged)
  • Correct visas for all countries visited or transited
  • NZ re-entry permit if travelling on a non-NZ passport

Carry in Your Cabin Bag

  • Passport
  • Air tickets
  • Pre-completed departure card
  • Itinerary, vouchers, visas
  • Pen for in-flight forms

Security Backups

  • 2 photocopies of passport ID and visa pages (stored separately)
  • Photo or screenshot of passport and itinerary on your phone
  • Email copies to yourself (iPhone users may store them in iBooks)

Language & Communication

Fluency is not required, but basic phrases are highly beneficial. Carry a phrase book or translation app for non-English speaking destinations.

Navigation & Smartphones

  • Download Google Maps and save areas for offline use
  • Type “OK Maps” to save visible areas
  • Ensure roaming is enabled for emergencies
  • Confirm international roaming options with your provider before departure

Luggage & Packing Guidelines

Checked Luggage

  • One bag only, maximum 20kg including suitcase
  • Recommended packing target: 15kg (allows space for purchases)
  • Maximum total dimensions: 158cm
  • Airlines may refuse boarding or charge high excess fees if overweight
Important:
  • Label bags inside and outside with:
    • Name
    • Mobile number with country code (e.g. +64 21 xxxx)
    • Email address
  • Use wheeled luggage
  • Pack carefully – you carry your own bags
  • Porters are limited; tipping is at your own expense

Carry-On Luggage

  • One carry-on item only (recommended: small backpack)
  • Maximum 5kg, must fit overhead or under seat
  • Maximum dimensions: 110cm total
Pack:
  • 1 change of clothes
  • Medication
  • Toiletries (LAG compliant)
  • Travel documents
Tip: If travelling as a couple, split clothing between bags in case one is delayed.  

Carry-On Liquids & Security Restrictions

  • Airlines no longer provide security LAG bags
  • Passengers must supply their own compliant resealable bags
  • Non-compliance delays entire tour groups
Accepted carry on bags on flights Prohibited artifacts on flights

Clothing & Climate Preparation

  • Pack layered clothing
  • Avoid bulky garments
  • Light-coloured clothing for tropical regions
  • Covered shoulders and legs required at religious sites
  • Avoid barefoot or jandals outside resorts

Suggested Packing Lists

Women

  • Walking shoes (well worn)
  • Sandals
  • Casual & evening footwear
  • Long trousers or skirt
  • Evening outfit
  • Tops, layers, jacket
  • Swimwear (if applicable)

Men

  • Walking shoes
  • Casual & evening shoes
  • Long trousers
  • Long shorts
  • Shirts (short & long sleeve)
  • Light jacket
  • Swimwear (if applicable)

Additional Essentials

  • Universal power adapter
  • Small first aid kit
  • Day pack
  • Money pouch (worn under clothing)
  • Lightweight raincoat
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat
  • Glasses & sunglasses
  • Pen
  • Travel clothesline
  • Spare passport photo
  • Combination padlock (not key)

Adjusting to Time Zones (Jet Lag)

  • Jet lag cannot be avoided, only managed
  • Do not sleep immediately on arrival
  • Aim for a 7pm local bedtime on the first night

If arriving in the morning:

  • Nap no more than 2 hours
  • Get sunlight
  • Set alarms and get up when they go off

Medication & Health

Carry sufficient medication for entire trip plus reserve

Bring:

  • Written medication list (name, strength, dosage)
  • Signed prescription copy
  • Keep medication and prescriptions in hand luggage
  • Pack day-bag medication separately from suitcase

Additional Health Advice

  • Carry basic remedies (stomach upset, pain relief, indigestion)
  • Diabetics should maintain home-time routines as closely as possible
  • Advise dietary requirements at registration

Mosquito Protection (Tropical Destinations)

  • Long sleeves and trousers at night
  • DEET-based repellents
  • Avoid scented toiletries
  • Turn lights off if windows are open

Vaccinations

  • Consult GP or travel nurse at least one month prior
  • Carry vaccination certificate

Refer to:

  • traveldoctor.co.nz
  • travel-essentials.co.nz

Money & Financial Planning

  • Travel with two credit cards, including VISA
  • One card for purchases, one pre-loaded for ATM withdrawals
  • Ensure ATM PIN is activated before departure
  • Budget approx. $75 per person per day for extras
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  • Split cash into multiple locations
  • For South America, carry US Dollars and a VISA card

Accommodation & Hotels

  • Credit card imprint often required for incidentals
  • Passport may be held briefly for registration
  • Rooms usually available late afternoon
  • Collect hotel address card on arrival for taxis or directions

Fitness Preparation

  • Expect regular walking on uneven terrain
  • Walk 1 hour most days for the month before departure

In-Flight Advice

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing
  • Limit alcohol; drink plenty of water
  • Move regularly during flights
  • Use pressure stockings if advised
  • Adjust immediately to local time on arrival

General Touring Etiquette

  • Stay with the group
  • Inform tour leader before leaving group
  • Respect guides while speaking
  • Keep to schedules
  • Pair up if travelling solo
  • Avoid tight onward connections

Before You Leave Home Checklist

  • Cancel newspapers
  • Arrange mail collection
  • Leave itinerary with family or friend
  • Set light timers
  • Leave emergency contact details

Holidays & Itinerary Changes

  • Religious and national holidays may affect access
  • Itineraries may change without notice due to local conditions

Tipping & Gratuities

Budget approximately USD / EUR / GBP 17 per person per day.

This covers:

  • Tour escort
  • Driver
  • Local guides

Cruise gratuities are additional.

Final Thoughts

Travel broadens perspective, deepens understanding, and offers extraordinary experiences. Expect differences, embrace them, and enjoy the journey.