Motorcoach Travel: Everyone wants to make the most of the time available and see as much as possible – so it is important that every tour member is on time. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) and consuming alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the coach. There are plenty of opportunities to smoke during frequent stops. Also please remember that some people are sensitive to heavy perfume or strong aftershave; be considerate of other tour members and use these items sparingly.

Accommodations:  Although there are chain hotels in international locations, standardized hotel rooms that we enjoy in the US and Canada are the exception rather than the rule. Hotels are often located in older buildings, small and irregular-sized rooms are standard. Rooms with twin beds very close together, queen beds made by connecting two twin beds, and small elevators are all quite normal abroad, even in luxury hotels.

Passports: International travel requires a valid passport. Many countries require your passport be valid for six months beyond your return date. The safety of your passport is your responsibility. Keep two photocopies of your passport: one with you on tour in a separate location from your passport book and one at home where someone can access it, if necessary. Your passport should be accessible for airport ticket counters, border crossings, immigrations and customs, and hotels. Any additional required documentation such as visa requirements are detailed in the tour-specific information.

Cell Phones: Sharing your cell phone number provides a quick way to contact you on the starting and ending days of travel or if you and the group become separated. It is invaluable for you to be able to be in contact with your Tour Director. We do not share your name and contact information for any purposes other than normal tour operation. Prior to your travels, be sure to review your destination and cell phone plan with your provider. For more information on how to manage your cell service internationally, contact your provider. As a courtesy to your fellow travelers, Tour Director, and local guides, please refrain from talking on your cell phone while on the motorcoach unless there is an emergency situation that requires your immediate attention.

Internet & Wi-Fi: Internet and Wi-Fi access is available at most hotels, although there may be additional charges. Some hotels have public computers available for guest use. There may be additional charges for internet access.

International Guide: A local international guide will join your Holiday Vacations Tour Director to provide cultural insight.

International Limitation of Liability: Passengers embarking upon a journey involving an ultimate destination or a stop in a country other than the country of departure are advised that the provisions of an international treaty (the Warsaw Convention, the 1999 Montreal Convention, or other treaty), as well as a carrier’s own contract of carriage or tariff provisions, may be applicable to their entire journey, including any portion entirely within the countries of departure and destination. The applicable treaty governs and may limit the liability of carriers to passengers for death or personal injury, destruction or loss of, or damage to, baggage and for delay of passengers and baggage. Additional protection can usually be obtained by purchasing insurance from a private company. Such insurance is not affected by any limitation of the carrier’s liability under an international treaty. For further information please consult your airline or insurance company representative.

Duty-Free Shops: Items purchased at duty-free shops will be inspected by border patrol prior to departure and cannot be opened until after your departure.

Duty-Free Exemptions: A duty-free exemption is the total value of merchandise you can bring back into the United States without being required to pay duty on the items. Members of a single family, traveling together and living in the same residence, are allowed to pool their exemptions to cover their combined purchases. For additional information on customs regulations and duty-free shopping, please visit the Customs and Border Patrol website: www.cbp.gov.

Travel With An Open Mind: Each of us who travels abroad can be a goodwill ambassador. Tolerance and friendliness toward others is appreciated.

Airline Fees: Airlines may charge for checked luggage and/or carry-on bags. These fees are your responsibility. The cost is payable directly to the airline before or at the time of check-in. Please note airlines may charge a significant fee for overweight, oversized, or additional pieces of luggage.

Checked Luggage: You are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person that will be handled for you at hotels while you are on tour. Your checked luggage may not weigh more than 50 pounds with the total dimensions (length + width + height) equalling 62 inches. Please attach your own identification in addition to the Holiday Vacations luggage tag provided to you. (Certain tours differ from these limits. Please see the tour-specific information section for details.).

Carry-on Bag: In addition to your checked luggage, you may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a camera bag or purse, per person. These items are your responsibility to handle. For your convenience, the carry-on bag is intended to be used for items you need on a daily basis. We recommend using a small day bag, such as a soft-sided backpack, which would fit into the overhead bins of the motorcoach. (Certain tours differ from these limits. Please see the tour-specific information section.)

Food & Beverage at the Airport: You are allowed to bring food through airport security. Approved items include foods such as pretzels, chips, and granola bars. Items that are liquids or have a gel-like consistency, including pudding, yogurt, or salad dressing fall under the 3.4-ounce liquid rule. You are not allowed to bring a full water bottle through security but are allowed to bring an empty bottle to fill once you’ve cleared security.

Laundry: Some hotels have dry cleaning or coin-operated laundry available.

Luggage Handling: It is not always possible to provide luggage assistance at airports. We recommend a suitcase with wheels.  Additional pieces of luggage can be handled for you at hotels for $6 per bag, per day. Please call our office to make arrangements.

Packing: Casual clothing is appropriate but you may consider packing one outfit that is a little dressier than your everyday casual wear. It is recommended that you pack comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Since the weather is always changing you may want to dress in layers and bring a light sweater or jacket. The following tips are provided as suggestions to help you safely and adequately prepare for your tour.

· Have identification with you and not in your checked luggage· Leave valuables at home.
· Pack medication in your carry-on bag· Bring a hat and small umbrella or rain jacket.
· Bring a camera and extra memory cards in your carry-on bag.
· Pack chargers for electronic devices and ensure that you have the appropriate electrical adapters.
· Frequently forgotten items include binoculars, sunscreen, bug spray, or sunglasses, and/or a reusable water bottle.
· If using a CPAP or BiPAP, it is recommended to bring an extension cord in the event outlets are not conveniently located.

Credit Cards: Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted almost everywhere. For security purposes, your credit card company may block unusual charges. To avoid potential problems, we recommend that you notify the credit card company of your travel plans. Please note that Discover card is not accepted in the United Kingdom or in Europe.

Debit Cards: If you plan on using a debit card, check with your financial institution for information on fees and usage availability. Know your PIN so you can withdraw cash from an ATM machine. Fees may apply.

Gratuities: Many gratuities are included as part of the tour: (1) Baggage handling at the hotels (2) Included meals (3) Included attractions (guided tours, etc.) (4) Step-on guides

The following are NOT included in the tour and may be provided by you at your discretion:

(1) Holiday Vacations Tour Director: Holiday Vacations takes great pride in the customer service that our Tour Directors provide. If you feel that your Tour Director has met your expectations, please tip accordingly. The suggested gratuity for your Holiday Vacations Tour Director is $7 per person, per day. Gratuities are determined on an individual basis and given directly to the Tour Director at the end of the tour.

(2) Shipboard Gratuities: For more information on shipboard gratuities, please see the tour-specific information.

(3) International Driver and/or Guide: Please see tour-specific information for tipping guidelines for international guides and/or drivers.

(4) Other Services: Your Tour Director will provide information on gratuities for other services such as taxi drivers, dry cleaning, housekeeping staff, etc.