Travel – What’s stopping you?

By Submitted Article

Submitted by Jami Witso

A quick read for the want to be traveler.

Traveling for the first time can be scary.  So here are a few things for your information. 

First of course is talking to a travel agent to help you.  If you are traveling overseas or through the US you will need a passport.  Remember to get your passport early.  Otherwise a birth certificate and picture ID will work.  You must check your destination for required entry to that country or your travel agent can help you obtain this information.

If you have never traveled before you may find yourself overwhelmed.  So hopefully this will help you.  When picking out a vacation spot talk to your friends and also your travel agent.  Pick everyone’s brains and ask lots of questions.  Your travel agent will help you choose a vacation that is suited for a first time traveler or less experienced traveler.

Luggage:  What should I take and how much, what about medications and makeup?  Each airline may have different weight restrictions.  Carry on luggage is usually up to 10 pounds and you can take 1 piece.  Your purse and camera don’t count towards this.  If you have medication please make sure that you take them on the plane with you and you keep them in the original container.  If you are taking liquids, gels or aerosols make sure that they are containers no larger than 3.4 oz or 100 ml.  You must put all your liquids together in a clear plastic 1 quart baggie and 1 per person.  Your checked bag can be anywhere from 1 bag to 2 bags weighing from 22 lbs up to 60lbs. The weight of the luggage depends on the airline and where you are traveling.  If you have any questions, contact your travel agent for further information.

When booking a holiday you will want it to be as stress free as possible.  Other than going to Puerto Vallarta from Prince George, you will have to leave from Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton.  If you don’t have a passport and want to travel to the US you can fly out of Bellingham or Seattle if you drive across the border.  This will change in 2008.

With a vacation package you will get your airfare, transfers and accommodations included.  You won’t have to worry as you will be picked up at your destination and taken to your hotel.  You will be given an orientation on the way to the hotel and be advised when you will be picked up for your return flight and also how to get in touch with someone if you are having problems or concerns.

The hotel concierge or tour desk can help you plan sight seeing trips if you wish to take them.  Usually the tour will have an English speaking guide.  The bus will pick you up at your hotel and then take you back after the tour.  Please note that sight seeing tours may be an extra cost.

If you are going on a cruise and use the cruise line’s air, you will be taken to your hotel if you need one or taken directly to the port.  If you are staying overnight the cruise line will make arrangements to pick you up the next day and take you to the pier.

 If you have decided to take a shore excursion on the cruise, the shore excursion desk will help you out.  Check out the shore excursions talks on the ship to help you decide on what excursion would be right for you. You can be assured that you will be returned to the ship before it sails as long as you are booking the excursions through the ship.  Again there will be English speaking guides.  Shore excursions are extra costs.

Where ever you decide that you want to go rest assured that all things can be taken care of for you.  Don’t let your fears, concerns or worries stop you from traveling.

Jami Witso  is a partner in Japatedon Travel of Prince George  she can be reached  :

by e-mail at    letsgo@japatedontravel.com 

or by phone,  at 250-564-4267 / 888-867-2510

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