Familiarize yourself with the current Travel Restrictions
With security measures making life abroad unbearable, what is a traveler to do? Here are some quick tips to help alleviate the frustration you may encounter while traveling under the new rules.
Fit extra time into your travel schedule
Planning ahead for security related delays makes life easier. Airline representatives can provide information regarding flight status and how much time should be allotted when checking in for your flight. Arrive early to ensure a smooth process.
Take alternative transportation to the airport
Checking in for your flight can be stressful enough, no need to add another complication like wondering about what to do with your car. Travelers should consider asking friends and relatives for ride to the airport, or using transportation providers like taxis and limo services. See our Cars and Limos page to arrange your transportation today!
Plan activities for the kids
Everyone remembers what it was like to be a little kid stuck on a line, boring with a capital “B.” Packing games for the children can keep them occupied and reduce your stress level. Crossword puzzles, books, portable DVD players, and handheld video games are a few great items to bring along. Snacks for the kids and yourself are also essential while waiting for your flight.
Packing and carry-on luggage
Make sure to review current restrictions regarding carry-on bags and personal items that can be brought on board, such as cosmetics and water bottles. Label luggage thoroughly, provide your name, address, and phone to both the outside and inside of your luggage. Also take into account weight restrictions when checking in your bags. Double-check your children's bags for objects that may be confiscated like sharp toys. See our “What to Pack Section” for an in depth guide on how to pack, what to bring, and essential items.
Be well rested
Nothing can spoil a trip like starting off on the wrong foot. Be sure pack several days ahead, this way you can relax and not have any last minute worries. Get a good night's sleep so you are well prepared to handle any problems you may encounter before your flight.
In case of Emergency
Before you leave, make sure that you have the contact information for the embassy of your home country; this includes the number of the embassy, as well as where it is located. Double check that your passport is valid for at least up to six months prior to your return and contains all up to date information regarding your next of kin. Make copies of where you are staying and their respective contact numbers, your insurance information, your passport, and ticket details. Take one copy with you and the other leave at home with an emergency contact. Also have a copy of their number with you at all times. Be sure that you have enough money to buy another return ticket incase an emergency happens. Check that all of your credit / debit cards are not going to expire while you are on your trip.
If an emergency does arise, first gather all of your proper identification such as your passport, birth certificate, travel information etc., and then Contact VCA's Travel Insurance Hotline, 1-800-243-3174. Most importantly, contact the embassy of your country and ask to speak to with a Consular Officer.
If you have not purchased travel insurance through VCA at this time, VCA strongly urges you to do so, contact your VCA representative right away! Contact the embassy of your country and ask to speak to with a Consular Officer.
Missing Passport?
If your passport has become lost or stolen, contact the local authorities and the nearest embassy or consulate immediately. You will need to speak to the Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section of the Embassy in which you must provide them with all of your travel plans as well as the details of when you plan on departing.
Theft Protection
Accidents do occur while traveling abroad. Some of the best ways to prevent theft and losing items abroad is to:
Carry only enough money with you for the day. Leave the rest in the hotel safe
Leave your passport in the hotel vault if available
Lock up all of your belongings before leaving your room.
Make sure to lock all of your suitcases before leaving your room
Lock and encrypt files on your laptop
Always lock your room while sleeping
Do not leave purses, wallets, and room keys out by the pool area
If you due happen to have anything lost or stolen from you, please make sure to contact local authorities immediately.
Respecting international law & local customs
While in a foreign country, you are subject to laws governing that nation, and also should pay attention to the local customs of the area. Travel guidebooks, tour operators, and hotel staff will all have information regarding the local traditions and customs of the country that your are visiting. Keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum as other countries enforce stricter laws regarding alcoholic beverages. Make sure that you receive permission to take photographs of people, places, and things so that you do not offend anyone. Respect any rules and regulations regarding the environment and the animals that live there.
What Should I Pack?
Packing for a cruise depends upon where you're going. It is best to check out VCA Travel's weather page (click here). Also, check the weather of the place beforehand as it may vary. Cruises are typically casual during the day and vary during the occasion. For the evening it is best to dress formal. A tuxedo may be required depending upon the occasion. Depending upon the cruise line dinner can be more casual. For more specific information regarding your cruise speak to your VCA Travel agent. Be sure to also pack clothing that is suited for the area you are returning to.
Cruise Essentials
Camera
Extra Contacts / vision wear
Sunglass
Flip Flops
Towels
Comfortable Sneakers
Proper Documentation
Power Converters (if needed)
Proper Clothing
Medications – More details in VCA's travel news section
Insurance Cards
Emergency Contact Information
Copy of your passport and itinerary
Extra Cash
Chargers for your electronics
Extra Batteries
Technology Abroad
Business travelers know the plight of finding two prong outlets when all their technology requires three prongs. Important essentials such as AC/DC and outlet adapters can be purchased at your local electronics store. Packing extra batteries is also recommended.
Travelers should also be aware that the range of mobile phone networks does not extend to all locations. Calling cards and local phone facilities are excellent solutions when your mobile phone is out of network.
Gratuities
Tipping is no longer a simple task of determining what services may warrant a tip. Tip amounts vary on different services and various cultures have their own standards of when to tip. Here are a few basic ‘tips on tipping'.
Rules for Tipping
First check to see if tipping is customary in the country of your travels (for example; in Singapore and Tahiti tipping is frowned upon). Also, be sure to research if tips are included in the price (for example in Japan and New Zealand the tip is included in the final amount). Usually, if the tip is already included in the bill it is customary to leave additional small change (depending on the service!)
Upon entering a country be sure to acquire small bills and coins so you do not end up over tipping (or conversely making any quick enemies).
In case of emergency you may want to carry along $25 in U.S. dollar bills, almost all staff with a foreign exchange desk will accept U.S. currency.
Below is a quick and easy tipping chart to provide a guide when traveling abroad:
"n/a" means that a tip is generally not required
"I" means that the tip is typically included |
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|
|
Country |
Meal Tip (%) |
Taxis (%) |
Argentina |
10% |
10 |
Australia |
n/a or 10-15% |
change |
Austria |
5-10% |
10 |
Belgium |
n/a |
n/a |
Brazil |
10% |
10 |
Britain |
10-15% |
10 |
Canada |
10-15% |
10 |
Denmark |
I |
n/a |
Finland |
I |
n/a |
France |
I (+ change) |
change |
Germany |
I |
change |
Greece |
I (+ change) |
change |
Hong Kong |
10 |
10 |
Ireland |
10 |
10 |
Israel |
15% |
15 |
Italy |
I +change |
change |
Japan |
n/a |
n/a |
Mexico |
15% |
Haggle! |
Netherlands |
I +change |
change |
New Zealand |
5-10% |
n/a |
Norway |
I |
n/a |
Portugal |
10% |
10 |
Singapore |
n/a |
n/a |
South Korea |
n/a |
n/a |
Spain |
I (+ change) |
change |
Sweden |
I |
n/a |
Switzerland |
I (+ change) |
change |
Thailand |
n/a |
n/a |
Here is a suggested for tipping when at your resort:
Doorman - $1 per bag for bringing luggage to the desk. $2 per bag for bringing them to your room. $2 for hailing your cab.
Bellhop - $2 for showing you into your room
Room service - $1 for ice and glasses. $2 for drinks. 20% for meals.
Maid – Generally a few dollars per day.
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