The Explore General Information Booklet 3


Passport & Insurance


To state the obvious, we would always stress that you first check that your passport is still valid – it takes time to get a new one. Please check whether a machine-readable passport is required for your trip. NB: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of return from your trip.


Carry your passport with you when travelling In many countries you are expected to carry your passport with you all the time, so please have it ready for any situation – from a security check along your route to your arrival at a hotel. It’s always an idea to note down or photocopy your passport details as well.


Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory for everyone and your policy/certificate should be carried with you on your tour. You must provide the following information/evidence at the start of the trip to your tour leader: n the policy-holder’s name (you) n validity for your period of travel n cover for medical expenses and emergency repatriation


n 24-hour emergency telephone number for your insurance


company. Important: n ensure your policy covers you fully for all activities on holiday


n ensure you have full insurance cover for all pre-existing medical conditions.


If you are unable to give this information to your tour leader you will not be able to continue with your tour.


Visas & Vaccinations


Visa regulations vary from country to country. Please check whether you need a visa. Your Trip Notes give advice on what visas, if any,


are required for your particular tour. These can be obtained through the nearest embassy or a Visa Service (subject to a service fee). It is advisable not to state your occupation on visa forms as being ‘journalist’ or ‘Government Service’, for example, as some countries may refuse to grant a visa to such categories of visitors. If you do require a visa, please note that some blank pages will be needed in your passport for your visa(s), as well as space for entry and exit stamps. It is also a good idea to carry a few extra passport photographs with you – photo machines are not always readily available if needed.


Vaccinations Make sure that you obtain the protective vaccinations necessary for the countries you will be visiting. Although your Trip Notes will highlight any required immunizations for your tour, we emphasise that these may vary with changing circumstances. Your General Practitioner or travel clinic will advise you with the most up-to-date information. If you need to arrange vaccinations, you should contact your doctor at least two months before departure. Remember to carry your International Certificate(s) of Vaccination with you if you are required to prove you have the correct inoculations (and leave a photocopy at home). These must be signed and stamped by the doctor who administered the injections. For further information regarding vaccinations visit www.fitfortravel. nhs.uk and www.nathnac.org/travel.


Malaria Malaria is common in many parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Malaria is spread by the Anopheles mosquito and the most important step is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first


place. Covering yourself in infested areas, particularly between dusk and dawn, is vital – as is using a good insect repellent containing as high a percentage of DEET as possible, at least 20-35%. New strains of drug-resistant malaria are constantly emerging and it is very important to get the appropriate combination of tablets for your destination. Check with your doctor or travel clinic.


Departure/Joining Instructions


Study them carefully You should receive your final ‘Joining Instructions’ – including the contact point at destination, Tour Leader’s name and Explore’s 24-hour emergency number – no later than one week before leaving home. Travellers booked on Explore’s ‘Tour Only’ arrangements and making their own way to join us at the overseas joining point, will be advised of the rendezvous contact point and time to meet our Tour Leader.


Emergencies


Advise your friends/relatives to contact us in an emergency and we shall endeavour to get a message passed through to you as quickly as possible. Should anything happen to you on tour, you can be sure that our emergency procedures and communication channels will kick in rapidly. Leave the worrying to us: you just enjoy your trip!


Contact details Please notify Explore of any change of address on telephone number 0844 499 0903 before departure.


For the latest UK Foreign Office travel advice check fco.gov.uk


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