Category: Travel Tips

Asia & PacificTravel Tips

Cambodia & Vietnam Entry Requirements

on June 22, 2016

International Entry & Visa Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders

Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates.

CAMBODIA – Visa required. Tourists may obtain a Cambodian visa for $30 upon arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. One passport-sized photograph is required. E-Visas may also be obtained in advance online at least 3 business days prior to travel at https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ for $37 and are only valid for entry by air. Please note E-Visas are not accepted when entering by cruise into Cambodia. Visas must be purchased locally in cash on board the ship and a passport size photograph is required.

VIETNAM – Visa required. Contact Vietnamese Embassy, 1233 20th Street, Suite 400, NW, Washington, DC 20036; Website: vietnamembassy-usa.org. There are Vietnamese Consulates General in San Francisco, New York & Houston. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist passengers who choose to apply for their visas directly.

Travel Tips

How to Tip, from Argentina to Thailand

on June 18, 2016

The beauty of escorted tours is that so much of the details are taken care of, from flights to hotels to the itinerary. But tipping remains a tricky aspect of any trip abroad.

That’s why travel planning brand Hipmunk’s international tipping guide is a great resources for visitors to 20 countries around the world.

The range of tipping practices can be immense; in Japan, it’s considered more polite NOT to tip – but in South Africa, plan to tip bag handlers a dollar for each bag they carry.

At Gate 1 Travel, we advise passengers to carry single dollar bills or small-bill local currency for quick and painless tipping.

For more tipping tips, check out Hipmunk’s Traveler’s Guide to Tipping Internationally!

 

Latin AmericaTravel Tips

Staying Healthy While Traveling in Peru

on May 19, 2016

While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially if traveling to the Amazon or onward to Bolivia. Please consult your physician before traveling to Peru.

You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellant and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs.

Traveler’s diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water, often resulting in dehydration, is common. Take care to follow these steps to avoid or reduce the symptoms.

  • Drink only bottled water.
  • Avoid unpasteurized cheeses and unpeeled or unwashed fruits and vegetables.
  • Eggs, meat and seafood should be properly and fully cooked.
  • Please note that the popular Peruvian alcoholic beverage, Pisco Sour is often made with uncooked egg white.
  • If you have contracted diarrhea, let your stomach rest. Do not eat for several hours or until you are feeling better.
  • Drink bottled or boiled water and rehydration beverages containing electrolytes (sports drinks) frequently and in small amounts.
  • Resume your diet with simple and bland foods, such as crackers, rice, bread, potatoes, or bananas, which usually will help slow diarrhea.


High Altitude Illness:
Altitude illness occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the air at high altitudes, including Cuzco (11,000 feet) and Puno (12,600 feet). Altitude illness will affect some travelers, with no apparent regard to age, gender or physical condition. Symptoms may include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness and trouble sleeping. For some it will pass within a few hours, however for many the condition if gone untreated may last for several days. We urge you to read and follow these suggestions in order to reduce the chances and/or severity of altitude illness.

  • Prior to departure, speak with your health care provider. They may recommend the medication acetazolamide (Diamox), which has been found to reduce the symptoms if taken a day or two before you depart.
  • Stick to a light diet the day before traveling to a high altitude. Foods found easy to digest include fish, chicken and hot liquids. Avoid fried foods, beef, lamb and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during your stay. Many find saline nasal drops/spray beneficial.
  • Upon arrival take it easy. Allow your body to adjust by lying down for 10-15 minutes. Rest as much as possible during the trip. Over-exertion can exacerbate the symptoms.
  • Oxygen can be beneficial, and is easily found in airports, hotels and pharmacies.
  • For headaches, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) have been found to be helpful.
  • Coca tea and wild mint (Munia) may ease the symptoms.
  • A diet high in carbohydrates, breads, cereals, grains, and pasta can also help alleviate the symptoms.

Once again, we highly suggest you consult your personal healthcare provider before making the decision to travel to any high altitude destination and before choosing any course of treatment.

morocco-camels
NewsTravel TipsUncategorized

Gate 1’s New Tour Types, Explained

on April 25, 2016

Gate 1 Travel has released a new system for categorizing our growing range of travel experiences. We hope that the new categories, which are now listed on the table of contents for each destination, will help our passengers find their preferred travel experience more quickly.

The new tour categories focus on a few key elements: season, itinerary, length, and group size. The list below can also be found on destination tables of contents by hovering over the blue question mark at the top of the “Category” column.

Tour Categories.PNG

Classic – First class accommodations, balance of included sightseeing and free time, transfers & multiple meals included.

Off Season – Beat the crowds with a Classic tour itinerary in the off-season, and save on land services and airfare.

Partially Escorted – A portion of your itinerary will feature escorted touring services with additional time traveling independently.

Value – Tourist and/or first class accommodations, minimal inclusions with a variety of optional tours available to customize your experience.

Express – Short getaways featuring the highlights of a destination with maximum efficiency.

Luxury – Deluxe accommodations, unique & exclusive experiences, exceptional food, all touring and most gratuities included.

Small Group – Maximum 22 travelers, unique & boutique accommodations, enhanced cultural immersion

Independent – Explore at your own pace, without the included features of an escorted tour.

AfricaTravel Tips

On Safari

on April 20, 2016

While on safari, it is very important that you follow all directions provided by your guide in order to ensure the safety of the group. Prior to the first safari, your driver/guide will review “safari etiquette” addressing, amongst other issues, off-road driving and hazards, and interaction with animals. Wildlife listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. While on tour you will be reminded by your guide of local safety and ecologic procedures to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife. Normal precautions include remaining in close proximity to your driver/guide and vehicle, avoiding tall grass and keeping noise to a minimum to not attract extra attention. Your driver/guide will advise you not to turn over rocks or dead wood and to stay clear of ground holes and caves, where scorpions, snakes and other potentially dangerous animal life may be hidden. Refrain from littering, feeding any animals or leaving food waste behind in the parks as this can upset their natural diets and lead to a dependence upon people. In addition, please do not purchase, collect, or remove any animal products, rocks, seeds, plants, or nests from the wild.

Roadways to the game viewing sites are for the most part unpaved and will therefore be rough and dusty. Gate 1 safari vehicles are fitted with large roof hatches or open sides to allow for easy viewing of wildlife from all angles. Safari vehicles cannot be air-conditioned and you will be provided bottled water while traveling. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts which should be worn on public roads. While safari vehicles typically move slowly, drivers warn passengers of bumps or potholes and many passengers may choose not to wear a seatbelt, it is still recommended to do so. However, it remains at each individual passenger’s discretion to wear their seatbelt or not. Inside the National Parks and reserves there are designated picnic sites. Due to frequent use wildlife tends to avoid these areas with the exception of primates, reptiles, birds and small mammals. However, since picnic sites are open it is possible that a larger animal, such as an elephant, may wander through. Outside of the parks, it may be necessary to make more frequent shopping stops as these stores provide the only acceptable facilities while touring due to the lack of public rest stops.
EuropeTravel Tips

Russia Entry Requirements

on March 23, 2016

International Entry & Visa Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders

Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates.

Russia – Visa required. The visa application process requires an application form, one passport-sized photo, your trip confirmation from Gate 1, a Visa Support Letter (VSL) also provided by Gate 1, and a processing fee. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive complete information via email about obtaining a Visa Support Letter (VSL) and a visa to Russia. Visas services for the Embassy of the Russian Federation are managed by Invisa Logistics Services at their Visa Center, 1680 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.Tel. (202) 827-0895; Fax (202) 827-0896. All applicants must first complete an online Visa Application Form at http://visa.kdmid.ru and then either appear in person at the Visa Center ($33 fee in addition to the Consular visa fees) or submit their application via a visa service. Click here for details. Norwegian Cruise Lines® passengers do not need a visa if arranging shore excursions or car service directly with the cruise line, otherwise regular visa rules above apply. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist passengers who choose to apply for their visas directly.

Asia & PacificTravel Tips

The Ultimate Thailand Packing Guide

on March 2, 2016

Ready to pack your bags after reading yesterday’s escorted tour of Thailand post? We tracked down the Gate 1 packing guru for some tips on getting the biggest bang for your baggage.

Think long & light
After a glance at Thailand’s average temperatures, most people are tempted to bring along their shortest summer clothes. But our packing guru advises including pants, long skirts, and shawls or cardigans in your tour wardrobe. “Our itinerary included several temple visits, where conservative dress is required. I put a sheer shawl over my sundress, and the light fabric covered my exposed shoulders without making me overheat,” she says.

 

Leave the hair dryer at home
The Thai climate is tropical, meaning there’s potential for some hot, humid days. Avoid cramming your luggage with excessive hair products, hair dryers or a lot of makeup, our packing expert says. “You’ll save time, hassle and suitcase space.”

 

Block the rays
In a country with well over 200 sunny days per year, there’s a good chance you’ll soak up some sunlight while on tour. Our packing guru says sunglasses and sunscreen are a must – and don’t forget bug spray after sunset.

 

Simple shoes
Many temples require guests to remove their shoes upon entry. We recommend sneakers and shoes that slip on and off easily for a smoother sightseeing experience.

 

Asia & PacificTravel Tips

The 4 Biggest Myths about Escorted Tours

on March 1, 2016

Considering an escorted tour, but still have a few concerns? Jill Ginsberg at Travelzoo just returned from Gate 1’s 13 Day Classic Thailand trip, and she’s breaking down the biggest misconceptions about escorted tours, calling tours her “new-found favorite way to travel the world.”

1. Escorted Tours are Expensive

Tour companies are often able to negotiate special rates and contracts with suppliers, and their industry experience means that escorted tours are crafted to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness. “The price of an escorted tour may look higher than other trips, but in reality it is a perfectly pre-packaged vacation designed to take the planning piece out so all you have to do is show up,” Travelzoo says.

2. You’ll have no time to explore on your own

Leisure time is built into each city stay on most tours. “Sure, escorted tours have long itineraries filled with action-packed days, but the reality is that you can do as much or as little as you’d like,” Jill points out. She recommends taking advantage of your tour guide’s expert local knowledge to make the most of your free time.

3. You’re stuck on a cramped bus all day

Gate 1’s tours use a variety of transportation in-destination, including luxury motor coaches, trains, ferries and flights; Ginsberg can attest that on her trip to Thailand, “Time spent on the bus is very minimal in comparison with the rest of the trip.”

4. Tours are only for retirees

Gate 1’s travelers range in age, from children on our family-friendly tours, to adults from 18 to 80, and everywhere in between. Like many of our travelers, Jill cited her tour group as a highlight of the trip: “Chances are you will have a melting pot of people all different ages and from all walks of life. One of my favorite parts of my escorted tour was having the chance to get to know so many different people who shared the same curiosity about the world that I did.”

Check out the tour Jill chose, or head over to Gate 1’s new Find a Vacation feature to discover your next adventure!

 

NewsTravel TipsUSA & Canada

3 reasons to book your national parks vacation right now

on February 10, 2016
image via CNN

1. It’s the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service
And the NPS predicts that park accommodations will fill up fast in 2016.

2. Book last-minute spring travel, or plan ahead for fall
According to this Lonely Planet infographic, May visitors can still beat the crowds while enjoying pleasant weather at most U.S. National Parks! And the Washington Post reports that October is the best month of national parks travel. Book your fall vacation in advance to take advantage of early booking savings.

3.  There’s still time to plan a summer vacation if you choose an escorted tour
Most years, Yellowstone’s summer lodging is booked solid by the end of January! Deal News editor Paula Bradley recommends booking an escorted national parks tour to save on peak summer dates. “When you add up the cost of the flight, car rental, and accommodation, the price creeps up pretty quickly,” she says. “It’s hard to compare these packages to booking everything separately, because the value comes in part from un-quantifiable luxuries like having a driver and a tour guide.” And since escorted tours reserve hotel space in advance, they’re often bookable long after retail lodging sells out.

Bradley says the best package she found was Gate 1 Travel’s 8 Day Classic National Parks tour to Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore & Grand Teton.

Thanks for the shout out, Deal News! We couldn’t agree more. Book an escorted national parks tour today for your next family vacation in the beautiful American outdoors.

Travel Tips

Beat the rush, renew your passport now

on February 1, 2016

According to a New York Times article published Tuesday, the State Department is recommending that Americans renew their passports sooner rather than later.

“The department anticipates a surge in passport demand throughout this year, and officials hope to avoid a crush that could leave some Americans fuming in frustration with no passport in hand on the day they planned to travel outside the country,” The New York Times reports.

The report states that the uptick is due to the 2007 Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, when many American citizens applied for their first passports to visit Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. In addition, many countries now require passports valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.

At Gate 1 Travel, we recommend that all passengers carry passports valid for 6 months past your date of travel, regardless of destination; with tightening security measures worldwide, it’s often better to renew your passport well in advance than be surprised with new security restrictions close to your date of departure.

Officials expect an 8% increase in passport applications this year. If you’re dreaming of an autumn river cruise, now is the time to renew your expiring passport!

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