Travel Tips
Why Classic
Classic Travel provides you with knowledgeable, prompt and professional services that will have you booked on the trip of a lifetime in only a matter of minutes.
Professional
Classic Travel offers professional travel consulting that will get you on your way in no time. Whether it’s across the states or overseas, we book exciting trips that will satisfy your every whim. Our stringent quality guidelines and preferred suppliers ensure that you are met with luxury accommodations and convenient amenities every time.
Informed
When you choose Classic Travel, you never travel alone. We live and breathe travel and stay up-to-date on the latest tour, lodging and passport requirements. Our daily conversations with travelers, tour operators, cruise agents, hotels and airlines will provide you with real-time travel information you can trust!
Prompt
We work to save you time and money. We have no allegiances to any one particular air carrier, so we can sell all air carriers available for your itinerary. This offers you the best options at the best price. It takes us less than 20 minutes to check each airline and all rates and fare rules that apply, give you your lowest fare option and confirm your reservation. There is a $30 fee per person for booking roundtrip airfare. But, we do match online tour offers with no extra fees.
Choices
Classic Travel has you covered every step of the way. We can access all rental car and hotel companies for any destination, offer package rates and guarantee them at the same time we book your airfare. Airline-owned Web sites only show their particular airline schedules and fares for your itinerary with no other options offered.
Packing
Carry-on Luggage
You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a purse, laptop computer, or briefcase on most airlines. Pack anything of value or importance in your carry-on bag. Such items may include money, prescriptions, eyeglasses, and itineraries.
Follow the 3-1-1 Rule: Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in 3 ounce containers, placed in a 1 quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag, 1 bag per traveler. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
Checked Luggage
Each passenger is allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Checked luggage cannot exceed 50 pounds. Do not lock your luggage. Many airlines will now cut the lock off your luggage in order to fully inspect your bag. Make sure all luggage has a tag with your information. Do not put film in your checked baggage because the screening equipment may damage it. Also, most airlines also charge a fee for checked luggage, so check with the carrier or ask us before you go.
Packing Smart
Plan the contents of your suitcase before you leave and pack light. Choose one major color for all your clothes, and coordinate all clothes with this color. Pack for the weather. If you are traveling to a cool climate, pack jackets and layers, and do not forget the lip balm. If you are traveling to a warmer climate, pack the appropriate beachwear and casual wear, and do not forget plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and aloe. Buying these items at your destination can be costly.
Airport Etiquette
Passengers are asked keep in mind the following advice to help make their trip through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Proper Identification
Passengers should present the following documents to a Transportation Security Officer at the checkpoint:
Passengers without identification will be required to provide the document checking officer with some information to help verify their identity. Please allow additional time since this slows down the screening process and will result in additional screening.
Stress-Free Flying
Arrive on time leaving adequate time to check baggage and move through security. Wear slip on shoes that can be removed and replaced quickly without the need to sit down. Be polite. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing flight departures.
Security Screenings
New screening tools for airline passengers were introduced in 2011. This Advanced Imaging Technology safely screens passengers for both metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. Before passing through this technology, TSA strongly recommends removing ALL items from pockets, as well as certain accessories, including wallets, belts, bulky jewelry, money, keys, and cell phones. Removing all of these items will reduce the chance of needing additional screening after exiting the machine. The imaging technology screening is optional for all passengers. Passengers who do not wish to receive the imaging technology screening will receive alternative screening, including a physical pat-down. For more information see Advanced Imaging Technology.
Traveling with Children
Children under 2 are required to present both birth certificates and shot records signed by a physician. When arriving at security, please take infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse the stroller before arriving at the metal detector. For more information on traveling with children, click here.
Food and Drink
All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do not bring food to the security checkpoint unwrapped. Food must be wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped. Items purchased after the security checkpoint have been pre-screened and can be taken on the plane. If you’re not sure about what you can and can't bring through the checkpoint, here's a list (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/holiday.shtm) of liquid, aerosol and gel items that you should put in your checked bag, ship ahead, or leave at home if they are above the permitted 3.4 oz.
International
Travelers should familiarize themselves with their destinations, both to get the most enjoyment out of their visit and to avoid known dangers. Travelers should also be aware of restrictions on items that may be taken overseas and even on items that may be brought into the U.S. upon return.
Passports
All passengers leaving U.S. Borders are required to obtain a passport. All minors regardless of age, including infants, must have their own passport when traveling internationally by air. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so they can be contacted in case of an emergency. See passport requirements for more information.
Local Laws
While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department Web site has useful safety and other information about any country you visit.
To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
In Case of Emergency
Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Web site.
Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
Cruises
There are many benefits to cruising. Some of our favorites include all-inclusive meals, unlimited entertainment options, and traveling from one destination to the next from the comfort of your ship (plus, only having to unpack once). Rather than spending your travel time in a car or on a train, you can be watching Broadway-style shows, eating fine cuisine, swimming in the pool, and sleeping in your private stateroom.
Identification
If you’re a U.S. citizen, just about every destination now requires that you have a passport, while a few simply require a government-issued photo ID and an original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal. You should check proof of citizenship requirements for the countries you'll be visiting by contacting the cruise line. Do keep in mind that all non-U.S. citizens boarding a ship in the U.S. will need a valid passport. Failure to have the proper documentation will lead to denied boarding and you will not get a refund.
Cash and Tips
We suggest that you bring some cash. Some cruise lines require that you use cash for tipping and casino gambling. It's also handy to have in port. Most cruise ships do have ATMs onboard; however, the ATM service fee may be quite high. Plan to spend an average of $10 USD to $15 USD a day for tips. You’ll want to plan on tipping waiters, shore guides, spa experts, cabin stewards and other staff who display exceptional service. Classic Travel can also help you pre-pay for any set gratuities.
Luggage
It's wise to use hard-sided luggage. Garment bags with hanger hooks protruding may snag and do damage. Put a card with your name and address inside your luggage as well as on the outside. Also, thousands of pieces of luggage come onboard at roughly the same time. Don't panic if your luggage isn't in your cabin when you arrive. It may take a few hours to get to your room.
Embarking
On embarkation days, you’ll generally be allowed to board the ship four to five hours before departure. To help expedite the process you can pre-register and get boarding passes in advance by visiting the cruise lines’ Web site or checking with us. This can save you a lot of time. Upon arrival, you’ll start by “checking in” at the pier, where your proof of citizenship (passport, or government-issued photo ID and birth certificate with raised seal) will be checked. At this time, you’ll also set up your onboard account. Upon boarding, you’ll be able to have a snack, explore the ship, or simply spend time in your stateroom.
Disembarking
On the final night of the cruise, you’ll have the option of placing your luggage outside of your stateroom door. If you don't set your luggage out, you'll be required to take it off the ship yourself. If you do leave your luggage out, be sure to keep any necessities in a carry-on bag, as your luggage will not be accessible until after you depart the ship. If you want breakfast, you’ll generally need to get up extra early, so keep this in mind. Passengers depart in groups, and your group information, along with any necessary customs forms, will be left in your stateroom the night before you disembark. You’ll be required to pass through customs as you depart the ship.
For additional details about cruises or activities on a cruise visit one of our preferred cruise line vendors.
