Essential Travel Tips for Overseas Tours

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

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)