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BEFORE YOU GO!
Recommended Travel Items
You may find it useful to bring along some items:
- Enough film or videotapes for cameras, with extra batteries. (Film is more expensive if purchased overseas than in the U.S.)
- A washcloth. (European hotels do not usually supply them in the bathroom.)
- A small calculator for converting currency.
- A lightweight coat for cooler evenings.
- Travel-size appliances with dual voltage such as a shaver or hair dryer. (An adapter plug will still be needed.)
- A voltage converter and plug adapter for U.S. voltage appliances.
- A calling card for phone calls home - it will be less expensive than calling direct. (Travelers may call home collect, which is also typically less expensive.)
Don't Overpack
We ask passengers to limit luggage to one checked suitcase per person and one-carry-on bag. As a good rule-of-thumb, pack a suitcase with only what one expects to wear or need. The keynote when packing is comfort, however, non-essential garments should be kept to a minimum, thereby lightening the load and enhancing personal comfort while in transit. The same rule applies to carry-on bags, as the passenger must keep this in their own possession.
Keep in mind that the airport security regulations require each person to check-in their own luggage and respond to security questions about their bags. Also, passengers are required to claim their luggage at their destination and continue with it through Customs. Therefore, passengers will be required at certain times to lift and/or carry their own luggage. For those times, lighter is better.
Travel Funds
United States Dollar travelers' checks are the best protection for carrying money while abroad. We suggest that travelers do not carry large amounts of cash. Be advised that personal checks are almost impossible to cash abroad. Many establishments accept credit cards such as American Express, Mastercard and Visa. The rate of exchange will be the date the transaction is posted or billed to the credit card as opposed to the actual purchase or transaction date. Overseas, the best exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar is usually found at a bank. For a small fee, a United States bank with an International Department can exchange money for a traveler prior to a traveler's departure, and foreign currency bills (not coins) upon the traveler's return. Travelers may wish to buy some foreign currency before departing and exchange money as required once they are at their destination. As ATMs vary widely overseas and a U.S. ATM card may not always be accepted, we recommend that travelers do not rely solely upon an ATM for travel funds.
Documentation Requirements
If a traveler has not already done so, we encourage a traveler to secure their United States Passport immediately to avoid any last minute delay. Also, a traveler's passport, as suggested by the U.S. government, should be valid for 6 months after a traveler's return to the U.S. Infants traveling require U.S. passports as well. In addition, any minors traveling without one or both parents are required to present notarized permission for travel from the absent parent(s). Non-U.S. citizens should check with their consulate for documentation requirements. At this time no vaccinations are required for travel to the destination offered, nor travel visas if a traveler is a U.S. citizen.
Expired passports are NOT accepted. A traveler's tickets and other travel documents must match the name as it is listed on the passport: first, last and middle initial. For more information on passports, visit the U.S. Department of State Passports and Services Information.
Travel Insurance
Trip cancellation, health and accident insurance is available through INSURE AMERICA, and may protect you against unforeseen circumstances which cause you to interrupt/cancel your trip.
Cancellation Policy
Please refer to each tour brochure for details.
Electrical Current
Electrical current used overseas is 220 volts, whereas the U.S. operates on 110 volts. If a traveler chooses to use American appliances such as electric shavers, irons, hairdryers, etc., he or she will also need an adapter plug to connect the appliance to the socket, as well as a converter to convert the voltage. Most major U.S. electronic and department stores sell converter/adapter sets.
Duty Free Allowance and Customs
As a United States citizen returning from abroad, each person is allowed $800.00 worth of retail purchases duty-free, including one liter of liquor for each person over 21 years of age. For foreign made articles over the $800.00 exemption, a traveler will pay a duty according to the U.S. Customs classification of the merchandise. A booklet on U.S. Customs hints entitled "Know Before You Go" is available from a local U.S. Customs office.
Questions or Special Requests
If a traveler has further questions, please contact the Go Next office by phone at 925-918-8950 or 800-842-9023, or by fax, at (952) 918-8975 and our Sales Associates will assist you.
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