The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published Mar 7, 2023
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Top Travel Tips
 
For over 40 years, our goal has been to make your trip smooth and seamless by arranging all the details so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get ready and be prepared for your trip!
 
Travel Insurance
 
We recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Even with the most meticulous planning, travel can be full of surprises: You get sick just before traveling or while on tour; A family emergency comes up the day before you're due to depart; You booked a domestic connecting flight, but it's delayed, causing you to miss your international flight; A severe storm causes your international flight to be grounded, and now you'll miss part of your itinerary; Your bags get lost, misrouted, or damaged in transit; You get food poisoning or sprain an ankle while on tour. When you purchase a travel protection plan, you can enjoy your trip knowing you have protection against many unforeseen circumstances.
 
Pack Your Bags
 
When it comes to packing for a trip, less is more! Overpacking is a common mistake among travelers, making the journey more stressful. A good rule of thumb is to pack enough clothes for one week since you may want to buy new clothing at your destination! Additionally, bring clothes that can be easily layered. This will help with different climates, and multiple layering pieces will take up less room in your luggage than a chunky coat. Finally, be smart about your footwear. Two pairs of versatile and comfortable shoes are crucial, and opt to wear the bulkier of the two pairs on the plane to free up extra space in your bag.
 
Text TSA
 
Have a travel question? Get prompt answers by texting TSA directly! While the TSA provides extensive information on its website, you may run into a travel-related question you just can’t find the answer to every once in a while. Typical questions may include pre-check, what items are allowed, identification, medical inquiries, and damages and claims. Text “travel” to the AskTSA number (275-872) to start a chat. You’ll receive a message explaining that automated responses are available 24/7, and for questions that the algorithm cannot answer, live employees staff the line from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET.
 
Trending Trips
 
Best of Jordan
 
Best of Jordan
 
From the bustling city of Amman and the otherworldly vistas of Wadi Rum to the red-rose ancient city of Petra and the shores of the Dead Sea, experience the land of Lawrence of Arabia & Indiana Jones
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$3999
   
$3299
   
10
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Best of Classical Greece
 
Best of Classical Greece
 
Historic Thessaloniki, Vergina, Kalambaka, and Delphi with ancient capital of Athens. Optional day cruise to the Saronic Islands
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$3449
   
$2849
   
9
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Best of Portugal
 
Best of Portugal
 
Porto & its famous wine, the university town of Coimbra, Fatima & medieval Obidos, then enchanting Lisbon with a day trip to fairy-tale Sintra
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$4049
   
$3349
   
10
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Ancient Capitals of Indochina
 
Ancient Capitals of Indochina
 
Sights, history & culture of three incredible countries: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam plus deluxe overnight Halong Bay cruise; optional Bangkok extension
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$5149
   
$4449
   
16
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Best of South Africa
 
Best of South Africa
 
Johannesburg & Cape Town, 3 game drives in Kruger and a private conservancy, plus a bush walk; stay in upscale hotels throughout.
 
FROM
  
FROM
  
$4499
   
$3699
   
12
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Exotic Peru
 
Exotic Peru
 
Colonial Lima, then to the Andes for the Sacred Valley & awe-inspiring Machu Picchu; plus explore rich South American heritage in Cusco
 
FROM
  
$2399
   
7
W/ FLIGHTS
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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