#1 BE A CONSIDERATE TRAVELER
Remember you are traveling as a group and should always consider the comfort and well-being of the entire group. If you are late getting on the motor coach, everyone loses valuable time.
You should settle any personal incidental charges you may have (such as laundry, telephone, etc.) directly with the hotel the night before you checkout. This way you will not hold up the group at the last moment while you settle your personal bills.
If you must be absent from a day of touring for any reason, please notify your tour host or guide as soon as possible.
Please be prepared to rotate your seat on the motor coach daily.
No smoking is allowed in hotel rooms, the dining rooms or on the motor coach.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE
You will be walking a lot on the tour and if you begin walking regularly now, you won’t have any trouble on the tour. Be sure you have comfortable walking shoes.
Don’t buy new shoes just before the tour- get the shoes early and wear them now so they will be “broken in” ahead of time.
ILLNESS
If you need immediate medical attention while abroad, contact the reception area of the hotel. A doctor or an emergency service will be called for you. You will find that most medical personnel speak English well. Your tour host/guide should also be notified.
You are responsible for any /all expenses incurred (medical treatment, transportation, quarantine accommodations, flight arrangements, etc.) due to illness or injury. It is recommended that you begin an insurance claim when seeking medical treatment, as most insurance companies will assist directly with logistics should you be required to separate from the group.
GOMEGA Travel & Tours will not provide reimbursement for any expenses or missed portions of the tour.
Reimbursement requests should be directed to your travel insurance company. GOMEGA Travel & Tours will be happy to assist you with any tour- related documentation to support your claim.
PREPARING FOR TRAVEL
Passport Requirements: An original, signed passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your intended return date is required to enter and depart England, Scotland, and Wales. Please ensure that your name on your passport matches all travel documents we have issued. If this is not the case, please contact us immediately. Please note that as the passenger, you are responsible for observing regulations and that non-compliance may result in travel being rejected. Tip: Keep a photocopy of your passport’s identification page stored separately from your passport. You should also keep a digital copy on your mobile device, and a copy with your emergency contact at home.
Visas: American citizens do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom and can visit for up to 90 days as a tourist. Citizens from other countries may require a valid visa. These requirements change often, and therefore it is best to check with the British Embassy or British High Commission for the most up to date visa information.
Medications: Please remember to fill any prescriptions you may require and ensure you pack them in their original packaging.
Money: Make sure that your ATM and credit card(s) are active. Also, it is a good idea to alert your bank(s) and/or credit card companies about where and when you’ll be traveling to ensure your foreign transactions are not flagged for suspicious activity.
Luggage: We assume you will be traveling with 1 checked and 1carry-on piece of luggage. Please attach the GOMEGA Travel &Tours luggage tag(s)on the handle of the suitcase(s) you will check. Please inform GOMEGA Travel & Tours if you will be traveling with additional luggage.
Lanyard: You need to wear your name tag each day of the tour as it will identify you at airports, hotels, and sites, as well as help us get to know one another
ON ARRIVAL
Our aim is to ensure that you experience fast, responsive and 24/7 support throughout your trip. As such, you will find all pertinent contact telephone numbers contained in your final travel documents. Please feel free to call our team should you have any questions or concerns.
If you booked a private airport transfer, you will be met by your driver, who will be holding up a sign with your name on it. If your flight is delayed or you miss a connection, please use the contact numbers provided in your final travel documents to alert us so that you will be met at your new arrival time.
Of course, if you have any questions about our in-destination support to your journey, please do not hesitate to contact GOMEGA Travel & Tours.
INTERNATIONAL GROUP AIRFARE
You should arrive at the airport about 3 hours ahead of the departure time, to check-in. Group reservations do not allow passengers to access their booking via the airline website-this is due to confidential information of the other group passengers in the booking. Therefore, you must check in at the airport for your international flight. The airline is required to check your passport, visas (if needed), and other documents to board the plane. Some airlines now do this online, by asking you to upload proper documentation, but most still require checking-in at the airport especially for group reservations.
If your flights have not been booked through the GOMEGA Travel & Tours Air team, it is important that you let us know about any changes in your flight itinerary.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you have purchased a travel insurance policy through GOMEGA Travel & Tours, you will find documentation in an email from the travel insurance provider. You will need to print the policy and include it in your travel documents. For those passengers that did not purchase a travel insurance policy through GOMEGA Travel & Tours, please make sure to include your Confirmation of Coverage or Declaration of Coverage in your travel documents.
SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT
Depending on your citizenship, your government may offer a free travel registration service. American citizens can submit their travel plans online and in the event of a natural disaster or civil unrest, your government can provide you with necessary information or assistance. Here is the American link: https://step.state.gov/step/
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL
Payment Methods and Currency:
Britain’s national currency is the pound sterling (GBP). Debit and major credit cards are widely accepted, but please note that small transactions by card may incur a transaction fee. Some shops, restaurants, and vendors may not accept payment by card, so having cash on hand is recommended, especially for small transactions. There are ATMs located in major cities and populated areas to withdraw cash should you need it, though we suggest bringing some cash.
The Bank of England, Scotland and Wales have their own pound sterling banknotes, and are equal in value to the Bank of England banknote. You can use the English bank notes anywhere in Great Britain. We recommend that you obtain local currency from your bank before you leave home or from a bank machine in-country. You should find this more economical than currency exchange services at the airport or in tourist areas. Your bank card may work, but Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted. You will need a 4-digit PIN to be able to use your credit cards in England, Scotland, or Wales.
Electricity and Voltage:
In England, Scotland, and Wales the standard voltage is 220-230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs are Type G, which has three small rectangular pins. We suggest a multi-adaptor with different plug configurations. Also, ensure that you have a power converter for any appliances like a hair dryer or curling iron, as the voltage may not be compatible.
Cell Phones and Internet:
Always check with your cell phone provider to find out about roaming plans before you travel. If your smartphone is unlocked, you can also purchase a pre-paid SIM card upon arrival in England, Scotland, or Wales, which you can find at the airport or local supermarkets, gas stations, and shops. Many public spaces like the airport, restaurants, and cafes will offer free Wi-Fi which you can log on to use. In most populated areas you will be able to connect to either 3G, 4G or 5G networks, though in more remote areas your cell phone signal may be limited. Tip: The Country code for England, Scotland, and Wales is +44.
CUSTOMS & CULTURAL NORMS
The biggest insult is to mistake all people for English. Each native is very proud of their nationality.
Pubs: The pub is a cornerstone of English, Scottish and Wales culture, and so is “buying a round.” A group of friends and colleagues will not purchase their drinks separately – everyone takes their turn to treat the group to a round of drinks. If you have had your drink covered by a friend, expect to return the favor next!
Phrasing:You might hear hiking referred to as hillwalking, while mountains can be called “hills,” so it’s best to ask for more details about the terrain before heading out!
Ancestry: Although you may have English, Scottish or Wales ancestry, the locals will be miffed or even find it quite comical if you call yourself “one of them.” Instead, show pride in your heritage, but don’t claim to be a local.
WEATHER
Weather is moderate and very changeable – as the locals will say, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” It is one of the wettest places in Europe. With consistent change in weather from sun to wind and rain, a rain jacket is infinitely more valuable than an umbrella, which may invert with varying conditions. July and August are normally the warmest months of the year.
LUGGAGE
Since you may be on the move quite frequently during your trip, our advice is to pack as lightly as possible and choose durable luggage that can withstand rigorous use. We recommend limiting your luggage to 1 piece of checked baggage and 1 piece of carry-on baggage per traveler. Please always consult with your airline carrier for detailed luggage requirements and luggage restrictions specific to your international and internal flights.
VALUABLES
No matter how safe a destination may be, tourists can be easily targeted for theft. As a result, and even with England, Scotland and Wales being a safe country, we strongly urge you to leave your valuable belongings, including excess cash and jewelry, at home. Please review your personal insurance policy to make sure you are adequately covered for the belongings you do plan to take with you. We assume no responsibility for personal belongings left behind, although we will always do our best to help you recover them. Additionally, hotels will not compensate their travelers for theft from the hotel premises.
USEFUL APPS FOR YOUR TRIP
With growing technology comes an increase in user-friendly mobile apps to assist on your journey. Here are some apps we think you might find useful:
XE Currency Exchange App is a trusted resource for daily currency exchange rates around the globe. is a trusted resource for daily currency exchange rates around the globe.
The Google Translate App is always handy to help with new words and pronunciation.
The Weather Channel App is an excellent way to stay up to date with the weather forecast all over the world.
If you need more details or have any questions, please contact us.
