Your Resource for Upcoming International Holiday Vacations Tour

We can’t wait to travel with you on your upcoming international tour. Traveling to another country can be truly transformative, but also requires a few extra steps and considerations. General information on international travel can be found at the top of the page with tour specific weather and additional details below.  Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back to it as a tool for preparing for your upcoming travel.

For any questions or concerns about your upcoming tour not addressed here, please call 888-867-2190.

 

Motorcoach Travel:Everyone wants to make the most of the time available and see as much as possible – so it is important that every tour member is on time. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) and consuming alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the coach. There are plenty of opportunities to smoke during frequent stops. Heavy perfume or strong aftershave can inconvenience other passengers. Be considerate of other tour members and use these items sparingly.

Accommodations: Traveling internationally, hotel rooms are different than within the United States. Hotels are often located in historic buildings. Small and irregular-sized rooms are standard. Rooms with twin beds very close together, queen beds, deep bathtubs, and small elevators are all quite normal abroad, even in luxury hotels.

Passports: International travel requires a valid passport. Holiday Vacations requires that your passport be valid for six months beyond your return date. The safety of your passport is your responsibility. Keep two photocopies of your passport: one with you on tour in a separate location from your passport book and one at home where someone can access it, if necessary. Your passport should be accessible for airport ticket counters, border crossings, immigrations and customs, and hotels. Any additional required documentation is detailed in the tour-specific information.

Cell Phones: Providing your cell phone number to your Tour Director is a quick way to contact you on the first and last days of travel or if you and the group become separated. Prior to your travels, be sure to review your destination and cell phone plan with your provider. For more information on how to manage your cell service internationally, contact your provider. As a courtesy to others, please refrain from talking on your cell phone while on the motorcoach unless there is an emergency that requires immediate attention.

Internet & Wi-Fi: Internet and Wi-Fi access is available at most hotels, although there may be additional charges. Some hotels have public computers available for guest use.

International Limitation of Liability: Passengers embarking upon a journey involving an ultimate destination or a stop in a country other than the country of departure are advised that the provisions of an international treaty (the Warsaw Convention, the 1999 Montreal Convention, or other treaty), as well as a carrier’s own contract of carriage or tariff provisions, may be applicable to their entire journey, including any portion entirely within the countries of departure and destination. The applicable treaty governs and may limit the liability of carriers to passengers for death or personal injury, destruction or loss of, or damage to, baggage and for delay of passengers and baggage. Additional protection can usually be obtained by purchasing insurance from a private company. Such insurance is not affected by any limitation of the carrier’s liability under an international treaty. For further information please consult your airline or insurance company representative.

Duty-Free Shops: Items purchased at duty-free shops will be inspected by border patrol prior to departure and cannot be opened until after your departure.

Duty-Free Exemptions: A duty-free exemption is the total value of merchandise you can bring back into the United States without being required to pay duty on the items. Members of a single family, traveling together and living in the same residence, are allowed to pool their exemptions to cover their combined purchases. For additional information on customs regulations and duty-free shopping, please visit the Customs and Border Patrol website: www.cbp.gov.

Travel With An Open Mind: Each of us who travels abroad can be a goodwill ambassador. Tolerance and friendliness toward others are appreciated.

Airline Fees: Airlines may charge for checked luggage and/or carry-on bags. These fees are your responsibility and payable directly to the airline before or at the time of check-in. Please note airlines may charge a significant fee for overweight, oversized, or additional pieces of luggage.

Checked Luggage: You are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person that will be handled for you at hotels while you are on tour. Your checked luggage may not weigh more than 50 pounds with the total dimensions (length + width + height) equaling 62 inches. Please attach your own identification tag in addition to the Holiday Vacations luggage tag provided to you. (Certain tours differ from these limits. Please see the tour-specific information section.)

Carry-on Bag: In addition to your checked luggage, you may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a camera bag or purse, per person. These items are your responsibility to handle. For your convenience, the carry-on bag is intended to be used for items you need daily. If you bring a carry-on, please use a small day bag without wheels, such as a soft-sided backpack or tote bag, which would fit into the overhead bins of the motorcoach. (Certain tours differ from these limits. Please see the tour-specific information section.)

Luggage Handling: It is not always possible to provide luggage assistance at airports. We recommend a suitcase with wheels for your checked luggage. Additional pieces of luggage can be handled for you at hotels for $6 per bag, per day. Please call our office to make arrangements.

Packing: Casual clothing is appropriate, pack comfortable walking shoes, and consider bringing one dressier outfit.  Weather is unpredictable and you may want to dress in layers and bring a light sweater or jacket. See the following packing tips:

• Have identification with you and not in your checked luggage· Leave valuables at home.
• Pack medication in your carry-on bag· Bring a hat and small umbrella or rain jacket.
• Bring a camera and extra memory cards in your carry-on bag.
• Pack chargers for electronic devices and ensure that you have the appropriate electrical adapters.
• Frequently forgotten items include binoculars, batteries, sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a reusable water bottle.
• If using a CPAP or BiPAP, it is recommended to bring an extension cord in the event outlets are not conveniently located.

Laundry: Some hotels have dry cleaning or coin-operated laundry available.

Credit Cards: MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. American Express may be more limited and Discover card is not accepted in many countries. For security purposes, your credit card company may block unusual charges. To ensure card access and avoid potential problems, we recommend that you notify the credit card company of your travel plans.

Debit Cards: If you plan on using a debit card, check with your financial institution for information on fees and usage. Know your PIN so you can withdraw cash from an ATM.

Gratuities: Many gratuities are included as part of the tour such as baggage handling at the hotels, included meals, included attractions, and city guides.

The following are NOT included in the tour and may be provided by you at your discretion:

  • • Holiday Vacations Tour Director: Holiday Vacations takes great pride in the customer service that our Tour Directors provide. If you feel that your Tour Director has met your expectations, the suggested gratuity is $8-10 per person, per day. Gratuities are determined on an individual basis and given directly to the Tour Director at the end of the tour.
  • • Shipboard Gratuities: Please see the tour-specific information.
  • • International Driver and/or Guide: Please see the tour-specific information.
  • Other Services: Your Tour Director will provide information on gratuities for other services such as taxi drivers, dry cleaning, housekeeping staff, etc.

 

Visa & Vaccine Country Requirements

Every country has different requirements for entry with some requiring a visa or specific vaccinations.  While most countries and Holiday Vacations do not require any vaccinations or visa, guests must comply and adhere with the requirements of individual countries in order to travel.  When booking a trip that requires a visa, Holiday Vacations will furnish guidance alongside your other travel documents closer to your departure.

 

Medical

Please review your tour confirmation to ensure that any special dietary and mobility restrictions have been acknowledged. If anything is missing please advise us as soon as possible.

Prescriptions

Pack your medication in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. It is a good idea to keep any medication in its original labeled bottle. If this is not possible, it would be helpful to have a printout identifying your name, the medication, its purpose, and the dosage prescribed. You may also want to bring eyeglass or contact prescriptions.

Persons Needing Special Assistance

Outside of the United States accessibility standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act do not apply. Holiday Vacations does not provide personal attendant services. Any disability requiring additional services should be reported to us at the time you make your reservation. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs, but we are not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, and other independent suppliers. Travelers requiring assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and fully responsible for providing the necessary assistance.

Medical Equipment

Medical equipment, such as a CPAP machine or nebulizer, that requires connection to an aircraft’s power supply, must be pre-approved by the airlines and requires medical clearance. Please contact Holiday Vacations for further details.

CPAP-BiPAP: Review with your healthcare provider whether purified water or bottled water can be used with your device on a temporary basis.

Holiday Vacations Guest Portal

Guest Portal

The Holiday Vacations Guest Portal is the hub for all the details you need and want for your upcoming travel. You will be able to view your registration, booking summary, invoices, and e-docs. You can also keep track of remaining balance and sign your required Guest Participation agreement on the platform. One of the most exciting features is that you will be able to make payments on the portal toward your balance after your initial $200 deposit has cleared.

Twenty-one days before your tour starts, your guest travel booklet, flight information, itinerary, and hotel information will be available on both the Guest Portal and the app. Guest surveys are also available to complete in the portal.

Register/Login

Holiday Traveler App

The Holiday Traveler is your digital companion from 21 days prior to departure and while you are on tour. View travel details, hotel and flight information, message your tour director, complete your tour survey, and even share your photos with friends and family with digital postcards.

The Holiday Traveler app works on all smartphones and tablets. To start now, download the Holiday Traveler app for iOS and Android below or go to the app store and search “Holiday Traveler.”

Download on the App Store
Android App on Google Play

Weather & Destination Specific Information

Above Masai Mara National Reserve

Captivating Kenya Safari

View/Download PDF

Pyramids of Giza

Gems of Egypt & The Nile River

View/Download PDF

Jordan & the Gems of Egypt

Jordan & the Gems of Egypt

View/Download PDF

Tanzania Safari Adventure

Tanzania Safari Adventure

View/Download PDF

Spectacular New Zealand

Spectacular New Zealand

View/Download PDF

Wonders of Australia

Wonders of Australia

View/Download PDF

Australia & New Zealand Highlights

Australia & New Zealand Highlights

View/Download PDF

Grand Australia & New Zealand

Grand Australia & New Zealand

View/Download PDF

Tahiti Your Way

Pearls of Tahiti

View/Download PDF

Canadian Rockies, Vancouver & Victoria

Canadian Rockies, Vancouver & Victoria

View/Download PDF

Victoria, Vancouver & the Canadian Rockies

Victoria, Vancouver & the Canadian Rockies

View/Download PDF

Montreal, Quebec City & Canadian Maritimes

Montreal, Quebec City & Canadian Maritimes

View/Download PDF

Niagara Falls Adventure

Niagara Falls Adventure

View/Download PDF

Niagara Falls Getaway

Niagara Falls Getaway

View/Download PDF

Canadian Cascades: Niagara Falls to Montreal

Canadian Cascades: Niagara Falls to Montreal

View/Download PDF

New England & Saint Lawrence Seaway Cruise

New England & Saint Lawrence Seaway Cruise

View/Download PDF

Railroading in the Rockies (Rocky Mountaineer) 1

Railroading in the Rockies

View/Download PDF

Chilean Fjords & Strait of Magellan

Chilean Fjords & Strait of Magellan

View/Download PDF

Costa Rica & Panama Canal Adventure

Costa Rica & Panama Canal Adventure

View/Download PDF

Panama Canal Cruise with Holland America

Panama Canal Cruise with Holland America

View/Download PDF

A Taste of Italian Isles & the Amalfi Coast

A Taste of Italian Isles & the Amalfi Coast

View/Download PDF

Agricultural Wonders of Iceland

Agricultural Wonders of Iceland

View/Download PDF

Blue Danube River Cruise

Blue Danube River Cruise

View/Download PDF

Classic Italy-Rome, Florence & Venice

Classic Italy-Rome, Florence & Venice

View/Download PDF

Classical Greece Land & Cruise

Classical Greece Land & Cruise

View/Download PDF

Enchanting Ireland

Enchanting Ireland

View/Download PDF

England & Cornwall, Towne & Country

England & Cornwall, Towne & Country

View/Download PDF

English Masterpiece

English Masterpiece

View/Download PDF

Escape to Chateau Country

Escape to Chateau Country

View/Download PDF

Football on the Emerald Isle

Football on the Emerald Isle

View/Download PDF

Grand Adventure: Scotland & the Emerald Isle

Grand Adventure: Scotland & the Emerald Isle

View/Download PDF

Holland in Bloom

Holland in Bloom

View/Download PDF

Iceland: Land of the Midnight Sun

Iceland: Land of the Midnight Sun

View/Download PDF

Iceland's Northern Lights

Iceland’s Northern Lights

View/Download PDF

Majestic Fjords of Norway

Majestic Fjords of Norway

View/Download PDF

Normandy, London & Paris

Normandy, London & Paris

View/Download PDF

Paris-A Week to Remember

Paris-A Week to Remember

View/Download PDF

Timeless France with Burgundy & Provence River Cruise

Timeless France with Burgundy & Provence River Cruise

View/Download PDF

Treasures of Central Europe

Treasures of Central Europe

View/Download PDF

Rhine River Cruise

Rhine River Cruise – Amsterdam to Switzerland

View/Download PDF

Rhine River Cruise

Rhine River Cruise – Switzerland to Amsterdam

View/Download PDF

Scenic Danube River Cruise

Scenic Danube River Cruise

View/Download PDF

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Scotland & Northern Ireland

View/Download PDF

Scotland & Northern Ireland with Agricultural Highlights

Scotland & Northern Ireland with Agricultural Highlights

View/Download PDF

Sunny Spain & Portugal 4

Sunny Spain & Portugal

View/Download PDF

Tuscany & the Italian Riviera

Tuscany & the Italian Riviera

View/Download PDF

San Gimignano

Grand Adventure –
Rome, Venice, Tuscany & Italian Riviera

View/Download PDF

Parliament, Budapest

Grand Adventure –
Danube & Rhine River Cruise

View/Download PDF

Solo Travel with Holiday Vacations

Additional Details

Responsibility
These tours are arranged and operated by Holiday Vacations, LLC, d/b/a Holiday Vacations, 2727 Henry Ave, PO Box 87, Eau Claire, WI 54702. Holiday Vacations and their agents act only as an agent for such other parties, firms or corporations providing services herein. No liability shall be incurred by Holiday Vacations, their agents, presenters or co-sponsors because of injury, loss, delay or other complication experienced by tour participants. Holiday Vacations reserves the right to correct printing errors, to make any changes or alterations in the printed itineraries, dates, routing, hotels or in included features prior to or during the tour, as may be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the tour. The names of the hotels used may change without notice. Holiday Vacations also reserves the right to accept, decline or retain any person as a participant of these tours at anytime. Though every effort will be made to safeguard your baggage, Holiday Vacations accepts no liability for loss or damage.

Photography & Video
Holiday Vacations reserves the right to take photographs and/or videos on any of its tours and to use such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes.

Tour Surveys
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete our survey. We appreciate your comments which further enhance and improve our tours.  You can complete your tour survey on the app or guest portal.  Input can be provided incrementally or all at one time as long as you don’t log out of the app or portal. Once the survey is submitted electronically, it cannot be changed.

Insecticide Use On Aircraft
Some countries require aircraft to be treated with insecticide in order to protect agricultural, environmental and public health. For current information on the use of insecticides on aircraft and the participating countries, please visit the USDOT’s website at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/spray.

Print Library

To access a print-friendly version of the Holiday Traveler Quick Start Guide, click below.

Travel Planning Hub 9

For additional questions please call us at

1-888-867-2190