Travel Tips

We compiled this list of tips from our long travel experience and suggestions from our travelmates. Some tips may be more or less appropriate for your destination. We will send you specific suggestions for your destination after you make your reservation. These are only suggestions, not requirements! Be sure to see our list of online Travel Resources too. Please contact us if you have any questions.

View the plain text version of these travel tips, great for printing!

Credit cards. Be sure to notify your credit card company of your travel plans or else your international credit card charges may be rejected. Most credit card companies allow you to do this online or you can call the phone number on the back of your card. Be sure to find out the phone number to call while you are traveling in case your card is stolen and keep this phone number and your account number with your travel documents.

Travel Documents. Make copies of your passport, visa, credit cards and other documents to keep separate from the originals. The copies will be handy in case the originals are lost.

Cash Money. Many countries will accept US dollars, either outright in stores or for exchange at a bank or in the airport. It is a good idea to bring crisp bills since some places will not accept worn bills due to counterfeiting. Smaller denominations, such as US$20, are more readily accepted.

Luggage Limits. Be sure to check the weight, size, and quantity limits, plus the costs, for your luggage - both carry-on and checked. The best place for up-to-date and correct information is your airline's website. Don't forget to check all the airlines that you will fly. Recheck the requirements right before departure since luggage policies change often these days.
| American | United | Aerolineas | British Airways | KLM | Air France | Kenya Airways | Quantas | Alaska Air |

Lithium Batteries. According to the US Department of Transportation, you may not pack spare lithium batteries in your checked baggage. You should pack spare lithium batteries in our carry-on baggage. Read spare battery tips.

Walking Sticks. Although we don't use them ourselves, some of our travelmates swear by walking sticks particularly if your tour involves a bit of hiking. The collapsible style will pack better.

Knee Pads. Some of our travelmates recommend knee pads for kneeling to photograph from zodiacs and small-boats. These may also be used on land when the ground is wet, particularly during our Antarctic, Svalbard, or Alaska trips.

Binoculars. Good binoculars will really enhance your experience, especially if you will be looking at birds. Read binocular recommendations from Doug Cheeseman.

Photography. Read digital storage recommendations for your photographs from Doug Cheeseman. Please contact Doug or Ted Cheeseman, both excellant photographers, if you have any photography questions.

Medications. Bring an adequate supply of medications for the entire trip, since we may not be near a pharmacy to refill perscriptions or to buy over the counter drugs. Bring along a signed and dated letter from your physician stating any health problems and dosage of perscription medications to provide information for medical authorities in case of emergencies. Place all indispensable medications in your carry-on baggage.

Snacks. All our safaris include full delicious meals. But since we often go out in the field early in the morning and sometimes stay out late, we recommend that you bring a small snack in your pack each day. Nutritious snack bars are especially convenient and easy to carry.

Water Bottles. Bring your own water bottle to avoid using disposable water bottles.

Leaking Lotions. To prevent bottles of suncreen or shampoo from leaking in your luggage, remove the lid, place plastic cling wrap over the open top, then replace the lid. It is also a good idea to pack these in ziplock bags.

Security of Valuables. We are very concerned about, but not responsible for, the safety of your valuables. Generally speaking, while on a guided tour, it is safe to leave equipment in the vehicle under the care of the driver, but we do not guarantee the safety of your valuables. We do recommend keeping items of significant value with you or in hotel safety deposit boxes. Some items may be covered by travel insurance, but you should check your policy carefully for limitations and restrictions. If you have expensive camera equipment, you may consider purchasing an additional insurance policy; contact your insurance agent for information.

Protect your Gear from the Elements. Plastic bags of varying sizes come in handy to protect your gear from wind and rain. Ziplock one-gallon freezer bags have all kinds of uses. Large plastic bags (sturdy ones such as kitchen compactor bags) are convenient to throw over your camera while it is on the tripod. Cheap plastic rain sleeves slip over your camera and allow you to take photos in the rain. Please also bring a way to secure these plastics from blowing away in the wind!

Updated in March 2010

All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
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