Currency Converter (link to external site)

Pre-Trip Checklist

Dress Codes

Families with Children

Groups & Reunions

Honeymoons

Hotel & Resort Guide

Passports & Visas

General Safety Tips

Seniors Travel Tips

Singles

Special Needs

Tipping Guide

Tour Guide

Pre-trip Checklist:

Bring disposable underwater/ waterproof cameras.

Put house lights on a timer and rotate the location of the on and off lights.

Arrange to have your mail picked up or held until your return.

Check the dress code for your destination.

Check the weather as you draw closer to the vacation time.

Buy Travellers Cheques for security instead of cash.

Arrange your transportation to and from the airport.

Have a small amount of the country's currency ready for small purchases and tipping upon arrival.

Pack your passport, travel documents, medication, jewellery, travelers cheques, keys and other valuables with you in your carry-on luggage.

Photocopy your passport, visa, and important documents in case of loss or theft and leave the originals in the hotel safe.

Leave your passport and valuables in the room safe or in the hotel safe.

If you have special dietary needs, make sure everyone is informed before the trip.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with a relative or friend so they can locate you in the case of an emergency.

Make sure all luggage is properly labeled in case of a mix up, remove old tags from your last holiday, and lock the suitcase.

Read a book on your destination location.

Buy medical insurance coverage before leaving.

Make sure you have the medication you need.

Take a calculator to ensure a fair trade when exchanging currency.

Dress Code: Before you start packing we suggest you check the dress code for your vacation. Some places require formal evening wear, 'day wear' for regular attire, and possibly conservative clothing for sightseeing. Local customs should be taken into account when on holidays, as short-shorts, halter tops and provocative clothing may be frowned upon in some destinations.

 

Families with Children: Let us know if you are traveling with family and we will arrange a suitable vacation for you. Babysitting is available on many cruise lines, and some include daytime programs and activities for younger children to participate in.

Travel Tips for Children:

Bring along a niece or nephew as a built-in babysitter so you can enjoy your evenings and know the kids are having just as much fun as you.

Bring along a friend. They'll enjoy the extra company and it will calm sibling rivalry.

Give them a disposable camera to take their own pictures of what interests them on the trip.

Don't forget the Ziploc bags and plastic storage containers for art supplies, toys, and CDs. The tops make great traveling desks.

Make a list of everything to pack and check it twice. With older children, give them the list of things they'll need and they can pack themselves.

Double up on the band-aids, sunglasses, sunscreen, batteries, tape and scissors by packing them in different cases so they'll always be near by.

Don't forget room for the souvenirs in your suitcase!

The following list of information is provided in this page, please scroll down the to section of interest:

• Currency Converter (link to external site)
• Florida car hire rules
• Pre-Trip Checklist
• Dress Codes
• Families with Children
• Groups & Reunions
• Honeymoons
• Hotel & Resort Guide
• Passports & Visas
• General Safety Tips
• Seniors Travel Tips
• Singles
• Special Needs

Bring disposable underwater/ waterproof cameras.

Put house lights on a timer and rotate the location of the on and off lights.

Arrange to have your mail picked up or held until your return.

Check the dress code for your destination.

Check the weather as you draw closer to the vacation time.

Buy Travellers Cheques for security instead of cash.

Arrange your transportation to and from the airport.

Have a small amount of the country's currency ready for small purchases and tipping upon arrival.

Pack your passport, travel documents, medication, jewellery, travellers cheques, keys and other valuables with you in your carry-on luggage.

Photocopy your passport, visa, and important documents in case of loss or theft and leave the originals in the hotel safe.

Leave your passport and valuables in the room safe or in the hotel safe.

If you have special dietary needs, make sure everyone is informed before the trip.

Leave a copy of your hotel/resort details with a relative or friend so they can locate you in the case of an emergency.

Make sure all luggage is properly labeled in case of a mix up, remove old tags from your last holiday, and lock the suitcase.

Read a book on your destination location.

Buy medical insurance coverage before leaving.

Make sure you have the medication you need.
If you are traveling by air, make sure that your picture identification matches your airline tickets, and if you are traveling overseas, that your passport information matches your ticket information. 

Dress Code:
Before you start packing we suggest you check the dress code for your vacation. Some places require formal evening wear in restaurants, 'day wear' for regular attire, and possibly conservative clothing for sightseeing. Local customs should be taken into account when on holidays, as short-shorts, halter tops and provocative clothing may be frowned upon in some destinations.

 

Families with Children: Let us know if you are traveling with family and we will arrange suitable accommodation for you. 

Bring along a niece or nephew as a built-in babysitter so you can enjoy your evenings and know the kids are having just as much fun as you.

Bring along a friend. They'll enjoy the extra company and it will calm sibling rivalry.

Give them a disposable camera to take their own pictures of what interests them on the trip.

Don't forget the Ziploc bags and plastic storage containers for art supplies, toys, and CDs. The tops make great traveling desks.

Make a list of everything to pack and check it twice. With older children, give them the list of things they'll need and they can pack themselves.

Don't forget room for the souvenirs in your suitcase!

 

Group Travel, Conventions and Reunions:
Large groups require extra consideration, whether it's where to travel to, what type of holiday to take, or how to get everyone there. Ask us about our group travel if you have a convention, meeting or reunion to plan. Our experts will help take some of the pressure off organising the event.

 

Honeymoon Planning Tips: 
Book a late flight in the afternoon if possible.  
Know your budget and research any extra costs. 
Book the best room you can. 
Ask about the size of the bed as sizes vary around the world. In Europe, you may want to ask for a "matrimonial" bed. 
Make sure you both agree on the destination and the budget.

Let everyone know it's your honeymoon. Often there are special perks for those on their honeymoon, such as champagne and breakfast in bed. 
If having a room looking onto the beach is important to you, make sure that the "beachfront hotel" you booked is in fact on the beach, and not just close by, and that your room overlooks the water and not the gardens.

Ask about the best way to get to your hotel from the airport.

Reconfirm your booking before the trip to ensure your arrangements.

Include a Saturday night stay. Many hotels and airlines offer weekend discounts.

Book flights for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. These days have the lowest airline fares.

Check for off-peak times. When you travel during off-peak times, there are fewer crowds and lower fares.

Take the weather and seasons into account. Many places are less expensive when temperatures start to drop.

If you find a good deal - make the reservation!

Book as far in advance as possible. Booking a minimum of two months in advance can save a lot of money later.

Travel after a public or children school holiday. Rates drop as people return to work and school.

Be flexible with your time. Sometimes booking a week or two off your original schedule saves you money, or leaving several hours earlier or later in the day.

Shop for Specials. Often, limited time offers and specials can save you 30 to 40% off the regular price for a package vacation.

Make a stop or connection on your flight. Flights that are not direct can save you money.

Passports and Visas:  When travelling you need to make sure you have the necessary entry/exit documents. T

Be sure to confirm visa/passport requirements BEFORE you travel.

 

Study a map ahead of time.

Dress down and don't look like a tourist.

Be cautious when wear jewellery, even if its fake.

Wear a money belt, looped into your belt loops.

Keep valuables away from the street side.

Only carry one credit card and photocopies of important documents with you.

Become familiar with local currency before you have to use it.

Remove ID tags if you have been at a meeting.

Bring a note with any medical history of importance that is in the local language in case of a medical emergency.

If renting a vehicle, bring a compass so you know your driving direction.

Rent a mobile phone or bring your own.

Stay close to your valuables when entering airport security poles.

Be cautious about your valuables when using the washroom.

 

Be careful when lifting heavy carry-on bags into overhead bins on airplanes. Ask for assistance if you need it.

Buy luggage with wheels so you don't have to carry your suitcases around.

Carry small packets of anti-bacterial hand cleaner if you're going on a hike or exploring, as places to wash your hands may be few and far between.

Wear comfortable clothing while traveling that doesn't constrict or bind. You should be able to easily cross your legs when sitting. Sitting in a cramped position for long periods of time increases your risk of blood clots.

Avoid drinking any beverages made of tap water from under developed countries. Hot beverages such as coffee and tea are likely to be safe.

Avoid spending time in the sun in wet t-shirts as it can intensify the sun's rays and cause sunburn.

Avoid strenuous activities in hot climates during the middle of the day when the heat is most intense. Your body can lose its ability to regulate your internal temperature at safe levels, and can result in exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke which can be fatal.

Take a notebook with you while traveling to make notes of the activities you participated in, and write down any experiences you had. This will make your trip more memorable.

Bring along a disposable camera for quick and easy pictures.

Make sure to purchase supplemental health insurance while traveling.

Lock up your valuables in your room safe or in the hotel's safe while traveling.

Try to bring the least amount of jewellery possible, to prevent the possibility of theft.

 

If you are on holiday alone, here are some precautions when selecting a hotel:

Less than 100 rooms.

On a well traffic street with busy businesses nearby.

Small lobby, reception, and concierge desk near the front door and/or elevators.

Privacy space between guests checking in and guests leaving.

Room numbers should be written on the key's envelope, not mentioned aloud.

Amenities like parking and a gym should have attendants during times you might need them.

Car parking should be well lit and secured.

Sufficient staff to walk you to your room late at night.

When you're choosing a room, look for one that is:

Near the elevators.

When you're using your room:

Do not use the Maid Clean sign to let others know you are not in. Call housekeeping if necessary.

Do use the privacy room so others think the room is occupied.

Put expensive clothing under other clothes on hangars.

Lock up valuables in the safe and lock larger items in your suitcase.

 

Special Needs:  
Ask our travel consultants about services that most companies provide for those with special needs. There are properties that are more suitable for those who require wheelchair access, and we can help you decide on the right one for you. Dietary restrictions can also be met by most hotels and resortss, if Hotel Anywhere is informed in advance of your trip. Whatever your needs are, we're happy to help