Q: What travel documents do I need?

A: U.S. Citizens traveling outside the United States are required to carry documentation of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, valid for six months after your reentry to the US and in some cases, visas are required. If you need to apply for a new passport or renew your current passport, we recommend that you apply for one at least 3 months prior to your trip departure. This is to allow adequate time for it to arrive prior to your tour departure. Please review the U.S. Department of State's Travel, Passport and Visa Information. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, contact the embassy, consulate, or national airline of the country you are traveling to for entry requirements. It is your responsibility to obtain proper documentation.

Q: Do I need vaccinations?

A: Check with your doctor or local travel clinic or visit the Traveler’s Health section on the Centers for Disease Control website to learn what vaccinations are required for various destinations.

Q: Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, where can I get information on travel insurance?

A: We highly recommend buying travel insurance upon purchase of your airline ticket and/or booking a tour, as a trip can be disrupted or cancelled for many reasons. Review travel insurance companies' policieis, what is or is not covered, and the cost. You can compare several travel insurance companies at Insure My Trip which is a travel insurance booking engine. Or here are some Travel Insurance companies you might consider:
    Travelex Insurance Services
    Travel Guard 
    Access America

Q: Where can I get International News on the places I plan to visit?

A: Here are some International News Services Online. 
    International Herald Tribune
    Worldnews
    CNN World News
    BBC
Or visit the State Department’s website.

Q: How can I check the weather for a specific destination?

A: Check out the World Weather Information Service site.

Q: What are the new airline luggage restrictions?

A: Contact your specific carrier for information on luggage and travel restrictions.

Q: Where do I find the most recent currency exchange rate?

A: Exchange Rates and Currency Conversion sites such as:
    Oanda
    XE Currency

Q: Should I bring my mobile phone on the trip?

A: Check with your mobile phone provider on the phone options and requirements while traveling abroad. You can also check into international cell phone rentals such as Cellhire.
Or you can set up internet calling using Skype or Google Talk. You can make free local or international calls with other users who have these programs.

Q: What is the local tipping custom?

A: You can do a Google search on International tipping customs or International tipping standards. Here is one to review: 
    Magellans
Your guide can also give you current information during the tour.

Q: How can I save money on airline tickets?

A: Airfare can be expensive so here are some suggestions to help you save time and money.

- If you earn miles through an airline's mileage and travel rewards program, check with them to see if your destination is covered, the number of earned miles required, and availability to redeem your travel awards. Most airlines partner with others to offer additional local and international destinations to choose from.

- Travel aggregator websites are a great way to compare and find the best fares out there. These sites search airline and other travel sites to provide impartial availabilities. You don't book tickets or make reservations directly from these sites - you book them through the airlines. Here are some good ones to try.

   Momondo

   Kayak

   Farechase

   Sidestep

   Mobissimo