Check out these last minute travel tips as you pack and plan.
Why aren't there travel tickets for Athens-Rome, Rome-Istanbul in my travel packet?
Athens-Rome tickets will be given by the guide in Greece.
If two of us are traveling together, should we have separate backpacks or can we keep our travel documents together in one backpack?
This is personal preference. Whether you share a backpack or have individual packs, you will want to have an extra copy or copies of your travel documents secure in a separate travel bag.
Is there a designated meeting place for tour participants at the airport or will we just meet at the gate for our flight to Istanbul?
Meet at the boarding gate, unless other instructions are sent prior to the tour.
Are we permitted to check a bag or are we only allowed a carry-on?
A piece of checked baggage is permitted. Many who travel extensively recommend taking only a carry-on. It is personal preference. Most bags get checked and not lost. However, those who travel extensively will say - the lighter the better and recommend not checking luggage. It would only take one time of lost luggage to convince someone of carry-on only. Since this is a warmer climate with lighter clothes, it may be worth trying! But, carry-on only is not required.
We planned to wear mostly shorts and polos or T-shirt’s during the day. Is that too casual?
Please see Travel Tip #12 - Attire and General Packing Advice under Travel Tip #7.
Are there cultural customs we that we need to know for travel to these sites?
The tour agency frequently takes groups with a range of travel experiences. They have good communication to pass along so as to avoid offense. Concerns can be addressed as the tour progresses. For example, a general question such as, “Are there particular customs that we need to know for visiting this site?” will give more detail.
Should women bring their own head covering?
You can bring your own scarf or wrap as a head covering, but they will be provided at tourist spots where head coverings are required.
In addition to an adapter, do we need a converter?
You should not need a converter as long as appliances are adaptable to 220. To pack lightly, it is not recommended that travelers bring hair dryers. Hair dryers are available at hotels.
Is it advantageous for us to try to exchange our money here in the States or is it okay to wait until we arrive at the airport?
Please review Travel Tip #8 - Shopping and Currency.
Do you recommend that we bring snacks such as protein or energy bars?
There will be opportunities to purchase snacks. However, if you have a particular item that you prefer, you can bring it. Avoid liquid and perishable items.
Can we bring snacks and water on the plane?
You can bring onto the plane snacks and extra water (water - if available for purchase after security screening at the airport). However, airlines supply ample beverages, including water.
What meals will be served on the plane?
There will be a meal and snacks in-flight.
Will the plane have blankets and pillows?
Yes.
Can we bring some water bottles in our suitcase or is it just as well to buy water there?
Bottled water will be available on the tour. It is not recommended that water be packed in suitcases due to weight and spillage.
Will we be residing in the same hotel while we are in Istanbul, Athens and Rome?
A list of dates and hotels is posted in Final Tour Documents with Maps.
Will laundry services be available in the hotels?
Laundry service may be available in some hotels, but can be expensive. Some travelers choose to wash items in their hotel room sink.
Will there be WiFi in hotels to touch base with family and friends through email and social media?
WiFi will be available in most hotels. Some hotels may charge a fee for WiFi usage.
How will my cell phone work while traveling?
Individual phone plans vary. Contact your cell phone provider for international calling options and charges during travel.
Do we need a bag with safety features such as locks on straps or straps resistant to breakage and places to put our credit cards where they can’t be scanned?
These are helpful features, but not necessary. Rick Steves recommends a money belt for essential documents and currency.
NOTE: A number of online resources are available with different ideas of how best to travel internationally. For example, Rick Steves has a number of travel tips with information about packing light, including everything from doing laundry to adapters and converters, some of which were used for this post. Click here for more information.
Why aren't there travel tickets for Athens-Rome, Rome-Istanbul in my travel packet?
Athens-Rome tickets will be given by the guide in Greece.
If two of us are traveling together, should we have separate backpacks or can we keep our travel documents together in one backpack?
This is personal preference. Whether you share a backpack or have individual packs, you will want to have an extra copy or copies of your travel documents secure in a separate travel bag.
Is there a designated meeting place for tour participants at the airport or will we just meet at the gate for our flight to Istanbul?
Meet at the boarding gate, unless other instructions are sent prior to the tour.
Are we permitted to check a bag or are we only allowed a carry-on?
A piece of checked baggage is permitted. Many who travel extensively recommend taking only a carry-on. It is personal preference. Most bags get checked and not lost. However, those who travel extensively will say - the lighter the better and recommend not checking luggage. It would only take one time of lost luggage to convince someone of carry-on only. Since this is a warmer climate with lighter clothes, it may be worth trying! But, carry-on only is not required.
We planned to wear mostly shorts and polos or T-shirt’s during the day. Is that too casual?
Please see Travel Tip #12 - Attire and General Packing Advice under Travel Tip #7.
Are there cultural customs we that we need to know for travel to these sites?
The tour agency frequently takes groups with a range of travel experiences. They have good communication to pass along so as to avoid offense. Concerns can be addressed as the tour progresses. For example, a general question such as, “Are there particular customs that we need to know for visiting this site?” will give more detail.
Should women bring their own head covering?
You can bring your own scarf or wrap as a head covering, but they will be provided at tourist spots where head coverings are required.
In addition to an adapter, do we need a converter?
You should not need a converter as long as appliances are adaptable to 220. To pack lightly, it is not recommended that travelers bring hair dryers. Hair dryers are available at hotels.
Is it advantageous for us to try to exchange our money here in the States or is it okay to wait until we arrive at the airport?
Please review Travel Tip #8 - Shopping and Currency.
Do you recommend that we bring snacks such as protein or energy bars?
There will be opportunities to purchase snacks. However, if you have a particular item that you prefer, you can bring it. Avoid liquid and perishable items.
Can we bring snacks and water on the plane?
You can bring onto the plane snacks and extra water (water - if available for purchase after security screening at the airport). However, airlines supply ample beverages, including water.
What meals will be served on the plane?
There will be a meal and snacks in-flight.
Will the plane have blankets and pillows?
Yes.
Can we bring some water bottles in our suitcase or is it just as well to buy water there?
Bottled water will be available on the tour. It is not recommended that water be packed in suitcases due to weight and spillage.
Will we be residing in the same hotel while we are in Istanbul, Athens and Rome?
A list of dates and hotels is posted in Final Tour Documents with Maps.
Will laundry services be available in the hotels?
Laundry service may be available in some hotels, but can be expensive. Some travelers choose to wash items in their hotel room sink.
Will there be WiFi in hotels to touch base with family and friends through email and social media?
WiFi will be available in most hotels. Some hotels may charge a fee for WiFi usage.
How will my cell phone work while traveling?
Individual phone plans vary. Contact your cell phone provider for international calling options and charges during travel.
Do we need a bag with safety features such as locks on straps or straps resistant to breakage and places to put our credit cards where they can’t be scanned?
These are helpful features, but not necessary. Rick Steves recommends a money belt for essential documents and currency.
NOTE: A number of online resources are available with different ideas of how best to travel internationally. For example, Rick Steves has a number of travel tips with information about packing light, including everything from doing laundry to adapters and converters, some of which were used for this post. Click here for more information.
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