Guide to International Travel from AGC

Guide to International Travel from AGC

guide to international travel

Empowering Women in the outdoors for over 40 years

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Travelers quotes...

Adventures in good company

“I have traveled with numerous travel companies around the world for the past 12 years, but the one thing for me that makes AGC unique is its guides and participants, and that is what keeps me coming back. I always feel so inspired when I hike with my peers, and feel that even as I age, I can keep going on hard adventures. As corny as it sounds, hiking with AGC feeds my soul and gives me something that I don’t get from other travel companies.” – Tracy D., VIP Traveler “What an awesome group of ladies and guides. It was so much more than just a vacation. We pegged our ‘Fun Meter’!. ” – Charlene R., Best of Belize “It was everything I expected and more. What made it even better was the wonderful local guide and all the women that ended up coming. It was one of the best experiences of my life. ” – Charrise L. , Colors of Provence “Getting to see the Galapagos, and its amazing wildlife and geology, fulfilled a lifelong dream. The guides and participants made it extra special. ” – Sue R. , Exploring the Galapagos Islands “The guide was phenomenal and made the trip a delight. I had full confidence in every aspect of the trip being carried out with great thoughtfulness. The beaches are breathtaking and the activities were at a comfortable level. Having an option to do different activities on the final day was ideal.” – Mary C. , Adventures in the Caribbean

Welcome, travelers! We love international travel and think it is well worth the added preparation and challenges. However, getting ready to go can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time traveling abroad or your first time in a long time. Our goal in providing this resource is to answer common questions, dissipate common concerns, and provide you with enough information to embark on your next overseas journey with confidence. The tips and tricks herein can be consumed however you prefer: read it from cover to cover, skim the sections that most interest you, or print our packing list as a checklist. The key is to start getting ready early to have time to problem solve anything that comes up, and leave for your trip feeling rested and prepared. Traveling abroad is a remarkable experience that we hope everyone gets to enjoy more than once. Visiting other countries and cultures is an experience that opens many doors, including those in our hearts and minds. You may make some mistakes. That’s okay! You’ll learn from them, and they become part of the story of your travels. And, we believe, that the real mistake would be staying at home when your heart wants to be out in the world.

“ In love and travel, getting there is half the fun. The lustful impatience, the passionate daydreams, the nerve-wracking waiting... lovers and travelers are all alike when they find themselves on the brink of a new adventure. ” – Vivian Swift

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international travel guide

adventures in good company

Adventures in Good Company offers small group adventures that encourage women of all backgrounds and abilities to (re)connect with their adventurous selves, physical skills, other women, different cultures, and the natural world. about

Our History The story of Adventures in Good Company, Inc. traces back to Woodswomen, Inc.; a non-profit started in 1977 to offer outdoor adventures for women of all ages. Woodswomen was the first company to provide outdoor experiences solely for women in the U.S. and an acclaimed guide leadership program. Although the concept of women’s adventure travel is now mainstream, it was radical at the time, and Woodswomen is considered a pioneer of women’s outdoor recreation and leadership. In 1993, Woodswomen had 59 domestic trips and 11 international trips ranging from cross-country skiing in Minnesota to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. When Woodswomen closed its doors in 1999, Marian Marbury, who had been guiding for Woodswomen for over 10 years, decided to keep the mission alive. She started Adventures in Good Company, Inc. that same year as a privately-owned corporation. The company grew steadily over the last 20+ years, and in 2020 Marian retired, and Kelly Kimple assumed ownership of AGC.

1000+ Travelers each Year 100+ Destinations

As a specialized “boutique” tour operator since 1999, we provide the most original, exciting, and soul-stirring women’s adventure vacations in the industry. Our well- designed trips in the United States and around the globe are active immersions into local landscapes, languages, and, of course, delicious cuisine. Our trips are excellent for solo travelers, bucket-list experiences, or milestone life events. We don’t just offer incredible trips - we create experiences of a lifetime for women seeking new adventures. We take care of the logistics so you can fully experience some of the world’s most breathtaking places alongside other curious women.

When you join AGC, you join a community of women who

50+ Travel Experts

understand the importance and joy of adventuring together. Together, we challenge ourselves. We build community, eat delicious food, and laugh a lot. We walk (or paddle, snowshoe, or ski) away from our trips with new friendships and a mixture of deep satisfaction and hunger for our next adventure. This philosophy, combined with personalized customer service and our incredible guide team, keeps our guests coming back year after year. With AGC, it’s not about how fast you hike or how many passport stamps you have; it’s about embracing new experiences and making memories with the support and friendship of the AGC community.

Adventure is the Best Souvenir

The AGC team is proud to continue the mission and commitment to the company’s founding philosophy. To create an environment that is physically safe and feels emotionally safe so that women can challenge themselves to do and see more than they thought possible, with a caring community to cheer them on along the way.

Join us!

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Table of contents

Message from AGC .............................................................................................................. 2 Travelers Quotes .................................................................................................................... 3 About AGC ................................................................................................................................ 4 Trip Checklist ............................................................................................................................ 8 Passports, Visas, and the Trusted Traveler Program ............................... 10 Passports Trusted Traveler Programs Airfare, Insurance & Travel Comfort ...................................................................... 16 Purchase flights yourself vs using a travel agent Travel Insurance Making a long flight more enjoyable Money & Credit Cards ................................................................................................... 28 Credit cards Cash Staying in touch while you’re away ..................................................................... 32 The multitude of ways to communicate Utilizing WiFi to connect and communicate Other considerations Health consideration .................................................................................................... 40 Travel vaccinations Drinking water Packing for International Travel ............................................................................ 46 Getting organized Converters and Adapters Trekking poles Basic Packing List Useful websites and apps .......................................................................................... 56 Travel related websites and apps Free or Low Cost Apps

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trip checklist getting ready for international trips

One day before departure

Two weeks before departure

Start packing. Your suitcase should be packed a week before you leave. ( page 47 ) Buy any snacks you’ll want to pack and ensure they are permitted. Commercially packaged snacks are generally okay to bring across borders, but the list can get dicey once you get into meats, cheese, and baked goods.

Pack the things you couldn’t pack before because you use them daily: chargers, toiletries, and medications. Put your ticket, passport, money, and credit cards someplace where you can’t forget to take them. Weigh your bag to make sure you are within the weight limit, particularly if you are flying with only a carry-on. If bags are overweight, the airlines can charge particularly high fees and you have no choice but to pay.

As soon as you sign up for a trip

Look at health concerns and vaccination requirements. ( page 41 )

If you don’t have a passport, apply for one. ( page 11 ) Decide whether you’re going to buy trip insurance and if so, decide whether you want to include Trip Cancellation. If you do, buy it now. ( page 24 ) Set up an “Alert” on kayak.com or a similar website to start monitoring airfare. ( page 17 ) five months before departure

Look at the packing list. If there is anything you need to buy, start watching the internet and your local stores for sales. If you haven’t gotten your airplane ticket yet, stop putting it off. ( page 17 ) If you have a reading list, start looking for some of the books on it. One month before departure Plan ahead for how you can reduce your suitcase size and weight to make travel easier for you. Think about if and how you want to stay in touch. ( page 33 ) Determine whether you need a plug adapter, voltage transformer, or both. ( page 50 ) Order a special meal for your flight. ( page 26 )

One week before departure

Call your bank and credit card companies to let them know when and where you are traveling. ( page 31 ) Go to the bank and get a supply of new $1 and $5 bills for incidental tipping. Make arrangements for your delivery subscription services, and set your out-of-office response. Make 2 copies of your passport, insurance card and the credit cards you plan to take. Leave one set with your emergency contact; put the other in a secure place

If you have an early departure, lay out the clothes you intend to wear.

Confirm transportation to the airport.

If you do have a passport, check the expiration date – in some countries it needs to be valid for three to six months after you return. Renew if necessary.

Check in online as early as possible (typcally 24 hours), especially if you do not have a seat assignment. Take a deep breath, congratulate yourself for being prepared, and go to bed early.

Three months before departure

Look at visa requirements and make a plan to get a visa.

that is separated from where you’re carrying the originals.

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Passports A U.S. passport is required for travel anywhere outside the United States, including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For U.S. citizens over 16 years of age, passports are valid for 10 years. Be aware that many countries require that your passport be valid for up to six months beyond the date of your trip. Be sure to check the latest requirements for the countries you are visiting. An excellent resource for confirming the entry and exit requirements is the U.S. State Department, which can be found here .

passports, visas and the trusted traveler program

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You will also need to bring proof of identity , including a driver’s license, government or military ID, or a Naturalization Certificate, and a photocopy of the same documentation on 8.5 x 11 white paper. Finally, you need one passport photo. You can have this taken at a place that advertises passport photos, or you can have someone take one with a digital camera and print it out on photo-quality paper. If you choose to do the latter, make sure you follow the strict requirements described here . We recommend taking a second copy with you in case you need to replace it. The fees include an application fee and an execution fee, plus a surcharge if you are submitting an expedited application payable by check. You can see and calculate fees here .

If you are getting a passport for the first time:

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Check with the U.S. State Department for up-to-date requirements.

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Fill out Form DS-11, the application for a U.S. passport. This form can be found here and completed by printing and filling in manually or using the Form Filler. Forms can also be found at your local U.S. Post Office or passport agency. You will need to sign the form in person, so do not sign it before your appointment. You must submit your application in person . You can find the nearest passport location here . You will need to bring evidence of U.S. Citizenship, such as a birth certificate. It must be the original or a certified, physical copy. In addition to the original, you will also have to bring a photocopy.

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Expired? OH NO! I LEAVE IN A WEEK AND I JUST REALIZED MY PASSPORT IS EXPIRED. Some agencies and centers offer a limited number of appointments available for Urgent Travel Services. You must call U.S. Passport Services at 1-877-487-2778 (M-F, 8 AM-10 PM ET) to schedule an appointment. Your appointment must be within 3 business days of your international travel, and you must provide proof of travel. Check with the U.S. State Department for the latest updates and agency locations, found here .

Visas A visa is an official document that a country may require you to obtain before traveling to the country or at the airport when you first arrive. If you’re traveling on an Adventures in Good Company trip to a country requiring a visa, we will send you specific instructions about obtaining it. The U.S. State Department has information for each country regarding entry, exit, and visa requirements found here . Here you can also find information about whether the visa must be applied for in advance or if it can be obtained at the airport.

If you need to renew your passport:

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Fill out Form DS-82, the application for renewing a U.S. passport. This form can be found here and completed by printing and filling in manually or using the Form Filler. Forms can also be found at your local U.S. Post Office or passport agency. Sign and date each page. Mail it to the address on the form with your most recent passport, a photo (see item 6 on the previous page) and payment. Include a marriage certificate or court order only if your name is different from the one on your passport. Use a traceable delivery method (e.g., Priority Mail with Delivery or Signature Confirmation) and an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding.

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We recommend that you make a copy of the face page of your passport and take a photo of it on your phone - carry a copy with you and leave a copy with your emergency contact to help facilitate replacement, if necessary. Travel Tip!

what is a passport card? You might see mention of passport cards. Like a traditional passport, a passport card proves your U.S. citizenship and identity. However, it is not helpful for most international travel. A passport card is only for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. You may opt to apply for a passport card while applying for the entire passport book for an additional fee.

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Other tRaveler program options Here are a few other lesser- known traveler programs to consider if your travel habits warrant the membership. NEXUS If you frequently travel between the U.S. and Canada, Nexus might be a good option. For half the price of Global Entry, you’ll get the equivalent of the five- year membership privileges for entering Canada. The downside is that an interview at a border- crossing facility is required. SENTRI This border-crossing program specific to Mexico offers similar benefits to NEXUS, but costs 2.5 times more for the five-year membership. Enrollment centers are only available along the U.S. southern border. CLEAR This program, prominent at many airports, is a prescreening program administered by a private company. Its benefit is to help avoid long lines at security checkpoints, but it does not allow you to skip the TSA screening. You must still go through physical security screenings at participating airports, but you can bypass the identification check and get straight to the conveyor belt and security scanners.

Trusted Traveler Programs Trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry let you go through special security lanes at the airport, which often means a faster and less elaborate screening. Applying for either option requires time, effort, and cost, and each has its benefits. Read on for the full details. How Do TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Differ? Run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, TSA PreCheck speeds up security screenings for flights departing from U.S. airports. Run by a different agency— the U.S. Customs and Border Protection— Global Entry provides the benefits of TSA PreCheck plus faster U.S. customs screening for international travelers arriving at U.S. airports. Which Program is Right for You? The decision comes down to convenience at the airport versus the hassle and costs of applying. Consider Global Entry if you plan to travel abroad often. If you rarely travel abroad, TSA PreCheck is the better choice. Each program includes a 5-year membership. Global Entry is more expensive and has more strict requirements, including having a passport already and attending an in-person interview. How TSA PreCheck Works When you apply for TSA PreCheck, you’ll have to pass a background check that verifies you as a low-risk traveler. Once you’re approved, the government will issue you a “Known Traveler Number,” which you’ll include when making airline reservations. Quick Tip: If you add it to a frequent flyer account, it will automatically be applied to all your reservations with that airline in the future. When using a Known Traveler Number, you’re most likely— but not guaranteed—to get PreCheck status for your flights. You’ll see a PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass and the eligibility embedded in the bar code of the boarding pass. PreCheck status gives you access to

security lanes with less elaborate screenings. You can leave your belt and shoes on, your laptop can stay in its case, and you don’t have to take liquids and gels out of your carry-on. TSA PreCheck has the benefit of plenty of enrollment locations where you can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment. How Global Entry Works Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck as a benefit and gives you expedited U.S. customs screening when traveling internationally. Upon returning to the U.S., you can skip the passport control lines and instead use a kiosk. Your passport, fingerprints, and picture get electronically compared to what U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has on file, making the process much faster than traditional customs inspection lines. Global Entry also includes expedited processing at land borders with Mexico and Canada. Global Entry is the best option financially for frequent travelers because it offers all the same— plus extra— benefits as TSA PreCheck for only about $3 more a year. The downside of Global Entry is the additional program requirements you need to complete before you are eligible. You must already have a valid passport to apply for Global Entry. Both programs require you to visit an enrollment center for fingerprinting and an ID check. Global Entry also requires an interview, and availability for appointments can be hard to come by. There are fewer places to apply for Global Entry—mostly at major airports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices, and some designated enrollment centers. How to Apply If you decide TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is suitable for you, the easiest first step is to start with the websites and online forms. These application sites guide you through the process, help you find an enrollment center, and list the documents to bring.

HOW TO JOIN A TRAVELER PROGRAM FOR FREE? Many premium credit cards or frequent flyer programs will cover the expense of trusted traveler programs if you apply for a qualifying card or frequent flyer membership. The credit card company will reimburse the application fee for trusted traveler programs when you charge it to the card, which in some cases can pay back the cost of the card’s annual fee. Some credit card and travel loyalty programs will let you use travel credits or rewards points to pay for the application fee. Even if you fly only occasionally, finding out how to take advantage of any of these options might be worth the effort. A Few to Consider:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Capital One

Venture Rewards

• The Platinum Card from American Express

Apply for TSA PreCheck Apply for Global Entry

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purchase flights yourself vs using a travel agent Many people buy airline tickets online. We think there are some compelling reasons to consider using travel agents, but that can be more expensive. So we’ll start with some advice on buying your tickets.

airfare, insurance & travel comfort

Booking flights early will provide peace of mind and the best options for seat selections, however, may come at a premium. There are many sites now to help track the best cost for flights, such as Hopper and Skyscanner , while some people may have a preferred airline and go directly to the airline to book. And some airlines, like Southwest , are not included in flight consolidator sites such as Kayak or Orbitz . Of course, no one wants to buy a ticket to find the price dropped a month later or hold off on purchasing a ticket only to find it much more expensive the next time she looks Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to the best time to buy. Recent analyses by ticket sellers have come up with different conclusions.

A 2017 study by CheapAir called “When to Buy Flights” showed substantial variation by international destination: CheapAir found that 70 days before departure is the best time to buy flights between the US, Canada, Mexico, and Central America. The best time is about 207 days before departure for flights to the Caribbean. South America’s and Asia’s cheapest flights should be booked approximately 115 days out. South Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East are about 200 days before you depart. The cheapest options for flights to Europe will be available 160 days before you fly. However another analysis showed that prices to Europe were best five months out, and still a third suggested ten months. The most likely explanation for these differences is that airfares are so affected by season, flight origin, destination, and even by analyses (e.g., available fares vs. booked fares) that reporting averages are almost meaningless.

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What's the verdict? Suppose you are traveling to a popular destination at a popular time of year (e.g., the Caribbean in February, Florida during Spring Break, Europe in July, or home for the holidays). You should start looking six to eight months in advance, and you should book while there are still lots of seats. That is particularly true if you are flying from a small airport, on a route with limited competition, or to a place of high demand for your particular departure city. As planes fill, prices will go up. The absolute latest you should buy a ticket for international flights is two months before your trip, and you are unlikely to get the best price if you wait that long. For domestic flights, the cutoff is one month. Our approach is to monitor fares as soon as a trip is confirmed. We also factor in our time and anxiety level. If we think we found a reasonable price, we book it and don’t look again. If prices are currently too high we set up a fare alert. Although fare alerts don’t monitor exact flights, at the least they remind us to keep checking the fare. If the price doesn’t come down or goes up and stays up for several days, we buy three months before the trip. At the very least, by then, we will have had time to adjust to the fact that we will pay more than we hoped. Once we start looking, here are our favorite websites and why.

fare monitoring websites

Google Flights Google Flights has evolved to be one of the most powerful flight search engines on the internet, both easy to use and with many features and filters to make airfare hunting efficient. It is a very comprehensive search tool that produces super-fast results and will tell you where the fare ranks within high/low/average for the trip, detail the carbon footprint of each flight, and identifies which flight cost does not already include a bag. The functionality also has a calendar-based fare view that allows you to see the least expensive fares for 12 months into the future or compare prices with different departing and return flights over seven days. It allows you to search for the cheapest fare between seven different origin and seven different destination airports. It also offers a map-based search to let you see the least expensive places to fly from your home airport during a selected date range. The best feature when planning for travel? You can set Google Flights to track specific itineraries for you and receive email notifications regarding the cost of those flights as they increase or decrease. Kayak Kayak has an intuitive interface and many ways to filter results simultaneously: by airport, duration, take-off or landing times, layovers, airline etc. If you have many choices, Kayak can help you quickly sort through them based on your preferences. Common routes usually have a Price Predictor, which shows you how low prices have fluctuated over the last 90 days and provides their best guess as to whether this is a good time to buy or whether you should wait because prices might drop. You can also set up fare alerts for specific routes, which is a good way to get a feel for price fluctuations if you are not buying now. However, these aren’t flight-specific; knowing that the price has gone down by $20 without knowing if it’s for the flight you’re interested in may not be helpful.

NOTE: All the websites we recommend are airline consolidator search engines, meaning that they search a variety of different websites, including the major airlines (except Southwest and JetBlue).

You may find different prices on them, so it is worth checking more than one. At the same time, there are lots of them; these are the ones we use.

“ The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. ” – Eleanor Roosevelt

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Something else to consider! If you go back to a website you have been looking at, delete your browsing history first. The websites say they won’t track your activity and show you a higher fare just because they know you are very interested. But honestly, we don’t believe it. The last time we returned to a site and only found a higher fare than the first time, we deleted the browsing history. When we returned for the third time, we saw the same fare we had seen the first time. While Google is probably one of the most prominent collectors of personal information, the Google Chrome browser has easy-to-use privacy settings, and it’s simple to delete browsing history.

here are a couple of other websites to consider for specific situations:

Skyscanner If you are flying internationally, one option is to see if there is someplace you can get to more cheaply and then take advantage of genuinely low-cost carriers. Many of these airlines do not show up on US-based websites, so the best way to find out about these fares is with the Europe-based website Skyscanner. For example, one of our guides once had a trip to Croatia immediately followed by a trip to Bulgaria. The cheapest flight on traditional airlines was over $2000. But after finding a cheap ticket to London, she took Easyjet to Croatia and then to Bulgaria - of course, she did have to fly back to London in between, but with a saving of over $1000, it was worth it. The only caution with this strategy is that your two tickets will not be connected electronically; if you have trouble on one flight, you aren’t entitled to any help, even if it’s the same airline. Airtreks If you are working on an adventure that will require multiple flight stops in various destinations, or if you would like to plan an extended trip to multiple countries or even continents, then AirTreks is the site to go to. The website called ‘Trip Planner’ allows you to map out your travel and get instant pricing and complimentary advice. The site’s focus is to help you book flight plans for a multi-destination trip tailored to your specific needs and provide you with the lowest fare possible. The travel planners that you will have access to via their services are skilled in planning for both standard travel hubs and the world’s most remote locations; they work with almost every airline globally, and the trips are completely customizable.

Our favorite fare monitoring site: Google flights. It quickly found reasonable flights at a low-cost thanks to its ability to combine itineraries across different airlines.

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Social Media options Having Facebook and Instagram accounts gives you another possibility for finding lower airfares. Follow the major airlines and some websites that focus on lower airfares, such as Airfare Watchdog - we just generally like this website, including their Facebook page. This site works well when your dates are open, and you can jump on a lower fare (Please, let me go somewhere, anywhere!). You can often find the lowest fares this way but they only appear briefly.

Travel Agents There was a time when travel agents received a commission from the airlines they booked you on. That is no longer true since the internet revolution and the advent of online booking tools. Most agents now charge a flat fee for buying your ticket. The good news? Mediocre travel agents have left the business, and those that survived are pretty darn good. However, there is no guarantee that the flight they find is cheaper than the one you can find yourself. So does it ever make sense to use a travel agent these days?

Yes, and here’s why:

NOTE: While it can be fun to look for a less expensive way to get somewhere, your time is worth money. Driving yourself nuts to find the lowest fare may be more anxiety and effort than it’s worth.

· It provides support. If something goes wrong on your flight (either before or after you take off e.g., it’s canceled, delayed, etc.), you have an ally . Call the travel agent you booked with instead of waiting until there is an overworked airline employee to help you. Online travel agencies (e.g., Expedia, Travelocity) should work the same way, but they don’t have the level of personal service. We have had people on our trips whose flights were canceled and spent days getting bounced around and waiting for the promised return phone call that never came.

· It saves time . Instead of spending hours trying to figure out the best flight/ price combination, turn it over to a travel agent.

· It saves anxiety . Especially for flights that are at all complicated, it’s nice to have someone else make sure you don’t arrive a day too late or leave yourself too little time between flights. bottom line: using a travel agent for anything other than a very straightforward booking can be the best decision you ever make. if using one, look locally and ideally based on recommendations to find a trustworthy ally.

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Travel Insurance Deciding whether to get travel insurance can be challenging. We routinely recommend it because we have seen women be disappointed about losing money while dealing with something difficult - usually an illness, accident, or the illness of someone close to them. But it isn’t cheap, and if you don’t ever need it, it feels like a waste of money - just like health, auto, or any other kind of insurance. Please note: Some travel insurance providers require you to purchase a policy within a certain number of days

A few other things you should know about insurance: Suppose you are buying trip insurance because of pre-existing medical conditions (yours or your family’s) that may cause you to cancel. You usually have to buy it within a particular time of putting your deposit down (and not all policies cover pre-existing conditions, so make sure that the one you buy does). Otherwise, you may want to wait until the balance for your trip is due, as the cancellation fee may cost less than the trip insurance. If a tour company cancels the trip you bought insurance for, you may be entitled to a refund of the insurance fees – check with the insurance company. If you want to make sure your plane fare is covered, you can add that to your insurance for an additional cost by calling the insurance company. Be aware, however, that the insurance policy will likely only reimburse you for the airline change fee, not the entire ticket. Whether or not that is helpful depends on the likelihood you will be using that airline for another trip in the next year. If you have trip insurance and need to cancel the trip due to illness or injury, go to a doctor as soon as possible. Of course, you don’t want to drag yourself out of bed, but the insurance company will not take your word that you were sick.

before your departure. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide on signing up. It’s a gamble - one you only win if something terrible happens in your life. So the first question you need to ask is whether the prospect of losing money will make you anxious. If it is, then the peace of mind that comes with having insurance will be worth it. But if you’re okay with that prospect, and if the likelihood is small, then maybe insurance isn’t necessary. However, if any of the following are true, you should very seriously consider getting trip insurance that includes trip cancellation/interruption: You have a health condition that could prevent you from going You have (an) elderly parent(s) You have children with health conditions You live in an area that is prone to severe, unpredictable weather One or more of the above is true for your travel companion

Post Departure Benefits Another option is to buy trip insurance that does not include trip cancelation/interruption, which is the most expensive part of travel insurance. Sometimes referred to as Post Departure Benefits include everything else that might occur once you have left on your trip - trip delay, emergency evacuation, baggage loss or delay, medical benefits - for much less ($35-$70 depending on your age). We always buy this level for an AGC team member joining a trip. You can obtain the price of this on most travel insurance websites by putting in $0 as the trip cost. Post-departure benefits will also cover expenses with some insurance providers due to a required Covid quarantine.

Travel insurance may not cover situations you think it should, so make sure you have a copy of your policy and bring it with you on your trip.

Bottom line: No one likes travel insurance until they need it. But if you need it, you will be very sorry if you don’t have it.

“ Tf you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you are always in the same place. ” – Nora Roberts

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How to make a long flight more enjoyable The prospect of a long flight is enough to deter many peopke from making the international plunge. Unfortunately, there is no way around it, but you can do a few things to make it more comfortable and plan for an easier recovery. Choose your seat carefully. Most airlines now have the option to view the plane’s layout and precisely what seats are available when you book your flight, and you can access the reservation and make changes at any time. Upgrading to economy plus may well be worth it for the space on a more extended flight. If you don’t want the extra expense but are willing to do additional research, look at SeatGuru before you choose your seat – it will help you avoid that console that takes up even more foot space. Then decide on the aisle versus the window. A window seat means nobody will be climbing over you, but you may need to climb over someone. The primary consideration is how often you think you’ll be going to the lavatory. If you are not happy with the seat selection once you get to your gate, ask what your options are as frequently different options become available close to departure. Think ahead about food on the plane. Order a special meal, especially if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. People with special meals receive theirs first, and the food is typically hot. You may also want to consider eating low fat options. Cabin pressure is a higher altitude than most locations on earth, so fat is harder to digest and you may feel more bloated or more lethargic from heavier meals. Alternatively, avoid airplane food altogether and bring fruit and snacks. Control your environment. At a minimum, bring earplugs, an eye mask, and a neck pillow. Some people swear by noise-canceling, over-the-ear headphones - they take up a little more space but are great for signaling to chatty seatmates that you want privacy. Eye masks help block out unnecessary light if you’re going to use the flight to rest. There are a wide variety of neck pillow styles available, from inflatable to memory foam, and they will help make your trip more comfortable. Another thing to consider is a full-length pillow called a 1st Class Sleeper, which provides much better back and neck support than a standard airline seat.

Drink water. Dehydration is the biggest problem on long flights. It increases the likelihood of blood clots, and adds to feelings of fatigue and physical discomfort. Dehydration occurs not just because you drink less but also because dehumidified airplane air weighs less to save fuel, meaning it’s drier. Carry an empty water bottle with you through security and fill it on the other side. Stay warm. Bring a scarf, pullover, or travel blanket with you no matter what the outside temperatures. If it’s cold on the plane, you’ll be more comfortable or use it as a pillow. Another option is to bring a pashmina or sarong to sub for the airline’s sub-par or nonexistent blankets. Stay charged. If you like traveling with electronics, make sure your smartphone and tablet/iPad are fully charged and pack a portable charger. Nothing is more distressing than having your battery run down half way across the ocean. Well, there are many more distressing things, but this one is entirely in your control. Many airplanes now have outlets (USBs or outlets under the seat), but not all do, so plan accordingly. consider medication. Take an aspirin an hour before taking off to help prevent deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Some people swear that melatonin helps them get over jet lag faster; others find it useless. And while some people say you should never take any pharmaceutical sleep aids, others find that a short-acting sleeping pill like Ambien makes the flight go faster and arrival fresher. Download Some Entertainment.. Before you go, download some music, podcasts, an e-book or your favorite tv shows or movies before for the flight. We also recommend downloading the airline’s app before you fly to see have access to in-air entertainment and WiFi.

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There are many ways to pay for things on international trips, but the best two are credit cards and cash. Recommendations for dealing with money will depend on which countries you’re visiting. If you’re on an Adventures in Good Company trip, we’ll provide recommendations specific to your destination. However, the following suggestions are generally accurate.

money & credit cards the many considerations

Credit cards We recommend using a credit card as much as possible during overseas travel for safety, convenience, and efficiency. You won’t have to carry large quantities of cash, you won’t have to worry about finding a bank, and you get a much better exchange rate than with cash. For card transactions, you get insurance that automatically comes with a card. If you have a dispute over what appeared on your bill, the credit card company will resolve it. If your card is lost or stolen, you can quickly cancel it; in any case, you are only responsible for a small part. Do not use your card to get cash advances. No matter how quickly you pay it off, you will pay interest on it for the remainder of the billing cycle. With interest rates on credit cards being as high as they are, you can pay a substantial amount in a short time. There are still places where credit cards are not widely used, especially in small towns. Always check before you go. Carry some local currency just in case.

NOTE: Beware that many credit cards charge a 1 – 3% foreign transaction fee (FTF) when using your card internationally. For a list of cards that don’t, visit CardRatings . For the occasional leisure traveler, we recommend getting a widely accepted card that doesn’t charge an

annual fee and doesn’t charge an FTF.

Bottom line: always notify your credit card company about when and where you’re traveling before Leaving or your transactions may be declined.

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Two special considerations about Europe: Europe predominately uses the more secure credit card system called “Chip and Pin,” a card with a chip that you tap rather than swipe. This system is handy for automated kiosks such as at train or subway stations, where you will not be able to ‘swipe’ your card to use it. You can also expect the waiter to bring the credit card terminal to you at restaurants rather than taking the card to charge it. When using an ATM card overseas, you are likely to have a fee charged by your bank and the foreign bank operating the machine. Some international banks charge exceptionally high ATM fees for withdrawals via debit card. Your bank may reimburse ATM fees that add up, but it is best to check in advance about what to expect and your options.

Cash

How much currency you need depends on where you are traveling and what you are doing. The best way to get cash is with an ATM or bank debit card, as long as it is part of the worldwide Cirrus or PLUS system (identified by looking at the back of your card). Virtually all major cities have ATMs and you get the same great exchange rate, called the interbank exchange rate, as you do on a credit card. ATMs associated with a bank will give you a better rate than those you find in grocery or incidental stores. When you first arrive at an airport Before you arrive, go online with worldwide Mastercard or Visa locators to determine the situation at your arrival airport. Even if there is no ATM in the airport itself, there may be one within walking distance. If not, look at the cost of arranging $20 to $50 in arrival currency through your bank or credit card for delivery before you leave. At the least, withdraw just enough money to get to your hotel and find the nearest real ATM once you’re there. Beware, many airport ATMs will advertise themselves with flashy “No Fees” or “Free Withdrawal” signs. Typically this means the exchange rate you receive will be worse than other ATMs, making the “no fee for withdrawal” promise not worth it.

Always call your bank before you leave: Notify them that you are traveling internationally. If international withdrawals suddenly start showing up on your card and you haven’t done this, there is a good chance the ATM will either refuse or eat your card. Ask about your daily withdrawal limit is, particularly if you know you will frequently be paying in cash. Find out if they charge a flat fee per withdrawal or a percentage of what you withdraw. If the former, take out large amounts infrequently. If the latter, take out as little as you think you will need and resupply as necessary.

If you only need a small amount of cash, it may be easiest to ask your hotel or a local bank to exchange some dollars.

In some places, only crisp new bills are accepted, and getting change for large bills is difficult. Going to your bank before you leave and asking for a variety of small denomination bills will ensure you have what you need when you arrive. In general, do not travel with torn or marked bills as they will not be accepted. We do not recommend bringing either a large amount of cash. Nor do we suggest traveling with a full wallet of cards! Leave the specialty cards at home and just travel with a few trusted cards. We also recommend take a picture or recording the card information, so you can call in the event they are lost or stolen.

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The options for staying in touch on an international trip are as varied as traveling style. First, though, you need to ask yourself: Do you really need to keep in touch? There are advantages to truly being away and out of touch with everyday life. Use your time to avoid staring at a screen. Skip the news. Take a break from social media. Unplugging is like a reboot for your brain. Slow down, relax, and be present. Focus on diverting that attention to the sights and sounds around you. Find joy in the simple pleasures of being in a new place. Truly connect with nature. Be grateful for the opportunities you have to explore the world.

Staying in touch while you’re away

If you prefer to send an occasional update, wait until you have WiFi and give yourself a time limit each day to do your quick check-ins.

If your answer is still a resounding ‘yes’ that you need to be able to stay in touch more fully, then you need to decide for what purposes and, therefore, your best options for communicating. “ Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. ” – Mary Ritter Beard

How often do you travel internationally, and why do you want to stay in touch? Will you want to use your phone to access the Internet, social media, or map apps available all the time? Will you need to make many calls while traveling in another country? Is it essential for you to be able to call home? There are many ways to ‘communicate’ via our devices these days. The main qualifier for being prepared is whether you will be content with checking in and chatting with friends or family and

possibly sharing your trip online only when you have WiFi available to use texting, apps, and email. Or, will you want to be able to utilize cellular >Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24-25 Page 26-27 Page 28-29 Page 30-31 Page 32-33 Page 34-35 Page 36-37 Page 38-39 Page 40-41 Page 42-43 Page 44-45 Page 46-47 Page 48-49 Page 50-51 Page 52-53 Page 54-55 Page 56-57 Page 58-59 Page 60

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