What If...?

What if I have a C-Pap machine, cane or other medical device I am taking with me? You should bring the medical devices you need.  Airlines have their own restrictions on what is allowed and what is considered a carryon or an extra carryon.  There is a link on the Air Travel page that will direct you to the airline we are using for this trip.

What if I need to go to the doctor while on the trip? Alert the Tour Manager. If you have trip insurance through the Travel Company, make sure they are aware. If you have a different trip insurance, please make sure to refer to the policy you purchased and also contact your medical insurance provider at home.

What if I run out of medicine?  Let’s hope you packed enough. But if you need meds overseas, make sure you bring a list of all your medications and dosages (it’s on the pre-trip checklist!). You can probably walk into a pharmacy and buy it without a prescription.  It's a good idea to have a photocopy of all your prescription labels.

What if I need airport assistance?  You can request airport assistance by contacting the airline.  There are instructions for how to do this on the Air Travel page.  You may also want to let the Birmingham Trip Coordinator be aware.  

What if I can’t lift my own luggage?  Start training now. There are porters for your luggage in various places, but it’s important that you can handle your own luggage-no one else can do that for you.  If you really can't lift your own luggage, most of the people in the group are friendly and will help if asked.  

What if I need to go to the bathroom?  Take every opportunity to use the bathroom when you need to.  When we are at a pitstop, go even if you don’t feel like you need to.  There is a toilet on the bus, but that is for emergency use only.

What if I can’t find a bathroom?  Public toilets in Argentina are not readily available.  Cafes, restaurants, and other places that serve food can't refuse you.  The recommendation is to use bathrooms in hotels or museums.  They are the cleanest.  Also, bring some toilet paper.  Many public toilets don't have any. In Chile, most public toilets are not free.  You will need to pay betweeen 300 and 500 pesos.  Again, make sure you have toilet paper with you.

What if I get so sick on the plane that I need to lie fully horizontal?  Illness happens. If you get sick, ask for help from someone in the group. Let someone alert a flight attendant, perhaps seats can be found or arrangements can be made when we land. 

What if I have a food allergy?  Make sure the Tour Manager is aware and that you have updated your profile on the Travel Company website so that they know in advance. If you are traveling to a country where the main language isn’t English, you can find cards to print and bring with you to explain your allergy. One source to get plastic cards for your food allergies and intolerances:  https://equaleats.com/.  Don’t forget to submit any special meal requests to the airlines in advance. Information on how to do this is on the Air Travel page.

What if I get conflicting medical advice for a trip?  Maybe you hear that a fellow traveler got yellow fever, typhoid and tetanus vaccines, but your doctor says you only need yellow fever. Follow your physician's advice, especially if you have visited a travelers clinic prior to departure. These physicians will look at YOUR medical history and the trip itinerary to make sure YOU are are medically prepared. You can always visit the CDC website and check information on your own, but you need to talk with YOUR physician about your personal medical requirements. There are websites that offer destination-specific information so that you can confirm requirements.  For COVID requirements, Travel Sherpa is keeping up to date on what may be needed. You may also refer to the embassies of countries you are visiting to see if there are any restrictions or forms that are needed.  There are links to these resources on the COVID-19 and vaccinations section of the Air Travel page.

What if someone offers me drugs? This one seems pretty obvious, but do not take anything you wouldn’t take at home. 

What happens if I take photos somewhere I’m told explicitly not to?  You were warned. Don’t do it. Cameras may be taken, SIM cards taken or deleted. So if you are told NOT to take photos of something, please DON’T. But if you get away with it, we all want a copy.

What if I want to avoid pickpockets?  Use a secure wallet or purse. Neck wallets are also good for avoiding pickpockets. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.  Make use of hotel safes for excess cash and your passport if you don’t need it that day. Travelon and PacSafe make great security products.

What if I lose my passport?  Make sure it’s really gone. If you have made it this far in the webpage then you know you should have multiple copies of your passport on you. You have a photocopy in your checked bag, probably one in your carryon and a picture in your phone. This will help immensely. Now comes the hard part. But this article from Nerdwallet is pretty helpful in case it does  happen.  Since you may need to go to the US Embassy we have included that phone number on the Contacts page.

What if I lose my wallet?  Hopefully you have been following the tips throughout and have phone numbers handy for your credit card companies so you can easily cancel your cards. Fellow travelers can help out with a short term loan if needed. 

What if I am lost or get left behind?  Call the Tour Manager or someone in the group to let them know.  Enable the "Find my Device, or Find my iPhone" on your phone and provide access to the individual you are in touch with.  They should be able to find you.  If you have a copy of the itinerary with you, you also have the contact information for the Travel Company.  

What if I need more money?  ATMs are widely available in cities. Look for international banks, well lit ATMs and take a friend. Keep clean (bills without marks or tears) USD on you for some quick transfers at a hotel. The Birmingham Group Coordinator will likely have some tip money on them, so you can always ask for a short term loan if you need cash immediately. Similarly, if your credit card doesn't work in the destination country, ask a fellow traveler to help out and repay them promptly.

What if a customs official thinks I don’t look like my passport photo?  Make sure you have other forms of photo identification with you.  Hopefully, the DMV took a bad picture of you that matches your weary travel look.  That should help the customs official recognize that you don’t always look as glamorous as your passport photo.  

What if a flight attendant gets mad at me for talking during the safety demonstration?  This is another situation where you have officially been warned. Don’t do it. Don’t make them mad. Flight attendants can make or break a trip before we get off the ground. So be respectful and listen when you are told, buckle up and let’s get to the destination. In fact, don’t get testy with anyone at the airport.

What if my checked bag weighs more than the airline limit by the end of the trip?  Or What if I bought something that doesn't fit in my suitcase(s).  If you think your bag may be overweight, weigh it prior to departing for the airport.  If it is overweight, you have a few options.  1) Try to redistribute the contents between your checked bag, carryon, and personal item to be within weight limits.  2) Share some of your stuff with someone in the group who is a light traveler.  3) Pay an overage fee once we get to the airport.  If you have an item that won't fit in your suitcase, e.g. wooden giraffes that you bought in Africa, ask the check -in agent if you can take it on board as your personal item, assuming it will fit in an overhead bin.  Sometimes they are forgiving.

What if I hate my roommate by the end of the trip?  Hopefully you aren’t married. Thankfully we aren’t in our rooms that much during the trips.  On the next trip, just request another roommate or suck it up and purchase the single supplement.

What if my roommate does something that makes me uncomfortable? If you do not know your roommate, having a pre-trip discussion about some important items might make your trip more enjoyable.  Some suggested topics to discuss are listed below.

• Do you use a C-PAP? Hint: Bring it!
• Are you a light sleeper?  If so, you may want to bring some earplugs! Click here for some sleeping headphones.  
• Do you need noise to sleep? See above.
• Do you shower at night?
• Do you hog towels?
• Are you a nudist?  Yes, this has happened. Don’t spring this on an unsuspecting acquaintance and bring some pajamas.  No one wants to see that.
• Are you particular about your things and keeping your room organized? Or, does your suitcase explode as soon as it is opened?
• Do you need help waking up and making it to breakfast on time?
• Do you need quiet time?  Don’t like talking before 8 am?

What if I don’t want to do something one day?  Make sure the Tour Manager is aware. As long as it isn’t a travel day, it is probably fine to spend the day at leisure.

What if you prefer the bus temperature to be warmer or colder than the rest of the group? Wear layered clothing so that you can take something off or put something on.  You should be comfortable but not at the expense of your fellow travelers.

What if I’m having an international dance emergency?  Then dance, baby, dance. But we will be watching. 

What if I see something I HAVE to buy?  It depends. Ask your Tour Manager if it is something that will be seen again or if it is unique enough that it merits a purchase. A local can tell you whether a purchase should be made at that stop or if we will see similar items again. But if there is time and you have money, by all means, help a local economy.

What if I get attacked or surrounded by monkeys?  According to Slate, “If you are holding a snack, throw it in their direction, and they’ll stop bothering you. If you don’t have any food, hold out your open palms to show you’re not carrying a tasty treat or back away from the monkeys without showing fear. To diffuse the situation, don’t make eye contact or smile with your teeth showing—in the nonhuman primate world, these are almost always signs of aggression...But whatever you do, don’t freak out; those who scream, wave their arms, and run away are only going to make the (monkeys) even more aggressive.”

What if I get lost? What if I get lost AND I’m drunk?  Rule #1: Always keep the hotel addresses handy. You can find the address and phone numbers on the Hotels page.  When you get to the hotel, take a business card and keep it on you. Make sure someone on the trip is connected to you through the Find My Iphone or Find my Device app on your phone.  If you have your phone with you, they can find you.  Find a local business that can help you find your way back. And for goodness sake, don’t get drunk alone in a foreign city.  

What if my bathing suit has some bad elastic?  Many people bring travel sewing kits and will gladly help you fix the situation before it becomes a complete wardrobe malfunction.  

What if I have the urge to re-enact "I am the King of the World" from Titanic?  As long as you are on a boat, it's fine.  

What if there is a couples massage opportunity, who do I go with?  You don't have to be part of an official couple to take advantage of a massage.  Go with someone else on the trip.  Group travel is an adventure we share.