Travel Information
For assistance regarding travel or further information, contact:
Christy Albo, Travel Coordinator
Stella Spalding, Travel Coordinator
Toll free: 1-877-PES-7005 (1-877-737-7005)
Email: info@pestravel.com
Air Travel and General Information
Check all your travel documents carefully. If you are connecting between different airlines, it is a good idea to confirm your reservation with both airlines. Make sure that you are arriving in plenty of time to connect with your cruise or tour. Consider arriving a day or two early so that you are well rested and have a better chance of arriving at your destination in time for your cruise. Please contact our office if you would like us to make pre or post-tour arrangements for you.
Luggage and Packing
Each airline and tour might have a specific luggage allowance. Please check with your airline and with us for details. Airline websites give luggage restrictions and information.
A suggested packing list will be provided in your final travel documents. Always pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
For clothes that travel well, travel pillows and international plugs and converters etc., you may want to check out:
Carry-on luggage:
Check with your airline and TSA for up-to-date information. The TSA website is www.tsa.gov. Most airlines allow 1 carry-on of 9x14x22 inches. In addition to your carry-on bag, you can usually take a personal item such as a camera bag or purse. If you are on any kind of charter or smaller plane during your tour the allowances may be much smaller. We will let you know if this is the case.
The current TSA rules for liquids and gels are:
- 3-1-1 for carry-ons: Each container should be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less by volume placed in one quart sized, clear plastic, zip top bag. One bag per passenger placed separately in a screening bin is allowed.
- Declare larger liquids: Medications are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3 oz and are not required to be in the zip top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint and be sure that these are clearly marked.
We suggest that you pack in your carry-on:
Change of clothes and whatever you might need right away in a different climate e.g. swimsuit, sunglasses, jacket. Necessary toiletries that might be difficult to find at your destination. Prescription medication and glasses.
Be prepared for your luggage to be delayed for a day or two or even lost. Never pack expensive jewelry or other valuables, including prescriptions, in your checked luggage.
It is advisable to leave expensive jewelry at home, as it is a temptation to thieves.
It is a good idea to wear a travel pouch, whether around your neck under your clothing or around your waist, to hold your passport, credit card and cash.
Customs and Immigration
When returning to the U.S., you are generally allowed $800 per person exemption for purchases (depending on the countries you have visited). The value of gifts is included in this allowance. See www.customs.gov for additional information.
Some countries have a duty free allowance for 'Native Art' and restrict antiquities or religious artifacts from being taken out of their country. Be familiar with regulations before you make impulsive purchases.
Some countries refund the sales tax when you leave and you can usually do this at the airport or by mail. Check with the store where you make your purchase as you will need a form to submit for the refund.
If you have flight connections in the U.S. make sure there is enough time between flights to go through customs and immigration. Customs and immigration is usually at your port of entry into the U.S.
Money
Take a small amount of cash to cover tips and incidentals.
Plan to use credit cards for any major purchases and an ATM card for obtaining local currency along the way. Make sure that your access code can be used in the countries that you are visiting.
Before you leave home, make sure to call your credit card company and tell them where you are going. Credit card companies often refuse a charge that seems abnormal, and they might freeze your account.
Health and Inoculations
Check on inoculation requirements at least 6 weeks before departure to give yourself time to get all you need. Each country may have required or recommended inoculations. The Center for Disease control (CDC), www.cdc.gov/travel or phone 888 232-3228, can advise about any recommended inoculations. Our office will also check on the latest requirements for each area that we will be visiting. Remember that inoculations and advice may be obtained from your local physician or country health department travel clinic.
Some tips to help you avoid traveler’s diarrhea:
- Be vigilant in countries not up to U.S. sanitation standards. Avoid ice cubes, peeled fruit (unless you peel it yourself) or uncooked vegetables and salads.
- Wash your hands frequently and carry some hand sanitizer for times when there are no hand washing facilities.
- Do not brush your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled water, soda, beer or hot tea and coffee made with bottled water. Carbonated water or beverage is most free of bacteria according to the C.D.C.
- Obtain advice from your physician regarding remedies for diarrhea and motion sickness, if you suffer from it, and what you should take along 'just in case'.
Electrical Appliances
U.S. Electrical Appliances run on 110-volt current. Many other countries have 220 voltage. In addition, plug patterns vary from country to country and sometimes within countries. If you bring a hair dryer, shaver or other electrical device, you will need a voltage converter and a plug adapter kit. Some appliances are dual voltage, and if you have one of these, you will only need a plug adapter kit. We will have information about this for you concerning your specific cruise ship or destination.
