Preparing for your trip

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Print this page and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!

Printed Apr 18, 2024. Please visit https://www.friendlyplanet.com/before-you-go/?tourId=515 for the latest updates.

Checklist

	Item	Due
☐	Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date.	ASAP
☐	Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination	ASAP
☐	Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking.	Within 1 business day of booking
☐	Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip. (Fees and/or additional charges may apply.)	75 days prior to travel
☐	Make your final payment, if any balance is due.	See your invoice
☐	Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!)	After receiving your e‑tickets
☐	Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference.	After receiving your e‑tickets
☐	Obtain required travel visas and review any requirements for entry.	See below
☐	Print your itinerary and other final documents, which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel.	Prior to travel
☐	Print your policy documents, if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you.	Prior to travel
☐	Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency.	Prior to travel
☐	Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket.	72 hours prior to travel
☐	Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available).	24 hours prior to travel
☐	Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime!	3½ hours prior to departure

Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.

Australia requires US citizens to be in possession of an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA is linked to your passport and can be obtained thru the ETA website. A New Zealand visa is not required for citizens of United States for a stay of up to 90 days. However, passport should be valid for at least 6 months.

Originating from

Passport

Departing

COVID-19

Australia Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid at the time of entry, though we strongly recommend it be valid for at least six months after your return date. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Australia, but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travel, which is linked to your passport, through Australia's ETA website. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. We will send instructions for U.S. passport holders to obtain the ETA.

Advice from our partner Sherpa

New Zealand Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 90 days after your return date, though we strongly recommend at least six months. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter New Zealand for tourist stays up to 90 days. Consult the New Zealand Embassy or the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information.

Advice from our partner Sherpa

General Requirements & Guidelines

In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.

Final Documents

Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Flights, Transfers & Arrival

Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.

Flights & Tickets

For this package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.

Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.

Want to reserve specific seats?

That depends on the airline. You can usually request a window or aisle seat, and sometimes specific seat numbers (but not exit row and bulkhead seats) ahead of time. Many airlines now charge a fee for this, and such fees are not included in your package price. If you have a seat preference, let us know when you book, in the special requests section, or email us at air@friendlyplanet.com after you book. Then:

If your airline does not charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll happily pass along your seat request to the airline and confirm they received it (though we cannot guarantee it will be honored).

If your airline does charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll let you know. You'll need to contact the airline directly to request your seats after we have issued your flight tickets, and fees are payable directly to the airline.

If you do not request specific seats: The airline typically assigns them within 24 hours of departure. If you do not like your assigned seats, you may be able to change them, subject to availability, when you check in online or at the counter. Learn more about Advance Seat Reservations.

Want to request a special meal?

You can enter special meal requests when you book with an agent or complete your online registration, shortly after booking. We will relay your requests to the airlines and our representatives abroad, but we cannot guarantee they will be honored. Please double check meal requests with your airline 72 hours before departure, and with our representatives upon arrival.

Looking to earn frequent flyer miles?

You may be able to earn frequent flyer points for your flights. Contact the airline directly once you receive your tickets to enter your frequent flyer number in your flight record, or enter it when you check in. As you travel, check your tickets or ask the check-in or gate agent prior to boarding each flight to ensure the number has been entered properly. And just to be safe, keep your boarding passes and passenger receipt as proof that you have actually flown the miles you want credited to your account.

Interested in upgrading to business class or premium economy?

Cabin upgrades may be available on your flights. Ask us about price and availability when you book online, in the special requests section, or contact our air department after you book. Please note that our special contracted airfare rates generally do not permit upgrading with frequent flyer points, and that upgrade requests may incur change fees if tickets have already been issued.

Flight Schedule

You will receive your flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.

Connecting Flights

If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are not included with this package. In most cases, private transfers at the destination are available for an additional fee; please package page or contact us for for details. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the package start and end points.

Arrival Complications

We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:

You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
Your package does not include transfers, and you run into difficulties getting to the starting point: Contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox.

Packing & Luggage

Baggage allowance: Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (max 44 pounds) and one carry-on piece. Your carry-on luggage must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment with a maximum weight of 22 pounds. Our recommended dimension for the carry on is slightly smaller than the airline allows so that it can fit on the overhead compartment of the tour busses used on this program. In addition to your carry-on, you may also have one personal item, such as a camera or purse. Security in the airports at this time is serious, and luggage restrictions are definitely enforced.

Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.

Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.

Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.

What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.

While on Tour

What to Expect

Small groups guaranteed not to exceed 24 passengers. This moderately-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness.

Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!

Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.

Eating & Drinking

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary. For all other meals, you're at liberty to dine where you like. Your hotels will have several dining choices, from coffee shops to specialty restaurants.

Please see above for special meal requests.

Special Needs & Requests

Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!

Country FAQs

Australia Fast Facts

Overview	Capital: Canberra Population: 24.13 million Currency: Australian dollar (AUD) Languages: English Drives on the: Left Time zones: AWST (UTC +8), ACWST (UTC +8:45), ACST (UTC +9:30), AEST (UTC +10) & LHST (UTC =10:30)
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	The sun is just about the biggest health concern in Australia, which has the world's highest incidence of skin cancer. Take plenty of sunscreen as well as insect repellant. Center for Disease Control World Health Organization
Weather	The seasons in Australia are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere with December and January being the hottest months and July and August the coldest. Australian winters are fairly mild, but a bit rainy. The Great Barrier Reef is best visited September-December, but it can also be seen May-August (it's a bit cooler then; cyclones can disrupt sightseeing plans January-April). Be sure to take a sweater, no matter when or where you're going.
Money & Credit Cards	ATMs are located at most banks. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	Items unique to Australia that you might want to shop for are aboriginal art, leather goods, pearls, opals, and antiques.
Electricity & Power Adapters	240 volts. Plug I. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit before your tour to Australia. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps, with snow falling between June and September. Due to the large deserts in central Australia, 90% of Australians live on the coast. The island of Tasmania is the ideal spot to experience the great outdoors, since it has the cleanest air in the world! Australia is home to The Great Barrier Reef, the largest ecosystem in the world. Highway 1 in Australia is the longest highway in the world, spanning around 9,000 miles in total.

New Zealand Fast Facts

Overview	Capital: Wellington Population: 4.596 million Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD) Languages: English and Maori Drives on the: Left Time zone: NZST (UTC +12)
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	The sun is the biggest health concern in New Zealand, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget the bug repellent! Center for Disease Control World Health Organization
Weather	Remember that New Zealand's seasons are opposite those in regions north of the equator. July is the coldest month and January is the warmest. The climate in New Zealand is quite mild with extremes only in the high mountains. Temperatures range from 60 F in the northern regions of North Island, and 50 degrees F near the bottom of the South Island. Take a sweater and umbrella no matter when you visit. September and October, flowers and trees are in bloom, and pose a beautiful site for any traveler.
Money & Credit Cards	Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	Shop in local markets and stop for off-the-beaten-path artist studios for wonderful surprises. Also shop for paua-shell jewelry, Maori items such as carvings and music, rugs, sweaters, fleece jackets, greenstone jewelry and ornaments, jams, and wine.
Electricity & Power Adapters	230 volts. Plug I. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	There are 9 sheep per each person in New Zealand, making it the highest ratio in the world. New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893. New Zealand is the 3rd closest country to Antarctica, only after Chile and Argentina. There are no snakes in New Zealand...none! With more than 400, New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Fine Print

Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.

Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.