Frequently Asked Questions

		In this section, we’ll try to answer general questions. If you have questions that are not answered in this section, you can contact us by calling 1-800-275-1163.
	What Documentation Do I Need?
	U.S. citizens are required to have a passport. Be sure your passport is valid for six months beyond your return date (May 2004). If you and / or your guest are not US citizens, please contact us immediately. Please carry your documentation with you at all times. We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport or your birth certificate. If your passport or birth certificate should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.
	What About Airline Seat Assignments?
	The airlines treat all seating requests as REQUESTS ONLY. No boarding passes may be issued ahead of flight check-in. Please check in at least three hours before flight departure time for your request to be honored. The airlines will not guarantee the seat. Final seat assignment is subject to the airline’s discretion.
	Can I Accrue Frequent Flyer Miles?
	In most cases, air carriers allow earning frequent flyer mileage on group travel. However, they will not allow redemption of frequent flyer mileage for upgrade credit or free air with group travel.
	What About Special Trip Insurance?
	As is customary with group travel, no special insurance has been arranged. Some homeowner policies provide coverage for luggage loss or damage, and a few health plans cover overseas accidents and illness. You may wish to check with your insurance agent to see what your coverage is and perhaps purchase additional insurance if needed.
	What Is The Weather Like?
	The average temperature in Switzerland in October is 50° F.
	What Is The Time Difference?
	Switzerland is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States.
	What Is The Electrical Voltage?
	Standard voltage is 220 volts. An international voltage converter / transformer as well as a plug adapter are needed for small appliances.
	What Should I Pack?
	Pack as you would for any touring destination. The following is a sample checklist: · Bathing suit and cover-up · Comfortable walking shoes · Jacket and sweater · Polo / sport shirt · Shorts · Slacks · Sports jacket (optional) · Dresses · Sunglasses, sun screen, hat or visor · Prescription medicines, cosmetics · Glasses, contact lenses Please be aware that some restaurants do not allow shorts or sandals. Do not bring valuable jewelry; you will not need it.
	What Should I Pack In My Carry-On?
	In your carry-on, we suggest you pack: · Your documentation · Money / travelers’ checks · Medication · Anything you may need for the next 24 hours
	What Shouldn’t I Pack In My Carry-On?
	Due to increased security initiatives, do not pack: · Knives of any kind · Scissors · Aerosol cans · Manicure kits · Anything that could be perceived as threatening
	How Much Luggage Can I Take?
	Most airlines permit each passenger to carry on one bag and check two others. The total dimensions (length + width + height) of your carry-on must not exceed 43 inches, and it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. The total dimensions of each bag you check must not exceed 62 inches. The total weight of all checked baggage must not exceed 44 pounds. NOTE: Please check with your carrier to verify luggage restrictions.
	Should I Lock My Checked Luggage?
	The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bags unlocked. If the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening procedure, they will close it with a tamper-evident seal and place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that TSA screeners opened your bag for inspection. In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your bags as an alternative to locks. Until that time, you may want to consider purchasing standard "cable ties," which can be found at your local hardware store.
	What About Currency And Credit Cards?
	Travelers’ checks in U.S. dollars are the currency of choice. You can exchange them for local currency as needed. We suggest using a credit card wherever possible to get the best exchange rate. We also suggest you bring a small amount of cash in U.S. dollars, which can easily be changed.
	Who Do I Need To Tip?
	Your gratuities at the hotels are not included in your package. If you feel someone has given you exceptional service, you may want to tip in appreciation. On excursions, you will find that a small tip to your driver or guide also will be greatly appreciated.
	What’s Not Included That I Will Have To Pay For?
	You will need to pay for any meals not shown on the daily itinerary, any "free-time" activities or "optional" tours, as well as items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry and any other hotel incidentals.
	How Can I Be Contacted?
	If you need to be contacted from home, the caller should contact the hotel phone number shown on the Leave Me Behind card included with your documents.
	How Can I Contact Home?
	You can call directly from your hotel room, but please note that hotels charge substantial service fees. These charges will be added to your hotel incidental bill and must be settled prior to departure from the hotel. We recommend that you use a calling card and your preferred carrier number to contact home. Your hotel may add a nominal phone charge.
	What About Customs And Regulations?
	You will need to go through customs as you return to the United States. For visitors over 21 years of age, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and one liter of spirits or wine are allowed. Purchases totaling over $400 will have to be itemized and may be subject to duty charges. Be sure to keep all receipts handy.