Travel Essentials

Passport
All visitors must have a valid passport to enter Europe, Canada, Argentina and South Africa. To safeguard against delays at passport and custom checks while traveling, your passport should be valid for at least six months following your scheduled return to the United States. Passports should also contain at least one blank page for entry/departure endorsements for each country. Minors traveling alone must also carry a letter of permission signed by their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Non-US residents should contact their local Embassy or consulate for travel requirements. European Union nationals can carry either their passport or identity card for travel within Europe. We recommend that you make two photocopies of your airline ticket and the first page of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a friend or relative, and bring one copy with you, keep it separate from the original documents.

Visas
Most countries do not need a visa for stays in Europe, Canada, Argentina and South Africa of up to 90 days for any US or Canada residents.

Departure Taxes
It is not uncommon for airports to charge departure taxes at the airport, which must be paid in cash or travelers checks. Argentina is one of these countries which will charge a departure tax.

Travel Insurance
Peace of mind. While you cannot do anything to prevent yourself from coming down with the flu suddenly or an unexpected storm closing the airport, you can do something to help protect your trip investment—buy DuVine’s Trip Insurance. Travel Insurance covers you for trip cancellations, interruptions, medical, trip delay, baggage delay & loss.

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for entry to Europe, Canada or Argentina. The exception might be for visitors traveling from countries where a health epidemic has been formally declared. For up to date specific information on vaccination requirements, please see www.cdc.gov.

Return ticket
A return ticket is always good to have and show as it may help prevent immigration officers from asking questions about your stay, your personal finances, and any plans to remain in the country.

Money Matters
Currency experts say these are some of the advantages and disadvantages of various ways to exchange money or pay for a purchase abroad.

 
  Advantage Disadvantage
ATM Favorable exchange rates and fees Transaction fees add up on small withdrawls
Bank Might have more favorable exchange rates and fees than money-exchange outlets. Less favorble exchange rates and fees than ATMs and credit cards; finding one that exchanges foreign money; limited business hours.
Money-exchange Outlets Convenient; open long hours; stocks numerous currencies. Less favorable exchange rates and fees than ATMs and credit cards.

 

© 2010 DuVine Adventures Bicycle Tours, Inc.