Travel Tips

On Arrival

All joining direct passengers will have to reach the respective hotel, on their own and check in.

Drinks

Normally, tap water is safe for drinking throughout Europe and UK except in Italy. However, we suggest you buy mineral water bottles at your own cost if you so desire. Most hotels, restaurants and rest stops do not serve water unless you buy it.

Luggage

Many operators, including SOTC, limit passenger baggage to one suitcase and one carry-on per person. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30" x 18" x 10" and weight not exceeding 60 lbs. (27 kg).

Personal Belongings

are advised to take care of all your personal belongings, even in the coach, particularly, your tickets, passports, cameras and foreign exchange. In case you lose your passport, please report it to the nearest Consulate office after registering the loss / theft at the nearest local police station. Usually consulates issue an emergency certificate - which is sufficient for you to travel back home. It could take between 24-72 hours, keeping in mind the working days available. For the loss/theft of travelers checks, please report the same to the issuing company. In both cases, it helps if you have photocopies of all your documents. Please bear in mind, that in case of such an incident, the consequential problems and costs will have to borne by you, as the other passengers will have to continue with their journey.

Travel Documents/Valuables

Before leaving home, please make two sets of photocopies of all your travel documents i.e. your entire passport and traveler's checks. Leave one set at home and carry the other set in your baggage but never with the originals. Avoid carrying too much money in person. We suggest that you do not keep all money, credit cards or travelers checks in one wallet or purse. Always take extra care of your luggage and handbags in crowded places like stations and sightseeing spots where pickpockets abound. Most hotels have lockers (either free of cost or at a nominal charge). You should store all your valuables in these lockers.

Passports

Carry your passport with you at all times to ensure against loss or theft in hotels. For added protection, keep a photocopy of your passport in your suitcase. Hotels are sometimes required to hold your passport overnight to comply with local regulations. It is the law in some European countries to have some form of identification on you.

Clothing

Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and you will not only be more comfortable you'll be more relaxed. In summer, cool cotton clothing is advisable. In your handbag, carry a light jacket or sweater, as evenings could get a little chilly. Also carry a pair of sunglasses / cap. A light woolen clothing is recommended. A light-folding umbrella or windcheater is also recommended as UK & Europe experience sudden light showers. Dress in layers during winter tours with a thick jacket or long coat. Casinos and shows like the Lido require formal attire such as a suit or tie and saris / salwar kameez for the ladies. Jeans are not permitted.

Umbrella

Travel with your own fold up umbrella (it's better than a raincoat).

Footwear

When your shoes look lovely but your feet are killing you, you've made a big mistake. Have on a pair of 'broken in' shoes for daytime walking. Carry strong, comfortable closed sneakers and/or walking shoes, as one has to walk a lot while sightseeing.

Wake Up Calls

Wake up calls are always given to passengers when on tour. Should the call not go through, or heavy sleepers not hear it, your own back up alarm clock is a good insurance. One that is lightweight and simple to operate. It's nothing to be alarmed about but Tour Managers adore passengers who are on time.

Before you check out

Before you check out of your hotel, open every drawer, look under every bed and behind every door including the bathroom. Returning items forgotten or left behind is virtually impossible.

Time Management

Its very important to be on time and punctual on your tour, since your itinerary has been designed and planned to offer you the most on your holiday. Every sightseeing trip where you get off has an allotted time, please make sure you remain with the group and return at the allotted time. Any delay would actually deprive the entire group to their sightseeing time.

Optional Tours

Reservations and payments for optional tours can be made prior to departure or upon arrival on day one of your tour with the SOTC Tour Manager. Payments to be made in US dollars cash or Tc's only. No credit card payments will be accepted.

Medical

We strongly recommend all passengers carry a small first aid kit with tablets that are useful for fever, headache, cold, and cough. Also carry tablets for stomach upset, acidity, nausea, allergy etc. And don't forget Band-Aids. If you are on a regular course of medication, we recommend that you bring a sufficient supply for your entire holiday, as doctor's prescriptions may not always be accepted. If you wear numbered spectacles, we recommend you carry an additional pair of numbered glasses.

Insurance

Medical Insurance is compulsory, as treatment abroad can be very expensive. You have to take an extensive Travel Insurance policy to cover yourself and your belongings for the entire length of your journey. Such policies include medical costs, loss or damage to baggage or property, traveler's checks, personal injuries/accidents etc.

Tipping Policy

Tipping in Europe is something that is expected of anyone providing you a service. for example: your coach driver, Tour Managers, guides etc. Since your coach driver spends a large part of he day driving you safely, unloads and loads your baggage onto the coach, it is customary to tip him a nominal amount of US$ 2 per person per day for the duration of the tour.