Trip Meeting:  Prior to the trip, you will receive an email about a meeting for group introductions, to go over trip logistics, and to ask questions of the group about the trip. 

Foreign currency:  The Group Coordinator may offer to organize foreign currency in advance of the trip.  The Group Coordinator may make the bank run herself, or someone else in the group might coordinate it (speak up if you are interested).  Alternatively, you can contact your bank to arrange foreign currency for yourself.  

Final payment:  Prior to the Travel Company deadline, you will receive an email about the remaining payment for the trip.  The email will describe the amount you owe, the deadline, and the process for collecting the final payment and sending it to the travel company.  The Group Coordinator typically asks to receive the payments and then sends them all together to the Travel Company.  

Tip payment:  Since the Group Coordinator handles the tips for trip-related services, you will be asked for a check for a specific amount of money per person to cover your share.  You will receive a communication with the details of how you provide your tip money.

Passport information confirmation:  You will receive a communication asking you to verify the exact name on your passport.  The purpose of this is to make sure your trip tickets and vouchers match your government-issued ID.

Airline ticket signoff:  For those traveling on the group airline reservation, you will receive a communication asking you to agree (or not) with the details of your ticket. 

Final travel documents:  Prior to departure, you will receive an email with your final travel documents.  These documents include the itinerary, your air reservations if organized by the Travel Company, and any vouchers that might be required for entry to specific sites.  These should be printed and brought with you on the trip.  Alternatively, you can find your travel documents in your Travel Company account when they are available. Click here to login.  For this trip, final travel documents are expected on April 24, 2025

WhatsApp:  We typically use WhatsApp to communicate group-wide when traveling internationally.  Prior to the trip, an Announcement WhatsApp group will be set up so that information regarding schedule changes, meeting places, or optional activities can be transmitted to everyone by the Tour Manager.  There will also be a Social WhatsApp group that everyone can post to.  This is the place to invite people to join you for dinner, drinks, etc.   Download from App Store   Download from Google Play 

Daily Itinerary:   A daily itinerary is usually posted by the Travel Company Tour Manager in the lobby of the hotel each day.  A picture of the itinerary is also sent to the group every evening using WhatsApp. 

Whispers:  On some trips, the Travel Company Tour Manager will provide headphones and a small receiver (Whisper) so that all can hear the Tour Manager or Local Guides.  On these days, wear shirts, vests, or jackets with pockets where you can conveniently place the Whisper when in use-that way your hands are free to take pictures.  If you've seen the Etiquette page, be wary of Sandi's free hands.

Trip satisfaction:  After the trip, you will receive a survey so that you can express your opinion about the trip, the Travel Company Tour Manager, local tour guides, the accommodations, adequacy of free time, and other feedback that might be useful for future trip offerings.  This information will be collated and sent to the Travel Company.  

Future trips:  Your opinion will also be solicited about future places that you would like to travel with the group.