Preparing for Your Trip
Travelers always have lots of questions before a trip, and I thought that this would be a good time to discuss this subject since so many of you are already signed up for some upcoming adventures!
The easiest part of getting ready for a trip is making the reservation. The harder part begins with the preparations. However, beginning early and following a few simple guidelines, the rest can be a cinch.
First step, and the most important, select Trip Insurance. I am such an advocate for trip insurance because of my numerous experiences leading groups all over the world. It’s necessary within our age group, and because of some of the complexities in today’s travel.
Airlines or tour operators can go belly up, airlines will strike, inclement weather can prevent the start of a trip, you could have a nasty fall or accident, have an emergency surgery that couldn’t be postponed, or one that many forget, a medical emergency or death within one’s own immediate family.
ALL of my Travel Club groups in the last few years have had some members cancel within 30 days or less due to a sudden medical emergency of either themselves or an immediate family member. Some have had to return home early due to a fall or accident, and when you’re talking international travel, this can be a big expense when you have no insurance.
If something serious happens like a stroke or heart attack overseas, and after your hospital stay, you usually aren’t permitted to board a regularly scheduled flight. Instead, you must return in a private, medically equipped and staffed plane. This coverage is termed “Emergency Medical Evacuation” on your insurance policies, and these costs can go up to $75,000 or more just coming back from Europe. Asia and Africa would be more. Can you imagine paying this expense out of pocket?
So, next time when you’re weighing trip insurance, ask yourself the $64,000 question, “How much am I willing to lose if I can’t go last minute?” Today’s trips and cruises can easily average over $10,000 per couple. Trip insurance is a small amount to pay to protect this investment.
Next, begin a Trip File. Keep all paperwork from group meetings and emails from your trip coordinator together in one place. I preach this to all my groups. Be organized, file all information together as reminders to yourself for important payment dates coming up or things you need to do before your departure.
Luggage. Older luggage is heavy and can easily weight 10 pounds empty. Look for the light weight, spinner-wheeled luggage. It’s easy to navigate through airports and hotels. Plus, you can take more things (or shop more) with lighter luggage.
The Travel Club gives out vivid yellow luggage tags to help identify group members’ luggage in airports, cruise terminals, and hotels. In addition, put a brightly colored ribbon on luggage handles to distinguish yours from hundreds of others on the luggage carousels. Tape your name, address, phone number inside your suitcase in case it gets lost and tag comes off.
Clothing. If you’re taking a cruise, the biggest factor is weather and dress requirements for casual and formal nights, and shore excursions. For land tours, weather is also a factor, but local culture considerations are very important. Third World countries are usually more conservative than the Western World, and clothing should reflect the same. Take breathable, washable fabrics for the warmer climates, layered clothing for colder ones.
Leave clothing at home that advertises where you’re from and be non-descript in your attire. Coordinate clothing around several colors for variety. Simply adding a scarf can dress up an outfit.
Packing. How much to take? Lay out everything that you think you need and then pack half. In general, pack for a week if it’s a two-week trip. Use hotel laundry service or the laundry room on a cruise ship. The less you take, the happier you’ll be in the long run.
Roll clothes for less wrinkles and to conserve space in your suitcase. Use large Ziploc bags to keep socks/underwear, T-Shirts or like items together. Squeeze air out when closing. This keeps your suitcase neater and things more visible. Pack a few outfits in your roommate or spouse’s suitcase in case luggage is lost for a day or two. Put a change of clothes in your carry on.
Research your destination. Read up on what you’ll see to get more out of each day. Order some DVD’s and check out the STC Video Library for any topic that relates to your destination.
On the trip. Prepare for each new day the night before and lay out everything you’ll need. Read the itinerary so you know specific dress requirements for that particular day’s sightseeing.
The best part of traveling with a Solivita Travel Club Group is that you can ‘leave the driving to us’. With thoughtful and careful preparations leading up to your trip, you will return home so inspired by what you saw and did, that you’ll begin preparations for your next Travel Club Adventure!