At Thomas Cook Tours,we take the utmost care to deliver the highest standards of service, and aim to provide holidays that more than live up to your expectations.We’ve put together the following tips and information to help you choose the right holiday and ensure you’re well prepared for it.
Before you travel
Choosing your holiday
• Our descriptions and diamond ratings will help you to choose the right holiday. See the section on accommodation below for further details.
• If you’re looking for a particular atmosphere at your hotel, read the description carefully – an ‘informal’ hotel is likely to be just that, while you probably won’t find it easy to relax by the pool at one with a ‘family atmosphere’.
• Most all-inclusive hotels offer a great range of facilities, along with plenty of organised activities. See the description of your chosen hotel for details of what is included.
• You may be given hotel leaflets produced by the hotel or visit their website. This may give you a different view as they are designed to show the property in the best light. They do not have to follow the legislation that covers our own brochures so you should just think of them as a rough guide.We do not have any control over their content.
• It is worth bearing in mind that your money will go further in some countries than in others, due to the differences between local economies.
• We use photographs to create a feeling of the areas mentioned, so they may not have been taken at the specific destinations we feature.
• The maps we show are for your general information only
– they are not to scale and may not accurately show the actual route of your tour or the exact location of places marked.
• If you’re not sure what to choose or would like some advice, just ask your travel agent or our Reservations staff – they will be able to help you find a holiday that’s right for you.
Tips for holidaymakers with disabilities or medical problems
• The majority of overseas hotels are not equipped to cater for the needs of many disabled holidaymakers. Furthermore, the natural terrain and layout of some resorts can sometimes make life difficult for wheelchair users. It is therefore important, if you have any disability, that the appropriate enquiries are made about the suitability of particular accommodation and resorts, and that you are fully satisfied that you have made the correct choice before you book and confirm your holiday. If you require support or advice prior to booking, please contact our Reservations team (see back cover for details).
• If special arrangements need to be made for you an extra charge may be made.
• Pavements and pathways in Egypt are not as they are in the UK and may be uneven and rough, which can cause problems for those with walking difficulties. The steep staircases used when embarking and disembarking the Nile cruisers may also be difficult for the less mobile to negotiate.
• There are some tours on which, due to the nature of the terrain that has to be covered and activities that are carried out (e.g. jungle walks in Borneo), it will be impossible to cater for the needs of all customers. Where you tell us about any special needs at the time of enquiry or booking, we will confirm whether we will be able to accommodate them.
• Where you do not tell us of any special needs until after your holiday has been confirmed, we reserve the right to withdraw from the holiday agreement.We cannot be held responsible if you fail to tell us about any special needs or requirements that will affect your holiday experience and this means that we will not compensate you.
Tips for families
• The tours within this brochure are unsuitable for children under 14. Holiday prices
• The items included in the price of your holiday are clearly shown in the descriptions or the price grids (or both).
• The price for all travel includes all UK taxes and any charges set by carriers. You will have to pay for anything else, including any amounts set by overseas authorities which you have to pay locally.
• We fully guarantee the price on your holiday confirmation invoice. It will not change unless you or we change your holiday arrangements or the price shown on the invoice is incorrect compared to the brochure price (this will be deemed a mistake – see ‘Your Holiday Booking’ section of the Booking Conditions). This means that once the cost of your holiday has been confirmed by us, we guarantee it against all surcharges.
• Our holiday prices are based on known costs as at 27 February 2006 and using rates of exchange as published in the Financial Times on that day, for example US Dollar 1.74.
Booking fees
Credit card charges
A charge of 2% will be added to all credit card transactions (up to a
maximum of £50 per transaction).
Extensions
If you would like to add an extension to one of our Thomas Cook Tours, we will be pleased to arrange it for you.We will charge £25 for each person to cover the extra work involved in booking separate arrangements and providing separate documents. There may also be extra costs, including accommodation costs, air fare supplements and transfer costs. Please note that extensions are not escorted and porterage is not included.
Late bookings
Should you book within one week of departure, we will make arrangements for you to collect your tickets from our airport representative on arrival, or if you prefer us to post your documentation to you, we will do so at your request.we use a special delivery service for both options, for which a fee of £15 per booking will be charged. In cases where a ticket-on-departure is required, the fee may be more than £15.
Insurance
Please ensure you are covered for all aspects of your holiday.We strongly recommend you take out the travel insurance featured at the back of this brochure or arrange alternative cover of an equal or higher level.We will not accept liability for any expenditure or other losses you may suffer as a result of being uninsured or inadequately insured.
Pre-departure pack
Our special pre-departure pack includes your tickets, luggage labels, a stylish ticket wallet (unless booking within 48 hours, from a special offer, or accommodation-only), and a fact-filled travel pack.
Foreign Office travel advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 Ceefax (page 470 onwards) or call 0845 850 2829 or visit the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk). Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls are charged at 50p per minute).
Passports and visas
The following information applies to British Citizens holding a UK passport issued in the UK. Non-British Citizen passport holders or British Citizens holding a UK passport issued abroad should contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for clarification. Please note that both passport and visa regulations can change and you should therefore check with your travel agent or the relevant embassy well in advance of travel. It can often take some time to obtain a visa, so you are advised to apply in plenty of time.
Your responsibility
It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid, acceptable passport and any required visa or any other documentation for the travel you are to undertake. If you do not have the correct documentation you may be refused carriage by the airline or entry into any country. Where entry is refused, fines or other financial penalties will be imposed on or by the airline and you will be required to return to the country of departure immediately. If you travel without the required documentation you are solely responsible for, and must immediately pay, all fines, surcharges, other financial penalties, costs (including the cost of your immediate return flight) and any other sums of any description which are incurred or imposed by the airline or incurred by ourselves. This will be the case regardless of whether the lack of correct documentation is spotted at the departure airport.We can accept no liability in this situation and no compensation, expenses, refund or other sum will be paid.
Validity
A valid passport is essential when you travel abroad. Although your passport has been issued for 10 years (five years for children) you should note that some overseas countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period after the date of entry to that country (typically six months). If your passport is in its final year of validity, you are advised to check the requirements of the destination before you make your final travel plans.
Apply early
If you need to apply for a passport or renew an expired passport, you should do so well in advance of travel and at least four weeks before. If you are 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, we recommend that you apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and from October 2006 will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this.
Names
At the time of booking, please ensure you supply your first name and surname as they appear on your passport, as both of these must be stated on your flight ticket. This will reduce confusion and delays at check-in, especially when travelling to the USA. It is anticipated that travellers could face more queries and delays as more countries introduce Advanced Passenger Information systems (see next column). You may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid if the name on your passport and travel documents don’t match.
If after booking a holiday but before travelling, any member of your party changes their name, e.g. as a result of getting married, we must be notified immediately so that we can make the necessary changes to your holiday documentation.
Children
All children must now hold their own UK passport unless they are included on a passport issued before 5 October 1998, in which case they may continue to travel with the passport holder until:
• The child reaches the age of 16; or
• The passport on which the child is included expires; or
• The passport on which the child is included is replaced or an amendment results in the issue of a new passport.
UK Passport Agency
Further information can be obtained from the UK Passport Agency by phoning 0870 521 0410 (calls charged at national rate) or visiting their website: www.ukpa.gov.uk.
Country-specific passport requirements
A full British passport is required for all destinations featured in this brochure. Please see below for details of additional requirements. Australia: a 10-year British or EC passport is required. Japan: all visitors must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket. Latvia: visitors must have health insurance before entering the country. Lebanon: you will be refused entry if your passport contains Israeli stamps. Lithuania: a full UK passport with at least six months’ validity is required. New Zealand: a 10-year British or EC passport is required. South Africa: a full British passport, valid for at least six months with at least one blank page is required.
USA: British passport holders travelling to the USA are required to have individual machine-readable passports. (If you need to check your passport we recommend you contact the UK Passport Office.) Families will be required to obtain individual passports for each traveller including all children. Under proposed US law, British passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 must contain biometric identifiers in order to qualify the bearer for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Passports issued prior to 26 October 2006 are not affected by this deadline and continue to qualify the bearer for visa-free travel, so long as the passport is machine-readable (and provided no one in your party has ever been arrested, even if not convicted, or is suffering from a serious communicable disease). The UK Passport agency is hopeful of being able to issue passports containing biometric identifiers by 26 October 2006; however, you are advised to check the latest entry requirements to the USA with the UK passport office and US embassy regularly as you must ensure you can meet entry requirements before you depart. If you have a machine-readable passport issued prior to 1998 and are travelling after 26 October 2006, please consult the relevant authorities mentioned above for the latest advice.
Visas
Africa: no visa is required for British Citizens travelling to South Africa. UK passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya, which should be obtained from the Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, London W1N 4AS at a cost of £30, or on arrival by air with a cash payment of US$50. Visas are required for British and Irish Citizens travelling to Zambia though you may be able to travel under the visa-waiver programme – we will ask you for your passport number when you book but please note that there are no guarantees. Should you be required to purchase a visa for Zambia, this will be payable locally at a cost of $25.Asia: no visa is required for British Citizens visiting Borneo or Thailand for stays of up to 30 days only, or for British Citizens visiting Hong Kong or Sri Lanka. Visas are required for entry to Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam visas must be obtained prior to departure from the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 12-14 Victoria Street, London W8 5RD (phone 0207 937 1912/3222). Cambodian visas can be obtained on arrival for approximately US$20 (you will need two passport photos). A visa is required for entry to India, which must be obtained in person at the High Commission of India, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA (or by post addressed to The Postal Visa Section). Telephone 0906 844 4544 or 020 7240 1012 for information. A tourist visa is required by all nationalities for entry into The People's Republic of China on holiday. If you are following the full itinerary of Treasures of China or Highlights of China, you will be included on a Group Visa which will be carried by the tour manager. In order to be included on a Group Visa, you must complete and return the Passport Information Form that we will send to you. If you travel independently from the group at any point or extend your tour in China, it will not be possible for you to be included on the Group Visa and you will need to obtain your own individual Chinese Visa prior to travel at an approximate cost of £30 per person. Details of how to obtain a visa can be requested from the Chinese Visa Office, Chinese Embassy, 31 Portland Place, London W1N 3AG (telephone 0906 5503507). British nationals visiting Japan for three months or less on holiday do not require a visa.
Australia & New Zealand: a visa is required for all visitors to Australia, but not for British or EC passport holders visiting New Zealand or Fiji. An Australian Tourist Visa can be obtained from the Australian High Commission, Australia House, The Strand, London,WC2 4LA (phone 09065 508 900 or visit the website at www.australia.org.uk).
Canada: visits to Canada of up to six months do not require a visa.
Egypt & the middle east: a single entry egypt tourist visa is required for the treasures of the nile tour at an approximate cost of £15 per person. A multiple entry egypt visa is required for the pharaohs to phoenicians tour at an approximate cost of £18 per person – this should be obtained before you travel. Details of how to obtain this will be sent with your first invoice. A visa is also required for entry into lebanon (where they can be applied for on arrival) and for entry into oman. British passport holders can obtain theirs on arrival in oman but are advised to check the requirements well in advance with the embassy of the sultanate of oman in london.write to 167 queen’s gate, london sw7 5he; phone 020 7225 0001; or email consular.muscat@fco.gov.uk.
Europe: British nationals need a visa to enter the Russian Federation and an exit visa to leave. You should allow one month for processing and we strongly recommend that all clients take advantage of our visa service – all details will be sent with your confirmation invoice. British nationals can visit Finland and Latvia visa-free for up to three months. British passport holders visiting Estonia do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. British Citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Spain, Lithuania or France.
Latin America: no visa is required for British Citizens for stays of up to 90 days in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Panama or Brazil, though you will need to complete a tourist card on arrival in Brazil. For further advice on entry requirements for Costa Rica, please contact the Costa Rican Embassy, Flat 1, 14 Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3LH (telephone 020 7706 8844). British Citizens require a visa to enter Cuba – this will be sent along with your tickets for you to complete. Non British Citizens and dual nationals must contact the Cuban Embassy in London for advice on entry requirements before travelling. Please note that if travel involves a stop in the USA, you must comply with the latest USA entry requirements as outlined in the passport section above above and the point below.
USA – Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS): from 4 October 2005 Tour Operators and Airlines are required to provide details of the full address of your destination accommodation and country of residence to the US authorities. This is in addition to the Visa Waiver form. At the UK departure airport, your passport will be scanned and the address of your first night’s accommodation and country of residence will be confirmed. On board your outbound flight, you will be issued with a Visa Waiver form that you must complete before you land in the US. The authorities require you to state your USA address in full, including the zip code. You will find full details of the address of the accommodation you have booked in your voucher booklet or on your invoice; it can also be reconfirmed at the UK airport.Flight-only passengers will be provided with details of a resort office address in the US for the tour operator they are travelling with. It is very important that you complete your visa waiver form using the exact address as displayed on the documentation you receive from your airline or tour operator. Your airline or tour operator will provide the US immigration authorities with accommodation details for all passengers after you have departed for the US. This information will be gathered from their reservations systems. If there are any differences between the information provided by the airline or tour operator and the details you have written on your waiver form, you may be denied entry into the USA.
Special notice
All holidays featured are, by their very nature, complex and include services from many different airlines, hotels and ground transportation companies. Due to the demand for these services, it is not always possible to guarantee particular airlines, flights, aircraft, ferries, trains and/or the hotels featured on a particular itinerary or departure date. It is with this in mind that we reserve the right to change any of the listed services and, if necessary, even modify the itinerary itself without prior notice. In this event, we will always make every effort to give as much advance notification as possible. In practice only a few departures are likely to be affected, but no compensation is payable under these circumstances.
In transit
Take it easy before you fly
We offer these pre-departure benefits in association with Holiday Extras:
• Pre-bookable parking is available at all major UK airports.
• If you live some distance from the airport or have an early departure, competitive prices are available for airport hotels, some of which include parking for the duration of your holiday, subject to availability.
• To take advantage of these offers, please ring Holiday Extras on 0870 8444095 and quote HX217.
Flights
Aircraft and journey times
Airlines’ schedules and their services are printed as known at the time of going to press but may change, as airlines can make changes over which we have no control, as can ferry and train operators.
• Check all your transport information when you receive your tickets.
• Though we are not responsible if your flight, ferry or train is delayed, we will do our best to arrange for the operator to give you appropriate meals and so on.We will not actually provide these ourselves.
Baggage
• Although handling arrangements at UK departure points are excellent, there are occasions when your baggage may be delayed. However, if you take out the insurance we recommend, you will be covered for emergency purchases. See inside the back cover for details.
• A charge will be made if your hold baggage exceeds the allowance stated on your ticket. Baggage allowances vary according to the airline so always check before you travel. Individual items of luggage must not exceed 30kg for lifting purposes.
• Remember to pack any medication, valuable items and photographic film in your hand luggage and not in your suitcase.
• Items such as knives, scissors, tweezers and laser pointers must not be carried in your hand luggage, so remember to pack them in your suitcase.
• If you wish to take sports equipment on holiday with you, we recommend that you check when you book whether or not the airline can accommodate it. Charges may apply, and it is likely that all such items will travel on a weight- and space-permitting basis only. You should have insurance for these items.
Class
A flight in economy class will not be luxurious, as airlines want their planes to be as full as possible. Many people find it is well worth paying extra to upgrade to business class or first class. The special fares we offer on business and first class may not include the standard advertised extras such as a limousine transfer. Please ask for details when you book.
Code sharing
Some airlines now work in partnership with one another and sell seats on each other’s planes to enable more choice and better onward connections. This means that your flight may be with a different company to the one you expect.
Fitness to fly
You may need permission from your doctor to fly if you suffer from certain medical conditions which may mean you also require assistance from the airline. Should you have any concerns about your fitness to fly, please ask your travel agent.
Pregnancy
Regulations vary from airline to airline, but some will refuse to carry women who will be 28 weeks pregnant or more on the date of return travel. If you are in doubt, please check with the airline concerned.We recommend that you also consult your own doctor.
Routes
A direct flight may touch down en route to refuel or to pick up and/or drop off passengers. In most cases you will not need to leave the aircraft, though in North America you may have to change aircraft or go through immigration and customs if the plane stops. A non-stop flight does not stop between the departure and arrival points.
Safety
In the interests of passenger and crew safety, all airlines adopt a strict policy regarding passenger behaviour and may deny boarding or impose additional constraints on any passenger who, for example, is intoxicated or disruptive, smokes on a non-smoking flight, or makes an inappropriate remark (such as indicating that they may be carrying a bomb or other explosive device, or a firearm or other weapon).
Seating
As the airlines allocate the seating on their planes, we recommend that you check in early if you would like a specific seat or to sit together.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. Prolonged immobility is generally thought to be the common underlying risk factor, and thus any travel involving prolonged immobility can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Further details, including information on those most at risk, can be found on the UK Department of Health website (www.dh.gov.uk). If you have any concerns please consult your doctor.
While on holiday
Smoking policies
If you are a smoker, or alternatively would prefer to stay somewhere with a non-smoking policy, we advise that you ask for details before making your booking.
• Some places, hotels and restaurants have a non-smoking policy. This is particularly enforced in North America.
• Most airlines now have a total non-smoking policy.
Accommodation
Air-conditioning
Many properties have air-conditioning in the guest rooms, but not all.
• Where we know that air-conditioning is available, we mention it in the hotel description.
• It may be that only cool air is provided, not necessarily warm air as well.
• Months and hours of operation are at the discretion of the management, both in bedrooms and in public areas, and it may be centrally operated.
• If you need to know the type of air-conditioning at your hotel, please ask.
• There may be a charge for air-conditioning in some rooms.
Check-in
Hotel rooms are not generally available until around 3pm on the day you check in. When you register, many hotels will ask you for an imprint of your credit card to cover any personal extras. If you do not have a credit card, they may ask for a large cash deposit.
Check-out
Many flights home leave late in the evening and the check-out time at most hotels is between 10am and 12 noon on the last day. This may mean that you cannot check into your room straight away when you arrive, and that you will have to check out a long time before you depart for the airport. If you would like us to arrange a day room for you to use, please ask when you book – payment will be direct to the hotel. Descriptions
The information in our hotel descriptions is based on regular visits by our staff and agents, and we try to gain approval of our descriptions from our suppliers.
Diamond ratings
We have graded each hotel using the same standards and given them our diamond marks.
Dress code
Although most hotels do not have strict dress codes, you may find a few guidelines useful.
• Casual elegance is expected throughout the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Far East resort hotels. During the day, shorts and sarongs are more practical, but in the evenings, men are normally expected to wear shoes, long trousers and at least a polo shirt.
• City hotels generally expect you to be properly dressed – swimsuits in the lobby are not acceptable but dress shorts usually are.
• In Egypt, dress conservatively outside hotels and cruise boats, and wear clothes that cover your skin when visiting mosques.
• If you travel on safari, please respect the wildlife and environment by wearing natural (not bright) coloured clothing.
• If you are unsure about what to pack, please ask our Reservations staff.
Entertainment and sports facilities
These differ from hotel to hotel, so please read the descriptions carefully.
• A charge may be made locally for entertainment and the use of some hotel facilities.
• Not all hotels provide entertainment, and the quality at those that do will vary. The standards will not necessarily be up to European levels.
• If hotels have their own sports or watersports facilities, the condition and choice of equipment will vary, depending on the hotel and place. It is unlikely to be of championship standard, even at the best hotels.
• The demand for sports facilities and equipment may be more than is actually available at certain times during the day.
Maintenance
From time to time it may be necessary for certain facilities to be withdrawn for general maintenance purposes.Water and electricity supplies may occasionally be interrupted while this is being undertaken.
Room categories
Though room categories in different hotels may have the same or similar names, the criteria for their classification is likely to differ, as these are the names the hotels use and they do not have standard definitions. Please ask our Reservations staff for details of the categories at your chosen hotel.
Room facilities
• If your room has satellite television channels, we recommend that you use the same care and supervision with your children as you would at home, as some channels may be of an adult nature.
• English-speaking television channels may be limited.
Room upgrades
If your room is upgraded, please note that this will not necessarily be to the next highest category featured in our brochure. This is because room upgrades depend on what is available (either when you arrive or when you book) and we do not sell all room types at all hotels.
Single supplements
• If a single person occupies a double room they will usually be asked to pay extra (a single supplement). Hotels price their rooms as doubles and they do not reduce the rates if they are occupied by a single person, as the costs to the hotel of providing the room – heating, lighting, cleaning and so on – are the same regardless of how many people occupy that room.
• Hotel design may mean that single rooms are smaller and may have different facilities to standard rooms. While there is normally a supplement for these rooms the overall cost will usually be less than when a single person occupies a double room.
Three or more people sharing
As adding beds to rooms can make them crowded, we recommend that you book an extra room or upgrade to a larger room type, such as a junior suite.
• Extra beds are likely to be of a rollaway or sofa bed type and will restrict space. In addition to the ‘extra person’ price, you may be charged for them locally. Prices vary according to destination – please ask for details when you book.
• In some cases, a third or fourth bed can only be added to a double-bedded room, not a twin-bedded room.
• If three or more people are sharing a twin room, two people may have to share a bed.
Twin and double rooms
Twin rooms usually have two single beds but some hotels may offer one double bed. Please note the following points.
• A twin room in America or Canada may have two double or queen beds.
• A double bed may be two single beds with double bedding, though we will do our best to provide you with a double bed if you ask us when you book.
• Though we will do our best to help, please note that we cannot guarantee the room configuration or type of beds that you will be provided with.
Views
If you would like a specific view, please be aware that rooms described as having a sea, pool or city view may not have full sea, pool or city views because of plants or buildings blocking the view. If you are concerned, please check before you book.
Meals
Meal supplements
Where available, our breakfast, half-board and full-board supplements are good value as we negotiate the best prices we can, but they may be more expensive than paying locally due to the fluctuation in local currency.
Pre-paid meals
Pre-paid meal plans generally offer a good choice and many hotels have recently started to offer extra items within these menus for an extra charge (for example, lobster, prime rib, specialist local dishes and so on).
Pre-paid meal plans are not available at all hotels.
• Half board generally includes American, continental or buffet breakfast and table d’hóte (a set menu with a limited number of dishes) or buffet dinner. Some hotels restrict the restaurants you are entitled to dine in when staying on a half-board basis, and the menu is often limited. The exact conditions relevant to your hotel will be detailed on your invoice.
• Full board is as half board plus a table d’hóte or buffet lunch.
• All-inclusive differs from property to property, so we define it for each relevant hotel. If breakfast is included, this will be American, continental or buffet (unless our description says otherwise). If lunch, dinner or both are included, this will generally be table d’hóte or a buffet.
Special diets
Certain hotels may not be able to provide the exact diet you require, so please ask for details before you book. This will be treated as a special request and cannot be guaranteed.
Unused services
You may find that you don’t use all the services that you have pre-booked, including meal plans. As a guide, half-board arrangements usually start with dinner on the night you arrive at the hotel. If your flight arrives too late for you to take this meal, you should ask the hotel if they can supply an alternative meal at another time during your stay. Neither we nor your hotel will be able to refund you for any unused meals or other pre-paid services.
Local information
Attractions
If you would like to visit particular attractions, we recommend that you check their availability in resort as they may have to close at short notice because of the weather or for routine maintenance.
Building work
Many holiday destinations are still being developed to provide better facilities and services. Even in more established destinations there is still the possibility that building work could be taking place. Some hotels will also have renovation and improvement programmes.We cannot always predict when this is likely to happen. Please refer to the booking conditions section entitled ‘Circumstances beyond our control’ for more information.
Currency
The convertible peso (CUC) is now the only recognised currency in Cuba. This is a closed currency and cannot be taken in or out of Cuba. It is recommended that you take cash or traveller’s cheques in UK sterling (Euros also accepted) which can be exchanged in Cuba for the convertible peso. Please note that Scottish bank notes are not accepted. You are advised not to take US dollars as a 10% surcharge will apply to conversion. Credit cards, debit cards and traveller’s cheques that have been issued in the US or by a bank affiliated to the US in any way, for example, MBNA (including Thomas Cook Credit Card), Capital One, Switch etc, are not accepted. You are advised to check with your bank before you travel. Transactions using accepted credit cards are subject to two surcharges: a 3% charge for use of a credit card and another 8% charge for converting the price from CUC to US dollars.
Noise
Some resorts are within built-up areas or other places where noise is common.
• You may hear traffic noise or have to cross busy roads.
• You may hear aircraft noise if you stay near or within the surrounding approach to an airport.
• Noise is also often caused by birds and local wildlife, and by local activity such as speedboats, calls to prayer and customs (for example, festivals and religious celebrations), and is often part of the travel experience.
Public utilities
Depending on your location, you may find that water and electricity supplies cannot keep up with the demands of tourist development. There may be the rare occasion when you experience power cuts or problems with plumbing and drainage.
Religious and public holidays and religious events
Local events, religious festivities and public holidays are likely to influence the provision of services and facilities in and around your hotel or resort at certain times.
• Some hotel facilities and other services, alcohol and entertainment may not be available.
• Sightseeing, excursions and shopping may be limited and museums, national parks, public buildings and theme parks may be closed.
• Some hotels, for example in national parks, may be closed.
• In Muslim countries, dates of religious feasts and festivals are fixed by local sightings of the moon so we cannot work out when they will be beforehand. Ramadan, which is observed for one month each year, is a period of fasting when the pace of life is slower, public areas are busier, and there are certain restrictions on drinking alcohol and restaurant facilities. In 2007, Ramadan is expected to run for a month from 13 September. Also, the Muslim New Year is different to the Christian one and during this period many shops and restaurants may be closed.
• Chinese New Year is a major celebration throughout Asia so flights and hotels may be extremely busy during this time. Most ethnic Chinese businesses, including shops and restaurants (but not hotels), close totally. In 2007, the Chinese New Year is 18 February.
• If you are concerned about the possible impact of holidays and events or would like to know more, please contact the appropriate tourist board.
Service standards
Due to local culture and custom, the standard of service you receive may vary from country to country.
Wildlife
Insects (such as ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes and so on) and small lizards are common in hot countries. They are usually harmless and are not an indication that your accommodation is dirty or unhygienic, though obviously such creatures can be off-putting. If your hotel has an open restaurant, it may attract local birds, some of which might try to share your food though hotels do their best to discourage them. Though frustrating, this is a normal part of local life, and please don’t encourage birds by feeding them. Please also refrain from feeding any other wildlife.
Health, safety and security abroad
Health advice
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide, so you should get health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Sources of information include the Department of Health’s free leaflet – T7 Health Advice for Travellers (available by phoning 08701 555 455) – and website (www.dh.gov.uk), your doctor, and specialist clinics. All health information featured in this brochure is intended as a guide only.
• Make sure you’ve got all the immunisations you need for the country you’re going to by checking the NHS immunisation website (www.immunisation.nhs.uk) or asking your GP. If you haven’t had diphtheria, polio or tetanus vaccines before, this is an ideal opportunity to get them. Even if you have had them before, you might need a booster dose. Some immunisations are available free for travellers under the NHS. There may be a charge for other immunisations. Doctors can also charge you for signing or filling in a certificate.
• Remember that upset stomachs can happen in many areas, often caused by the change of climate or ice-cold drinks and not as a result of local hygiene or food preparation. Any change to your diet may cause an upset stomach and the local water may not help. You should be sensible especially with raw food, drinking water and ice in drinks.
• Biting insects (including mosquitoes) are common in many countries, and they can spread disease. Insect repellents, especially those containing DEET, can be useful in helping to prevent bites. You can also reduce the risk of bites by wearing clothes that cover your skin, including your arms and legs, especially during the evening and at night.
• You are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air.
• We recommend that you use the pool shower facilities before swimming to prevent any potential infections and help keep the pool clean.
Your safety and security
We have our own specialist team of Health and Safety Inspectors who carry out checks on the properties we feature. The safety standards and regulations which apply overseas are those of the country you visit. Often they do not reach the same levels as in the UK and the authorities in the country concerned may not have enough power or resources to monitor and enforce standards. Because of this, general standards of safety, hygiene, fire precautions and so on can be different to those which we expect in the UK, so we advise that you are very careful when you are in unfamiliar buildings or surroundings, especially where there are balconies or water features.
• Do not let non-swimmers or children jump into a pool without first checking the depth and how to get out, and always exercise caution before entering the sea as the seabed is not even and the water will change in depth. For your own safety and peace of mind, we recommend that you check when you book whether the sea is suitable for swimming in. In some areas it can be too rough, polluted or contain other dangers.
• We strongly recommend that you get to know your escape route in case of fire.
• Areas surrounding your holiday accommodation do not form part of the package we sell you and have not been inspected. These include, for example, the sea, beaches, roads and mountains. You are responsible for taking reasonable care for your own safety and that of your party.
• Crimes against people and property are a fact of life throughout the world and you have the same responsibility for your own safety as you do at home. In some places the local police may not be very cooperative or interested when you report a theft or need insurance confirmation so always take care of your property.
Weather
We provide weather information in association with the Meteorological Office as a guide only to help you plan your holiday. It is based on data collected over the past few years at the nearest weather station and is not a forecast. Please note that the nearest available weather station may be some distance from the destination you are visiting and the information we publish is not a guarantee of a particular weather condition.
• The weather may prevent the hotel where you are staying from offering the sports that we say are available. The hotel is not obliged to arrange the sports elsewhere. Similarly, it may prevent you from swimming in the sea.
• Islands that are described as ‘lush’ will have more rainfall than those described as ‘arid’.
• Some areas are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes; for example, the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Far East and America including Florida.
• Flooding and other bad weather can change your planned holiday route. For example, mountain passes and coastal roads may be closed.
General information
Telephone calls
To ensure we consistently deliver excellent customer service, your call to our Reservations department may be recorded.
Financial protection
Thomas Cook Signature Limited is a member of ABTA with membership number W4498.We also hold an ATOL with number 5624. As such we are fully bonded according to ABTA’s rules and abide by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. In order to ensure that the monies you pay for your holiday are protected we will issue a confirmation invoice showing the details of the services that you have booked including the price and the amount of money paid by you. You should check these details carefully and contact your travel agent or us immediately if there are any discrepancies.Please go to www.abta.com for a copy of the Guide to ABTA’s Scheme of Financial Protection.
Data Protection and Privacy Legislation
We will use the information you have given us to give you the products and services you have asked for. When we give you these products and services, we will pass your details to other organisations.We may also have to send your details to countries that may not have an equal level of data protection legislation. When you ask us to give you these products and services, you agree that we can pass your details to other organisations, some of which are in other countries.We may also use your details to give you offers, products and services that are available from us, associated companies and our network partners.We may also use your details to give you information about travel-related offers, products and services that are available from our associated companies. If you do not want to receive this information, call us on 0870 443 4440. |
|
