DOCUMENTS REQUIRED- It is necessary for all U.S. citizens to have a valid passport for entry into a foreign country and for certain destinations passport must be valid for no less than six (6) months after the date of intended return flight. Please make sure that name on your airline ticket is spelled exactly as it appears on your passport. You could be refused boarding if there is a discrepancy. Middle names are not necessary and might not appear on your ticket. We recommend that you carry photocopies of all your important travel documents (information page of your passport, airline tickets, credit card numbers, insurance information, etc.) in a packet separate from the originals. Bringing along a passport-sized photo is also suggested. Please note that any necessary visas or vaccinations are solely the responsibility of the passenger(s).

LAND ONLY - Passengers who purchase a "LAND ONLY" package and chose to arrange for their own domestic and/or international flight(s) independently of us are advised that transfers to/from the airport(s) and hotel(s) are not included. We are not responsible for any services purchased independently of Group IST.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE- Due to limited coach capacity, passengers are limited to one (1) piece of luggage not to exceed 50lbs (22kg) and linear dimensions of 62" (30"+21"+11")and one (1) carry-on bag not to exceed 18lbs (8kg) and linear dimensions of 45"(22"+15"+8"). Exact size and weight limitations for carry-on and checked baggage vary from airline to airline and even according to destination, and are becoming more restrictive. Check with your airline for their baggage allowance. We are not responsible for any supplemental charges incurred as a result of baggage allowance changes.

BAGGAGE LOSS & DAMAGE- If your luggage is damaged on arrival or does not arrive with you, a report must be filed with an airline representative before you leave the baggage claim area of the airport. If you have a transfer waiting upon your arrival make sure that you have enough time to meet them. If you are not traveling alone, one person should remain to file the baggage claim, and another should proceed through Customs & Immigration to inform the transfer staff that you will be delayed.

HOTEL CHECK-IN - Usual check-in times are 3:00 P.M. Every effort will be made for a swift and possibly earlier check-in.

FLIGHT INFORMATION- International and domestic flight schedules are subject to change by the airlines at any time. Before leaving home for the airport on your day of departure please verify that there have been no changes to your flight schedule. Check-In Time. In general, you should arrive at the airport at least 3 - 4 hours prior to your scheduled departure to complete check-in and security procedures. You must check in with your luggage and traveling companions for seating. Your seat assignments must be secured at the airport if you are traveling on a group ticket. If you have special needs for seating, please carry a doctor's letter with you for presentation at the airport. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have at securing the specific seat you would like.

Please make sure that you are not carrying any item that may be considered a potential hazard.  This includes knitting needles, scissors, or any other sharp item.  Passengers are allowed to carry through the security checkpoint and into the cabin of the aircraft travel sixe toiletries of three ounces or less. These items must be placed in a one-quart clear plastic zip-top bag. The items included in this list are shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, lipstick and other items of similar consistency. Beverages purchased in the sterile area may now be brought onto the aircraft. *Please check with your carrier for the most up-to-date rules and regulations.

Make sure that all of your valuable items such as documents, tickets, money, prescription medicine, etc. are put in your carry-on bag and are with you at all times. It is advisable to carry prescription medicine in its original container for ease in getting through security.

SPECIAL NEEDS/REQUESTS - Any special needs and/or requests, such as airline seating, food allergies, medical conditions, wheelchair assistance at the airport(s), or meal requests, should be made in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. We make every effort to accommodate passengers by submitting the requests, however, we cannot guarantee and are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers.

WHAT TO PACK- Comfortable and casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion. Be sure to include a pair of comfortable broken-in walking shoes and a light raincoat. When staying in a Five Star property gentlemen may be required to wear a sports jacket for dinner. We will advise you if your hotel requires a dress code such as this. Toiletries: all your daily essentials. Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag. Eyeglasses: include a spare pair, contacts, contact lens solution. Over the counter medications such as aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, Neosporin or other anti-bacterial medication. *Remember to keep your valuables with you at all times.

• PACKING TIPS- Take only what you need; do not over pack; if in doubt leave it at home. Save room for souvenirs and purchases and don't pack anything valuable, fragile, or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside identity tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase. Your carry-on bag (fits in overhead compartment of international flight) should include sleepwear and a minimum of one change of clothes, including undergarments. If your luggage does not arrive when you do, you will have the necessary items to make it through an overnight and 1 or 2 days or touring without difficulty. This is particularly true in off-season when weather can delay or require plane change.

ELECTRIC CURRENT- The United States and Canada use 110-volt electricity and most countries outside of these areas such as Europe or Israel use 220-volt electricity. Unless your hair dryer or other small appliance is dual voltage, you need to use an "adapter" or "converter". Please see the definitions below and if you are still in doubt consult your manufacturer's specifications.

Please see the definitions below and if you are still in doubt consult your manufacturer's specifications

• Plug Adapter - an interface that attaches between the American two-pronged plug and a specific European socket. The result is that the American appliance will be connected to European 220v 50 cycle electrical power.
• Power Converter (or transformer) - converts the European 220v to 110 volts so that American appliances will operate on European Current. Watch that the power rating (in watts) exceeds the rating of all appliances you expect to plug in at one time.

CURRENCY & BANKING- Most major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted throughout Europe and the Middle East in stores, hotels, and restaurants (contrary to popular belief the American Express card and/or Travelers checks are not accepted everywhere). We strongly recommend you contact your financial institution prior to departures so that they are aware you will be using your accounts over-seas. You should confirm with your bank(s) that ATM or credit cards and PIN numbers will work abroad and what fees are associated with using your card(s) in different countries. Exchange rates can be found in the financial sections of newspapers, or on the Internet (websites such as www.xe.com or www.money.cnn.com/markets/currencies can be found by typing "foreign exchange rates" in your search engine. We recommend that you only use Bank ATM Machines and only carry a small amount of local currency for incidentals and small vendors (Most airport banks open at 7:00AM daily). Many larger tourism areas will take US Dollars.

PHONE U.S. - By dialing 001 (international access code) area code and number. To access AT&T Direct, dial 1 800 55 0000. Most European countries also offers card phones that use a prepaid calling card sold at tele-centers and post offices. If you need to make a call back home we recommend using a pay phone with a calling card. Making calls from your hotel room is very expensive as the property always adds on extra fees. Phone cards can be purchased at the airport or other convenience stores. They range in price depending on number of minutes purchased.

SHOPPING HOURS - We try to allow time for local shopping while respecting the touring itinerary. Duty free shopping is available at all international airports.

JET LAG PRECAUTIONS - Starting a few days before your trip, begin to adjust to your country destination's different time zone by eating your meals and retiring for the night a little earlier. When you board your international flight you can change your watch to the destination time zone, and attempt to eat and sleep at times appropriate to the new time zone. Avoid heavy meals and minimize consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeine just before and during your flight. Try to sleep on overnight flights. Do not remain sedentary throughout the flight. Get up and walk around the cabin periodically when the seat belt sign is off. Stretch often and do some isometric exercises while seated. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes. At your destination, avoid going to sleep straight away and stay awake until after dinner. Don't overdue it on your first day.

INSURANCE - If you have purchased insurance and would like to download a copy of the Insurance Certificate, please go to our website and click on the "Insurance" link located at the bottom of the page.  The downloadable certificate is available on that page.  Or, you may go directly to http://www.journeys-unlimited.com/insurance