Unique tours, special places
Some travel tips to help you on your journey
Here are some tips we have picked up over the many years of travelling, which may be of assistance to you as a guideline for your coming tour.
Documents
If there has been any delay in the receipt of your documentation then the reason for this is
that for group tours we are need to process travel arrangements for the group as a whole,
not as individual bookings, consequently we cannot complete all final arrangements until
each participant has confirmed and paid in full.
Language
You don’t have to become fluent in another language, but carrying a phrase book and
knowing the basics will help you get around better in non-English speaking countries.
Find your way with your smartphone
Suggestion – Download Google Maps then use them off-line and save. Type “OK Maps”
and the visible area will save for future access.
Luggage
The limit for luggage in the aircraft hold is one item totaling 20kg including the suitcase. We recommend that you have a practice packing session and try to limit contents to 15 kgs to allow space for any new purchases while overseas. Overall length, width and height dimensions should not exceed 158cm. These limits are subject to variation without notice.
Airlines will either not let you board the airplane if your bag is over the limit and will demand that you dispose of excess weighty items, or they may charge you a high excess luggage surcharge.
All bags must be labeled inside and out with your name, address and phone number and be tagged with the ribbon and/or labels provided. Ideally the phone number on your bag tags needs to be your mobile number with country prefix e.g: +64 21 000000 so that airlines, etc can contact you in the event of lost luggage. Also include email if you can access this from your smart phone.
Bags with wheels are essential, remember you will be responsible for carrying all your own bags, so don’t over-pack and make it tough on yourself. Good, easily handled bags are a wise investment.
In addition to the suitcase going into the aircraft hold, you are allowed one carry-on item. We recommend a small/light backpack as this leaves your hands free at the airports while negotiating customs, etc. There is a 5kg maximum for this and it has to be small enough to go in the overhead locker or under the seat in front. We would recommend you pack one days change of clothes, your medication and toiletries (subject to the current Carry on Liquids and Gels Restrictions), documentation, passport, etc in this, as you will need some
of these in-flight or in transit.
Overall length, width and height dimensions for this should not exceed 110cm. Bags don’t often go missing enroute, but just in case – if travelling as a couple don’t pack all “his” in one bag and all “hers” in the other. Put some in each so that you both have some clothes to wear while you are waiting for the other bag to turn up.
There are only a limited number of porters in most hotels – if any, so all baggage is your responsibility. Tipping of porters is at your own cost.
Adjusting to Time Zones
There is nothing worse than feeling off colour for the first couple of days of your holiday to jet lag. The first step towards beating jet lag is recognising you can’t actually beat it – so stop trying. Instead you’re best chance at coping with different time zones until you adjust,
is to attack it somewhere in the middle.
Definitely don’t crawl into bed the minute you arrive at your destination, if you – like many of us flew sleepless overnight – no matter how tempting. If you normally go to sleep at 10pm at home – in UK/Europe that may equate to 3- 6pm, so try to go to sleep around 7pm local time on your first night.
If you get to your destination in the morning after travelling sleepless all night, maybe take a nap of two hours in the early afternoon and then wake up to eat and get some sun, and then try to get sleep properly earlier than usual that evening, but always set an alarm, as your natural body clock will be out of sync’ – and get up when the alarm goes off – don’t just roll over, as you could miss that first day of your tour.
Important – please check the following
Please read and check your travel documents the day that you receive them. If you are unsure of any items do please contact us immediately.
Also check that your passport is valid, that it is in good condition and has at least a full six months still to go after your return home date.
Please also check you have the required visas for the countries you are visiting or passing through and that they are valid for the dates you are travelling. Take any supporting documentation where this is required.
If on a passport other than New Zealand, ensure you have a valid NZ re-entry permit. Put your air tickets, passport, pre completed departure card, itinerary, vouchers and other travel documentation, plus a pen, in your cabin bag and have these readily accessible.
For added security we suggest you take two photocopies of the first two inside pages of your passport (plus pages showing any visas relevant to this trip) to help you get replacements should your passport get lost or stolen. One copy is to be packed somewhere separate from your actual passport.
In addition take a photo or screenshot of your passport and itineraries on your smart phone and email them to yourself. This provides an extra virtual copy of them in the event of loss or theft. If you’re an iPhone user you can even save them to your iBooks.
Medication and Health
Take sufficient of your regular medication with you to cover your requirements throughout the total time you are time away as it is not always possible to get prescriptions overseas.
Take a list of the type, description and strength of each, so that you can get replacements just in case you lose yours enroute and a signed copy of your prescription.
Many countries check for drugs on entry and as some prescribed medication have the potential to be misused in the wrong hands, it is recommended to keep the copy of your prescription in your hand baggage with your medication just in case you are asked by
customs/security.
The prescription and written details of your condition, symptoms and medication dosage should be kept in a container with the medication itself so that these can be referred to should you become unwell and need assistance or further medication while away.
Drugs for dysentery/stomach upset are also handy, along with Panadol/Disprin, indigestion tablets or other medication you normally have on hand at home. You will need to have sufficient medication with you in your day bag, as suitcases will not be accessible.
If diabetic – normal advice is to keep as close as possible to home time routines enroute. Any special dietary requests (not already advised) for flights need to be forwarded to us upon registration as these need to be booked well in advance.
When travelling in tropical locations you need to minimize exposure to mosquitoes that may be disease carriers. Generally the following hints and sensible precautions will minimize the potential risk of bites:
1. Wear light coloured, long sleeve shirts and long pants at evening and night times.
2. Use mosquito repellents with DEET where available.
3. Refrain from wearing scented toiletries or perfume.
4. Turn lights off in rooms if windows are open.
Vaccinations or preventative medicines – check with your doctor or travel nurse regarding
the medication he/she considers is best for you to take. Please enquire about side effects,
as in some cases these could impact on your ability to travel and the enjoyment of your
trip. Take a copy of the vaccination certificate with you overseas.
Depending upon individual government health requirements or travel advisories
some vaccinations are compulsory or highly recommended when travelling in
remote areas. To obtain specific medical travel information please refer to your
local GP or www.traveldoctor.co.nz or www.travel-essentials.co.nz
Please do this at least one month prior to departure.
Funds whilst away
If you do not already have a credit card we would strongly recommend that you apply for one straight away. Ensure you have a PIN number loaded on to the card as this will enable you to withdraw cash from most ATM (hole in the wall machines) throughout the world.
Your tour leader/ host will be on hand to help anyone with the machines on the trip if you are unused to using these. It is important to ensure you try it out here BEFORE you depart to make sure it is working correctly.
We recommend you travel with two different credit cards, one of them being VISA. The first is used to put purchases on and pay for when you return home and the second is to ‘put into credit’ with an amount you feel is adequate, to use to withdraw cash against when and where you need it.
Allow approximately $75 per person per day for non included refreshments. N.B: If the card is not in credit before you leave and you withdraw cash from it the bank may charge you $8.00 or more per transaction. The second card is also a safety net if the first is lost or stolen. Keep the two cards in separate places to avoid misplacing or losing both. Check with your bank on what would be the most suitable option for your needs. They will be able to advise you on the best option.
Don’t carry large amounts of currency on you while touring. If you do have currency break it up into at least two portions and only carry enough on you for 2 to 3 days at a time. Get some cash (small denomination bank notes) of the country (or recommended currency) you are visiting for a coffee, porter or other bits and pieces when you arrive.
When travelling the best rule of thumb is to expect food and drink prices to be about the same amount – ignoring the exchange rate – as you would pay in tourist areas at home.
For tours going to South America and some other destinations we recommend you take US Dollars. MasterCard and American Express Credit Cards are not universally accepted at many destinations in South America, so also take a VISA card.
Check with your bank to see the currency they advise taking for your destination(s).
Carry on liquids and gel restrictions
Aviation Security have now stopped manning the check-in queues with brochures and spare security bags for approved size cosmetics, liquids and gels (LAG’s). Instead, airlines will be reminding passengers of the security requirements as they check-in, but no longer provide the transparent, re-sealable bags required to check any LAG’s through customs.
Regulations have become stricter so please ensure you comply with all local and international requirements as delays in processing will affect the processing of all group members.
Hotels
It is standard practice for many hotels to require you to give an imprint of your credit card on registering to cover any incidental costs incurred. You may also be asked to hand over your passport, as in some countries the police require that passport details are recorded and made available to them.
Be prepared for the fact that hotel rooms will normally only be available from late in the afternoon of the day of your arrival as rooms will be cleaned and prepared following the departure of guests who utilized your room the previous night.
As soon as you are checked in at each new hotel it is a good idea to get a card with the hotel address and telephone number, to use when away from the hotel if you need a taxi or directions back to your hotel.
Clothing and Climate
Take clothing that you can wear “in layers” and add to or remove as the daily temperature varies – e.g. when cold rely on layering (e.g. put a tee shirt on under another shirt or top) so that you can shed layers as the day warms up. Don’t take bulky jumpers or jackets as
this will limit your packing capacity. Remember LESS IS BEST.
In tropical countries it’s recommended to take light weight and light coloured clothing – that’s not just for comfort but also it doesn’t attract mosquitoes as much as dark colours. Overseas the standards regarding footwear are often more rigid than at home – unless at resorts it is not acceptable in most countries to go barefoot or wear jandals/thongs, other than at the beach or around the pool.
If in doubt about any item – leave it out. Remember that clothing bought while away can also be worn while on tour. Here are suggested items to include…
Women’s clothes suggestions:
• One pair of sneakers/walking shoes (don’t buy a new pair, your old faithfuls are the best or if new, make sure you break them in well at home for at least a month before leaving to avoid sore feet)
• Pair of sandals/cut away shoes
• Number of pairs of walking socks
• Another pair of other casual shoes suitable for both walking and evenings
• One pair lightweight long trousers or below knee length skirt (a must when entering religious or cultural sensitive sites)
• One pair evening trousers/skirt suitable for dinner wear
• Number of tee shirts / tops, plus one for the evening
• One item to cover upper arms (a must for religious or culturally sensitive sites)
• Light non bulky jacket
• Undergarments and socks for seven days
• Swimming togs (trunks) – if travelling to coastal locations
Men’s clothes suggestions:
• A pair of sneakers/walking shoes (don’t buy a new pair, your old faithfuls are the best or if new, make sure you break them in well at home for at least a month before leaving to avoid sore feet)
• Spare pair of casual shoes suitable for both walking and evenings
• One pair lightweight long trousers (a must for religious or cultural sensitive sites)
• One pair long shorts
• A number of polo or tee shirts
• Number of pairs of walking socks
• Short sleeved shirt/s for evening wear
• Long sleeved shirt, trousers and light non bulky jacket for dinner wear
• Undergarments and socks for seven days
• Shaver with rechargeable cord
• Swimming togs (trunks) – if travelling to coastal or tropical locations.
Other important things to include:
• Bring your mobile but check with your mobile phone provider that you have international roaming (and cheap roaming/call option). Even if you don’t plan on calling friends/family while away it is important to have this with you in case of emergency. Activate Roaming when necessary.
• Spare passport photo (if you have one).
• 2 plastic bags (supermarket type) for laundry, etc
• If taking a camera, don’t forget the spare photo chip and spare battery
• A small pack of moist hand wipes
• Kleenex re-sealable pack tissues
• Small personal first aid items
• Lightweight day pack
• Money pouch or wallet worn inside clothing (not a purse)
• Light crushable (plastic) raincoat or parka
• Lip screen, sunscreen and crushable sunhat
• Your travel documents, tickets, travel insurance, passport and visas – in your cabin bag
• Travellers clothesline and washing soap
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair shampoo, insect repellant (refer Chemist for most suitable), deodorant and medication sufficient for your trip plus few days reserve
• Glasses and Sunglasses
• Sturdy sandals if travelling to beach areas
• Pen (for use on plane to complete arrival and departure documentation)
• A universal style sink plug as these are frequently not available in hotels, vessels, etc
It is always hard to predict the weather …
Refer to www.worldweather.wmo.int or www.weatherbase.com for indicative temperatures.
Fitness
What you are about to undertake is a holiday, but is often a complete change from your normal routine. There is a reasonable amount of physical activity in the form of walking, and the walking is not always flat. To ensure that you are fit and fully enjoy your tour we would recommend that you should walk for an hour most days for the month leading up to your departure date.
Other Items
• Power adapters – Asia takes the ‘3 square’ plug, Europe the ‘2 pin’ plug, the UK use a ‘square 3 pin’ plug and a ‘2 prong’ plug is used in America and parts of Asia. Australia and New Zealand use the same plugs. The power in Europe is 220 volts and US is 110, but check before plugging your appliance in as this does vary considerably.
• Should you need it – a cheap umbrella can be bought enroute.
• Avoid taking valuable jewellery.
• Keep a copy of your family/friends contact numbers with you.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friend.
• Do not carry all your valuables in the one place – split up to avoid losing the lot.
• Take a photocopy of your passport and keep separate from the passport itself.
• Ensure you have the name, phone number and address of the hotel on your person daily.
• Use a small combination padlock on luggage rather than a (padlock with) key as these are easily misplaced while travelling.
In Flight
Always wear comfortable loose clothing on your flight, with a change of some items in your cabin bag, so you can freshen up before arrival at your destination. Unless in transit – invariably the flights arrive at your destination in the morning and you will not arrive at
your hotel until the evening/night of that first day of the tour.
It is not always possible to cater for particular health or religious dietary requirements, however advise us immediately and we will contact suppliers to try to arrange for you. Health professionals recommended to minimize alcohol consumption while on flights due to possible dehydration and this also can disrupt sleep patterns. During the flight do gentle exercise by moving your legs, arms and head. Refer to the airline magazines – they often have a guide to this. Also try to take a stroll around the plane at a suitable time. Some travellers recommend pressure stockings and Jet Lag pills – but these are at your discretion. If possible take a nap during the flight.
On arrival adopt the local time to get your body clock back in tune with the new hours. Avoid sleeping during the day as you will find it hard to sleep that night. Cabin pressure changes can affect some people. To clear your ears try yawning, pinching your nose while blowing, or suck on a sweet. Another common cabin pressure is wind – remember to eat and drink alcohol in moderation, but do drink plenty of water. If you
have any (other than normal) pains or tenderness in your legs and redness or swelling let the cabin stewardess know, or arrange for a doctor immediately upon arrival.
General
• Buy duty free goods here before you depart, for use while away or for collection on your return to the (international) airport on your return. You may also wish to include a bottle of something you enjoy, to share at any impromptu social get togethers on tour.
• When with the group on tour be alert and please don’t get distracted and divert into shops without telling your tour leader – you could get left behind and miss some connections or touring.
• At airports we travel through be prepared for delays, and regrettably sometimes tired staff and unhelpful service. Just because we do it a certain way here at home, doesn’t mean they will do similarly overseas.
• Please don’t talk amongst yourselves while the tour host or guides are talking as a courtesy and so you and others will miss out on information important to your tour.
• Be considerate to your other tour members and keep to the schedule, which will be explained daily. Most of us are prompt but a tour can be spoiled by someone being disorganized or forgetting the schedule. If necessary take a notebook to write down notes to remind you of daily arrangements or download the itinerary onto your smart phone.
• If travelling by yourself, try to team up with someone else also travelling by themselves. This makes it less likely that you will miss activities or get disoriented in a strange city.
• If taking another tour at the conclusion of this tour, don’t make the onward arrangements too tight as any delay could cause problems.
Some suggestions for things to do before you leave home
• Cancel you daily newspaper and if you put your rubbish bin out when leaving, ask your neighbour to bring it back in – as an empty bin outside on non-collection days is a sure sign that no-one is home.
• Have a neighbour check your property every few days and clear the mail box.
• Leave them contact numbers for friends or family to call in an emergency.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with family, friends or a neighbour.
• Buy a light timer and set up a lamp that can go on in the evenings – giving the impression that someone is at home.
Public and religious holidays and local changes
On dates including religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed or local conditions may necessitate variations to the intended itinerary. Touring itineraries may be amended without notice to reflect these situations.
Tipping / Gratuities
While on our escorted tours we cover some tips, however other tips should be given directly to the hotel porters, the tour escort, coach driver who looks after luggage loading/unloading as well as driving, and local guides who rely on this as a part of their
income.
As a guideline budget approx. USD/EU/GBP 17 per person per day in total for this. Tips for cruises is additional and defined by each cruise company.
Above all – travel is a broadening experience for us all. We learn so much about many different cultures, languages, religions and people. Expect things to be very different from home, but at the same time you will experience a world of simply amazing and spectacular sights and scenery.
IN CONCLUSION We hope you have a great trip and that these tips help avoid any last minute hassles and dramas whilst away.