This section contains basic travel information and tips to help make your trip trouble-free.

Air Travel

  • Individual Airline requirements vary. Generally, everyone is allowed one large piece of luggage and one carry-on. Your largest bag cannot exceed a total of sixty-two inches. Your carry-on cannot exceed a total of forty-two inches. This can be measured by adding the length plus the height plus the width. Make sure luggage tags are securely attached on all checked baggage.
  • Be sure to have your airline ticket and passport (if required) with you.
  • Locking checked luggage is no longer permissible. Should anything in your luggage look suspicious going through the airport security devices, it will be opened by airport personnel. Locked luggage will be broken into, if necessary.
  • Wear comfortable clothing for the flight. Layered clothing is recommended. Airplanes can be very cool, as can the airports.

Sea Travel

  • Ships are equipped with stabilizers to ensure smooth sailing. If motion sickness concerns you, several methods for alleviating it have been proven effective and can be found in most stores, including patches, wristbands and MotionEaze.
  • On deck, a cool breeze can mask the effects of the sun. Use plenty of sunscreen and don't overexpose yourself to the sun.

All Forms of Travel

  • Be sure your passport, driver's license, or other Government issued Photo ID is valid. Your passport needs to have six months validity beyond the return date. Without the proper ID's, you will not be allowed on board.
  • Leave expensive jewelry at home. Do not display large amounts of cash while opening your wallet.
  • Keep your passport and larger amounts of cash in a specially made pouch concealed under your clothing. Keep a copy of your passport separate from your passport.
  • Travelers Cheques are no longer a handy form of payment when overseas.  Some stores won't accept them, and many will charge a premium for using them.
  • Call your Credit Card companies to let them know you will be traveling. This will help prevent them from canceling your cards due to unusual activity.
  • Newlyweds -- unless you already have your documents (driver’s license, passport, etc.) updated with your new surname, use your maiden name when making reservations.

What to Pack

  • Wear comfortable, easy-care clothing. Pack at least one smart casual outfit for the special events. Shoes are important! Take at least one good pair of walking shoes. For the evening - perhaps a smart sandal.
  • Take an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Bring enough medication to last your entire trip. You may also want your doctor to write an extra prescription using the drug's generic name, since brand names may vary from country to country. Carry your medication with you in its original packaging, if possible.
  • Keep medicines in your carry-on bag and keep them with you on the plane.
  • Packing toiletries in leak-proof bags may prevent a suitcase fiasco.
  • Save yourself from a rainy day. Always pack a tote-size umbrella.
  • Remember to have a large enough memory card and charger for your camera.
  • Bring a travel alarm clock.
  • Bring snacks such as granola bars, peanuts, etc.
  • Disposable towelettes are a convenient method of washing hands prior to eating. Keeping hands clean will be the best way to stay healthy.
  • Each passenger is allowed one large suitcase, weighing no more than 50 lbs. and not exceeding 62 inches (length + width + height) and one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a camera bag or purse.  The carry-on cannot exceed 45 inches (length + width + height) and must fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.  We suggest a small carry-on because you will be responsible for it. Overhead space on Brazilian flights can be limited.  Keep carry-ons small.  This will make your journey easier.
  • Travelers may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag.  Each container may not exceed 3.4 ounces (100ml) and must be placed in a quart size zip-lock clear plastic bag.  You may pack full size containers of shampoo, lotion, etc. in your checked luggage.
  • Do NOT carry sharp objects of any kind, such as nail files, clippers, pocket knives, etc. in your carry-on luggage. Pack these items in your checked bag if needed.

Voltage

The United States operates on 110-Volt 60-HZ current, but most other countries run on 220-Volt 50-HZ. If you wish to use your electrical haircare items etc. you'll need a converter and a transformer. Converters are safe to use with simple devices -- such as blow dryers -- which are designed to be used for short periods of time.

Customs Regulations

To avoid customs tax on previously owned property, U.S. residents should have a receipt for or should register their foreign-made electronic equipment with customs prior to departure. This will ensure no additional taxes upon re-entry.

Insurance

Travel insurance insures your trip for last minute cancellations, baggage protection, medical, etc. Travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself against financial loss.  Insurance has proven to be very beneficial to travelers in the past.

Inoculations and Health Advisories

We will pass on any information we obtain from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on areas we plan to visit; however, passengers are advised to check with their doctors regarding inoculation requirements for their destination area. Some areas strictly enforce these requirements. If you would like to contact the CDC directly, their number is 1-800-311-3435 or visit their website at www.cdc.gov for the latest travel and health advisories.

Last but not least

HAVE A GOOD TRIP!