Here are some hints we have picked up while travelling over the years, which may be of assistance to you on your coming tour.
 

DOCUMENTS

It is vital that you read and check your travel documents the day that you receive them.  If you are unsure of any items please contact us immediately.
 

Also check that your passport is valid, that it is in good condition and has a minimum of six months still to go after your return home date.
 

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 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.
 

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 and the other forwarded to us.
 

FUNDS WHILE AWAY

Travellers cheques can be a nuisance.  Banks overseas are often not located near our accommodation or at locations that we will be stopping at. As well as this they are often open for shorter hours than we are accustomed to at home.  Cashing travellers cheques at your hotel will incur a surcharge. However if you are taking travellers cheques these should be in the currency of the country you are visiting to avoid double currency conversion charges.
 

If you do not already have credit cards we would strongly recommend that you apply for these 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 will be on hand to help anyone with the machines on the trip if you are unused to using these. But 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. The first is used to put purchases on and pay for when you return home and the second is to ‘put into credit’ with $1,000 - 2,000 or whatever you feel is adequate, to use to withdraw cash against when and where you need it. Allow approximately $100 per person per day for meals and refreshments. 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.
 

Don’t carry large amounts of currency.  If you do have currency break it up into 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 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.
 

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 you bag is over the limit and will demand that you dispose of excess weighty items, or 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.
 

Bags with wheels are definitely the best, and remember that you will be responsible for carrying your own bag’s, so don’t overpack 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. Tipping of porters is at your own cost.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is recommended that you take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy for all travel, for our escorted tours this is compulsory. Loss of deposit travel insurance is also high recommended. The travel insurance policy needs to cover medical expenses, luggage and personal effects and interruption/cancellation of travel. To get a fully comprehensive travel insruance click here.
 

MEDICATION
Take sufficient medication with you to cover your requirements throughout the total time of your time away from home as it is not possible to get prescriptions filled while away.
 

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.
 

Some countries check for drugs on entry and as some prescribed medication can be misused in the wrong hands, keep the copy of your prescription in your hand baggage with your medication 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 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. 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.
 

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 if travelling in some remote areas. To obtain specific medical travel information, refer to your local GP or www.traveldoctor.co.nz or www.travel-essentials.co.nz
 

CARRY ON LIQUIDS AND GELS RESTRICTION (SUBJECT TO VARIATION)
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. Customers may purchase clear plastic bags either prior to arrival. If not obtained in advance, retailers may have security approved plastic bags available for purchase at the international airport.

HOTELS

It is standard practice for 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.
 

CLOTHING & 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.
 

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:
• One pair of sneakers/walking shoes (don’t buy a new pair, your dirty old faithfuls are the best or if new, make sure you break them in well at home to avoid sore feet).
• One pair of sandals/cut away shoes.
• One pair of evening shoes.
• One long skirt
• One pair casual trousers or long shorts
• One pair evening trousers
• Five tee shirts / tops, plus one for the evening
• Light jacket
• Undergarments and socks for seven days
• Swimming togs (trunks) – if travelling to coastal locations.

Mens clothes:
• One pair of sneakers/walking shoes
• One pair of smart but comfortable shoes
• One pair lightweight long trousers (a must when entering some religious or cultural   sensitive sites)
• One pair long shorts
• Five polo or tee shirts
• One short sleeved shirt for evening wear
• Light jacket
• Undergarments and socks for seven days
• Shaver with recharge cord
• Swimming togs (trunks) – if travelling to coastal locations.

Other things to include:
• A small travel alarm clock (some cellphones have this built in)
• Spare passport photo
• Spare batteries for your camera or other electrical equipment
• 2 plastic bags (supermarket type) for laundry, etc
• Camera (and film)
• Cell phone – but ensure it has International Roaming enabled before you leave
• A small pack of moist towelette hand wipes
• Kleenex re-sealable pack tissues – there is nowhere to wash hankies
• Small personal first aid items
• Lightweight day pack
• Money belt/pouch or wallet (not a purse)
• Light crushable (plastic) raincoat or parka
• Sunglasses, lip screen, sunscreen & crushable sunhat
• Your travel documents, tickets, travel insurance, passport and visas - in cabin bag
• In some countries the standard is strong coffee, so if you like instant coffee of a   particular type of tea, it may be advisable to take a small quantity with you
• Travellers clothesline and washing soap
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and hair shampoo.
• Glasses (if you usually wear them)
• Sandals if travelling to beach areas
• Insect repellant with Deet
• Pen (for use on plane to complete arrival and departure documentation)

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 deal 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. In Australia use plugs the same as New Zealand. 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 any valuable jewellery.
• If taking a cellphone ensure it has “international roaming” set up before you depart.
• Put a copy of your family/friend contact numbers in your travel document Recheck passport validity as some countries do not allow entry if less than 8 months to  run before expiry
• 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 each day. One lady with us in London walked out the door to fax a message home (just around the corner) and became completely disorientated. After two hours of walking she knocked on a door of a house and asked to use the phone and made a call to her daughter at home to asked her to, “find my itinerary and tell me where I should be”.
• Use a small combination padlock to secure luggage once at your destination.
 

IN FLIGHT

If you have particular dietary requirements due to health or religious reasons, please advise us immediately as these need to be booked in advance.
 

It is recommended to minimise alcohol consumption while in flight due to possible dehydration and 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

• You can buy duty free goods before you depart, for use while away or for collection at your home (international) airport on your return. It is also a good idea to include a bottle of something you enjoy, to share at any impromptu social get togethers while on tour.
• When with the group on tour please don’t get distracted and divert into shops without telling your tour leader - you could get left behind and miss out on rest of the days touring.
• At airports we travel through be prepared for delays, 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 while the tour escorts are talking as you 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 and a tour can be spoiled by someone being disorganised or forgetting the schedule. If necessary take a notebook to write down notes to remind you of daily arrangements.
• 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 arrangements too tight as any delay could cause problems.
• 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 different from home.
 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

• Cancel you daily newspaper.
• 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.
• If your car is normally parked in your garage and is visible, cover the window with curtains to cover the fact that you are away.
• 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.
 

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.

TIPPING
Tips are customarily given directly by group members to the hotel porters, tour escorts, coach driver and local guides - at your discretion. Budget around $8 per person per day in total for this.
 

IN CONCLUSION  
We hope you have a great trip and that these hints help avoid any last minute hassles and dramas while away.


For further information please contact us on 0800 356 728 (in New Zealand) or 1800 008 078 (in Australia).