GETTING READY TO GO: A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. At least a week or two before your trip, make a list of what you'll need to take with you. Make sure your passports are current (if it’s not, put your suitcases away!) and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. The following general information and the country-specific facts will help you prepare for a comfortable, hassle-free journey. Get ready early and then “chill out” with some great guide books. Dream and get excited! Back to top

PACKING: Pack lightly. Choose clothing that is "wrinkle-resistant" and can be layered as the temperature changes. Medications, eyeglasses and anything that you cannot possibly live without should be packed in a carry-on bag. To avoid problems passing through customs, keep medications in their original labeled containers. Make sure you have luggage tags for each suitcase. Place your name and your destination address in a visible place inside each suitcase. It's a great idea, if you are traveling together, to put of each person's belongings in each suitcase. That way, even if you get separated from your suitcases (it rarely happens), you'll still have a change of clothes. Back to top

QUICK CHECKLIST: Here's a quick reminder of things you should do before you leave for an extended trip.
Stop routine services such as mail, trash collection, paper deliveries
Check thermostat in your home
Set-up lights on timers so your home isn't dark
Leave keys to house and car with a friend or neighbor
Check to see that no important bills are due while you're away (such as insurance premiums)
Lock windows, doors and set alarm system
Make sure you have a valid driver's license, passports and visas
It's a good idea to take a battery-operated travel alarm clock with you
If you take prescription medication, be sure you have enough for the trip
If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, it's a good idea to have an extra pair
Be sure you have enough money, travelers check, and a valid credit card
Note the limit on your credit card(s) - in some countries it is against the law to exceed your credit card limit
Check with your health care provider regarding terms and conditions of coverage overseas
Leave a copy of your itinerary with your family in case they need to reach you

LUGGAGE: All  tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece.   As Reformation Tours will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Click here for Important Baggage Information for U.S. travelers. Back to top

YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: When you receive your travel documents from Reformation Tours for an escorted motor coach tour, you will also receive a bright yellow luggage strap. Attach the luggage strap to your bag for extra security and to assist our local representative in identifying your luggage as you travel. Back to top

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim.Back to top

JET LAG: The tired, hazy feeling known as jet lag is caused not only by changing time zones, but also by spending an extended period of time inside an airplane, where the air is very dry and the pressure can cause lethargy and even swelling of the arms, legs, hands and feet. Here are some things that can help reduce the effects of jet lag.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and during the flight
• Get adequate rest before your flight.
• Reset your watch to the time zone of your destination when you board the plane to begin getting used to the new time zone
• Create as dark an environment on the plane as possible (close the window shade and turn off overhead light)
• If you are arriving in the morning, try to sleep on the plane
• Walk around the plane occasionally and do isometric exercises at your seat
• Drink plenty of water and juices
• When you arrive, adjust your sleeping habits to the local time - try to stay awake until it is night time Back to top

AIRLINE TICKETS: Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets. Back to top

CONFIRMING FLIGHTS: We highly recommend that you phone the airline and reconfirm your flight before leaving home as there may be some last minute schedule changes or delays which could affect your travel. Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage "interlining," and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. Be sure to reconfirm each continuing flight 48 hours prior, otherwise the airline may cancel your reservation. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines make alternate arrangements on your behalf as  has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Back to top

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES: If your program includes airport arrival transfers, you will be met by our local representative just after you pass through customs or at the baggage claim area. Look for someone holding a Reformation Tours sign. Please wear your name badge to help our representative find you. Travelers arriving by train will be met at the platform. If you do not see someone with a Reformation Tours sign, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the representative. Back to top

TRANSFERS: Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, you will be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket expenses, provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. Back to top

CURRENCY:Forget Travelers checks- they are obsolete! Forget getting foreign currency before you travel- why waste your time? Just do an ATM withdrawal upon arrival at the foreign airport. It ISD that simple. Do otherwise and waste your holiday time! It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. All Reformation Tours countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers - the keypads on foreign ATMs do not always have letters. 

The euro, the new European currency, has become the official currency of 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain & Greece.  Though removed from circulation, you may still come upon old coinage.  Back to top

HEALTH:Inoculations are not necessary for most  itineraries. It is best to check with your personal physician and for the latest travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's travelers hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit www.cdc.gov. Back to top

TIPPING:

SAFETY: Every effort has been taken to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room - use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers check numbers in the hotel safe.
Your travel documents include telephone numbers of local Reformation Tours representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Reformation Tours vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Back to top

ELECTRICITY: All of the countries that Reformation Tours serves use 220 volts, except 240 voltage in Ireland. The U.S. uses 120 volts. You can purchase a converter at most hardware stores. Back to top

SHOPPING: Europe is a treasure trove of wonderful stores and you'll want to do some Christmas Shopping whatever the time of year you are traveling. The good news is that most shops will ship items home for you. Back to top

HOTEL CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT: Check-in time is usually 4:00 p.m. or later. Check-out time is noon. Back to top

LUGGAGE STORAGE:If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room.Back to top

ITINERARY CHANGES: Please refer to our main brochure Terms and Conditions for an explanation of our Change and Cancellation policies.Cancelled services will be subject to an administrative processing fee plus any expenses imposed by suppliers as a result of the changes. Request for refunds or adjustments must be submitted in writing and received no later than thirty days after the last service rendered. A written statement by local representatives may facilitate your claim. Please allow six to eight weeks for processing of your claim.

There will be no refunds for unused tour services or features.

Should you wish to add or change services after the departure from the USA, you must pay directly to the service provider such as the hotel or airline, not to . The cost of any changes or additions will be at the local rate at the time of the amendment, not per the  brochure/website, and must be borne by you.
 is not obliged to guarantee promises (written or verbal) made by local hotel staff, tour guides or any other persons not under direct employment with .

It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights, cruises, trains, and package components (e.g. sightseeing tours, hotels, meals, entertainment programs, etc.). Arriving late for your flight, cruise or scheduled program may be considered a "no-show," in which case you will not be eligible for any refund for the unused services. Back to top

PRE-PURCHASED SERVICES:Your document packet will include a voucher, and/or airline ticket, rail ticket, cruise ticket, for all services which have been booked through and pre-paid. Should you be requested to pay for any portion of the services which have already been pre-paid, please follow these procedures:

1. Pay as requested
2. Obtain a receipt
3. Remit to your travel agent with a written explanation of the situation. The possibility of any refund will then be investigated upon your return home. Back to top

DEPARTURE TRANSFERS: If your program includes departure transfers, instruction will be provided locally. Back to top