Before you go… Though we do everything we can to ensure your trip is a success…

It is important for you to double check all the documents we send you for accuracy. Let us know immediately if you see anything that is incorrect or different from what you expected. Also take the time to review them in their entirety. We have highlighted some important items to note, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the documents should be ignored.

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Be aware of local customs and laws Don’t spit gum out in Singapore - it’s a criminal offense. Learn a few phrases in the local language too! (Please, Thank you, bathroom, etc.)

Travel Insurance Helping more than just delayed/canceled flights, travel insurance can help in a medical emergency too! Most US health insurance offer only limited coverage internationally. If you haven’t bought it yet, contact us to purchase!

CREDIT CARDS Inform your bank and

credit card companies of your travels to reduce risk of declined transactions.

1CELL PHONES

Check if your cell phone provider has service in

your destination & international rates.

2MONEY

Have a lot of small bills on hand for tips -

drivers, excursions, housekeeping, etc.

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EXPERIENCE CULTURE TRAVEL

Travel Tips Things to know for when you go!

Packing for your trip Memorize the TSA rule of 3-1-1. 3 oz. bottle or less per item, in a clear 1 qt. plastic bag, 1 per passenger. Medical exceptions to this rule must be declared and likely inspected. Visit TSA.gov for the most up to date info.

• Put your telephone number, name, and address of your destination on the inside and outside of your bag. If lost, it makes it easier for airline personnel to find them.

• Colorful luggage, bright-colored luggage straps, or luggage tags will set your bag apart from the hundreds of others, making them easier to spot on the baggage corral. Tip: A brightly colored loofah is a cheap item that can be attached to a strap and makes luggage stand out.

• Carry travel size wet wipes & tissues. Toilet paper is not guaranteed in some countries.

• If traveling to a place where you will be doing a lot of shopping, pack a collapsible suitcase or duffel bag in checked luggage. For fragile items, bring bubble wrap!

• Instead of folding your clothes, roll them up and pack them. This can help prevent wrinkles.

Bring a travel first aid kit - insect repellant, pain killer, decongestant, Benadryl, Pepto-Bismol, Neosporin, Band-aids, etc.

• Some countries have entrance or exit fees that are not included in the original reservation. Be prepared to have extra cash on hand to pay any applicable fees.

• Charge your electronics just before you leave. Check your batteries in your cameras before your trip as it may be difficult to find exactly the right battery for your camera in your destination.

• Remember to check airline luggage fees and size/weight regulations prior to departure.

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PACKING YOUR CARRY-ON BAG Take your medications, valuables, electronics, a change of clothing, and sample size toiletries in your carry-on bag. You never know when an airline may lose your bag and you don’t want to be without your medicine if there is a baggage delay.

On that note, if you take a prescription medication, bring more than you expect to need, and include the refill prescription, just in case.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Finding an optometrist or glasses shop could be tricky in a foreign country.

If you are confused or unsure if something is allowed, check TSA.gov.

EXPERIENCE CULTURE TRAVEL GENERAL INFO

Check off To Do’s Make sure you’ve done these things before you depart to ensure a pleasant return.

• Share your itinerary with a family or friend. This way they can contact you in case of an emergency back home, or so they know where you ought to be should there be an emergency on your trip.

• Photocopy your passport page - keep one copy in a place separate from where you will keep your passport, one copy at home, and send a copy to Experience Culture Travel via our secure upload form. This ensures that even if you lose your passport, you can prove your identity and get a new passport much faster.

• Make copies of your credit and debit cards you will be bringing, Keep them separate as well; in case your wallet gets stolen, you’ll have the numbers to cancel the cards right away.

• Take out all of your trash before you leave. No one wants to return to a smelly house!

“Pack your sense of humor. We can plan everything, but sometimes things happen. Embrace the experience and have a good time anyways!”

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EXPERIENCE CULTURE TRAVEL GENERAL INFO

DON’T FORGET TO ENLIST SOMEONE FOR HELP WHILE YOU ARE GONE Plan who will check on your pets while you are gone, and who will make sure to take care of any house emergencies if you are going to be gone for a while or during a particularly cold spell. Burst pipes or broken furnaces wouldn’t be a fun thing to come home to.

• Wear easy fitting clothes and slip on shoes. This will save you time at the security gates. Bring along a scarf, jacket, or travel blanket to avoid using the airline’s blanket - they reuse them between flights!

• Keep your travel documents handy and with you at all times. They have confirmation numbers and information you may want to refer to during travel.

• Beware of public WIFI - most are not secure. Consider purchasing an RFID blocking wallet or sleeve for your credit card. Even in the US there are people who can read your credit card information and use it fraudulently.

• Whenever possible, use credit cards instead of debit cards. Credit cards offer a higher level of protection if lost or stolen. Debit cards are linked to your assets. Some banks might not reimburse your account for stolen debit funds, and, even if they do, it may take a while.

• Never carry your wallet in your back pocket, or your purse on just your shoulder.

• Check in to your flight 24 hours ahead of departure. If you haven’t had seats assigned to you yet, you can often select them at check in, depending on the airline.

• If you flight does end up being delayed and you’ve purchased travel insurance, be sure to keep any and all delay-related receipts, boarding passes, and reason for flight delay (if you can, have the desk attendant stamp or write the reason for the delay on your boarding pass, or take a photo with the cancel or delay sign). Check your insurance provisions for particulars about payment for delay times.

• If your luggage is delayed or damaged, be sure to go right to the luggage claim area and file a claim for lost or damaged luggage. You will need this documentation to file an insurance claim.

• Some countries have entrance or exit fees that may not be included in the reservations fee. Be prepared to have extra cash with you to pay any applicable fees.

• Depending on the destination, you may be able to purchase foreign currency before you leave from your bank. Airports and exchange windows may have higher exchange rates. ATMs in foreign countries usually dispense that country’s currency.

• Things are different each place you go. Relax & go with it!

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EXPERIENCE CULTURE TRAVEL DURING TRAVEL

Getting there is half the battle… Following these general guidelines will help mitigate risk while traveling

THEFT HAPPENS - DON’T LET IT! Pickpockets and others intending to scam you out of money gravitate towards busy public areas where unsuspecting tourists gather: bus stops, train stations, airline terminals, popular tourism sites, etc. Be aware of the people around you and make sure that all of your possessions are stowed away somewhere under your clothing. Remember, it is perfectly acceptable to say, “No thanks” and walk away if you are uncomfortable in a situation.

• If you received an immigration form, be sure to keep it with your passport! You’ll need it to leave the country, and replacing it can cost $50+, depending on the country.

• Keep your cash, credit cards, passport and valuables in the safe in your room when they are not on your person. Only take what you need out on any given day.

• The drivers of your transfers from the airport to the all-inclusive resort (and vice versa) do not work for the resort, so it is fine to tip shuttle drivers and airport porters.

• If you are traveling on your honeymoon, be sure to bring a copy of your marriage certificate/license in order to receive the resort honeymoon perks.

• Have small bills on hand for tipping the wait staff. The more they are tipped, the faster your service. Some will even bring drinks they know you’ll like unprompted!

• When leaving a tip for housekeeping, bring a thank you card and write a little something in it - it would brighten their days! $2-$3 per day is a typical tip amount.

• If you buy something and the receipt is in a language you aren’t familiar with, write down the item(s), date, and place of purchase so you can read it and compare to your credit card statement at the end of the month.

• Remember to pack sunscreen, adaptors (if necessary), and swimsuit(s)!

• Many resorts have timeshare offers. It’s best to decline them, as, like US timeshare properties, they come with a lot of hidden terms and conditions.

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EXPERIENCE CULTURE TRAVEL MEXICO/CARIBBEAN

Relaxing in the warm locales… When you are traveling to a warm destination to escape the cold, keep these things in mind.