Ed-Ventures, Inc.
PASSPORT
Your U.S. passport is the most important item you'll bring on your trip abroad. It serves as your proof of citizenship and allows you to travel freely between the U.S. and most countries. To ensure a smooth journey, follow these passport tips:
Keep It Secure: Carry your passport with you at all times, ideally in a secure passport pouch under your clothing. If you prefer to leave it at your hotel, lock it securely in your room safe.
Check the Expiration Date: Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Some countries may deny entry if your passport expires sooner. Check the countries you are visiting here: International Country Info.
Verify Information: Ensure all information on your passport is correct and that it is signed. The name on your passport must match the name on your airline ticket to avoid travel disruptions.
Make Copies: Make two color photocopies of the picture/signature page of your passport. Bring one copy with you and leave the other at home for safekeeping.
Applying for a Passport: If you don’t have a passport, you can apply at your nearest county courthouse or government services center. You'll need the required identification documents, two passport photos, a completed application, and your checkbook. Allow eight to twelve weeks for processing. Adult passports are valid for ten years. Note: You need a passport bok; a passport card is NOT valid for international air travel.
For more information on passports and travel, visit the U.S. government’s official site: travel.state.gov.
MONEY
There's an old adage for travelers: "Take it from one who knows, bring twice the money… and half the clothes!” While today's travelers have more options than ever for making purchases abroad, it's important to be prepared. The guidelines below are based on our experience and research in the travel industry, but please note that conditions and regulations can change. Use this information as a helpful guide to make informed decisions about obtaining foreign currency and making purchases in other countries.
US CURRENCY
It is not recommended to carry a large amount of US Currency on international trips. Credit/debit cards are accepted while at US airports and few international destinations accept US currency as payment. Those that do often use very unfavorable conversion rates.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
Many travelers prefer to already have some foreign currency when arriving in the country they are visiting. This saves some time and stress at the arrival airport. In addition, you already have some local currency if your card for some reason doesn't work. However, if you decide to obtain some foreign currency before the trip, don’t order so much that you are carrying around a large amount of cash on your person. That would not be a wise decision. Also realize that your bank may assess you a fee for ordering foreign currency and the exchange rate you receive may not be quite as favorable as at an arrival airport ATM.
DEBIT (ATM) CARDS
The most convenient way to obtain foreign currency while traveling abroad is by using a debit (ATM) card. Obviously, you need to know your PIN for this transaction to occur. Your local bank may charge a withdrawal fee for using an ATM overseas.
Plan on withdrawing enough money to last a few days. We do not advocate carrying large sums of money, but we do discourage travelers from making daily withdrawals from ATMs as this costs you time and money. Be sure to let your bank know the specific dates of the trip and in what countries you are traveling. It is also suggested that you contact your bank and raise the Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit and Daily Point-of-Sale (POS) Limit for the duration of the trip. For shopping purposes, credit/debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo are the most accepted in Europe. When purchasing an item and given an option to pay in either the local currency or dollars, always choose the local currency.
One drawback to using most debit cards abroad is that you are likely to be charged a foreign transaction fee for items purchased. Sometimes these fees can be as much as 3% of the purchase price.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit Cards are widely accepted in international destinations, especially those with Visa/Mastercard logos. It is good to carry at least one card for emergencies, such as lost luggage or an unexpected hospital stay. A credit card offers enhanced consumer protection for purchases, especially when items are shipped directly to your home. A credit card can also be used for cash advances in local currency as a last resort due to high interest rates and fees. As with your debit card, be sure to give your credit card company the specific dates of the trip and in what countries you are traveling.
STAYING CONNECTED
A convenient way to communicate with family and friends at home is by calling or texting them with a smart phone. Depending upon your wireless provider, there are many plans and conditions involved. To find out what such an option would cost, you need to contact your wireless provider and ask about international calling and/or texting plans. Generally, it is much cheaper to text someone at home rather than calling them.
Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi which allows you to contact home using your smart phone, iPad or other communication device. Although bringing an iPad or laptop along is a nice convenience, it is one more item to tote around Europe and would be an expensive device to replace if it is lost or stolen. Calling from hotels in Europe is also an option, but it can be very expensive.
Consider installing WhatsApp on your smartphone. The app allows the user to text and call without any fees when connected to Wi-Fi. The person you’re calling or texting must also have WhatsApp installed and have a Wi-Fi connection.
REMEMBER:
All of the devices mentioned above need recharging. Most are dual voltage so do not need an electricity converter, but need a special adapter plug for the foreign outlets. Be sure to find out what adapter plug is appropriate in the countries you are visiting. Most hair dryers, styling tools and many electric razors need a converter in addition to the foreign plug adaptor and still may sustain damage.
SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS
Despite what you read sometimes in the newspapers, it is very safe to travel. In most cases, pickpocketing is the most serious offense a traveler encounters and that crime usually occurs in larger cities. Carry your passport, debit/credit cards and cash in a passport pouch. When worn inside your shirt or top, this is your greatest protection against theft. Fanny (waist) packs or money belts can also be used when worn in front. Wallets and passports should never be carried in a rear pocket. Never leave your passport pouch or fanny pack unattended! Purses and bags should never be hung on the back of a chair or set on the edge of a table (especially at outdoor cafes).
LOCAL LAWS
​It goes without saying that all travelers must abide by local laws and statutes. That often means no marijuana, cannabis products (including “gummies”) and opioids. Knives and other blades are often illegal and may be confiscated and referred to police for action when discovered in museum and/or airport scans. (Think “grandpa’s lucky pocketknife” that’s been in your pocket for decades.) Mace and other irritants are also usually illegal in public spaces. Having guns and/or ammunition can bring a prison sentence.
Be sure to bring enough of the medications you need plus a little extra in case the return trip is delayed. We recommend you carry prescriptions in the original containers and place them in your carryon and not in your checked luggage. Keep a list of your prescriptions separate from the medications, including the generic names for the medications as well as the daily dosage amount. Even though your prescription cannot be filled overseas without a doctor’s authorization, a list would expedite matters for the medical staff in the foreign country if an emergency arises.
Learn what medical services your health insurance provider covers overseas. Although some health insurance companies pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few pay for a medical evacuation back to the United States. Regardless of whether your insurance is valid overseas, you may be required to pay for care before you receive it. If your insurance policy doesn’t cover you abroad, consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. Ed-Ventures, travel agencies and private companies offer travel insurance plans that cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the U.S. Additional information can be found at www.tsa.gov.
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CPAP and similar machines are generally allowed as carry-on luggage in addition to the normal allowance of the airport. We recommend bringing at least a couple of days’ worth of distilled water in your checked bag if needed for these devices. It is available internationally, but often not convenient to find.
MEDICATIONS & HEALTH INSURANCE
TIPPING
Gratuities are included in the tour price for step-on guides, porterage service at hotels and some group meals. In most cases, the end-of-the-tour tips for the coach driver and tour manager are not included. We recommend a tip of $4 - $6 per person each day for the coach driver and $6 - $9 per person each day for the tour manager. When ordering meals on your own in a foreign country, a gratuity is usually included in the price. In most countries, however, it is customary to include a small courtesy tip by simply rounding up your bill, for example, to the nearest euro or 100 yen coin. Some countries require tipping an attendant at public restrooms. The amount is generally posted. Ask your tour manager about tipping practices in the countries you are visiting.
VALUE-ADDED TAX (VAT)
The VAT, or value-added tax, is a charge added to goods and services purchased abroad with some exceptions—restaurant meals and hotel stays, for instance. To qualify for a refund, the transaction must fulfill a few requirements: The retailer must participate in the refund program, and the amount of the per-store purchase must meet the country’s minimum value. For example, France requires a minimum purchase of 175 euro from the same retailer on the same day; In Japan it is 5,000 yen. In addition, the merchandise must be unused, so no wearing that fancy Italian jacket home. The key to getting VAT money back is to collect the paperwork from the retailer at time of purchase, then get it stamped at the airport VAT desk. You can collect cash or get a CC rebate. Be sure to ask your tour manager for more information regarding VAT.
PACKING
Weather, local customs, comfort and functionality dictate what you wear while on tour. Ed-Ventures recommends traveling with one small carry-on that fit in the coach overhead compartment (soft-sided is best) and one larger suitcase that go in the underside compartment of the coach. Purses, camera bags and other personal items are also allowed. Bigger is not better! You may need to handle your own luggage in airports and at some hotels.
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
Avoid packing prohibited items or sharp objects in your carry-on, as they may be confiscated. Items like nail clippers and disposable razors are allowed. Follow the 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels, and pastes must be in containers no larger than 3 ounces and placed in a 1-quart plastic bag.
For more details, visit www.tsa.gov.
PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS
Keep any medications, important documents, and valuable items in your carry-on on the airplane in case your suitcase gets lost or delayed. It is a good practice to also pack at least one complete change of clothes in your carry-on.
Always keep your passport and other travel documents on your person while in transit. A money pouch worn around your neck is a good idea.
Keep a list of your packed items at home or on your phone in case you need to file a claim for lost luggage. Leave anything of value at home (real or sentimental).
FITNESS & EXERCISE
Travel includes physical activity, many times walking lengthy distances on what may be uneven pavement, cobblestones, or even unpaved paths. Tour participants may also need to board and exit coaches multiple times per day. All travelers need to be able to navigate on their own or with the assistance of their travel companion that does not impede the group experience. We encourage all of our travelers to begin (or continue) a walking regime several months prior to departure to avoid muscle strains and discomfort while on tour.