Travel Tips
NO WORRIES TRAVEL PROTECTION
Unlike most other coverage, you receive a full refund for cancellations any time for any reason, right up to the day of departure! At Barbara Rice Tours, your safety is always our primary concern. One price, one package, complete protection.
If you have pre-purchased the Barbara Rice Tours "No Worries Travel Protection," please note the following:
The Barbara Rice Tours Cancellation Waiver Fee guarantees full refund on all payments (including deposit), except the waiver fee itself, made to Barbara Rice Tours for tour service in case of cancellation for any reason prior to departure. Plus, the Waiver Fee with air covers airline tickets you have purchased from Barbara Rice Tours and covers return transportation costs if your original airline tickets were purchased from Barbara Rice Tours.
If you return home early due to personal illness, or illness or death of a member of the immediate family (physician's statement required), the Cancellation Waiver fee guarantees a full refund for any unused land services after departure from the tour. Payment of the Cancellation Waiver fee with Air guarantees your return transportation, with no additional supplement, utilizing your original airline tickets.
Exceptions: In the event you have purchased non-refundable airline tickets, the return transportation if you leave the tour early does not apply. The Cancellation Waiver fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual's traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. Barbara Rice Tours can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Barbara Rice Tours Travel Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees. Agent commissions are not protected if cancellation occurs prior to departure.
A "Description of Coverage" brochure which provides complete details of the entire plan, including conditions, exclusions and limitations is included with your travel documents and is available upon request to Barbara Rice Tours.
NAME BADGES
Barbara Rice Tours provides name badges only on overnight tours. Barbara Rice Tours provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Barbara Rice Tours representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival (applicable if you have purchased airport transfers through Barbara Rice Tours). Please print your name clearly with permanent marker in the space provided.
INCLUDED FEATURES
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary or on our website at www.BarbaraRiceTours.net/schedule.cfm), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. (Customary gratuities for the Tour Manager, cruise ship personnel, overnight passenger train personnel, hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, and drivers have not been included.)
Special Note: Your travel dates may be during religious, state or local holidays. These holidays, with their associated closures, may disrupt museum/attraction visits and personal shopping time.
We make every effort to minimize disruptions during the tour. However, we cannot be held responsible for attractions being closed.
HOTELS
Every hotel on a Barbara Rice Tour is carefully selected for quality, comfort and location. Hotel accommodations are as listed on your itinerary. Rooms include private facilities unless otherwise specified. On some programs, there are a limited number of single rooms. Triple rooms, normally a standard double room with a cot or rollaway bed added, are available on some programs. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed.
Barbara Rice Tours makes every effort to accommodate your specific requests. We forward all special requests to the properties. Unfortunately, these requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them.
Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Please prepare accordingly. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel.
Some hotels require a credit card imprint be taken upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies.
NOTE: In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Also, non-smoking rooms may be less readily available than in the United States. Please be assured that Barbara Rice Tours uses high quality properties throughout each country.
MEALS
Most meals are included, as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise Barbara Rice Tours at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests.
MOTORCOACH EQUIPMENT
Barbara Rice Tours does not own or operate transportation vehicles. However, we charter the best coaches available worldwide. Whenever possible we use modern, temperature controlled vehicles that have many amenities and are non-smoking. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available. If this is the case, frequent stops will be made en route.
Motorcoach will arrive 20-30 minutes prior to departure time. Please be prompt as it is important to be on time for schedules.
TOUR MANAGER
Barbara Rice Tours prides itself on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Most are full time professionals with years of dedicated service.
The customary "end of trip" gratuities for the Barbara Rice Tours tour manager and driver are not included in your tour price. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of $3-$5 US per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A similar amount is also appropriate for the driver.
LUGGAGE
PACK LIGHT! Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs./5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 50 lbs./23 kg.) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage restrictions vary by carrier and destination. If you exceed the limit of two (2) bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a $4 per hotel per bag fee.
Heavy bags are costly and painful! 50 Lbs. is MAX! Additional weight is subject to airline surcharges.
Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities.
PACKING MEDICATION
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage (never in checked luggage). You may want to carry an extra prescription in case medication is lost.
IDENTIFICATION
Please note, in every case listed below, non-US citizens MUST contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements.
Travel Within USA: All airlines will ask for identification when you check-in. It is recommended that you carry a passport if you have one. A driver's license (with a photo I.D.) is also acceptable for domestic flights.
Canada Travel: Obtaining the proper proof of citizenship for entry to destination countries is the responsibility of each client. Proof of Citizenship is required for all trips outside the USA. Passengers MUST check with the appropriate consulate for entry requirements. A passport is required for entree into Canada in 2007. Note: Passports must be valid for up to six months after returning to the U.S.
Obtaining the proper proof of citizenship for entry to Canada is the responsibility of each client. Passengers should check with the Canadian consulate for entry requirements. At time of printing, U.S. citizens entering Canada require one of the following: 1. A valid U.S. passport (may become mandatory). 2. An original U.S. Birth Certificate, or certified copy with a raised seal, and a photo ID. Please note: A driver's license is not proof of citizenship. Minors who do not yet have one of the above can use an original Baptismal or hospital certificate which indicates country of birth. Naturalized U.S. citizens can use their Naturalization papers. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements.
Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate.
International Travel: Obtaining the proper proof of citizenship for entry to destination countries is the responsibility of each client. Proof of Citizenship is required for all trips outside the USA. Passengers should check with the appropriate consulate for entry requirements.
NOTE: Passports must be valid for up to six months beyond the travel date to their destination country(ies). Some countries require a visa in addition to a passport. Please check with the appropriate consulate for specific information and entry requirements. Upon request, Barbara Rice Tours will forward a visa application from a recommended visa service.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
You may purchase a Barbara Rice Tours vacation as "land only" or "inclusive of air transportation." If you purchase a "land only" vacation, please pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your itinerary. Should you have any questions, please contact your booking agent or the Barbara Rice Tours reservations department so we can ensure that travel during your tour goes smoothly.
If you purchase a "land only" vacation, please provide Barbara Rice Tours with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so that we can provide optimal service. We advise our "land only" guests to pay particular attention to scheduled activities on the tour itinerary.
All names submitted for airline tickets must match the name on the Passport or photo ID.
Airline tickets purchased from Barbara Rice Tours will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to departure.
If you are a member of a participating Frequent Flyer club, please retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage, when applicable. Frequent Flyer membership numbers should be provided to your booking agent or the Barbara Rice Tours reservation agent when your tour and air schedule are reserved.
Since most airlines have reduced meal services, we suggest that you take some snacks along for your journey.
DEPARTURE TAXES
When purchasing air transportation from Barbara Rice Tours, various international departure and arrival fees are not included in the airfare. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Other taxes/fees are paid upon exiting the country in local currencies and are the responsibility of each tour member. Please refer to the appropriate tour itinerary for details. Rates (when listed on itineraries) are subject to change and are approximate at the time of printing.
TRANSFERS
Transfers are included when you purchase air inclusive vacations. As part of Barbara Rice Tours' commitment to travel planning made simple, we are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive Barbara Rice Tours vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients.
Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document vouchers. A Barbara Rice Tours representative will assist with your arrival transfer from the designated meeting location. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers.
JOINING THE TOUR
Your tour will begin at your first hotel. The tour manager will make contact with you at the hotel, after your arrival, and will provide details relating to your tour. The first hotel's address and phone number is included in your documents.
PRE/POST ACCOMMODATIONS
As a service to our guests, Barbara Rice Tours offers hotel stays before and after our tours, which can be purchased at an additional cost. The services of a Barbara Rice Tours tour manager are not included in pre and post stays. If you purchase a pre or post hotel stay, you will receive a voucher with your documents that you will present as payment to the hotel. Note: Transfers are NOT included on pre/post stays.
Barbara Rice Tours makes every effort to reserve additional nights at the appropriate first and/or last hotel. These are available on a first come, first served basis, with limited availability.
TRAVELERS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, Barbara Rice Tours will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither Barbara Rice Tours personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles.
Barbara Rice Tours regrets that it cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
In order that we may better serve you, please ask your booking agent for a Special Needs form if applicable. We ask that this form be filled out and submitted to us six weeks prior to your departure date so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
NOTE: The Americans With Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.
OPTIONAL TOURS/ACTIVITIES
On most tours, final documentation will include a listing of optional tours which you may participate in while on vacation. These options have been added in order to enhance your vacation. All options have been selected because of their quality, customer service and value to our clients. Reservations for optional tours are made directly with the tour manager (unless otherwise indicated). We ask that payment be made to the tour manager in the form of a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus accepted), or personal check.
SMOKING POLICY
There is a "No Smoking" policy on all tours. For the comfort and convenience of all tour guests, you may not smoke while on the motorcoach. During the tour, your motorcoach will make frequent stops for the convenience of both our smoking and nonsmoking patrons. Your tour manager will strictly enforce the No Smoking Policy. Many airlines and restaurants may also have "no smoking" policies in effect.
SEAT ROTATION
Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. Rotation fosters communication between travelers as well as with the tour manager and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats once a day on most tours, as directed by the tour manager or group leader. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
CURRENCY
If time permits, you may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, American Express offices, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. Traveler's Checks provide you with added security. If you purchase American Express Traveler's Checks, ask for a listing of American Express offices throughout your destination country(ies). (Note: In some areas, it is difficult to exchange travelers checks. We recommend carrying some U.S. currency. In Asia, we also recommend that you bring a supply of $1.00 bills for bartering.)
We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details).
If your ATM card is part of the Cirrus or Plus network at home, it may also work overseas. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available in the country which you will visit. Also, confirm prior to departure that your PIN number will be accepted.
Link: XE.com Personal Currency Assistant
| Canada | |||
| Country | Currency | ||
| Canada | Canadian Dollar | ||
| Europe | |||
| Country | Currency | Country | Currency |
| Austria | Euro | Belgium | Euro |
| Czech Republic | Czech Koruna | Denmark | Krone |
| Finland | Euro | France | Euro |
| Germany | Euro | Greece | Euro |
| Hungary | Forint | Ireland | Euro |
| Italy | Euro | Norway | Krone |
| Poland | Zloty | Portugal | Euro |
| Russia | Ruble | Spain | Euro |
| Sweden | Krona | Switzerland | Swiss Franc |
| Turkey | Turkish Lira | United Kingdom | British Pound |
| South America | |||
| Country | Currency | Country | Currency |
| Argentina | Argentine Peso | Brazil | Real |
| Bolivia | Boliviano | Chile | Chilean Peso |
| Costa Rica | Costa Rican Colon | Ecuador | US Dollar |
| Africa | |||
| Country | Currency | Country | Currency |
| Kenya | Kenyan Schilling | Tanzania | Tanzania Schilling |
| South Africa | Rand | Egypt | Egyptian Pound |
| Asia | |||
| Country | Currency | Country | Currency |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong Dollar | Singapore | Singapore Dollar |
| Thailand | Baht | China | Yuan |
| South Pacific | |||
| Country | Currency | Country | Currency |
| Australia | Australian Dollar | New Zealand | New Zealand Dollar |
| Fiji | Fiji Dollar | ||
ELECTRICITY
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage that differs from the standard within the country visited. Note: If your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug.
| Country | Voltage | Country | Voltage |
| United States | 110 | Africa | 220 |
| United Kingdom | 220/240 | South America | 220 |
| Canada | 110 | Brazil | 110 |
| Europe | 220 | Australia | 240/250 |
| Turkey | 110 & 220 | New Zealand | 220 |
| Asia | 220 - 240, 50 cycles | Fiji | 220 |
CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION
At the end of your tour, and upon returning to the U.S., please be prepared to fill out a Declaration Form for U.S. Customs. You are allowed to bring back up to $800 USD per person of purchases duty free. (Dollar amount is subject to change without notice). There may be restrictions as to quantities and types of items that may be brought back to the United States. For purchases being shipped home, please check with the store where purchased for the proper form on V.A.T. (Value Added Tax) purchases and shipping or duty fees payable upon receipt.
PACKING TIPS AND HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR TOUR
- Bring a camera, film, and batteries. Be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring along an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to new security screening, we recommend that you store your camera and extra film in your carry-on luggage.
- Bring a notebook or trip diary and pen.
- Remember sunglasses, tissues, aspirin, toiletries, cosmetics.
- Bring a travel alarm clock, a sewing kit, travel iron and a hair dryer. (There are ironing facilities at many of the hotels. Many hotels also have hair dryers in the room.)
- Remember any special medication you may need (enough for entire trip and a few additional days) and an extra prescription.
- Pack items that may leak in plastic bags.
- Do not pack jewelry, money, traveler's checks, medications, or articles of value in your checked luggage.
- In many cases, laundry services are available to you at the hotel, for an additional charge.
- As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion.
- Don't over pack. Leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. Pack an extra carry-on bag.
- Fly in comfortable clothing and shoes. Bringing a sweater on flights is advised since temperatures can vary when flying.
- Drink plenty of water and juice on the long-haul segments of your trip. Bring a bottle of water. You may want to avoid alcoholic beverages during the flight, as they are dehydrating.
- Exercise on board the aircraft.
- Bring books, magazines and snacks for your flight(s).
- Bring a copy of your passport/identification. Pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy at home with your emergency contact.
- Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact.
Not sure how many things to bring on your trip? Can't decide whether to bring another sweater or an extra pair of pants? Follow these 10 tips for packing smartly. Visit Rick's Packing List for other ideas.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE
In case of emergency, call (phone number) (within the U.S. or Canada) or 001-401-(phone number) (outside the U.S. or Canada). During non-business hours, you will be assisted by emergency on-call personnel.