Travel Tips

Obtaining a Passport

1. Obtain a passport application form from the U.S. Post Office in your hometown or at a local agency.
2. Request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the County Clerk in your place of birth. This must be an original copy with the raised seal.
3. Obtain two "passport photos." The photos should measure 2 x 2 inches, and be no more than six months old.
4. Take the completed passport application to the passport office at the U.S. Post Office with the following items:
1. Certified copy of your birth certificate.
2. ONE (1) of the following:
• Driver's License, Voter's Registration Card, or Naturalization Certificate.
3. Two (2) passport photos.
4. A check or money order as payment for the passport (amount due is on passport application).

You can also obtain passport information and print passport applications and forms on the Web. These forms are available in Printable Document Format (PDF). Adobe PDF files require Acrobat Reader software from Adobe Systems Inc. A free version of this software is available at www.Adobe.com/Acrobat or on the passport website itself.

Please visit either website below for passport information. www.usps.com/common/category/govtlinks.htm or www.travel.state.gov

It may take up to six (6) weeks to receive your passport. When it arrives, sign it and carry it with you at all times when traveling abroad. It is also a good idea to make a photocopy of the identification page of your passport and keep it with you, separate from your passport.

Renewing Your Passport

If you already have a passport, be sure to check the expiration date. Depending on the country visited, your passport may need to be valid up to six months after your return date.

To renew your passport, pick up the application form at the nearest passport office. Complete the form and mail it to the nearest passport issuing office together with: 1.) your old passport number; 2.) two (2) new passport photos; 3.) your check for renewal fees (indicated on the application). It will cost extra for the passport office to submit the renewal application for you.

Note:

• If you need your passport immediately, please ask your local passport office for further information.
• Passports are valid for ten (10) years, unless issued to persons under 18 years of age.
• If you wish to have your passport sent to you by Return Express Mail, check with the passport office.
• If your passport becomes lost or stolen, you must report it immediately:
• Inside the U.S., to the nearest passport office.
• Outside the U.S., to the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Obtaining a Visa

U.S. Citizens do not need a visa when traveling to many countries. Australia and Brazil are examples of countries where a visa is required for U.S. Citizens. U.S. Citizens are allowed to enter Australia for a short stay with an Electronic Travel Authority (no Visa is placed in the passport). Ambassador Tours will obtain ETA's for American group members traveling to Australia.

Non-U.S. citizens must contact their Consulate General to see if a visa is required for any countries they will be visiting.

• Visa applications can be obtained from the Consulate General or Embassy Office of the country which the visa is required.
• Fill out the visa application and send it to the nearest Consulate General or Embassy Office indicated on the application along with:
• Your valid passport;
• Check or money order for application fee.

It could take 6-8 weeks for your passport to be returned with your visa stamp. Express mail services can be used to expedite the process.

Currency Exchange

Credit Cards and ATM Cards:

Credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, Australia and New Zealand and Brazil, for purchases or cash advances. Recently credit card companies have increased the fees they charge for international transactions. These may be called currency conversion fees or foreign transaction fees and can add 1-2 per cent to your purchase or advance. Check with your bank and credit card company to learn what they charge.
ATM machines are also easily accessible and cash is dispensed in local currency.  It is always a good idea to have companions when using an ATM machine.  Many European ATM machines require a six digit pin number, where our US pins are 4.  Simply add two zeros at the end of your number.  (i.e., pin 1 2 3 4, enter as 1 2 3 4 0 0). 

Prepaid debit cards are another option for obtaining foreign currency and making purchases. They will work in ATM machines and for purchases at shops, restaurants, etc. The websites for Visa, MasterCard and American Express offer links with details about purchasing their prepaid debit cards. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted.

http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/visa_travel_money.html

http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/aboutourcards/gift_prepaid/index.html

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling so that they will not be alarmed by the international access to your account.  Leave all unnecessary cards at home.

Travelers Checks:

Travelers Checks is another option for your trip, though you will pay an exchange fee when cashing them and you will not receive as good a rate as when using ATM cards. Also, some merchants do not accept Travelers Checks. They are becoming obsolete.

Cash:

You may wish to take a small amount of the local currency with you, in case you arrive at a time when banks and exchanges are not open.

Any left over paper money can be exchanged at the airport upon your departure.  Or, you can spend your European currency at the Duty Free shop at the airport. 

Customs & Immigration

When entering a foreign country all non-citizens must go through customs and immigration. Upon arrival at a foreign airport, you will have to show your passport. Then collect your luggage and proceed through the "nothing to declare" line. You will meet your Ambassador Tours escort outside of the customs area.

When returning to the U.S., all U.S. citizens are allowed up to $800.00 worth of purchases duty-free. Duty will be charged on anything in excess of $800.00.

The U.S. Customs Service web site provides an overview of customs regulation and procedures that apply to travelers entering or exiting the U.S. Please feel free to visit their website for further information. www.customs.gov

Electricity

Most of North and South America (including the U.S.), the Caribbean, and Japan use 110-voltage electricity. Most European countries and the South Pacific use 220-voltage.

Plug Types:

A = This plug is used in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Japan.
B = This plug has 2 round prongs and is used in most of continental Europe.
C = Primarily used in Australia, this plug has two flat prongs like the U.S., except that they form a V shape.
D = This plug has 3 prongs (two flat and one rectangular) that forma a triangle and is widely used in Great Britain.
E = Similar to plug B except it has 2 oversized round prongs.

You can buy voltage converters and adapter plugs at most travel and luggage stores, or department stores.

Country, Voltage and Plug Type:

Telephone

Calling Cards:
The least expensive way to call the U.S. is to purchase a phone card at a newsstand, café, or tobacco shop.  Cards are accepted in most phone booths and are economical. Cards are only valid in the country in which they are purchased.

The most convenient way to call the U.S. from Europe is to use your long distance carrier calling card. Contact your long distance carrier before departure from the U.S. to learn the access code for the countries you will visit. This should be a toll-free number in Europe. 

Here are selected access codes for AT&T and MCI:

*Cell Phones:
Many US cell phone companies now offer worldwide service. Your telephone must be equipped to handle this service. Contact your cell phone service provider for details. It is also possible to rent a phone in Europe and other destinations. 

*In response to numerous inquiries about cellular phones while traveling abroad, Ambassador Tours introduces Call-in-Europe, a reasonably priced and reliable cellular telephone rental service. Click the Call-in-Europe icon to be linked directly to their site.

Visit www.kropla.com for information on mobile phones, dialing codes, television guides and more.

Value Added Tax Refunds (V.A.T.)

In Europe, a local value-added tax is included in most retail prices. If you spend more than a certain amount of money in one store (from $0.00 - $242.00 USD, depending upon the country), you are entitled to a refund of the V.A.T. This amount can range from 9% to 20% of the retail price. You can apply for this refund when you leave the country (or European Union).

When you shop at stores displaying the tax free shopping for tourists sign and you spend more than the required minimum, obtain the Value Added Tax shopping voucher from the sales representative. Your passport will be required.

The V.A.T. refund takes place at your final departure from the European Union, or non-EU country. For example, you must apply for the refund at the airport where you board your transatlantic flight. Alternatively, if you make a purchase in Switzerland or another non-EU country, your tax free voucher must be stamped by a customs official when leaving that country. In both cases you must be able to present the purchased goods, the receipts and the V.A.T. voucher to the customs official for verification. Cash refunds can sometimes be made immediately in the airport, or you can receive your money via charge card or check.

Deviations

Ambassador Tours will arrange airline deviations for tour participants on a limited basis, however all deviations are subject to a service fee. Each airline has different rules regarding individuals deviating from the group booking and usually only the return date can be extended. Every request for alternate air travel must be submitted in writing to Ambassador Tours and a service fee will be charged to each individual deviating. Additional airline fees may also be assessed according to flight plans and airline regulations.

Ambassador Tours Representative (Escort)

An Ambassador Tours escort will accompany your group during the land portion of your trip. The escort is an intermediary between suppliers such as hotels, concert venues, coach companies, restaurants, etc. and the group. Typical duties include checking into hotels, reconfirming all scheduled appointments, and handling all financial details associated with the tour. The escort will try to resolve all problems which affect the group as a whole. While being familiar with the countries you are visiting, it is not the function of the escort to be a tour guide. Professional licensed guides are required by law in most cities and are retained to provide guide service to your group.

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Tipping

Your tour price includes all tips, taxes and service charges at the hotels and restaurants listed in your itinerary. When paying for independent meals in European restaurants, travelers are advised to determine if the tip has already been included on the bill. If not, 10% - 15% is a reasonable amount for a tip, depending upon the quality of service.   Often in France and Germany it is expected that you will either leave your small change or round the bill to an even amount in addition to the service charge.  Taxi drivers usually expect a tip.

In the South Pacific, tipping is not obligatory and service charges are not charged at hotels and restaurants. For special service, a tip of 10% is acceptable for the server.

For more information on acceptable tipping procedures, or to order your very own Tip Chart, please feel free to check out "The Original Tipping Page."

It is customary to tip the local, professional sightseeing guides $1.00 - $2.00 per participant upon completion of the tour.

It is also customary to tip the driver and the escort at the end of your tour. A suggested amount for the escort and driver is $1.00 - $2.00 per tour participant per day.

Note: There is no tipping at all in Iceland!

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Motor Coach Drivers

Drivers are governed by strict driving regulations, which may affect your tour. A driver is allowed to drive a maximum of 9 hours a day and must have a minimum of 9 hours of rest between driving days. Thus, if your tour has a late night arrival, the next day's departure may be delayed to accommodate these rules.

Each coach is equipped with a meter which records the amount of time the coach is in use, and this information can be demanded by police and border officials at any time. The driver and motor coach company are severely fined if the driver is not complying with the law.

The driver is also required to drive only according to the final itinerary and the coach will not be used as a taxi service during independent time.

Packing

When packing for your trip, bring clothes that coordinate and can be layered according to the weather.

Bring sample size toiletries in small leak-proof containers and then in a waterproof plastic bag. Most toiletries and medications should be packed in your carry-on bag and carry medications in their original pharmacy containers.

Bring Your Walking Shoes

Be prepared for considerable walking during your tour. Negotiating uneven cobblestone streets, climbing hills for "the view" and touring old castles with no elevators can take a serious toll on the legs and feet. Bring good walking shoes and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Churches & Cathedrals

Although many of the great Cathedrals of Europe are top tourist attractions, they are still used as houses of worship. In many of these churches, it is required that the visitors wear proper clothing. This is especially true in Italy and Spain where one's knees and arms should be covered when entering a church. You may be asked to leave by a church official if they consider your clothing inappropriate.

Before You Go

• Make photocopies of your travel documents and pertinent identification. It is a good idea to photocopy everything in your wallet (both sides) so you will know what you were carrying and have all the account numbers and phone numbers should your wallet be lost or stolen.
• Examples: airline tickets, passport identification page, birth certificate, itinerary, driver's license and credit cards. Keep a copy at home and a copy with you.
• Keep your traveler's check's serial numbers separate from your checks.

Travel Insurance

There are several different types of travel insurance policies available, ranging from Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to Emergency Medical Insurance. Ambassador Tours provides applications for travel insurance, from either Travel Guard or Access America, to all tour group participants. Click either link to order your insurance on-line.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance provides coverage for cancellation or interruption of your trip due to reasons such as injury, illness or death suffered by the insured or a member of the insured's immediate family. Because most airline tickets issued for group travel are nonrefundable, purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseeable events that may impact your travel plans is highly recommended.

If you require emergency medical treatment while on your trip, Emergency Medical Insurance will cover reasonable medical costs. Check your current health insurance to see if it covers international travel. Baggage Coverage provides coverage for loss, damage or theft of baggage and personal belongings. Check to see if you are covered for baggage loss under your homeowner's policy.

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Baggage Allowance

In order to allow sufficient space aboard the motor coach, each group member is limited to one suitcase. Airlines further require that a single piece of luggage weigh no more that 70 pounds and the sum of the length, width and height equal to no more than 62 inches.

Weight and size restrictions also apply to carry-on baggage, and vary depending upon each airline. In general, carry-on bags must weigh no more than 11 pounds, and the sum of the length, width and height cannot exceed 45 inches.

If your carry on baggage exceeds the weight and size limits you may be asked to check your carry on, or remove items from it.

Examples of items that are permitted in carry on bags:

• Walking canes (once inspected)
• Nail Clippers
• Safety Razors (including disposable razors)
• Eyelash Curlers
• Syringes (with documented medical need)
• Tweezers
• Umbrella (once inspected)
• Camera
• Completely foldable baby stroller
• Binoculars

Examples of items that are not permitted in carry on bags:

• Knives of any length, composition or description (including catering cutlery)
• Cutting instruments of any kind and composition (including carpet knives and spare blades)
• Any item with a folding or retractable blade
• Metal scissors with a pointed tip
• Box cutters and spare blades
• Metal nail files
• Straight razors
• Hockey sticks
• Baseball Bats
• Corkscrews
• Golf Clubs
• Pool cues
• Ski Poles
• Ice picks
• Knitting Needles
• Liquids and gels in containers larger than 3 ounces.

For the most up-to-date information, review the guidelines at: www.TSA.gov.

Click here for Important Security Guidelines for airline travel.

Groups traveling with instruments will receive specific instructions.

Helpful web sites:

The U.S. State Department is an invaluable source of information regarding overseas travel. www.state.gov/travel

The U.S. Department of State International Program for links to U.S. Embassies and other Diplomatic Missions. www.usembassy.state.gov

Contact us for more information regarding a tour.

Ambassador Tours

We can arrange that!

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