Travel Tips

Due to popular demand, I have added this page to the web site in order to provide a "Check List" for you to follow when you prepare for an excursion with us. Although the following info mostly pertains to Canadian citizens, I have tried to make it reasonably universal. However, use this as a reference please check with your local government and travel services for their most up to date info on any area of interest.

Passport and Visas

A valid passport is required for all international destinations these days so you need to make sure that yours is current and up to date. Visas are not required in New Zealand, Argentina, Chile or European Countries but some have entry or exit charges that vary from Country to Country. The following is a list of the approximate fees that apply and a link to the Canadian Travel Report for each Country.

Germany, Austria & Italy: No entry or exit fees.

New Zealand: charges a departure tax of $25 NZD

Argentina: charges a departure tax of approximately $20 USD

Chile: charges a Reciprocity Fee of $132 USD upon entry

Medical Considerations

Prescriptions

You should make sure you have your prescriptions updated and then store them in your personal carry on luggage.

Innoculations

There is no innoculations required to enter Germany, Austria, Italy, New Zealand, Argentina or Chile. However, it is a good idea to have the Hepatitas A shot and it is probably a good idea to have the Flu Shot as well. Discuss these options with your personal Physician.

Medical Insurance

Extended Medical Insurance is a must when travelling abroad and there are many options for Canadians when it comes to choosing carriers. The insurance packages are mostly the same; you want them to pay for emergency medical treatment and transport back home in the event of an emergency abroad. They will also offer you the option to buy Trip Cancellation, Lost Baggage and All Inclusive so you need to determine the one that is right for you. Because the premium depends on your age and the length of your trip, you need to shop around to find the best offer at any given time.

When you book your flight, the travel agent generally offers insurance right on the spot and it is usually underwritten through RBC Travel Insurance.
Check the following insurers as well: BCAA, Blue Cross, Travel Insurance Quotes and many more can be found by doing a Google Search for Travel Insurance for Canadians. Finally, you may be adequately insured if you have purchased an extended travel insurance package associated and offered exclusively through your credit card. You need to make sure that you have booked your flights with that card to obtain their coverage.

Money

In Europe, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile, ATM's are common and accessible pretty much everywhere and that is the preferred way to purchase cash in the local currency at the best exchange rates. Manon and I have used this method to access our accounts on past trips; and, it works well. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Bank Debit Cards are universally accepted however you may need a chipped Debit Card to access your account.

You should carry a nominal amount of US$, perhaps between $200 and $300 for a meal in transit, a taxi or for tipping. Some people convert the cash to Traveller's Cheques but we have never done that ourselves. We do carry a money belt and fanny pack though for convenience and security.

Tipping and Gratuities

In Europe tipping is customary similar to here in Canada or in the US. In Europe, YES Tours takes care of the gratuities related to the transfers and the hotels. Guide Services, airport transfers, restaurant & bar other than described above are not covered and gratuities commensurate with the level of service you've feel has been provided are suggested.

In New Zealand, tipping is not customary or expected and they roll the taxes into everything you purchase or acquire so, in the case when you receive exceptional service, you need to take this into account. 10% is a good rule of thumb because of the taxes being included; when you feel so inclined to tip a server. On the Yes Ski Improvement Program, you will ski with a Certified or Senior Ski Instructor for the week and it is customary to leave him/her a gratuity of $25 - $30 NZD.

In Chile, tipping is standard as it is in North America for food service, taxis and so on. However, Snofari Expeditions takes care of the gratuities for the meals that are provided and for the transfers as well. Will Wasson, our guide should be compensated with a gratuity commensorate with the level of service you feel he has provided.

In Argentina, the protocol for tipping is the same as Chile.

Skis, Boots and other Equipment

Should you bring skis or rent is a question often asked.

When we have travelled to Europe in the past, we have always brought our equipment with us but there are plenty of options to hire skis if you are so inclined.

When travelling to New Zealand, it is a personal choice for skis and poles because you can "hire" the latest 2010 models for less than $100 NZD per week and then you don't have the hassles of transport with the airlines. However, skis are more expensive to rent in Chile/Argentina and not as good a selection either so it is recommended that you bring your own on the South American trips for sure.

It is a good idea to pack your boots into your carry-on luggage so that if the airlines manages to lose your bags, you still have your boots.

Some people pack their own computers along and there is reasonable access to high speed connection in New Zealand and in South America but if you don't bring your own, the Internet Cafe's are a good alternative. Cell phones, unless they are world phones will be expensive to operate. All Countries have a good inexpensive phone network of "phone stores" that you can call home from if you need to.