
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

We recommended to make 2 copies of important documents such as passport, visas, and credit cards. Carry one set with you and leave one set at home.

Get a good night's sleep before a trip.

Eat light rather than heavy meals the day of a trip.

Go to bed earlier than normal if heading eastbound, and later if traveling west.

Hydrotherapy. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine beginning two days before your flight. This helps you acclimate to the air pressure on board and help reduce jet lag after you arrive.

Be sure your immunizations are current.
PACKING CHECKLIST:
Efficient packing can help make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Follow these simple suggestions (tried and true) for stress free travel.

Do not overpack for your trip. You are responsible for transporting your own luggage, and it can get heavy. Some hotels in Europe do not have elevators! In addition to clothing, shoes and toiletries, here are some other important items to consider:

For maximum space in your luggage, try rolling your clothes you can fit a lot more in. Remember that denim is heavy and bulky. Try to limit yourself to 1 pair of jeans.

Plan to dress comfortably and casually and be certain that your shoes are worn in. You may decide to bring 1 dressy outfit for a special dinner out or concert.

Know your destinations expected weather while you are traveling, this will help when deciding on jackets, boots or sandals.

If visiting cathedrals, mosques or temples women are expected to have their shoulders covered and wear a longer length skirt or pants. Males must wear longer shorts or pants.

Most hotels supply hair dyers, shampoo and your basic toiletries. Check your hotel on line prior to leaving.

Do not carry too much cash. Since you are traveling with your group, most of your necessities are all ready covered in the trip price. Your TYW representative can advise on how much spending money to bring. We do recommend to bring a small amount of cash and your ATM card and / or a credit card. Be sure to notify your bank prior to departure of your travel dates.

Do not forget your camera. An inexpensive digital camera, one that won't ruin your day if you lose it and take extra batteries as they can be very expensive abroad.

Wear a waterproof, inexpensive watch and try not to take expensive jewelry. Expensive items can make you a target for pick pockets.

Pack a copy of your eyeglass prescription and a copy of all medications in case of lose or damage. As well be sure that all medication is in the original container

Be sure that you understand your cell phone provider's rates for international calls. Roaming charges can be very expensive. Internet cafes are easily accessible for your communication needs as well as phone cards.

Pack all valuables, medications, travel documents and trip related information in your carry-on bag. Be sure to also pack enough things in your carry-on to manage for a couple of days, just in case. You may want to consider taking bottled water, local
currency of your arrival city, granola bar or a snack, slippers, sweater, neck pillow, ear plugs, eye-mask, your toothbrush and toothpaste.

Do not lock your luggage as it must be accessible for inspection and clearly identify your luggage with your name and address also using covered tags so strangers will not easily see your contact information.
AT THE AIRPORT AND ON BOARD

New security measures can cause delays at airports. Be sure to arrive well in advance
of your departure time.
-Avoid wearing accessories containing metal.

Sleep on board if your flight lands in the morning and avoid sleeping on board if your
flight lands in the evening.

To alleviate ear pressure on a flight, especially during takeoff and landing, chew gum
or suck on candy. Yawning or swallowing may produce the same results.

If you require a special diet be sure to notify your group leader in advance.
THIS IS YOUR “ONCE IN A LIFETIME” JOURNEY

Read, learn and plan. The more you know about the places you are visiting, the more enjoyment and meaningful your experiences will be for you.

While the places you visit may be the major reason for your trip, enjoy the other experiences as well, the language, the cuisine and the customs of each country differ everywhere and will enrich your own life.

Keep a diary. Journal your trip, keep ticket stubs, menus, small coins and purchase postcards. Your family will enjoy your stories and collections when you return home.

Be open-minded! Expect the unexpected. Not all travel is a perfect experience, but itcan lead to near-perfect memories. Expect some delays, weather, labour strike etc.

You assume full responsibility for any valuables that you bring along. Unless there is a room safe, DO NOT leave valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Even though buses will generally be locked when the group or the driver is not on board, it is highly recommended you leave any valuables not needed on the trip at home.
LINKS
Weather Reports
Passport Information
Canadian Embassies
Travel Reports & Advisories
Currency Conversion
Time Zones
Health Information for Travellers
Electric Power Around the World
Country Calling Codes
Immunization
www.voyage.gc.ca
www.foreignaffairs.gc.ab
Click the icon(s) below to download the appropriate document.
Once you have filled out the document with all of the required information please fax or mail to our office.