TouringForLess

Avalon Waterways - Frequently Asked Traveling Questions


  • For more detailed information on Avalon (things to know while onboard, what to bring on a cruise, and much more), visit this link: Avalon FAQ's
  • For more detailed information on river cruising and more (useful terms, interesting information ,etc;) visit this link: Avalon Cruising FAQ's
What are the Transportation Security Administrative (TSA) requirements? Do I need a passport and a visa?
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking air? What's the best way to obtain passport and visa information?
Where can I find information on currency rates? How does Avalon's Travel Protection help protect your trip?
What are Avalon's Travel Terms and Conditions?

What are the Transportation Security Administrative (TSA) requirements?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require full name (as it appears on a government issued ID passenger will be traveling with), date of birth and gender for all passengers traveling. For passengers with an existing air reservation with TouringforLess.com for an Avalon Waterways tour we HIGHLY encourage you to contact TouringForLess.com and provide the required TSA information as soon as possible(ensure you double check all of your documents before providing the information). Failure to provide the required TSA information for your air reservation can result in, delays at the airport during the check-in process and/or flights cancelled prior to departure by the airline.

Do I need a passport and a visa?

When traveling outside the United States, a passport is required for U.S. citizens. Some countries also require a visa. If you are a U.S. citizen, detailed visa information will be provided to you after you book your vacation. Non-U.S. citizens should consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed.

Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking air?

Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important than ever that your airline ticket match your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Additionally any changes to your air booking, which include spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.

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What's the best way to obtain passport and visa information?

Avalon and the Globus Family of Brands preferred supplier of visa services is Zierer Visa Service (ZVS), which is now a part of VisaCentral. For additional information or to obtain a visa for your vacation, please visit: ZVS's Website
*Please Note: TouringForLess.com has no affiliation with ZVS, and therefore cannot guarantee their website content or service.

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Where can I find information on currency rates?

On vacation you might need to spend money on incidental expenses. As a general guideline, aim to bring a variety of means to "pay your way" for your own convenience, and also in case you have difficulties with your preferred method of payment. Use the following currency converter as a reference to see what the exchange rate currently is set at:
Oanda's Currency Converter.
Also note the Traveler's Cheatsheet Oanda has that you can print off and take with you, as well as the links to apps for your mobile phone.

Due to this tool being an external resource to TouringForLess.com, we cannot guarantee that their information is correct at all times.

Additional Travel Information on Money

Major credit cards are widely accepted but some shops and restaurants require a minimum purchase amount when using them (so they are not appropriate for incidentals such as ice creams, snacks etc). You might consider bringing more than one card, as some outlets may not accept all types. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification (ie. your passport) when making a transaction with your credit card. When your card is being processed, do not let it out of your sight. For the best available exchange rate, you will find ATM (automatic teller machine) cards indispensable. The Plus and Cirrus logos are now displayed at many ATM locations worldwide. The usual care should be exercised when using ATMs; avoid making withdrawals at night or in unlit areas, conceal your PIN code, and be wary of assistance from seemingly helpful strangers, however polite or well-dressed. In order to safeguard your card details and your transactions, wherever possible use the special security rooms provided by banks for this purpose. A lost or blocked card should be reported to your bank via its 24-hour emergency number for immediate cancellation/replacement.

Before Traveling Be Sure To

  • Activate ATM and/or credit card.
  • Bring your PIN code(s) - consisting of numbers, NOT letters (European ATMs have numerical key pads only) - to facilitate use of both ATM and credit card(s) (becoming increasingly important with new "chip & pin" technology).
  • Check with your bank to ensure you are able to withdraw cash on your cards abroad.
  • Advise your bank that you will be traveling abroad and plan to use your card/s for shopping etc. (to avoid fraud, they may refuse charges made overseas unless they know they are being made by the card owner).
  • Check also that cards are valid for at least 30 days beyond completion of your vacation.
  • Ask your credit card and traveler's check companies for emergency numbers (suitable for international access - not those starting with 0800) to report loss. Always keep these numbers with you while traveling (but separate from cards and checks).
You may also like to bring some money in traveler's checks. Should they get lost or stolen, they can be replaced fast, and without loss of funds, if their disappearance is reported within the time stipulated by the company that issued them. Carefully follow the advice of the traveler's check company; keep your receipt and the list of checks already used in a place separate from the checks themselves. Never countersign a traveler's check until the moment you use it. Although a secure means of carrying money, traveler's checks unfortunately are becoming harder to use in Europe. In most cases you will not be able to use checks as cash to purchase items in stores or pay for restaurant meals; instead exchange checks for currency at a local bank. On the rare occasions that you are able to use checks as cash a processing fee may be applied (usually 2-3%). Be aware also that changing Euro traveler's checks for cash is not always possible, or may incur a substantial fee. It is suggested to use larger denomination checks ($50, $100) because of fixed-rate service charges per check when you exchange for cash. There is always a fee involved in any exchange transaction; sometimes it is built in to the published rate; in other places, it can be a percentage fee, or a separate fixed-rate commission charge (in which case you receive better value for money if you exchange larger, rather than smaller amounts).
*Please Note: TouringForLess.com has no affiliation with Oanda, and therefore cannot guarantee their website content or service.

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How does Avalon's Travel Protection help protect your trip?

You're planning your annual vacation, or the vacation of a lifetime. Either way you don't want to think about canceling or interrupting your trip. Or getting sick. Or losing your luggage. Avalon knows these things can happen and they provide travelers peace of mind with comprehensive Travel Protection plans. The plans offer a wide range of benefits. In addition to excellent trip coverage and cancellation protection, an extra benefit is also available that allows for cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure (or prior business day, whichever is farther out) for any reason. In the event the reason for the cancellation is not covered under the plan inclusions, the cancellation penalty as retained by the Globus family of brands and will be reimbursed in the form of Travel Certificates, minus the travel protection payment, valid for travel within 2 years from the original cancelled vacation start date. This cancel for any reason benefit does not cover independently purchased air or Instant Purchase Air arranged by Globus family of brands. Ask your travel agent for the details, or get the details in your travel documents. The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, a mast, or over the barrel of a deck cannon.
For more detailed information, read the detailed Travel Protection information:
Avalon Waterways Travel Protection Details

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What are Avalon's Travel Terms and Conditions?

Avalon Waterways Travel Terms and Conditions

To view the travel terms and detailed conditioned for Avalon Waterways River Cruises & Tours please visit the following link: Avalon Waterways Travel Terms and Conditions


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