Travel Tips

You are eagerly awaiting your vacation! You have worked with Sussex Tours and selected a destination that will give you a chance to relax, rejuvenate and escape your daily routines. Whether you planned an exotic Caribbean vacation, a scenic cruise or an action packed motorcoach or train excursion, here are a few tips that will make your travel as enjoyable and worry-free as can be.

Travel Documents and Papers

• Take out the appropriate travel protection insurance through your tour planner
• Make sure you have reviewed with your tour planner the appropriate travel documents needed for travel
• Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, traveler's checks, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home. Carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport if you are traveling overseas
• Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on traveling with medicines
• Check the latest travel warning for your destination and subscribe to receive instant e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated

Packing

• Pack early to avoid "panic packing"
• Make a packing list and stick to it
• Pack light. Visualize the things that you are likely to do both day and night and pick an outfit for those activities. Determine if one piece can cover multiple occasions and pick clothes that coordinate well together
• Dress clothes are not needed for every occasion. The world at large has relaxed its dress code. Dark colors - a black dress or blue jacket - will get you through most dinners and plays
• In your carry-on luggage, pack your driver's license and/or other proper photo identification required for domestic travel, travel brochures and maps
• Carry lots of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping opportunities and a small amount of local currency to hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange if you're planning foreign travel
• Carry medications in your carry-on since it will be less likely to be lost. Carry your medication in their original bottles to help avoid security questions. Bring along the generic names of your medications since brand names can vary
• Never leave your luggage unattended or take your eyes off your bags

Before You Leave Home

• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with phone numbers with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives
• Check the local weather forecast for your vacation destination
• Stop mail and newspaper delivery if no one will be left at home
• Make arrangements for housing or feeding pets; watering plants

Arriving at the Airport

• U.S. Airlines recommend that you should plan on arriving early on both ends of your flight. At least one-hour before departure on domestic and two hours before departure on international flights. Some Airlines recommend arriving even earlier
• Note that most Airlines consider you to have arrived at the airport when you reach the check-in counter area and not just reached the airport property. If you are bringing your car, allow additional time to park the car and reach the terminal building. You should also allow for longer check-in lines during periods of peak travel

At Your Destination

• When arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the porter $1 per bag or more if your luggage is very heavy. A $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen
• Tip the taxi or limo driver 10 to 15 percent of your total fare. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person
• Tip the bellman who assists you with your bags and the door $1 to $2 per bag. Tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. The concierge, who can get you anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves $5 to $10 for such help
• Most restaurants receive 15 percent as the standard tip. Tip 20 percent if the service was exceptional. If you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk out without tipping

Clearing Customs

• For rules for bringing items back from your trip, see, U.S. Customs & Border Protection
• Obey the law. If overseas, Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust