Travel Tips from Janet
All Inclusive Vacation Travel – tips from Janet:
Thank you for making me a part of your vacation planning. Here are some tips and comments to make your vacation enjoyable. If you have purchased an all-inclusive package, you are looked after from the point of departure until you return to your home-city airport.
Pre departure:
Call the airline 48, 24 and 12 hours prior to your departure, and then just before you leave the house to ensure that there have been no last minute changes to the flight times. The number is on your ticket.
Arrive at the checkin counter approximately 3 hours prior to departure. Charter airlines still process each traveller manually, so the line will move slowly.More… Seats are assigned on a first-come/first served basis, unless you have paid for advance seat selection. You are allowed a maximum of 20kgs total checked baggage per person, and your carryon bag cannot be more than 5 kg. Luggage will be weighed and the excess baggage charge is $5 per kilo. Be sure to have all essentials in your carry-on: medications, contacts/glasses, swimwear, sunscreen, and lighter clothing. That way you are ready to enjoy your first day even if your luggage is delayed or your room is not ready. Hint: if you are each taking a bag, pack a change of clothes in the other person’s bag so that if yours is lost, you are not stuck wearing the same thing for days.
When you arrive at your destination, you will go through customs/immigration at the airport, then claim your luggage. Outside you will be met by representatives from the various vacation companies. Look for the representative in a uniform or golf shirt with the company logo. (Transat, Signature, etc) They will ask your name and the name of your resort, then will point you to the correct bus to board for transfer to your resort. At the time of checkin you may be asked for a credit card imprint and/or a deposit for your beach towel. You should receive a map of the resort. You will be taken to your room with your luggage – the bellboy may expect a tip so have a few US singles handy, or local currency. There should be a binder in your room outlining the features of the resort, hours of operation of the facilities and how to make reservations for any service or restaurant if necessary. The binder usually lists all services which are included in your package. Most non motorized water sports, beach and pool activities and entertainment, as well as meals and drinks are included.
Drink only bottled water. If you have any sensitivity to different water, drink bottled water at home for about 2 weeks prior to your trip, and be very careful to use bottled water for teeth-brushing while away. Eat only fruit which has to be peeled (bananas, oranges etc) and do not eat salad-type foods which may have been washed in tap water – regardless of what the resort employees tell you. Canadians often over-indulge in delicious fresh fruit while on tropical vacations. Be conscious of this, as the increased fibre in your diet may affect you more than the water! Cultivate a taste for the beer, rather than drinks with ice cubes. (Ice cubes are usually made from tap water).
Take a stronger sunscreen than you typically use here, and use it diligently for the first 3 or 4 days. Then downgrade to your usual strength. You have a whole week (or 2) to enjoy the weather! Limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially at the beginning of the week – even if it is cloudy. Be sure to cover areas like your toes, top of feet, nose and tips of the ears with adequate sunscreen- it is too easy to overlook them when covered in sand and the resulting sunburn will be uncomfortable and inconvenient for the remainder of the week. A t-shirt or long -sleeved cotton shirt is a handy thing to have near the water, so you can cover up the sensitive areas without getting hot.
Be sure to pack insect repellant. A combination moisturizer/bug repellant is a good choice for evenings. (Avon Skin-so-Soft works very well). You may be sitting outside and not notice the little critters feasting on your ankles while you enjoy your meal! A light sweater or fleece will be a terrific addition to your wardrobe. After a day of 30 degrees, an evening of 20 degrees feels downright cool! You may also find the air conditioning in buses and some indoor restaurants cold enough that you will want to cover up.
Take a zippered beach bag or knapsack for use on day trips. Make and take with you a photocopy of your passport, and email a scan of it to yourself. That way you will have all of the details you might need in an emergency. Be sure to lock all valuables- including your wallet and passport- in the safe provided by the hotel.
Advise your credit card company of your travel dates and destination so that you do not encounter any unnecessary holds on transactions.
Check the details on your home insurance and arrange to have a neighbour or family member check the house – electricity on, heat on and no broken water lines- often enough during your absence if the house will be empty. Arrange for someone to shovel your drive, or park their car in your drive while you are away. If there is anyone in your family/neighbourhood who might contact me about an emergency or to confirm arrival details for pickup up at the airport, I need to be advised and put that on your file so that I can give them the information. Otherwise, even if it is your family member, I am legally prevented from acknowledging that you are away and from divulging any details of your itinerary. Conversely, if you would like me to have any emergency contacts, please let me know.
Packing: Plan to coordinate. Lay it out, put half away
For the plane you will want long pants and a sweater. Pants which become shorts are perfect, and a t-shirt under the fleece will be appropriate when you arrive. You really are unlikely to wear as much as you think, so pack lightly. You may want to pack a small umbrella – just in case of a shower. ( I haven’t needed one yet!!) Remember a hat. Put shampoos etc in ziplock bags in case of leaks- take smaller containers if possible. Check the electric current if you are planning to take any appliances .
Learn a few phrases of the local language- you will get a long way with please, thank you, hello, and toilets?
HAVE FUN!