Preparing for your experience
REVIEW YOUR PASSPORT
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your experience ends, and should have enough blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps from each country you visit.
COVID-19: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
JSL requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to travel on any JSL experience. Guests on JSL Group Experiences must comply with country entry and service provider requirements.
Be sure to review your Essential Information for country entry and service provider requirements, which may be more restrictive. JSL will arrange any required testing during your experience or for onward travel. If you are a U.S. resident or fully vaccinated Canadian returning home, there are currently no COVID-19 testing requirements for entry. Unvaccinated Canadians returning home, as well as guests continuing to other countries, should check the specific COVID19 entry requirements for those destinations.
All requirements are subject to change, so continue to check the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories as your departure date approaches.
REGISTER YOUR EXPERIENCE
Be sure to register with your nearest embassy or consulate for the destinations included in your experience. U.S. citizens can register through STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (step.state.gov/step). Canadian citizens can enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad at the Registration of Canadians Abroad.
UPDATE VACCINES & MEDICATIONS
Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/travel) or the World Health Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your destination. You’ll want to visit your doctor or local travel clinic a couple of months before departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions.
Be sure to pack your original COVID-19 and other vaccination certificates and required health documentation in your personal carry-on baggage in case you are asked to show them on arrival.
MONEY MANAGEMENT
We recommend traveling with some cash, and at least two different major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be traveling, as well as confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations; many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may be required for exit.
Be sure to review your credit card receipts before signing, paying special attention to currency conversion. We recommend taking items with you in lieu of shipping them whenever possible. Consult the local customs authority (cbp.gov in the U.S. and travel.gc.ca in Canada) for information on what you can bring back and duty taxes. Keep receipts and items together.
STAY CONNECTED
While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan options while traveling abroad.
GETTING ONLINE
Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout your experience, although Internet access may be poor to nonexistent in remote destinations. Note that some countries block access to social media sites or otherwise impose restrictions on what content you can view or send online.
WEATHER & TIME ZONES
Many websites and smartphone apps allow you to check the forecast and time zones for specific destinations. We recommend weather.com and timeanddate.com/worldclock. Upon arrival, the time on most smartphones will automatically adjust to the local time.
STAY HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING
Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your carry-on luggage. Pack a simple first-aid kit along with medicines for motion sickness and mild upset stomach. As a precaution, use only bottled water and avoid foods from street vendors.
Take care to observe safe health practices when traveling: Wash or sanitize your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. If you begin to feel unwell at any point in your experience, please inform your guide.
SAFE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Be sure to bring your own face masks and any other PPE you require during travel; a supply of masks will be on hand where needed. We also recommend travel-sized hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, facial tissues and disinfecting wipes or spray.
Guests must wear a mask in accordance with local regulations and service provider requirements. Details specific to your experience are included in Essential Information. All protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and conditions.
FLIGHTS
Be sure to reconfirm your international flights 24 hours prior to your departure. Tickets for any internal flights, if included on your itinerary, will be issued by JSL at your destination and presented to you as needed.
KEEP VALUABLES SECURE
We strongly recommend leaving valuables such as jewelry at home as JSL cannot be responsible. Use safes where available to secure your valuables, especially passports, money, jewelry, electronics and medications. Replacing a lost or stolen passport is much easier if you have a copy on hand. Pack a photocopy of your passport’s personal information page with your luggage, and keep a photo of it on your smartphone.
PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE
Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of local people, including small children. Note photography is not permitted in some locations, which is usually clearly marked. If in doubt, ask your guide to avoid having your camera confiscated.
TIPS ON TIPPING
Tipping on JSL experiences varies depending on where and how you travel. Consult the Tipping Guidelines provided for your experience in Essential Information.
