Your Vacation Checklist
Luggage
Please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov for the most up-to-date security information and list of prohibited items. Although Riviera recommends one checked bag per person to be no greater than 50lbs in weight, please check with your individual carriers for size restrictions on checked and hand luggage. Please note, similar restrictions may apply to train travel and local flights should they be included in your itinerary.
Currency
The Euro has now been adopted in most European countries. However, in the UK the local currency remains the GBP, British Pound and when visiting Croatia the official currency is the Kuna. For up to date exchange rates visit www.oanda.com.
Current exchange rates and advice about using your credit cards abroad can be obtained from your bank. Credit cards can be used widely all over foreign countries, but you will need to ask the individual retailer if they accept them or not.
While some people consider taking traveler’s checks, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get them cashed or to find outlets prepared to accept them. In regard to our exotic destinations, traveler’s checks can easily be changed at hotels in India and Vietnam. They can be more difficult to change in other destinations, particularly South Africa.
When traveling internationally, it is best to take a combination of local currency, cash, credit and debit cards. Foreign currency can usually be obtained from major banks, travel agencies and at your departure or arrival airports. Most major cities overseas have ATM cash machines from which you can obtain local currency using your bank or credit card. If you are in any doubt about this, please check with your card issuer.
Remember to keep a separate note of your card issuer’s emergency telephone number. We recommend you advise your bank or credit card provider of your destination prior to travel if you intend to use your credit cards, as they can sometimes be blocked if the bank detects any unusual activity.
Security and Safety on Tour
Please be extra vigilant while on vacation. Do not leave handbags on the back of chairs or on the floor under tables. Do not put wallets in back pockets of pants unless they can be secured. Do not put all your cash, credit cards, passports, etc., in one bag, if it is stolen you may lose everything. We suggest you bring a photocopy of your passport to keep in a separate location should your original passport be lost or stolen.
Security & Safety Abroad
In your hotel
Always use the in-room safety deposit box (if available) to store your valuables, cash, cameras, passport, etc., but don’t forget to take them with you when you check out! Take extra care when getting into the shower or bath, surfaces may be more slippery than at home. Always lock your hotel room door and balcony door at night. Please familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest fire exit, alarm and extinguisher on your hotel floor. In case of fire, alert the hotel management, do not stop to collect your belongings and exit immediately via the emergency stairs. Do not use elevators. If your way is blocked by smoke or heat, stay in your room and place wet towels in any gaps under or around your door. Be aware of the depth and width of your hotel pool. Few have a lifeguards. Be aware of slippery tiling or uneven surfaces around the pool or underwater ledges and obstacles.
Out and about
You need to be extra vigilant, especially in large cities, on public transport, in crowded airports, stations, marketplaces and near ATM cash machines. Casually carried cameras, expensive-looking jewelery and open handbags can make you a target. Our Tour Directors will be able to give you more details on your personal security, but in the meantime these simple hints should help:
- Take with you only the amount of cash you think you will need for the day and never carry your wallet in your back pocket or in an open handbag.
- Always divide your belongings, cash and credit and debit cards among different pockets, or with your travel companion.
- Buy a money belt and wear it under your shirt.
- Use hard-sided luggage.
- Remember that most countries drive on the opposite side of the road and may have different rules of the road. Please take extra care when crossing roads.
If anything is lost or stolen, while in a hotel, your insurance company will require a report from your Tour Director and/or the local police. If your bank's cards are lost or stolen you will need to advise your bank immediately. Keep a separate note of the bank emergency numbers. Always notify your Tour Director as soon as possible, who will do all that he or she can to help.
Joining the Tour
When you receive your tickets it is important that you check that all the details are correct. It is vital that your first and last names are exactly as they appear on your passport. Make a careful note of your flight departure time and plan to arrive at the airport for check-in three hours before the scheduled departure time.
Meeting the Tour Director
It is important to follow the instructions shown in the itinerary so you can meet your tour director to transfer to the first hotel.
During your Tour
Tour Directors
A Riviera-trained Tour Director will escort you throughout your journey. While sightseeing, they will provide commentary and point out areas of interest. On some occasions we will enjoy the benefit of local guides, who will not only add their expertise, but also bring a direct perspective of the culture you are visiting.
Tour Directors will be able to advise you about such issues as:
- Local customs and events
- Food and drink
- Changing money
- Tipping
- Any other information concerning your vacation
Your Tour Director will be happy to make suggestions for activities and excursions you might enjoy during your free time, as well as make reservations for you at local restaurants for meals that are not included on your itinerary.
Security at Hotels
The Tour Director or staff at hotel receptions can advise you about safes in which you can lock valuables, cash, etc. Some hotels provide safes in the room, others have them in the reception area. Some may charge for use and/or a deposit for safe keys.
