Accommodations	Passports & Visas	Pre-Purchased Services
Airline Flights	Dietary Restrictions	Local Emergency/Phone
Airline Tickets	Luggage	Safety
Amendments	E-tickets	Shopping
Arrival Procedures	Group Size	Tipping
Code Share Flights	Health Information	Travel Insurance
Currency	Jet Lag	Trip Preparation
Departure	Hotel Check In/Out	Luggage
	Packing

Getting Ready to Go: Passports and Visas

It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gutsywomentravel.com/visas.asp for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.

Getting Ready to Go: Trip Preparation

A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you’ll need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.

Getting Ready to Go: Quick Checklist

A quick reminder of things you should do before you leave for an extended trip:

• Stop routine services such as mail, trash collection, paper deliveries
• Check thermostat in your home
• Set-up lights on timers so your home isn't dark
• Leave keys to house and car with a friend or neighbor
• Check to see that no important bills are due while you're away (such as insurance premiums)
• Lock windows, doors and set alarm system
• Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and the necessary personal identification, i.e. passports and visas
• It's a good idea to take a battery-operated travel alarm clock with you
• If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, it's a good idea to have an extra pair
• Be sure you have enough money, travelers check, and a valid credit card
• Note the limit on your credit card(s) - in some countries it is against the law to exceed your credit card limit
• Check with your health care provider regarding terms and conditions of coverage overseas
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with your family in case they need to reach you

Getting Ready to Go: Packing

Pack light and choose clothing that is "wrinkle-resistant" and can be layered as the temperature changes. Pack anything you cannot live without in a carry-on bag. To avoid problems at customs, keep medications in original, labeled containers. Make sure you have luggage tags for each suitcase, as well as your name and your destination address in a visible place inside.

Getting Ready to Go: Currency

We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you’re visiting before you leave the U.S. Once you are abroad, exchange your money or travelers checks at banks (the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus). It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It’s also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers—the keypads on foreign ATMs don’t always have letters. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements.

Getting Ready to Go: Meals and Dietary Restrictions

If you have any dietary restrictions, please advise Gutsy Women Travel in advance and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Please understand, however, that we cannot guarantee the compliance of the hotels and restaurants where you will be dining. Meals are provided in accordance with the particular package you’ve purchased. In general, beverages are not included with meals (although there are some exceptions). The dinners included in tour packages are based on set menus. We will endeavor to provide an alternate main course if so requested.

Getting Ready to Go: Health Information

Check with your personal physician and for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.

About Your Flights: Airline Flights

Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gutsy Women has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.

About Your Flights: Tickets

Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.

About Your Flights: E-tickets

Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and identification to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form in a ticket jacket.

About Your Flights: Code-share Flights

Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gutsy Women Travel for clarification.

About Your Flights: Luggage

All Gutsy Women tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gutsy Women will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport.

About Your Flights: Jet Lag

The tired, hazy feeling known as jet lag is caused not only by changing time zones, but also by spending an extended period of time inside an airplane, where the air is very dry and the pressure can cause lethargy and even swelling of the arms, legs, hands and feet. Here are some things that can help reduce the effects of jet lag.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and during the flight
• Get adequate rest before your flight
• Reset your watch to the time zone of your destination when you board the plane to begin getting used to the new time zone
• Create as dark an environment on the plane as possible (close the window shade and turn off overhead light)
• If you are arriving in the morning, try to sleep on the plane
• Walk around the plane occasionally and do isometric exercises at your seat
• Drink plenty of water and juices
• When you arrive, adjust your sleeping habits to the local time - try to stay awake until it is night time

Arrival & Departure Procedures: Arrival Procedures

If your program includes airport arrival transfers, you will be met by our local representative just after you pass through customs or at the baggage claim area. Look for someone holding a Gutsy Women Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. If you do not connect with the Gutsy Women transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gutsy Women Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.

Arrival & Departure Procedures: Departure Procedures

If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.

Transfers

Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel’s front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.

Accommodations

Gutsy Women Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.

Accommodations: Hotel Check-in/ Check-out

Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.

At Your Destination: Touring Group Sizes

Although we cannot guarantee the exact number of passengers who will be on any given tour due to last minute bookings and/or cancellations, you may find that you are traveling with a sizeable group or only with your own companions. Gutsy Women Escorted land tours have a maximum of 20-25 passengers per departure. Still, we assure that the services will remain consistent no matter the number of tour participants. Daily seat rotation and a strict non-smoking policy contribute to your comfort.

At Your Destination: Shopping

Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. You may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

At Your Destination: Tipping

Please visit www.gutsywomentravel.com/tipping.asp for complete tipping guidelines.

At Your Destination: Safety

Every effort has been taken by Gutsy Women Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you’re on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don’t put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don’t leave valuables laying loose in your room—use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gutsy Women Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gutsy Women Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.

For more specific information on Travel safety please visit www.gutsywomentravel.com/safety-tips.asp.

Customer Service: Travel Insurance

If you purchased travel insurance, remember to keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip should it later become necessary to file a claim. If you purchased the Cancel-For-Any-Reason protection supplement (not available for all packages), Gutsy Women Travel must receive your written cancellation notification at least 72 hours before departure. Details of policy inclusions may be found here.

Customer Service: Pre-Purchased Services

Your document packet will include vouchers, and/or airline ticket, rail ticket, cruise ticket, for all services which have been booked through and pre-paid to Gutsy Women. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled services. Arriving late for a flight, cruise or scheduled program may be considered a "no-show" in which case you will not be eligible for any refund for the unused services. Should you be requested to pay for any portion of the services which have already been pre-paid, please follow these procedures:

1. Pay as requested
2. Obtain a receipt
3. Remit to Gutsy Women Travel upon your arrival home with a written explanation of the situation.

Customer Service: Amendments to Original Itinerary

Please refer to www.gutsywomentravel.com/terms.asp for an explanation of our Change and Cancellation policies. Cancelled services will be subject to an administrative processing fee plus any expenses imposed by suppliers as a result of the changes. Should you wish to add or change services after the departure from the USA, you must pay directly to the service provider, such as the hotel or airline, not to Gutsy Women. The cost of any changes or additions will be at the local rate at the time of the amendment, not per the Gutsy Women brochure, and must be borne by you. Gutsy Women is not obliged to guarantee promises (written or verbal) made by local hotel staff, tour guides or any other persons not under direct employ with Gutsy Women.

Customer Service

All customer service issues and refund requests must be submitted in writing and received no later than 30 days after your return. Refunds are subject to a processing fee of $50 plus any hotel and/or supplier charges incurred. Claims for unused services should be substantiated in writing by local representatives. Airline flight cancellations and delays for any reason are not the responsibility of Gutsy Women Travel. Submit your claim directly to the airline. Gutsy Women Travel does not guarantee airline response. Processing of claims will take up to eight weeks from the date Gutsy Women receives relevant documents. There will be no refunds for unused package tour services or features, including missed transfers due to airline changes and/or missed flights, unused meals, missed sightseeing tours, unused entrance fees, and accommodations.