Travel Tips

. Passport/Visas/Proof of Citizenship
All airlines will ask for identification when you check in. If you're traveling outside the US, apply for a passport three months before you plan to travel, to ensure receipt before your travel date.

For travel in Canada:
Passengers should check with the Canadian consulate for entry requirements. Accepted proof-of-citizenship (at time of printing) are: a current passport or a driver's license and a birth certificate with a raised seal.
Collette recommends that all clients traveling to Canada should also pack a photocopy of their passport or identification. Keep the photocopies separate from the actual identification.

For travel in Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific:
Proof-of-citizenship is required for all trips outside the U.S. Passengers should check with the appropriate consulate for entry requirements.
Visas may be required for entry into certain countries. Check with the appropriate consulates for entry requirements.
Passports must be valid for eight months beyond the travel date of the planned vacation. Please check with destination consulate for specific requirements.
Collette recommends that all clients traveling to abroad should also pack a photocopy of their passport, identification and applicable visas. Keep the photocopies separate from the actual identification.

. Luggage and Airline Regulation
Luggage: For unchecked luggage (carry on), please check with your airline. Limitations are in effect and may vary from airline to airline. Carry-on space on motorcoaches may also be limited.
Use sturdy, latch-type luggage in lieu of cloth or vinyl zipper bags - provides better protection against handling bumps and the possibility of theft.

REMEMBER: Label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. It's safest to label your luggage on both the outside and inside of the bag.

Airline Regulations: The sum of linear measurements (length, height, and width) cannot exceed 62 inches. Should there be a second bag, the total for both cannot exceed 106 inches. Weight limitations vary. Please check with your airline prior to departure.

. Currency
Check exchange rates to view the latest exchange information. We suggest that you exchange money upon arrival at your destination country. Exchanges are conveniently located throughout most countries.

. Electricity
WARNING: Please follow all local warnings and guidelines. View the specific electric requirements for the following areas: Canada, Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific

Canada: The electric current in Canada is 110 volts, the same as the US.
When using shavers, irons and curling irons purchased in the United States or Canada, adapters and converters are not necessary.

Europe: All voltage in Europe is 220 with the exception of Turkey, which uses 110- and 220- volt outlets. An adapter (which changes the physical plug) and converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance that operates on standard U.S. electricity (U.S. voltage is 110).

South America: All voltage in South America is 220 volts with the exception of Brazil, which uses 110-volt outlets. An adapter and converter are necessary if you plan to use an appliance that operates on standard US electricity.

Africa: All voltage in South America is 220 volts with the exception of Brazil, which uses 110-volt outlets. An adapter and converter are necessary if you plan to use an appliance that operates on standard US electricity.

Asia: Electricity in Asia varies from 220 - 240 volts, 50 cycles. An adapter and converter are necessary if you plan to use an appliance that operates on standard US electricity.

South Pacific: In Australia the voltage is 240/250 volts. In Fiji and New Zealand the voltage is 220 volts. An adapter and converter are necessary if you plan to use an appliance that operates on standard US electricity.

. Packing Tips and Helpful Hints

Follow these tried-and-true tips to ensure a stress free trip.

• Bring a camera, film, flash bulbs and batteries. Be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring along an extra battery.
• Bring a notebook or trip diary and pen.
• Remember sunglasses, tissues, aspirin, toilet articles and cosmetics.
• Bring a travel alarm clock, sewing kit, travel iron and hair dryer. (There are ironing facilities at many of the hotels. Many hotels also have hair dryers in the room.)
• If you are taking prescription medication of any sort, be sure to take an adequate supply for your trip. Pack your medication in your carry-on baggage - never in checked luggage. Carry an extra prescription in case medication is lost.
• Pack items that may leak in sealed plastic bags.
• Do not pack jewelry, money, travelers' checks, medication, or articles of value in your checked luggage.
• In many cases, laundry services are available to you at the hotel.
• As a precaution, divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion.
• Don't over pack! Leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. Pack an extra carry-on bag.
• Bring a copy of your passport/identification. Pack it separately from the original.

Tips for a comfortable flight:
Follow these tips to help make your flight more enjoyable.

• Bring moisturizing lotion on the flight with you, as the air is very drying.
• Fly in comfortable clothing and shoes. And don't forget to bring a sweater on the flight, since temperatures can vary when flying.
• Drink plenty of water and juice on the long segments of your trip. Bring a bottle of water. You may want to avoid alcoholic beverages during the flight, as they are dehydrating.
• Exercise on board the aircraft. Stretch in your seat; walk up and down the aisles. You'll feel more energetic (and less jet-lagged!) when you arrive at your destination. Exercise stiff joints upon arrival by taking a stroll or using your hotel's workout facilities.
• Bring books, magazines and snacks for your flight.

Special Tips for Travel outside the United States:
Follow these tips to help make International Travel more pleasant.

• Many foreign hotels do not provide face cloths. You may wish to bring one.
• On Safari Tours, we recommend that you use a large duffel bag rather than a suitcase -- storage space on Safari vans is limited.
• In many foreign hotels, Decaffeinated coffee and sweeteners are not readily available in many countries. You may want to bring packets of decaffeinated coffee and sweetener from home with you.

Customs and Immigration:Follow these tips to help make International Travel more pleasant.

• Upon returning to the U.S., be prepared to fill out a Declaration Form for U.S. Customs. Purchases up to $400 USD per person are allowed duty free . (Dollar amount is subject to change without notice.) Quantities and types of items brought back to the United States may be restricted.
• For purchases being shipped home, please check with the store where purchases for the proper for on V.A.T. (Value Added Tax) purchases.