Tips to make your travels
More Enjoyable

Wellness Tips | Foreign Travel Tips | Cruising Tips

Travel & Wellness Tips

#1 - Drink Plenty of Water
Water is good for you! It keeps you feeling energized, aids digestion, and increases your mental and physical performance. So be sure to drink plenty of water when traveling, especially on airplanes where the air tends to be very dry. Also, avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages while flying since they contribute to dehydration.

#2 - Take Care of Your Feet
When you're traveling, you probably spend more time on your feet than usual. If you don't take the proper precautions, sore feet can ruin your sightseeing! To keep your tootsies in top form, always wear comfortable walking or athletic shoes and never pack new shoes that need to be "broken in." Bring moleskin or adhesive bandages to treat blisters. And at the end of a long day of walking, soak your feet to ease discomfort and get you ready for the next day's adventures!

#3 - Pack Wisely
Try to pack stretch cotton and knit clothing that is all in the same color scheme, to minimize wrinkles and make it easy to mix and match. Bring items that can be layered, so you'll be comfortable if the weather changes while you're out. Pack a stain remover pen or wipes so you can clean a stain quickly and avoid having to retire an item for the rest of the trip. If you're traveling with a companion, it's a good idea for each of you to put one set of clothes in the other's suitcase so you will have something to wear if your luggage gets lost.

#4 - Copy Your Passport
Carry a copy of your passport with you but keep it separate from your actual passport. Also, be sure to leave a copy with someone at home incase you need it faxed to your destination.

#5 - Keep You Money Secure
To avoid having your credit card purchases declined while overseas, call your credit card company before you leave and let them know your plans. Travelers Checks are a good alternative to cash because they can be replaced if lost or stolen - just make sure to keep your receipt separate from the actual checks. And always carry your cash and credit cards in a neck wallet or money belt to prevent against theft.

#6 - Mind Your Meds
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage (never in checked luggage.) You may want to carry an extra prescription in case medication is lost. You may also want to pack a small first aid kit containing aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and adhesive bandages.

#7 - Keep a Well-Stocked Carry-On
During the flight or once you're there, here are a few things you'll want to keep with you as you travel.

• Medication: So you won't have a problem if your checked baggage gets lost.
• Film: The equipment used for screening checked baggage will damage your undeveloped film.
• Facial tissues: Just in case the available restrooms don't have toilet paper!
• Granola/energy bars: To keep your blood sugar and energy levels up if you can't find something to eat.
• Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15: Sunburns and skin damage can occur even when it looks cloudy or overcast!

Travel Outside the United States

• Proper Documentation when traveling outside the United States you will need the following:
  • Picture ID
    • Valid Passport
      • Passports are the best form of documentation
      • Good for 10 years for ages 18 and older
      • Good for 5 years for ages under 18
             OR
        
      • Valid Drivers License & Certified Birth Certificate
  • Copy of Marriage Certificate for women whose last name is different than shown on ID.

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Cruising Tips & Information

• Spending on board Cruise Ships - For all purchases on board all cruise ships a Credit Card or Cash Deposit must be made in advance.
  
• Gratuities - Can be pre-paid or paid at the end of the cruise.  Allow about $9.75 per guest, per day to cover tips for your Main Waiter, Assistant Waiter, Cabin Steward, MaitreD.  At your option you may tip extra for extra services. If you choose to order wine with dinner be prepared to pay the Wine Steward $10 to open the bottle.  Ordered drinks on board will have a 15% gratuity added automatically.
  
• Excursions - Book excursions through your cruise line.  This guarantees your ship won't sail without you in the event the excursion's return is delayed.
  
• Dining Options - The dining rooms offer gourmet meals with full service wait staff at scheduled times. (NOTE: Your dining room waiters are assigned to your table whether or not you eat in the dining room.  It is customary to tip them even when you do not eat in the dining room.)  There are also other dinning areas for Pizza, Burgers, etc. or when you want a casual snack or meal.

For more up-to-date information WHTI compliant documents
visit the U. S. government's passport website.