Tips
Here are some tips that we at Continental Travel Group have found to be of value while packing and planning for your vacation.
For a printable travellers checklist and packing list please click here.
Carry on bags
You must keep all medications/vitamins in their original bottles. We suggest that you pack them in your carry-on luggage, as this decreases the chances of them being lost or delayed.
Here is a quick list of items you’ll want to take with you, as they will not necessarily be readily available at your destination:
- Sunscreen
- Tylenol
- Feminine hygiene products
- Tums/Rolaids
- Chap stick
- Polysporin
- Liquid hand sanitizer
- Bandages
- Anti-diarrhea medication
Some helpful suggestions
It’s also a good idea to pack your own stash of snacks. Chocolate bars, trail mix, popcorn, granola bars, etc. can be hard to find at destination and are much more expensive to purchase there.
When packing liquids, creams and gels, you’ll need to remember there is a restriction on those items when carrying them onboard the aircraft. These are restricted to a maximum of 100ml per item and must all be together in a clear plastic bag (such as a Ziploc) no larger than 1 litre. This will be screened separate from your carry on bag/purse when you go through security so be sure to have these items in the clear bag before you leave home. You can pack larger items of liquids, creams and gels in your check luggage but be sure to put them in a Ziploc in case they leak or pop during your flight.
We recommend to cross-pack if you’re travelling with another person. Although uncommon, luggage can be lost or delayed by the airlines. If this occurs, cross packing will help ensure you have at least some of your belongings when you arrive.
We also recommend taking small bills in U.S. dollars (except to Cuba), like ones and fives, to tip with as most places do accept USD.
Our advice on luggage
Be sure to lock your luggage! You can use either metal locks or plastic zip ties. If customs decide they need to search your luggage they will cut your locks. For this reason, we encourage our clients to use zip ties. If your suitcase has a pouch/pocket on the outside you may want to carry a small pair of scissors or nail clippers (you cannot carry these onboard the aircraft with you) so that you are able to cut the zip ties upon arrival. Don’t forget to carry extra zip ties for the flight home.
Most hotel rooms are equipped with a safe. Even if the resort charges you a daily/weekly rate to use the safe, it is well worth it. Please keep passports, wallets, travel documents, extra cash, and valuable jewelry in the safe at all times when you are not using them. Do not assume that these items are safe if left in a drawer or suitcase.
When you arrive at your destination, you will be met by your tour operator’s representative at the airport. Watch out for time-share companies!
Click here for more information regarding time shares.
Lastly, remember that we are here for you!
Our after hour emergency phone number is 1-800-817-5566 or you can call collect
at 1-303-801-2133. These numbers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency travel assistance.