Travel Tips

Travelling with Educational Opportunities removes a lot of the stress and frustration normally associated with trips that we have tried to plan on our own.  The EO Staff takes care of all of the essential details for you so that you can get the most out of your travel adventure.  You don’t have to worry about airline ticketing.  They do it!  You don’t have to bother with hotel reservations, ground transportation, or meals.  They do it!  You don’t have to fuss about guides, entrance fees, or daily excursions.  They do it!  They do it all! 

Educational Opportunities makes travelling safer and simpler for everyone.  So here are a few simple “travel tips” to help make your EO trip the dream of a lifetime.

Your passport

Once you make the decision to go on an EO trip, find your Passport and have it ready for the registration process.  Check the expiration date and make sure that it is at least 6 months beyond the return date of your trip.  If not, you will need to apply for a new Passport.  That process can take up to 3 weeks.  If you do not have a Passport, please start the process NOW. You can find the information you need at the U.S. Customs web site.  It can take up to 6 weeks to get your new Passport.  Don’t delay.

packing tips:

  • We like to bring clean shirts, underwear and socks for each day. 
  • We bring one bottom (pants, skirt or shorts) for each three days.
  • A light rain jacket or coat will keep you both dry and warm.
  • Color coordinate your outfits and bring scarves, shawls, and vests for variety.
  • Pack 2 to 3 pairs of comfortable shoes.  Don’t break in new shoes on the trip!
  • Roll most of your clothes and use space-saver bags for bulkier items.
  • Couples should place 2 outfits in each other’s bag in case one gets lost.
  • Place one outfit in your carry-on bag in case your bag gets lost.
  • Weather forecasts change daily.  Check just before you leave and make any last-minute adjustments to your wardrobe.

“Are You Kidding me?”

When we first started traveling, we took everything, including the proverbial “kitchen sink.”   We were prepared for anything – and more!   However, we quickly learned two things: (1) not everything that we had prepared for happened; and (2) we carried around a ton of needless stuff for weeks.

It’s amazing how much you don’t need while traveling abroad.  All of the Hotels and Cruise Ships on an EO trip already have hair dryers and basic toiletries in the room/cabin.  You don’t need a Tuxedo or formal Evening Gown that takes up half of your suitcase.  You don’t need a pair of shoes or purse for every outfit.  You won’t be able to use a clothes iron or hair curlers/straighteners anywhere along the way.  Leave all of that stuff at home.  The key word is – SIMPLE.  By packing only what you will need, you will have room and weight allowance in your suitcase to bring home all of those wonderful souvenirs you promised everyone on your return.   Follow these simple travel tips!  

Money Matters

“How much money do I need to bring?”  That is one of the most common questions we get as we prepare folks for an upcoming trip.  With EO, almost everything has already been included in the cost of your tour.  You have already paid for your airline costs, breakfast/dinner, ground transportation, lodging, entrance fees, etc. through your pre-trip billing.  It was all done up front.  Usually, the only things that you will need cash for on an EO trip are:

  • your daily lunches;
  • optional special excursions to select destinations or events;
  • beer, wine or specialty drinks from the Hotel or Cruise Ship Bar;
  • souvenirs for your family members and friends; and
  • an optional love gift/tip to give to your Tour Guide and Bus Driver on the last day. 

We usually get the equivalent of $250-$300 from an ATM at the destination Airport.  Unless we see something we both agree we need to have, that amount has always met our needs.  

“But wait.”   “There’s More.”

  1. Make sure that your camera is in good working order.  If you haven’t done so yet, this is a great time to go digital.  Be sure to bring an extra battery and memory card.
  2. Check the voltage on the chargers for your electronic gear.  If it is fairly new, it will be rated for 110-220 volts.  If so, you will need to make sure that you have an international adapter kit for the regions you will be travelling.  If it is rated for 110 volts only, you will need to have a transformer/converter as well as the international adapter kit.  Check that before you leave.
  3. Bring an extra pair of glasses/contacts just in case.
  4. Bring a travel alarm if you want to get up before the scheduled wake-up call.  Be sure to install new batteries.
  5. Bring a small collapsible umbrella or poncho for rainy days.
  6. Leave your medicines in their original containers and place them in your carry-on bag.
  7. Notify your Debit and Charge Card provider(s) of your itinerary BEFORE you leave home.  They will suspend the use of the card if they suspect fraud.  Be sure to call.
  8. Keep your Travel Insurance Claim number in your carry-on just in case.
  9. If you plan on taking and using your cell phone, call your service provider and check on their international calling/data plans.  Per minute calls back home can be very expensive.  
  10. If you have a little extra room, a sewing kit, First Aid kit, and eyeglass repair kit may come in handy.