10 The Explore General Information Booklet


miscellaneous tips


For the unseasoned traveller losing your passport is a real pain – keep a separate photocopy of the personal information pages, giving a record of the number, issue date and authority, and your date of birth. If taking Traveller’s Cheques make a list of the serial numbers and keep separate from the cheques themselves. Tag all your bags with your name only on the outside, and name and address on the inside. Be patient with officials and bureaucrats at borders and airports – tempers are counter-productive. Read your Trip Notes carefully, checking whether you need any vaccinations and visas, how much baggage allowance, and the kind of seasonal climatic conditions to expect. Make sure your return or onward flight is reconfirmed and that you have put something aside to pay the airport tax on departure. And do not, ever, try to smuggle drugs or anything else out of a country.


Oops - confiscated! Double check current hand luggage and security allowances.


Your luggage Assume the airline will lose your luggage! Ensure your hand luggage will keep you going for a couple of days and includes any vital equipment (e.g. medicines/ trekking gear). Never put valuables in your checked luggage.


A list of what you’ve packed may come in useful when filling in the claims form. If you are unlucky enough to have your luggage mislaid by the airline, please ensure you obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline before leaving the airport.


Mobile phones Mobile phones can be useful on tour, but please bear in mind that most Explorers go on holiday to get away from the techno-wizardry that enhances/plagues our everyday lives. Please be discreet and considerate if using yours.


Walking/Cycling in a Group There will inevitably be variations between people’s fitness on walking or cycling trips. We always take into account the slower members, first and foremost – safety is of prime importance. But don’t panic if you consider yourself quite fit, we offer optional walks/rides or other activities, where possible, for fitter/ faster participants.


Electrical Appliances Check what type of plug and voltage is used in the area you are visiting as they can vary.


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