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Welcome
to the exciting experience of group travel. When arranged properly,
group travel will be rewarding and economical without sacrificing
quality. We at Trans World Travel, Inc. have been in the business
of group travel since 1947, and we are looking forward to the opportunity
to serve you and the group of which you will be a part.
These
travel tips and helpful hints are one of the ways we want to help
prepare you for your trip. You will find helpful information and answers
to the questions we are most often asked. You may click on a topic
below or peruse all of the topics by scrolling down the page.
Thank
you for choosing to travel with Trans World Travel, Inc
AIRLINES
We
use only scheduled overseas carriers such as Air France, Alitalia,
Sabena, Lufthansa, KLM, SAS, SwissAir, United, American and Delta.
HOTELS
In
most cities, almost all hotels are government-rated 3 & 4 star.
Some of the hotels may be newer and larger, while others may be smaller
and European in style. Please be advised that single rooms, when available,
can be smaller than twin bedded rooms. The third bed in a triple room
most likely will be a cot.
MEALS
Your
brochure will outline the meals that are included in your program.
In most cases, this will mean continental breakfast and table d'hote
dinner each evening. Lunches are normally not included, unless specified
in your itinerary.
SPECIAL DIETS - if there are any foods you cannot eat for health reasons,
please let us know in writing at the time of reservation. While we
cannot guarantee the availability of special diets, we will advise
the airlines and hotels of your request.
MOTOR COACHES
We
use only quality motor coaches, with air conditioning when available.
We cannot always guarantee that there will be restrooms on the coaches,
but our tour managers are instructed to include rest stops at reasonable
intervals.
PAYMENTS
It
is important that you observe the payment schedule that you have been
given. Our payment schedule is arranged to coordinate with our payment
obligation to the airlines, hotels, motor coach companies, etc. All
checks should be made payable to TRANS WORLD TRAVEL, INC. and subsequent
checks should be mailed directly to Trans World Travel, Inc.
FINAL DOCUMENTS
You
will receive final documents two to three weeks prior to departure,
including all flight times and hotel names and addresses.
PASSPORTS
You
are urged to apply for your passport as soon as possible if you do
not have one that is valid. If you have a passport that will expire
within six (6) months of the return of your trip, we encourage you
to obtain a new passport.
VISAS
Some
countries require a visa as well as a valid passport. A visa is a
stamp that is placed in your passport. This stamp allows you to visit
that particular country. If your tour itinerary includes one or more
of these countries, we will advise you, and we will provide the necessary
forms needed for processing any group visas. Trans World Travel, Inc.
cannot be held responsible for the refusal of any visa to an individual
by the consulate of any country.
NON-U.S. CITIZENS
If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is imperative that you advise our
office of this fact. You must obtain your own visa (s ) if required,
and this must be taken care of prior to departure. Processing for
visas can take up to six weeks.
CURRENCY
Generally,
it is a good idea to bring the bulk of your spending money in travelers
checks. Travelers checks can easily be refunded in case of loss or
theft. Travelers checks can be purchased in U.S. Dollars, Pounds Sterling,
Swiss Francs or German Marks, or in Euro's and are readily exchanged
throughout Europe and the Middle East. Travelers checks can be cashed
at banks, airports, railway stations, most stores, restaurants, and
hotels. You will receive the best rate of exchange at banks. NOTE:
there can be service charges when cashing these checks in Europe -
be sure to inquire what this charge will be from the company you choose.
SMOKING POLICY
It
is the policy of Trans World Travel, Inc. to request that travelers
refrain from smoking while riding in sightseeing vehicles. Frequent
rest stops are made for those who smoke.
CHECKS AND CREDIT CARDS
Credit
cards, like Visa, Mastercard and American Express, are widely accepted
in shops and restaurants throughout the world. This is the ONLY way
to travel throughout the world. In most countries, ATM's are widely
available.
WEATHER
Climates
throughout the world vary with the different seasons. Pack rain gear
and wear layered clothing. Bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
or air conditioned rooms.
HOW TO PACK
Pack
in layers --- start with the heavy items. Fill in any empty spaces
with small objects. Then work up to the top, finishing with the lightest
items. Place tissue paper or dry cleaning bags between garments to
eliminate the necessity of pressing. As much as possible, take along
"wash-and-wear" items that you can launder yourself in the
hotel, especially when you will be staying in a hotel for two or more
nights. Laundry service is expensive.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
At
the present time, the United States requires no inoculations to China,
Europe and the Middle East. However, it is best to check with your
family doctor for his suggestions and advise concerning your own requirements
for international travel medication. All prescriptions and medications
should be carried in your hand luggage in their respective containers
which contain prescription number, doctor's name and dosage instructions.
PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED TOUR MEMBERS who require physical assistance
to move about must have a travel companion who is completely able
to, and will be fully responsible for, rendering such assistance.
AIRLINE LUGGAGE
Airline
Luggage Dimensions
Carry-on: 22"x14"x9", not to exceed 11 lbs.
Checked: 29"x20"x10", not to exceed 44 lbs.
LUGGAGE TIPS
Due
to limited motor coach capacity, tour members are limited to one bag
per person with the following dimensions: 29"X20"X10".
Most international airlines limit the weight of luggage to 44 pounds
per person. The dimensions of carry-on luggage is not to exceed 45
inches and must conform to the underseat shape of 22"X14"X9".
Carry-on luggage is your responsibility for the entire tour. Your
bag should be of firm construction, with reliable locks, and light
in weight. Put your name and address on the inside as well as the
outside of the luggage.
CAMERAS and FILM
Most
popular brands of film for still photographs will be available around
Europe, the Orient, and the Middle East - but are probably less expensive
at home. Videotape should definitely be brought with you. If you have
a concern about x-ray equipment ruining your film, we recommend that
you purchase a lead-lined bag from your favorite camera store. The
use of video cameras and equipment is restricted in museums and some
religious sites.
ITEMS TO PACK
While
individual needs will vary, seasoned travelers will include the following
items on a tour: alarm clock, can and bottle opener, comfortable walking
shoes, sweaters, collapsible umbrella, raincoat, insect repellent,
plastic bags, sewing kit, shoe polish, shower cap, spare pair of glasses,
sunglasses, pocket calculator, spare batteries for your camera, travel
sickness and diarrhea pills, band aids, aspirin, and a supply of any
prescription drugs.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Calling
home from a phone booth or post office can be cheaper than calling
from your hotel room.
TIPPING
Some
tips are included in the cost of the tour. The one notable exception
is the expected tip to the tour manager and the bus driver for a job
well done. We recommend about $6.00 per person per day to the tour
manager and $3.00 per person per day to the bus driver. Tipping of
local city guides is optional - usually $2.00 per half day tour.
BEVERAGES AND EXTRAS
The
beverage with any luncheons or with the evening meal is rarely included
in the cost of the tour. If you should order beer, wine, soda or coffee,
expect a bill at the end of lunch or dinner. If you have personal
charges to your room, such as room service or purchases from the mini-bar,
please settle your account with the hotel the night before you check
out.
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
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Cancel
all deliveries and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the house.
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Unplug
electrical items; remove perishable food.
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Check
all locks; deposit valuables with your bank.
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Check
that your hand baggage contains: passport, visas, health documents
and medication, and travelers checks.
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Your
hand baggage should also contain toiletries, reading matter,
slippers, plus a change of clothing in case your suitcase goes
astray.
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Attach
TWT baggage tags to your luggage. (Color-coded tag and the suede
tag should BOTH be placed on your checked luggage.
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And
BON VOYAGE!
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YOUR TOUR MANAGER AND COACH DRIVER
We
have taken great effort to provide your group with a competent and
personable tour manager who will bring added pleasure to your trip
in many ways every day you are in his/her care. Our couriers are professional
men and women whose livelihood, more often than not, is largely dependent
on escorting groups such as yours.
Your
coach driver, also, considers his position as a profession, not simply
as a job. While he may or may not have mastered the English language,
he has been hired because of his ability to master an expensive motor
coach that will be carrying a group of very valuable people -- including
you.
Both
of these people deserve your respect and cooperation. Treat them in
such a way that they will always want to do their very best to provide
for your pleasure and enjoyment. In many ways, they are the ones who
translate our plans and arrangements into reality.
WHILE ON TOUR
1.
Please wear your name tag at all times. Not only does this give everyone
in the group a chance to become acquainted, but it also will help
your tour manager keep track of your entire party. By all means wear
your name tag to the airport as you check in for your overseas flight.
2. Be sure that the paper luggage tag (provided by TWT) is always
attached to your luggage, from the time you check in at the airport
to the time you board your plane back to the States. The luggage tag
stays on your luggage when you are moving by motor coach from one
place to another. This tag assures easy luggage identification for
your tour manager and other baggage handlers and identifies you as
a member of the TWT group.
3.
The suede baggage tag should also be placed on your checked luggage.
This tag is sturdy and meets the requirements of airlines. Never change
the number of checked pieces of luggage without notifying your tour
manager.
4.
Always keep your passport with you. This has been said before, but
it cannot be said too often. Keep it on your person where it will
be safe and secure. Even more serious than the loss of money overseas
is the loss of your passport.
5.
Be prompt when your tour manager announces times for coach departures,
dining, sightseeing, etc. Departure delays can spoil things for
the group and can actually destroy the schedule for a whole day's
activities.
1.
Plan your wardrobe around a basic neutral color. Then choose accessories
that add color.
2.
Keep in mind that stain- repellent and wash-and-wear fabrics are easier
to maintain. When traveling, it is not always possible to have items
cleaned or pressed professionally during a short stay. Also, such
services can be unusually expensive overseas.
3.
Broken-in walking shoes with low heels are a must.
4.
When traveling, dress as conservatively as possible. Simplicity
is the key to being well-groomed.
5.
We recommend that such items as hair dryers, irons and electric shavers
be left at home. These items will require the use of adapter plugs
and current converters that you will need to carry with you. Most
places overseas have 220 voltage, while in the U.S. the voltage is
110.
6.
Admittance to certain sites, cathedrals and churches may be denied
if you have short pants or bare arms. Slacks are acceptable.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT MEDICATIONS
*
When traveling abroad, be sure to keep all your medication - prescription,
over-the-counter, even vitamins - in their original containers.
*
If you have drugs that are commonly abused, or if you are carrying
syringes, ask your doctor for a letter explaining why you need them.
*
Make sure medication is labeled with its generic name to reduce the
chance of confusion. Travelers with HIV should consider asking for
medication to be labeled in a way that does not reveal their HIV status.
SHOPPING ...
Shopping
is one of the reasons why many people want to travel. While all of
our tours include cities that are recognized for quality goods and
merchandise, Trans World Travel can take no responsibility for the
quality of purchases you make. We recommend that you avoid street
peddlers and that you heed the warnings and suggestions of your tour
manager who can direct you to reputable stores and shops. Shopping
suggestions for countries most frequently visited are listed below.
AUSTRIA
- petit point, leather goods, glassware, porcelain, wooden crafts,
knit wear, ski equipment.
BELGIUM - lace, crystal, leather, fine linen, diamonds, jewelry.
CZECH REPUBLIC - leaded crystal,
DENMARK - silver, porcelain, ceramics, furniture, pewter, textiles,
linens.
GREAT BRITAIN - antiques, jewelry, scotch tweeds, tartan plaids, scotch
whiskey, Waterford crystal.
FINLAND - Arabia rice china, ceramics, karjula-liattzla glass, brass
articles, kyijy mats, hand-blocked linen.
FRANCE - fashionable clothing, perfume, jewelry, gloves, antiques.
GERMANY - cameras, binoculars, clocks, steelware, porcelain, leather
goods, wood carvings, toys.
GIBRALTAR - perfume, cameras, crystal, cigarettes, clothing, luxury
items made elsewhere.
GREECE - pottery from the islands, silver and copper items, embroideries,
handwoven textiles, rugs, costumed dolls, gold jewelry, shoes.
HUNGARY - leather goods, Herend porcelain.
ISRAEL/PALESTINE - carpets, tapestry and embroidery, Metal-chasing
ceramics, religious articles and books, olivewood carvings, jewelry,
diamonds, brass articles.
ICELAND - sheepskins, ceramics, handicrafts, knitted jackets and sweaters.
IRELAND - lace, handwoven tweeds, linen, fine whiskey, walking sticks,
fisherman sweaters from Donegal and Aran islands, Waterford crystal.
ITALY - leather goods, gloves, Venetian glass, jewelry, prints, silver,
silks.
LUXEMBOURG - lace, crystal, leather, fine linen, diamonds, jewelry.
MALTA - handwoven materials and clothing, pottery, ceramics, dolls,
copper and brass articles, wrought iron items, handmade lace.
MOROCCO - native crafts, pottery, jewelry, copper plates, handmade
carpets, leather goods.
NETHERLANDS (Holland) - silverware, Delft porcelain, diamonds, pipes,
pewter, copper items.
NORWAY - silver, enamelware, ceramics, woodcarvings, sweaters, glass,
ski clothes, fur dolls.
POLAND - amber jewelry, crystal, woolens, woodcarvings.
PORTUGAL- cork products, Madeira lace, gold and silver filigree jewelry,
embroidered material.
SPAIN - jewelry, woodcarvings, Toledo ware, Talavera porcelains, mantillas,
linens, gloves, lace, leather goods, perfume, pottery, glassware.
SWEDEN - glass, cutlery, pottery, modern furniture, crystal, handicrafts.
SWITZERLAND - watches, clocks, typewriters, chocolate, toys, music
boxes, embroideries.
TURKEY - copper and brass items, rugs and carpets, gold, tobacco,
perfumes.
MORE HINTS TO ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO THE FULLEST ...
1.
Travel in a spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to learn
more about the people of your host country.
2.
Be sensitive to the feelings and customs of other people, thus preventing
what might be offensive behavior on your part. This caution also applies
to photography.
3.
Cultivate the habit of listening.
4.
Discover the enrichment of seeing a different way of life through
your eyes.
5.
Instead of adhering to the American practice of "knowing all
the answers", cultivate the habit of asking questions.
6.
If you want your experience to be "just like at home" in
terms of hotels, food and surroundings, you might want to ask yourself
why you have chosen to travel.
7.
Remember that you are only one of thousands of tourists visiting another
country; do not expect special privileges.
8.
If you are looking for a "bargain", the rule overseas is
much the same as it is at home: You get what you pay for.
9.
Travelers who can wait and smile will usually be the ones who come
home with the fondest memories.
THE TRAVELER'S TEN COMMANDMENTS ,,,
1.
Thou shalt not expect to find things as they were at home, for thou
hast left thy home to find things different.
2.
Thou shalt not take anything too seriously, for a carefree mind is
the beginning of an enjoyable vacation.
3.
Thou shalt not let others get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good
money to have a good time.
4.
Keep thy passport with thee at all times, for a person without a passport
is a person without a country.
5.
Thou shalt have respect for thy fellow travelers and their feelings,
even as thou expectest them to have respect for thee.
6.
Blessed is the person who can say "thank you" to those who
strive to give good service.
7.
Thou shalt not worry He who worrieth hath no pleasure..and few things
are ever fatal.
8.
Thou shalt not judge the people of a country by one person with whom
thou hast had trouble.
9.
When in Rome, thou shalt do somewhat as the Romans do; if in doubt,
use common sense and friendliness.
10.
Remember thou art a guest in the land of another..and he who treateth
his host with respect shall be treated as an honored guest.
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