|
|
|  |
|  |
|
|
What to Know Before You Go to Italy This information is general & in addition to our terms and conditions: www.206tours.com/csl/terms
| Thank you for booking with 206 Tours. We promise to do all with in our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have before your journey begins.
Please note that should any problems during your trip, please let your tour escort know about it, or you should first contact your local emergency contact (will be provided with your package), and then 206 Tours.
We pray that your pilgrimage will meet and exceed all of your expectations.
|
Thank you for your desire and readiness to visit these places of grace
and prayer. May you be rewarded for all the efforts you undertake to come! As we would like
your trip to be as pleasant and helpful as possible.
How to Prepare for Your Pilgrimage:
It is important to note that 206 Tours pilgrimages are packed full of
spiritual activities and sightseeing.
We do not include much free time for recreation, such as shopping.
This is because our desire is to offer you the most comprehensive pilgrimage
possible!
It is also important to note that the amount of walking is significant, and the terrain varies greatly through out our tours. You will encounter hills, mountains, unpaved streets, cobblestone streets, etc. Please prayerfully consider whether or not you are up to such physical activities prior to registering. For this reason, we would like to offer you some recommendations.
A couple of weeks before your pilgrimage, one should begin preparing physically as well as spiritually.
If not accustomed to physical activity begin walking "briskly" 1-2 times a day; build up to 2-3 miles with no
discomfort.
And if at times you may not want to participate on all tours/activities, or are unable to keep up with the pace of the tour, manage the terrain, or would like free time for your own interests, you are welcome to refrain from participating in any aspects of the program you desire. Just inform your guide. Of course, no refund can be issued for any aspects of the the tour which you choose not to participate in.
General Info About Your Documents, Flights, Arrival & Travel:
Final Documents: 206 Tours will ship your final documents to the address provided on your reservation application approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your scheduled departure date. The package will be delivered by FedEx (can not be delivered to a PO Box). Your final documents will include your airline tickets, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, general trip information, luggage tags, portfolio of travel documents, flight bag, and more. Carefully review your tickets to ensure that your name on the tickets are an exact match to that of your passport. Please note that the name field on your tickets is Only * 19 characters long, therefore names exceeding this length will be cut off (this is not a problem, as your actual reservation contains your full name). Please also carefully review the itinerary provided to ensure that all departure and destination cities, as well as dates, are correct. Please contact 206 Tours immediately should any discrepancies be found. * Please note that late payment/bookings can cause delay in the shipment of your final documents.
International Flights: We recommend that you check in for your international flight three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers must personally check their luggage at the airline counter. Please advise the airline representative of your final destination upon check in so that you will not need to claim your baggage and recheck it during flight connections (if any). Our pilgrims travel from across the USA. You may/ will be traveling independently for all flights until your arrival at your final destination. You will not have a tour escort with you during your flights. Please be advised that 206 Tours attempts to centralize as many pilgrims as possible on the same flights, so you may arrive/depart on the same flights as your co-pilgrims (for additional information see "Arrival Procedure" below).
Airline Connections: If your schedule requires connections, please note, 206 Tours must book your airline reservations based on the routings provided to us by the airlines, including connection time, cities for connections, and partner carriers. Airlines determine the standard for the required minimum connecting time to transfer from one gate to another for each specific airport. At times, the connection times provided by the airlines are quite tight (i.e. 55 minutes) and require passengers to make haste during their connections. At times the airline connection times are quite long, due to the flight availability at the time of booking. While we wish we could determine the connection times for each of our clients, we are subject to the rules, regulations, and availability of the carriers we work with. We also must ensure that all reservations correspond so that each participant is able to meet the group transfer to/from the airport to hotel and hotel to airport. We promise to do all in our power to provide you with the most convenient flight schedule available to us at the time of your booking, however, we must still follow all appropriate airline rules and regulations.
Airline Tickets:
Most airlines now require that we provide
e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide
your flight itinerary and passport to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets
cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form. Please
note that boarding passes, along with your passport must be present in order to
board the plane.
Code-share Flights: At times, airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Air France), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Delta). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or 206 Tours for clarification. Airline Mileage Accounts: Please contact the airline directly to open a mileage account and to obtain credit for the miles flown on this trip. If you did not open your account prior to your departure make sure to save your boarding passes and do so upon your return. Passports and Visas: All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Italy. Please note that for you to travel your passport MUST be valid for 3 months after your scheduled return date. For additional information on obtaining a US passport please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. A visa is not required for citizens of the USA. If you are not a USA citizen, please be advised that it is the passengers responsibility to reconfirm if any visa's are required for their trip itinerary. Health Precautions: No inoculations are necessary. Although the water in Italy is completely safe in order to prevent "Montezuma's Revenge" your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's travelers' hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov.
Travel Warnings: US State Department Travel Advisories: For up to date US State Department travel advisories you may visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html Arrival Procedure: After disembarkation from the plane you will clear immigration, and proceed to claim your luggage. No assistance is provided during your disembarkation. You will exit the baggage claim into the arrival lounge where you will be greeted by driver and/or your Tour Escort displaying a board or sign with your group name and/or "206 Tours”, and then you will be transferred to your hotel. Please remember to look for the sign! If you miss your flight, if you get late to the airport, forget your passport or you are re-routed you will probably miss the group transfer which is included in your package. In such circumstances you will need to pay for your separate private transfer, which you may submit a claim to the airlines for reimbursement upon your return to the USA. Go to the taxi desk or arrange for a private transfer to meet up with your group at the hotel. You will be responsible to remit payment to your driver upon drop off at your destination. If you arrive in one of the previously mentioned destinations, and we have not been able to arrange for a driver to meet you, please call your local emergency contact (listed in your Final Instruction Booklet) they may dispatch a transfer for you. Please remember to save your receipts.
We strongly recommend the purchase of Traveler's Insurance for this reason (http://www.206tours.com/csl/insurance).
Luggage: Although airlines do permit for you to take two pieces of luggage,
due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 45 in overall dimensions (length+width+height) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg). A charge of USD 3 per traveling day will be collected by the Tour Director if a second piece of baggage is carried, or if the suitcase exceeds the established weight and/or dimensions. It is suggested that you attempt to travel with Only * one piece of luggage. This piece should not exceed 62 inches overall (length+width+height). Most airlines weight limitations are 50 lbs. Please be advised that the airlines charge significant fees for oversized/overweight baggage.
One carry on bag is also allowed. An average sized woman's purse does not count as a carry on.
For your own comfort and that of fellow passengers, please limit the size of your hand luggage to 17x14x8 in. (43x36x20 cm) for easy storage on the motorcoach. For safety reasons, no wheeled hand luggage of any size should be kept inside the motorcoach. Porterage for one suitcase on tour is included in the tour price. For health reasons, porters may refuse to carry very heavy suitcases.
Hand luggage must fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Luggage straps are recommended.
Make sure to use your luggage tags and clearly write your contact information on all luggage and carry-on bags. ALL baggage will be searched prior to loading the plane as per new airline and government regulations so luggage locks are not advisable (as they will be broken if security does not posses a master key from the manufacturer).
Important News! International air carriers are becoming stricter about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. Please contact your air carrier for specific information prior to departure as size and weight limitations vary from airline to airline and even according to destination, and may also be different from our tour limitations. We are not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers.
Carry all documents and money on you, but not all in the same place, to limit the inconvenience in case of loss; do not keep money, important documents, medicines or jewelry in your suitcase; please leave valuable jewelry at home. We recommend a money belt worn inside your clothes, while touring. On departure from your hotel, remember to double check that you have your money belt with you, and that you have collected any items left in the hotel safe. Please, at all times, be as vigilant as you would be in any major city, especially in crowded places such as subways, squares or churches/cathedrals. Never leave your hand luggage unattended or out of sight in public areas, including airports, hotel lobbies or dining rooms.
Be sure to keep ALL medications in your carry on bag during your trip in case your suit case should be lost.
Keep a separate list of important numbers, i.e. passport, traveler’s checks, and credit cards, in your luggage, together with photocopies of airline tickets and the relevant pages of your passport/visas.
The same common-sense rules of safety and security apply here as to anywhere else: -
Avoid excessive displays of jewelry or cash (Only * carry sufficient for daily needs) -
Use room safes or leave items with the hotel manager -
Make certain that any valuables are insured against theft -
Avoid exploration on your own of unfamiliar streets or areas -
Be especially cautious if gypsies approach you begging
How to Overcome Jet Lag: Rapid travel through multiple time zones can take its toll on your physical and mental well-being. "Jet Lag" is the phrase used to describe the condition when an individual's internal body clock is out of sync with the actual time in the region to which you have traveled. It is important to try to adjust your internal body clock to receive the most out of your tour. Here are some tips on how to adjust your body to local time. On the day of the flight/arrival: -
Get out of bed earlier than usual. -
Eat a high carbohydrate dinner (e.g. pasta, potatoes, etc.) -
Drink a lot of water to compensate for the dehydration that is common on long flights. -
Shortly after your evening meal on your flight, set your watch ahead to Portugal's actual time. -
Try to rest or sleep as soon as possible on your flight. -
When you arrive in it will be late afternoon (local time). Keep active, and go to bed around 10:00 PM
Insurance:
For more information you can also visit
http://www.206tours.com/csl/insurance.
Please note that traveler's insurance is STRONGLY recommended for all 206 Tours pilgrims. Be advised that traveler's insurance can not be purchased after you have paid in full for your trip. Please refer to this website for specific stipulations or questions.
Value Added Tax (VAT): There is 17% value added tax on most goods and services in Portugal and France. At retail stores, this tax is always already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of $ 100.00 or more at a gift store that has an agreement wit the VAT authorities, you should fill out a form, at
the store and have it stamped. You will be
eligible, upon presenting the form and the item, for a 17% refund at the
airport prior to departure. Do not pack these gift items in your luggage,
as they should be kept in your hand luggage. By the way, tourist services, such
as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels, paid with foreign currency
are exempt from VAT tax.
Transportation: Distances between points in Europe range extensively depending on your itinerary. During travel days with extensive driving the coach will stop for bathroom/stretch (approximately every 2 to 3 hours) breaks as well as a lunch stop.
Money: Make sure to bring along a credit card for convenience and security. Credit cards offer a very reasonable exchange rate and can be cancelled should it be lost. Visa or MasterCard are the best options as American Express is not accepted in may stores. Please be aware that Discover Card is not accepted. You may also choose to bring traveler's checks, however, not all shops/restaurants accept them due to the devaluation of the US dollar. We recommend that you exchange approximately $200. US dollars (USD) into Euro's at your local bank prior to departure if possible (you do not have to do this!) It is also practical and cost effective to withdraw local currency using your ATM/Debit card during your trip. ATMs are readily available in Italy. Most offer English as a language option. It is recommended that you contact your local bank and credit card companies before departing on your trip to advise them that you will be traveling. You will find the best rate to be at a local Italian banks. We recommend that you refrain from exchanging money at your hotel, as the fees are extremely high. We are frequently asked, "How much money should I bring with me?" This is an impossible question to answer as each person is different. The type of lunches you prefer can make a big difference (restaurant vs cafe). Are you planning on purchasing mementos for yourself or loved ones? We recommend that the minimum spending money you should bring with you / budget for, in addition to the suggested tips, is the equivalent of EUR 50.00 per per per day. Remember, you can always spend less, or bring money home!
Weights and Measures: The metric system is used exclusively through out Europe and the Middle East. A kilometer is a bit over 1/2 mile (.62 miles). A kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
Time: Europe operates on a 24 hour clock. This means that 6:00 pm is 18:00, etc.
Tipping:
Tips are an important part of earnings for your escorts, guides and bus drivers. -
Your tour escort who is with you throughout your tour or for the whole day should be tipped approximately EUR 4.50 per person per day (or depending on the level of the satisfaction). -
Your bus driver EUR 2.00 per person per day (or depending on the level of the satisfaction). -
If you have a sightseeing tour with a local guide, which lasts approx 2 1/2 hrs, it is standard practice to tip your local tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion, or tour, generally EUR 1.00 Tip envelopes are enclosed for your convenience. Optional and may change from place to place: But, almost all restaurants include tax and a 15%service charge (service compris) in their prices. If you are having a meal on your own, and the service has been particularly good, leaving another EUR1 is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If you are using a Taxi, drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare. Tip hairdressers 10%, assistant 5%. Small tips are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guide. When and if your group has a completely free day(s) and escort sees them Only * for a couple of hours or during the dinner time, then it is really at your discretion what amount you should tip them. As normally most clients calculate a total amount of tip for escort for total days serviced - when, escort does less hours it normally compensates the days with longer hours, which often happens when escorts are touring.
Hotels / Accommodations:
Rooms may be smaller than you are used to. If there is a mini-bar in your room, items are at your own expense. Access to pay PAY TV channels are at your own expense. King size beds are rare. In some hotels, key cards operate the room lighting systems and/or the elevator, as soon as you walk in the room put the card in the allocated slot by the door. Fixtures in bathrooms and bedrooms are not standardized and change from one hotel to another. While most hotels do offer a hair dryer in the bathroom, we recommend bring one if it is essential to you. Most hotels do provide essential toiletries (such as shampoo, lotion), however, we strongly recommend that you bring your own of shampoo, conditioner and adequate supply of own toiletries. Please note that while we do request non-smoking rooms for all our clients, Italian hotels are less stringent about enforcing these rules. Remember to frequently check your bulletin board for important information, or with your tour escort for any last-minute changes.
Electricity: The voltage used is 220 volts AC, single phase 50 cycles (the U.S. uses 110/120 volts). Unless you use a good quality electric current converter, the heavier voltage will instantly burn out any electrical equipment you wish to use abroad. Before leaving home, you will need to purchase an international adapter so your two-prong plug will connect to the various local electrical supply outlets (check that it is sufficiently powerful for your appliance), and a converter to convert the 220 volts to 110 volts. Adapter/converter kits that include the entire range of plugs can be purchased at better electrical supply stores. Stores such as Radio Shack, Walmart, K-Mart, Target sell adaptor/converter kits readily. Buying electrical devices in foreign places is not recommended unless you are sure that the current they use is compatible with the current at home. It will likely cost you more than the original price to have an appliance converted.
Telephone:
You may bring your own cell phone, as well as the adapters and extra battery. Make sure to check / advise your provider about your international rates and service. Also let them know that you will be traveling to Europe.
Hotel Telephones While telephones offer convenience, they do tend to cost substantially more than public phones. You may choose to utilize a calling card to be more cost efficient, however, be advised that most hotels charge a connection fee which ranges from EUR 1.00 to EUR 5.00 for such calls. Public Telephones: Are plentiful and usually do work. Most of them operate today with a plastic credit card size phone card, available at post offices and your newsstand. Cards of 20, 50 and 100 units are available (time per unit depends on distance of call and time of day). A reasonable way to communicate. Public Toilets: Known as WC, and available in most tourist locations. Be prepared with tissues in your pocket at all times. Also, be aware that some public toilets are manned/ womaned by attendants who ask for a small "user's fee".
Photography: Most cameras are now digital, but if you are using film, bring plenty 200 or 400 speed is recommended for out door and indoor-flash photography. Photography is not allowed in some museums and in some security-conscious facilities. Terrain: Europe is based on a myriad of old buildings, and there are split-levels and uneven surfaces everywhere; please watch your step! Due to the structure of old buildings, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many areas are pedestrian Only * and have cobblestones. High-heeled shoes are not suitable for cobblestone streets; rubber-soled walking shoes are recommended. Many streets are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations, the buses are not always permitted to drop groups off directly in front for their destination. Please be prepared to walk. Taxis: Be wary of any person approaching you offering unofficial taxi services. If you do not have an airport transfer included and you need transportation, make your way to the official taxi desk or to the regular taxi line outside the terminal; choose Only * those vehicles with a meter and a taxi sign. We recommend you pre-negotiate the fare, as taxi drivers in some countries may attempt to overcharge unwary travelers. Local Customs: A different way of life in some countries on tour may take you by surprise, but if you travel with an open mind and respect of local customs and culture, you should find it easier to adapt to and enjoy your new surroundings. Standards of living may not be quite what you are used to, but there are compensations – a closer sense of reality and a more authentic feeling of locale. Due to cultural differences you may not be greeted quite as cheerfully as back home; smiling at strangers is rare as it's generally reserved for intimate friends! So be especially wary of people presenting themselves as “instant friends” and never accept any offer of food or drink from strangers.
Shopping: Most stores and businesses are closed on Sundays through out Europe. Stores are open daily from Monday to Saturday. Some small shops still observe a "siesta" from 1pm to 4pm, re-opening until 7pm. Some malls close later in the day and are open Saturdays after sundown. As your tour escort for regional specialties products which the countries/cities in your itinerary are known for (i.e. Venice is known for hand blown glass, Florence for leather goods etc.). Enjoy some stress-free Christmas shopping during your travels; small, light items that you can easily carry home make splendid and festive gifts. Don’t forget to buy something nice for yourself too, to take home to evoke pleasant memories of your vacation abroad. If you purchase a video or DVD, please check very carefully that it is compatible with your home viewing system (for USA and Canada – VHS NTSC and DVD region 1) Meals / Food: Most of your meals are included. Please expect that your dinners will be scheduled around 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm, some later. Most breakfasts are buffet style. Unlike in the USA, it is frowned upon to take food out of the breakfast room. Most dinners will be served "sit down" with a pre-determined 3 or 4 course meal. Although some meals will include wine, most meals include iced tap water and coffee or tea. Please ask your guide as on some evenings this inclusion varies, in particular we have evenings where wine is included! While on other evenings beverages, is at additional cost. At times you may see a bottle of wine on your table before you sit down. It does not mean that it's paid for. Ask. While some restaurants may be able to provide for a special diet, such as vegetarian or salt-free, there is no way for us to guarantee this. Please note, vegetarian meals tend to lack variety and imagination. Check with your tour guide or concierge for a list of good restaurants. Food is generally safe to eat. Should you want to feel "at home", many American franchises are available including McDonalds, Subway, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and more.
Climate:
City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Amalfi | Low | 36 | 36 | 41 | 45 | 56 | 59 | 68 | 70 | 61 | 50 | 50 | 47 | | High | 68 | 76 | 68 | 79 | 83 | 94 | 95 | 94 | 86 | 85 | 76 | 68 | Capri | Low | 45 | 45 | 49 | 51 | 59 | 67 | 70 | 69 | 67 | 59 | 57 | 50 | | High | 56 | 56 | 59 | 64 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 85 | 82 | 71 | 67 | 60 | Florence | Low | 36 | 37 | 41 | 46 | 54 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 59 | 52 | 43 | 38 | | High | 49 | 53 | 60 | 69 | 75 | 84 | 90 | 89 | 82 | 70 | 58 | 51 | Naples | Low | 42 | 44 | 46 | 51 | 57 | 62 | 67 | 67 | 64 | 57 | 50 | 46 | | High | 54 | 56 | 61 | 67 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 86 | 82 | 72 | 63 | 57 | Rome | Low | 39 | 40 | 43 | 46 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 61 | 53 | 46 | 41 | | High | 55 | 61 | 61 | 68 | 74 | 83 | 88 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 57 | Venice | Low | 33 | 35 | 41 | 50 | 58 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 62 | 52 | 43 | 37 | | High | 44 | 46 | 55 | 64 | 71 | 78 | 83 | 83 | 78 | 65 | 55 | 46 |
Mid-summer advice: Wear a sunhat and loose-fitting clothing, drink at least one liter (one quart) of mineral water a day if you can (carry a small bottle in your hand luggage); avoid eating too much ice-cream and reduce the amount of ice in drinks. A small battery-operated fan may be useful in warm weather.
Currency Exchange: The EURO is the currency of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Vienna, Ireland, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, etc. As Oct 12, 2006 the exchange rate is approximately 1Euro = 1.27 USD. Keep in mind that this is the "pure" exchange rate an any form of currency exchange has some fees associated. For up to date currency exchange rates please visit www.oanda.com. Please note that the currency flocculation has been particularly volatile in the last year, so we strongly urge you to check the current exchange rates prior to departure. Language: The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken, and many signs appear in English too.
For Additional Information About Vatican please visit: www.vatican.va Please visit the official Italian Tourist website as follows: www.italiantourism.com US Offices for the Italian tourist board: Chicago:
500 North Michigan Ave, Ste 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 ~ Tel. (312) 644-0996 ~ Fax. (312) 644-3019 ~ enitch@italiantourism.com
LA:
12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90025 ~ Tel. (310) 820-1898 ~ Fax. (310) 820-6357 ~ enitla@italiantourism.com
New York: 630 Fifth Ave, Suite 1565, New York, NY 10111 ~ Tel. (212) 245-5618 ~ Fax. (212) 586-2949 ~ enitny@italiantourism.com
What To Pack :
Tip: Prior to putting your clothes in your luggage, put everything out on your bed, then, take half of it and put it back in your closet! Clothing: Due to global weather changes, regional temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered, easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer.
For
Winter, Early Spring, and Late Fall: be sure to pack a warm jacket, a hat, scarf and gloves. Just in case. For Summer, Late Spring, and Late Summer: Bring a sunhat and plenty loose-fitting clothing. Don't forget a lightweight sweater for the evenings as
some places may be a little cooler than others. A note about summer attire; shorts (or mini skirts above knees) and bare shoulders are considered inappropriate at some religious sites. For men, shorts that can be transformed by zippers into trousers may be convenient.
Bring an all-weather coat, just in case.
We strongly recommend that women bring a shall or sarong which can be placed conveniently in their day bag, so that they may drape their shoulders, or tie around their waists in the more religious sites. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes. If new, make sure you walk in them for a couple of weeks to break them in. On the plane you will want to wear loose-fitting clothes and pack a pair of slippers to wear for the flight, as well as a lightweight jacket. Make sure your shoes are lace-up, as your feet may swell a little.
General Clothing for Men: Jeans, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve shirts, socks, undergarments, and light jacket or coat. General Clothing for Women: Jeans, long skirts, casual dresses, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve, socks, stockings, undergarments, and a light jacket or sweater is suggested. Other Suggested Items to Bring (check list):
__
Inflatable head & neck rest, eye mask, foam earplugs (for flight) __ Portable alarm clock __ Flashlight with extra batteries: take batteries out while traveling __ Old towel or small plastic bag to sit on outside __ Handy wipes: freshening up during the day __ Travel pack size Kleenex. __ Extra batteries for flashlight, camera, recorders __ Tape recorder or journal for Mass, and talks __ Extra film for camera: expensive outside of US __ Travel size poncho, in camping section of Wal-Mart __ Optional grocery size plastic bags: 1-2 for dirty clothes or items you purchase __ Soap-small bar travel size __ Shampoo-travel size or put some in a small container; don't carry some big bottle __ Toothbrush & Toothpaste-travel size __ Deodorant-travel size __ Chap stick __ Comb/Brush __ Aspirin/Advil, Etc. __ Feminine protection __ Laxative/Imodium __ Band-aids __ Dramamine or Bonine - if subject to motion sickness __ Pepto Bismol- tablets __ Sominex __ Allergy/cold medicine; tablets (put medicines in a sandwich bag)
Health Care: Some people find that taking them selves off caffeine and taking compounds high in anti-oxidants to be helpful in combating jet lag. You can also take Jet-stress or Cell Guard which are herbal complexes designed to combat jet lag. Ginger can be helpful in motion sickness. Melatonin helps to allow you to sleep on the plane. These items can be found at most health food stores.
What If...& Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I do if I lose my ticket?
If you should lose your ticket prior to your departure date please contact 206 Tours immediately. We will fax a copy of your original ticket to the airlines. You will need to arrive at the airport extra early and sign a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and pay the airlines a $100 reissuing fee. If you should lose your ticket during your trip please immediately inform your tour escort who will advise us, so that we may follow the same procedure.
What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed? If your flight is cancelled or delayed it is imperative that you work DIRECTLY with the airlines at the airport to arrange for alternate flights or protection. Please note that once your tickets have been issued or you have check-in for your flights, 206 Tours can no longer make any changes to your flight itinerary. This can Only * be done by the airlines. In such case, remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so be persistent. However, it is important to remember that it is not the airline agents fault, so try your best to remain courteous to them, as you may find that you receive more assistance this way. Please be advise that the airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for personal expense or overnights when delays/cancellations occur due to weather. We strongly recommend the purchase of Traveler's Insurance for this reason (http://www.206tours.com/csl/insurance). However, if you find that you have no luck with the airline personnel, please contact 206 Tours and we shall do all in our power to assist you.
What should I do if I miss my flight due to my late arrival at my departure airport? If you should miss your flight, due to your own late arrival at your departure airport, it is imperative that you work DIRECTLY with the airlines at the airport to arrange for alternate flights. You will incur additional costs (minimum of $200 per person) for such changes. Please note that you should contact 206 Tours once your alternate arrangements have been made so that we may arrange for a private transfer (at your expense) if necessary.
What happens if I miss my group transfer upon arrival? You may miss the group transfer which is included in your package. In such circumstances you will need to pay for your separate private transfer, which you may submit a claim to the airlines for reimbursement upon your return to the USA. Please remember to save your receipts.
We strongly recommend the purchase of Traveler's Insurance for this reason (http://www.206tours.com/csl/insurance).
What happens if I have a problem or complaint during my trip? If you have any problems, concerns, or complaints during your trip, please communicate them IMMEDIATELY to your tour escort. Your tour escort is at your disposal to assist you with all your needs including issues with your hotel room, meals, etc. Remember, there is very little that can be done to undo a problem once you have returned home, but, most of the time your tour escort can address any concerns you may have swiftly. However, if the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction by your tour escort, then please contact our office.
What should I do if I want to change my ticket after I've departed?
If you would like to change your ticket for any reason once it has been issued
you MUST work DIRECTLY with the airlines. You will incur additional costs (minimum of $200 per person) for such changes, if the issue is health related your insurance will cover the additional expenses.
For more on our general terms and conditions visit
www.206tours.com/csl/terms
Please share with us your feedback upon your return!
|
|
|
 The Coloseum, Rome  The Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi  Panoramic view of Florence  Bill offering a talk during a group meeting  San Giovanni Rotondo  The Alter in Lanciano  The Holy House of Loreto  Basilica at Orvieto |