Travel Tips and Guide

1. CHECKLIST OVERVIEW
1. IF TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY
• Verify if your passport and visa requirements are in order.
• Visit your doctor for any necessary inoculations and obtain medicine and a medical certificate if needed. Find out departure tax details for all countries you will be visiting.
2. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
• Order special meals, request a seat assignment and any special assistance e.g. wheelchair, etc. if required. Provide relatives or friends with a detailed copy of your itinerary including flight details, accommodation addresses and telephone numbers.
• Your ticket contains vital information about your flight. It is a good idea to keep a separate note of your ticket number with you. Your boarding pass for your flight will be issued when you hand over your ticket at the airport check-in counter. Your baggage receipts will be attached to your ticket and it will be handed back to you.
• Arrange travel assistance.
• Ensure your credit cards are valid for the duration of the trip and purchase traveler's cheque if required.
3. ON THE DAY OF THE TRAVEL
• Check again that you are carrying all travel documents, tickets, passport, money and medications in a safe place.
• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
4. AT THE AIRPORT
• Put a lock on your luggage as you may get something stolen or someone may smuggle contraband in your luggage.
• Never lose sight of your luggage, even at security checks.
• If you have requested special assistance, identify yourself to the agent at the check-in counter.
• Pay departure tax where necessary before proceeding to immigration. Complete departure card, if applicable.
2. PACKING GUIDE
1. CLOTHES
• Bring clothing that best suits the climate condition of the place you're going. Make it a habit to check first the weather daily report through the Internet or from your local TV or radio news group. This would help you prepare the necessary wardrobe that you might want to bring for your trip.
2. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
• If you attend to pack items as hairdryers or electric shavers, remember that the countries you are visiting may use different voltages and outlet types.
• Adaptors are usually available at shops selling travel goods, at duty-free stores or at airport shops.
3. BAGGAGE
• All your baggage, whether checked in or with you in the cabin, should be labeled internally and externally with your name and address. There are certain articles that must not be carried in any of your baggage. You will find details on such "Dangerous Goods" in your ticket folder.
• Never carry luggage for other people and make sure that you pack your own bags. Unwary travelers have duped into carrying and checking in bags and parcels containing drugs or prohibited items. It is wise to lock your own baggage.
• Information on restricted imports and exports can be obtained from consulate of countries you intend to visit.
• Your ticket shows the baggage allowance according to your transportation class and your destination.

Here are some tips for you to follow:

• Prefer hard-shelled baggage and always make sure they are locked.
• Put a name and address tag inside and outside your baggage. Carefully keep the baggage tags given to you at the check-in desk.
• Fragile objects such as crockery, electronic material, bottles and paintings must NOT be put into your checked baggage.
• Heavy items (over 32k) or bulky items (surfboard, bikes, golf bags) are to be declared when making a reservation.
• The following objects are to be carried in the hold with the airline's agreement – knives, scissors, firearms, cartridges.
• These objects are forbidden in the hold and in the cabin- explosives, oxidizers, corrodents, fireworks, toxic or infectious substances, compressed gases, poison, flammable liquids and solids and radioactive material, toiletries (aerosols, toothpaste, perfumes), thermometer for medical use, lighter and matches.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL:
- 30kg. for Mabuhay Class
- 20kg. for Economy Class

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Checked luggage – two pieces

Weight:
USA/Canada – 64kgs. or 140lbs. with no piece exceeding 32kgs. or 70lbs.
Europe – one piece under 62" & 70lbs.
Asia – one piece (20kgs.)

Dimensions per piece (length/width/height)
- 124 in total with no piece exceeding 62in. for First Class and Business Class
- 107 in total with no piece exceeding 62in. for Economy Class
* Within the U.S.A. a third checked bag, under 45" and 70lbs. is permitted for free.

* Cabin luggage/Carry-on – one piece and one accessory such as laptop, camera or handbag

Weight - 12kgs. Maximum

Dimensions - 115cm. (length/width/height) including wheels and handles

All cabins baggage must be either put into the overhead baggage racks or under the seat in front of you. All exits must stay clear of baggage to allow a quick and safe evacuation in case of emergency.

A collapsible manual or electric wheelchair, cane or walking stick and/or braces or others assistive devices on which the passenger is dependent, will be carried in the cabin on a first come, first serve basis, provided it meets the size and weight requirements of the storage clothe passenger avails himself/herself of pre-boarding.

The following objectives are to be carried in the cabin:

• Valuables - cash, currencies, jewels, laptop.
• In flight necessities - babyfood and nappies, medicine, books or magazines.
• Indisposable objects – passport or identity papers, home or car keys.

* Lost Luggage

The time limit for reporting lost, damaged, delayed or missing luggage within 24hours of occurrence. The preliminary notification must be followed by a written notification within 45 days for domestic travel and 21 days for international travel.

Liability for loss, delay, or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher valuation is declared in advance and additional charges are paid. For most international travel (including domestic portions for international journeys) the liability limit is approximately US$ 9.07 per pound for checked baggage and US$ 400 per passenger for unchecked baggage.

For travel wholly between U.S. points, federal rules require any limit on an airline's baggage liability to be at least US$ 2,500 per passenger. Excess valuation may be declared on certain types of articles. Some carriers assume no liability for fragile, valuable or perishable articles. Further information may be obtained from the carriers.

3. SAFETY
• Don't open your hotel door to just anyone, even if they say they are security – call down at the front desk to check their ID.
• Think about putting your money and passport etc. in a money belt or shoulder belt.
• Be very careful in subways, buses and other crowded places where pickpockets prosper.
• Know the neighborhoods in which you travel. Learn the locations of possible police stations, hospitals, and restaurants or stores that are open late at night.
• Beware of hotels that don't have adequate fire protection and prevention such as special fire escapes, etc.
• Don't let yourself be distracted. Criminals often work in pairs as one person will get your attention while the other steals your wallet, purse or shopping bag.
• Try to sit in the middle cars where there are other passengers. Do not sit in an empty train car alone.
• Make your car look local by removing rental company decals and putting a local newspaper in the back.
• Try to dress conservatively when you go abroad. You do not want to appear too affluent and "touristy" as both looks attract thieves.
• Use the hotel room safe for your valuables, but avoid bringing valuables with you when traveling if possible.
• Try doing a general security check of your hotel and room when you arrive – such as checking to make sure windows are locked; see if there is a dead bolt on the door and make sure rooms that are connected to your room are locked.
• Don't tell strangers where you are staying.
• Pickpockets like to operate in crowds. Keep your property safe by following these simple guides.
• Keep your handbag closed and fastened. Hold it in front of you with the fastener in the inside.
• Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – not in a back pocket in full view of everyone.
• Ensure your keys are kept separate from items which carry your address.
• When waiting to pay hold your money out of sight and discreetly pocket the change.
• If you are wearing jewelry, conceal it while you are traveling.
• If there is a sudden commotion be extra vigilant, incidents can be staged to distract you while a pickpocket is searching for your purse or wallet.
• Take down important numbers like credit cards, traveler's cheques, passport, etc.

EXTRA SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELERS

• Women traveling alone are most vulnerable – keep an eye out for suspicious activities, room off the main floor and bolt the door.
• Try to learn the sexual customs of the country you are traveling to – this may help avoid misunderstandings and unwanted advances.
• Be aware of the local dress code, especially in Islamic countries.
• If you are harassed or bothered, appeal to local women for assistance or maybe ask "what would your mother say if she knew you had done that?".
• Wear a ring on your wedding finger, even if you are alone and/or unmarried. This sometimes helps.
• If someone asks if you are alone, say that your husband or boyfriend will be right back.
• Have your key ready when you get near your hotel.
• Use cabs at night instead of walking if possible.
• Don't hang onto that purse if someone grabs it – is it really worth your life?.
• Avoid traveling alone.
• Trust your senses, if it looks dangerous, it probably is.
4. AT THE AIRPORT
1. Getting there
• On the day of departure, allow plenty of time to check if you have all your documents with you and get to the airport.
2. International
• Generally, passengers should check in at least 2 hrs before departure time.
3. Domestic
• You must have completed baggage check-in and seat allocation at least 1 hour prior to departure time.
4. Checking in
• At the check-in counter you'll receive your boarding pass, baggage receipts and seat allocation. It may be necessary to pay a departure tax. Ask the check-in counter about this. (Try to find out about departure tax requirements in advance as in most cases these taxes can only be paid in cash, in the currency of the country you are departing from).
5. Immigration and Security
• At the international airports you need to pass through immigration, customs and security procedures prior to reaching your departure lounge. Allow plenty of time to complete these formalities. You will need to have your ticket folder, boarding pass and passport ready. In most countries you will require a completed departure card with details such as your passport number, home address, flight number and destination. The security metal detectors used for the hand baggage will not spoil photographic films.
6. Duty-Free Shopping
• Duty free shopping is available to passengers traveling internationally only. Most airports have extensive duty-free shopping facilities, both prior to and after the immigration and security procedures. Make sure you are aware of the duty-free allowances for the country you are traveling to as goods carried in excess of limits may be subject to charges or confiscation by customs officers. A range of duty-free items and gifts is also available for sale on board international flights.
7. Boarding Calls
• Many airports do not make boarding calls over public address systems, so watch the departure boards or monitors to make sure you are at the departure lounge in time to board. Your flight will be indicated as departing from a 'Gate' number. The location of this will be clearly signposted. Be aware of your flight number as well as the destination city.
5. ON BOARD
1. Setting in
• Once you are on board the aircraft the cabin crew will direct you to your seat. You must obey the 'No Smoking' and 'Fasten Seat Belt' signs and you are advised to wear your seat belt loosely whenever you're not moving about the cabin.
2. Take off / Descent
• The only physical sensation you are likely to feel could be your ears popping as the cabin pressure is adjusted to altitude during take-off and descent. This is not harmful and leaves no after-effects, but if you are uncomfortable, chewing on a sweet such as toffee will help.
6. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS

On international flights, arrival documents may be distributed by the airline cabin crew. These must be completed by all the passengers disembarking at the next port and handed to passport control officials on arrival.

• Transit

At stops prior to your destination you are 'in transit'. If you visit the terminal you will be handed a transit card as you disembark. Always keep your travel documents (including your boarding pass) with you at the transit stops.

• Transfer

This means that you are transferring to another flight to continue your journey. You may have been 'through-checked' at your original point of departure. This means that you will already have your boarding pass for your new flight. In this case, all you have to do is consult the departure boards or monitors and proceed to the appropriate 'Gate' number for your next flight. If this is not the case, you should proceed to the transfer desk in the departure lounge where you will receive your seat allocation and boarding pass for your new flight.

If you are transferring from an international to a domestic flight you must go through customs and immigration procedures prior to proceeding to the domestic airport.

Make sure you have all your hand baggage and check your seat and seat pockets for any personal items.

• Baggage Collection

The arrival's hall of the airport will have carousels or conveyor belts that are designated with your flight number. Your bags will be available for collection here. Do not worry if you cannot pick up your bag immediately when you see it. The conveyor belt or carousel will continue to circulate it until you can pick it up. Make sure you collect the correct suitcase by checking the baggage receipt number attached to your ticket. Do not hesitate to ask ground staff if you require some help. Trolleys are available within the baggage collection areas of most airports. There may be a small change, usually in local currency.

When arriving from an international airport, some countries require you to declare any food, plant, wooden or skin articles. Generally, these are inspected by the appropriate officers after you have collected your baggage. Many airports operate a system of 'red' channels and 'green' channels. If you have nothing to declare you proceed through the green channel; the red if you have something to declare. If you have nothing to declare, you may still be required to open your bags for inspection. Random baggage inspections are standard procedure at all international airports.

• Customs

Make sure you bring your prescription receipts with your prescriptions so you can avoid potential problems with authorities.

Bring along a copy of your bill or expensive items such as jewelry and cameras as you prove to customs that you purchased the items in your home country.

Get a pamphlet or check your country's custom rules before purchase of expensive watch or ring.

Always be polite and respectful.

• Money
• Check expiry on credit cards before you leave on your trip.
• Check if credit card limit will be high enough for those fancy hotels.
• Photocopy front and back of all credit cards, debit cards and traveler's cheques and leave the copy in a safe place at home and with a trusted relative whom you can call in the event of stolen or lost so that the cards can be cancelled.
• Memorize those debit card Pin numbers.
• Research local currency rates.
• Plan a daily budget for incidentals.
• Banks often have the best exchange rates. Be wary of currency exchange booths at the airport and rail stations, their rates are often sub-standard. Avoid changing with any stranger on the streets.
• Buy some traveler's cheques and "don't leave home without them".
• Bring a credit card from at least 2 different card companies because one store or hotel only take VISA or Master Card.
• When using the credit card for purchases, it is advantageous to have the amount in Euromoney or Eurocurrency.
• Every European country has a Tax Refund for tourists. There is a minimum amount of purchase in each store in order to avail of this. It is, therefore, practical to pool all purchases in each store in order to meet the required minimum purchase. When a minimum purchase occurs in a particular store, go to their Tax Refund Counter, show the receipts of your purchase and fill up a Tax Refund Form. You will need to write the name of the bank, account no., etc. in this form. Before leaving the country, present this form with the self stamped envelope and the receipts of purchases to Customs who, in turn, will stamp this form (usually after examination of the goods purchased) for clearance. Then, seal the envelope and drop it in the mailbox. You will receive your tax refund either by check through the mail or direct to your bank..

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