Is This Trip Right for You?
Travel Style: This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
It is each traveler’s responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at https://luxetraveltribe.net/visas for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
Example:
To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555
From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555
From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555
From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555
Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients’ healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs.
While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms.
There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment – Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.
Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia – No inoculations are required. However, some inoculations are recommended. During the months of Dec-Mar, severe air pollution, resulting from widespread forest fires and agricultural burning may cause respiratory problems for some. Please consult your physician before traveling to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and/or Cambodia.
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
THAILAND: Books
Presenting Thailand: A Journey through the Kingdom by John Hoskin
Thailand: A Short History by David K. Wyatt
A History of Thailand by Chris Baker
Thailand – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Custums & Culture by Roger Jones
Thailand: The Lotus Kingdom by Alistair Shearer
Fascinating Thailand by John Hoskin
THAILAND: Films
Ong Bak (2003)
Citizen Dog (2004)
Fan Chan (2003)
Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26″+26″+10″ = 62″), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, https://luxetraveltribe.net For important baggage information, visit https://luxetraveltribe.net/ Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost.
Thailand – Intra-Thailand flights have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Thailand.
Review the flight itinerary included in your documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” and e-ticket numbers. Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your name and 6-digit Record Locator or Flight Ticket Number at the airline’s website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. You may check-in online, even if you plan to check luggage at the airport. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter. Paper tickets will be provided in the rare instance when e-tickets cannot be issued.
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://luxetraveltribe.net/
Independent Activities – Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses
We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you’re visiting before you depart (except India). It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert dollars to the local currency. It’s also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don’t always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash, please note that exchange at banks is typically more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. However, bank hours are limited to Mondays through Fridays and sometimes only morning hours on those days. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller. In many destinations (except Western Europe), we suggest to bring between $50 to $100 in $1 bills which may be used to pay gratuities.
Thailand – The Thai Baht is the currency of Thailand.
It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. US dollars should be clean, no spots, no tears, no color or writing on it. Also, should not be old print and in a good condition (crisp), in order to be accepted for payment or exchange at the bank.
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
While most US-issued credit cards have the embedded microprocessor chip, there are still some that have the magnetic-strip technology. The “chip-and-PIN” cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don’t accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure.
Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities.
We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item’s receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies.
While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application.
You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.
Thailand – Among the most sought after goods are Thai silk and cotton embroidery, pearls, objects inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, and leather wares.
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit.
It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you’ve purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
Thailand – The voltage used is 220 volts.
Thailand – In Thailand, there is a very sharp distinction between what is appropriate in public life versus private life. Expressing anger or physical affection in public is a faux pas. The Royal Family is treated with utmost respect and reverence, so if you are handling any object bearing the image of the King, treat it with respect. Casual dress is generally appropriate.
Included meals are based on the restaurant’s set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
Thailand – While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
Jan 1: New Year’s Day
Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Apr 6: Chakri Memorial Day
Apr 13-15: Thai New Year
May 1: Labor Day
May 4: Coronation Day
Jun 3: Queens Suthida’s Birthday
Jul 21: Asalha Puja, Buddhist Lent
Jul 28: H.M. King’s Birthday
Aug 12: Mother’s Day (Celebrated on the Queen’s Birthday)
Oct 13: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol
Oct 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
Dec 5: King Bhumibol’s Birthday/Father’s Day
Dec 10: Constitution Day
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve
Jan 1: New Year’s Day
Feb 17: Lunar/Chinese New Year
Apr 6: Chakri Memorial Day
Apr 13-15: Thai New Year
May 1: Labor Day
May 1: Visakha Bucha, Buddha Day
May 4: Coronation Day
Jun 3: Queens Suthida’s Birthday
Jul 28: H.M. King’s Birthday
Jul 29: Asalha Puja, Buddhist Lent Day
Aug 12: The Queen’s Birthday / Mother’s Day
Oct 13: Anniversary of the death of King Bhumibol
Oct 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
Dec 7: King Bhumibol’s Birthday/Father’s Day
Dec 10: Constitution Day
Dec 31: New Year’s Eve
Songkran Festival is celebrated the second week of April each year by splashing one another with water in the streets to mark the end of the dry season. You may get wet while in the city for the festival as locals will often toss water on strangers as a show of blessings and good wishes.
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $7 per person per day
Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day
Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day
Southeast Asia River Cruise: Crew $8 per person per day; Cruise Director $8 per person per day; Local Guides & Drivers $6 per person per day
Note: Tips for hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above.
Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in exotic Bangkok and transfer to your hotel; remainder of the day is at leisure. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok
This morning, take a tour that introduces you to Bangkok, the “City of Angels.” Drive through Indian Market with hundreds of market stalls, street-side restaurants, and gold shops. On to colorful “Little India” with its bright hanging walls of glistening fabrics and the fragrant wholesale Flower Market. Visit serene Wat Po, (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) the oldest and largest temple in the city, with its astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive via Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King’s Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure before tonight’s orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM, followed by dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the optional tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You’ll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the afternoon, embark on the optional canal tour along the Chao Phraya River passing by Wat Arun and other iconic landmarks as well as a scenic view of local life along the river. Then travel on a tuk-tuk to dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Bangkok Canal Tour with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
Travel southwest this morning to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; observe how the ancient trading of wares is conducted between hundreds of local farmers and villagers aboard small sampan boats. The boats are fully loaded with all kinds of products including fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and freshly cooked food. From the floating market, continue to the quiet provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, with its stunning natural beauty and beautiful rivers. Walk over the steel bridge at the River Kwai, one of the most famous rivers in the world, which gained international fame in the book and film, “Bridge on the River Kwai.” The bridge, several museums, and cemeteries have respectfully preserved the history and memorialized the dead. Tonight, have dinner at a hotel restaurant
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is at leisure to explore Kanchanaburi independently. Or take the optional full day Hellfire Pass and Death Railway tour. Hellfire Pass derives its name from Allied POWs forced to work day and night in the jungle to complete the bridge and rail line using only simple tools; more than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Asian laborers perished during the construction. Lunch en route before returning to hotel
Optional: Full Day Hellfire Pass & Death Railway with lunch
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as the largest city in Southeast Asia. Visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, this served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai kings. In the center of the city lies Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers. After lunch, continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong, a commoner who overthrew the previous king and took his throne. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of Siam before dinner
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, time permitting, meet children at a local school* then travel back to Bangkok. En route stop at a gem gallery, to watch jewelry being made and learn more about the gems used. Time on your own in Bangkok to revisit some of the city’s fabulous sites or indulge in a last-minute shopping spree. Enjoy a night out on the town as you bid farewell to Thailand
*School visit is subject to changes due to school scheduling.
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Come see how we’re leaving a trail of Black girl magic all over the globe. From dropping it low in Dubai.
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