Holiday Essentials

Your Holiday Essentials If you’ve booked a holiday with us, or you are trying to decide where in the world to visit next, we’ve put together some essential information to help you before you travel, tips to help your journey run smoothly and some notes, so you know what to expect from your holiday. Our experienced team of experts have put together all the practical information you need to make your holiday as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Essential Information for customers travelling within Europe Before you go

Passports & Visas

You will need a full 10‑Year British Passport with at least six months validity outstanding and have been issued less than 9 years and 6‑months ago on the day of departing for your holiday. This applies to all European holidays including air or sea travel. This is for all travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and will come into effect from 12 May 2021. This excludes Ireland where current conditions apply and your passport is valid for its full term. Children require their own passport. The Passport Office may be contacted on 0300 222 0000. British Citizens do not require visas to enter Europe (except the countries listed below). Citizens of other countries should contact the embassy of the country they are travelling to for clarification. Newmarket cannot accept responsibility for entry or travel being refused due to the failure on the part of any customer to produce correct documentation. We also encourage you to ensure you have adequate medical cover within your insurance policy, as your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will not be valid after December 31, 2020. For the latest information, please visit www.gov.uk/visiteurope-1-january-2021 Russia

A visa is required for entry into Russia and you must appear in person at the Russian Embassy in either Edinburgh, Manchester or London as part of the process. The cost is approximately £110 if obtained directly and more information can be found online at: ru.vfsglobal.co.uk Turkey

British Citizens require a visa for entry into Turkey. You must obtain an e-Visa online prior to travel. The cost is $20 – please visit www.evisa.gov.tr to apply for an e‑Visa (this can be done up to 3 months in advance). Please note you can no longer obtain a visa upon arrival ‑ you must apply for an e‑Visa before you travel. For further details please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ turkey/entry-requirements

Health & holiday insurance

Following the United Kingdom’s full departure from the European Union on December 31, 2020 we encourage you to ensure you have adequate medical cover within your insurance policy, as your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will not be valid after December 31, 2020. For the latest information, please visit www.gov. uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021 If you have any concerns, or if you have suffered from a serious medical condition recently, it is suggested that you consult your GP about your fitness to travel about 12 weeks prior to your holiday departure date. We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. The current European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) remains valid although when this expires you will need to apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note both EHIC and GHIC are only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Money matters

Credit cards and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, but don’t forget to inform your bank if you intend to use ‘cash‑point’ machines while away. Take some cash for use on arrival – we normally find the best rates are available at the Post Office, supermarkets and online. We also recommend a Pre‑paid Money Travel Card ‑ a cheap and safe way to spend money abroad.

Your journey

Your flight & airline

UK & Irish Holidays

Your airline requires valid photo identification which must be either a valid passport or a valid European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence with photo presented by an EEA national.Children under 16 require their own passport unless they are included on the passport of the parent with whom they are travelling. Flights with Ryanair

Please note that some of the holidays offered in this brochure use the services of Ryanair, who only accept a valid UK passport as ID for use when checking in. They will not accept a driving licence as ID on any of their flights, including to/from the UK and Ireland. For more information please visit www.ryanair.com Newmarket cannot be held responsible if you fail to meet the airline’s ID requirements. You will be notified of your airline at the time of booking.

Flight & Rail Seats

We always endeavour to book seats located together on flights and rail journeys but this cannot be guaranteed.

Luggage

You are permitted to check into the aircraft hold one suitcase per person. Weight and dimension limits will apply, and vary between airlines. We will send you up to date information about your hold and hand baggage allowance just prior to your departure. Keep your passport, important documents and medication in your hand luggage.

Your holiday

Service with a smile

Our friendly, experienced tour managers are on hand to ensure you make the very most of your time away. They will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport and show you to your transport. They will usually accompany you to your hotel. All our tour managers have a passion for the country you are visiting and will have good knowledge of the local language and be able to assist with any questions you may have.

Meals

Unless otherwise stated, breakfast is provided on all our European escorted tours. Usually this is a continental buffet‑ style breakfast to get you ready to start a busy day of touring and exploration. On tours where other meals are not included, you can always rely on your tour manager to point you in the direction of a suitable restaurant. If you are on an included or optional excursion over lunch time, we will always try to make an appropriate stop.

Tipping

A gratuity is an accepted form of appreciation and works differently from country to country. At the end of the day, do use your own discretion to tip for good service and do rely on the tour manager for advice. It’s also customary to tip your tour manager if service is good!

Smoking

As is the case at home, smoking in public spaces is pretty much outlawed across Europe. Regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The vast majority of hotels now have no or very few smoking rooms. In general, smoking outside is acceptable.

Tuscany

Hotels

We’re proud of the hotels used throughout our tours, all of which are carefully selected. You will find a description on each holiday page. All our hotels will either have their own restaurant or be near to a choice of places to eat out. If you need any advice on where to eat out for the best value, or most authentic experience, the tour manager will be able to point you in the right direction. If you are travelling on one of our resort‑based holidays, our hotels are handpicked to offer you a choice of budget and taste – whether you prefer to be in the heart of the action or enjoy some ‘R & R’ in a quieter part of town. On occasions, for operational reasons we have to use alternative properties, which will always be of at least the same standard and in similar locations.

Please let us know of any special requests, such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, at the time of booking; we’ll do our best to oblige but no guarantee can be made. Note too that some facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available at certain times. Outdoor swimming pools are subject to weather conditions and it will be the decision of each individual hotelier as to when these facilities are available.

Manhattan

Before you go

Passports & Visas

An electronic passport with embedded chip, valid until your return to the UK, is required by all British citizens. If you are unsure please check with our Customer Services Department on 0330 160 7766. The Passport Office may be contacted on 0300 222 0000. British CITIZENS do not generally require a visa to enter the USA or Canada. Some conditions, such as having a criminal record, or if you have ever been arrested, or if you are a dual national of or have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011 should be checked with the relevant embassy well in advance of travel as a visa may be required. British SUBJECTS and citizens of other countries should contact the US or Canadian embassy for clarification. BRITISH SUBJECTS WILL REQUIRE A VISA. Newmarket cannot accept responsibility for entry or travel being refused due to the failure on the part of the passenger to produce correct documentation.

Entry into the USA & Canada

When travelling to both the USA & Canada action is required prior to travel! For travel to the USA, British Citizens (and those from countries eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program) MUST, as soon as you can, and at least 72 hours prior to travel, go to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) website at www.cbp.dhs.gov/ esta. This service costs $14 per person payable online, and is valid for any number of visits to the USA within two years of its issue as long as the passport remains valid. Enter some basic information about your visit. This electronic information is then transmitted automatically to the authorities and is used as part of the entry procedure once you arrive in the USA. Canada follow a similar process, the eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) and you should apply at www.canada.ca/eta This service costs $7 per person, and is valid for any number of visits to Canada within five years of issue as long as the passport remains valid. On arrival your photograph will be taken and your fingerprints scanned. Please Note: If you are travelling on a tour which includes both Canada and the USA different rules apply. If your tour flies first to the USA you should apply for the US ESTA only – and not the Canadian eTA. If your tour flies into Canada you should apply for the Canadian eTA ‑ and not the US ESTA. When entering the USA by land, formalities will take place at the border where a fee of $6 (USD) is also payable (cash only). Passengers travelling on cruises which involve a combination of USA and Canadian ports may be required to apply for both the US ESTA and Canadian eTA. This will be advised prior to travel. Health & holiday insurance If you have any concerns, or if you have suffered from a serious medical condition recently, it is suggested that you consult your GP about your fitness to travel about 12 weeks prior to your holiday departure date. We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. No inoculations are required. Health care is very good, but expensive, in North America so please make sure you have very good, comprehensive insurance cover as detailed at the back of this brochure. Money matters Credit cards and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, but don’t forget to inform your bank if you intend to use ‘cash‑ point’ machines while away. Take some cash for use on arrival – we normally find the best rates are available at the Post Office, supermarkets and online. In the US be careful – all American notes are very similar at first glance! We also recommend a Pre‑paid Money Travel Card ‑ a cheap and safe way to spend money abroad. Your journey Your flight & airline The holiday includes flights as detailed in economy class. All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land back into the UK the next day. As a very general guide, flights to the East Coast take around eight hours and to the West between nine and 11 hours. Meals will be served with, usually, lunch and a snack on outward flights and dinner and breakfast on the return. Some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks. Your seats on the flight will usually be allocated by the airline who will make every effort to ensure you are seated with your travelling companions. Some airlines now charge for allocated seating in economy class and, as you’re travelling on a group booking, this cannot be actioned more than three weeks prior to travel. Where available, details explaining how to book your seating directly with the airline will be sent with your final paperwork. All airlines are now required by laws introduced in the US and other countries to give border‑control agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly, any information we hold about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country in your itinerary. From time to time an advertised airline may be changed due to reasons beyond our control. Airbus, Boeing and Embraer aircraft types are used for the vast majority of tours.

Flexible arrangements

On some tours we’re able to offer upgrades and flexible flight arrangements should you wish to stay on for a few days relaxation after your tour or maybe visit friends and family. Let us know what your plans are and we’d be happy to quote. Alternatively some holidays can be arranged without flights provided you join and leave the tour at a pre‑agreed point, usually the first and last hotels, and within the time restraints of the main group. We’re unable to tailor make other land arrangements before and after the tour for you. Our tour arrangements are made well in advance and in rare circumstances, contractual reasons or simple demand means we may have to make changes or even cancel specific departure dates. We cannot be responsible for costs for any additional items like flights or hotels you may have booked yourself in conjunction with the tour.

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft which should not exceed 23kgs per piece on flights to the USA and Canada. For your own comfort, hand luggage should fit in the overhead locker on the aircraft. Keep your passport, important documents and medication in your hand luggage. We will send you up‑to‑date information about your luggage allowance and what you can and can’t carry in it just prior to departure.

Avoiding jet lag

Importantly, drink plenty of water prior to and during your flight – if necessary buy it after airport security and take it with you. We’d also recommend a good night’s sleep prior to your flight! On board, avoid too much alcohol and caffeine and do try to rest. We recommend taking an easy walk or a swim on arrival and avoiding sleep prior to night time in the country you’ve arrived in. The next morning, do your best to rise at a time appropriate to the locality. On the return, with a morning arrival, we recommend a short sleep but do then get up and try to remain awake until your normal bed time. By the following morning it’s likely you will be back in your own time zone! Your holiday

Service with a smile

The majority of our friendly tour managers are local to the USA and Canada and will ensure you make the very most of your time away. They will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport and show you to your transport. All our tour managers have a genuine interest in the country they are showing you and will be able to assist you with any questions you have.

Hotels

We’re proud of the hotels used throughout our tours which are carefully selected, and usually meet a standard typical of a good three‑star level in Europe. Rooms are generally larger than in Europe and each has, at least, private bathroom, a telephone and TV, while the vast majority also have tea/ coffee‑making facilities. There will always be a bar or restaurant on site or nearby. Rooms have two double beds or one king‑size bed and, should you wish for three or four people to occupy a room, this will usually be within the existing two beds – rooms with three separate beds cannot be provided in North America! It is usual for rooms to be vacated by 12 noon. Where your departure is later, it may be possible to keep the room longer but this has to be at the hotel’s discretion. Let us know of any special requests, such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, at the time of booking; we’ll do our best to oblige, although no guarantee can be made. Also note that some facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available at certain times. Outdoor swimming pools are subject to weather conditions and it will be the decision of each individual hotelier as to when these facilities are available. On some occasions, for operational reasons we have to use alternative properties, where possible of the very same standard and in similar, convenient locations.

Meals

The tours in this brochure do not generally include meals, as is the usual practice on North American escorted tours. Many people use hotel restaurants for breakfast, while others may use nearby diners. The same goes for dinner, especially when in cities where the choices can be endless. In more rural areas, hotels always have their own restaurant and will often offer a special or soup and sandwich menu for Newmarket guests, should you simply not feel like a full meal every night. At lunch time we will always try to make an appropriate stop – and your tour manager will always help with choices for you.

Tipping

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person’s earnings – to the extent that an assumed amount of income tax is paid. That aside tips will also ensure excellent service! Customary gratuity to a coach driver or tour manager is about $5 per person per day; in a taxi or a restaurant leave 12‑15% of the bill and, in the bar, a dollar or so per drink as long as a service charge has not already been added to the bill.

Smoking

As is the case at home, smoking is pretty much outlawed in any public areas or on transport, including all flights. Regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The vast majority of hotels in North America are non‑smoking throughout too, including all bedrooms. Hotels will charge for cleaning a room in which a guest has smoked and this will be charged back for payment. In general, smoking outside is acceptable.

Helicopter flights

Sightseeing flights by helicopter are weight controlled and balanced. If your weight exceeds 300lbs you must advise us. As a seat may have to be left empty, some companies may charge a premium.

Before you go

Passports & Visas

Visas are required by British Citizens travelling to the following countries and must be applied for prior to departure. The charges shown below are current costs for British Citizens and can change at any time. Citizens of other countries must also check for up to date requirements and costs may vary. We will send you details of how to apply for your visa about eight weeks prior to travel. If you prefer to use the services of a visa agency, who will help you complete forms and deal directly with the embassies for you, we can recommend CIBT. Note that they will make additional charges for their services dependent on the country and type of visa required. Look online at www.cibtvisas.co.uk/newmarketholidays

Newmarket cannot accept responsibility for entry or travel being refused due to the failure on the part of the passenger to produce correct documentation.

Cambodia

The current cost is £30. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date to the UK and contain one blank page for the visa. British Citizens travelling in this region do not require a visa for Thailand.

China

The current cost is £151. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of application and contain two blank pages for the visa. As part of the China visa process you must appear in person at one of the China visa centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh as part of the process.

Egypt

The current cost is US$25 (approx £19). You can obtain your visa on arrival and should make payment in Sterling, US Dollars or Euros. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date to the UK and contain one blank page for the visa.

India

The current cost of an e‑Visa, valid for 30 days from issue, varies between $10 and $25 (approx £7.50 to £19) dependent on the time of travel. Passports must be valid for 180 days beyond the date of the return flight and contain two blank pages for the visa.

Newmarket staff photo taken on Classic South Africa Tour May 2017

Kenya

The current cost is US$59 (approx. £47). Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of the return flight and contain two blank pages for the visa.

Laos

The current cost is US$35 and you can obtain your visa on arrival and should make payment in US Dollars or Thai Baht. You will also need to bring one passport photo.Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date to the UK.

Malaysia

A visa is not required but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to Malaysia and have one blank visa page.

Namibia

A visa is not required but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to Namibia and have one blank visa page.

Nepal

The current cost is £20. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to Nepal and contain one blank page for the visa.

South Africa & Swaziland

A visa is not required but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to South Africa and have three blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years which are shown at www.southafricahouseuk.com

Sri Lanka

The current cost is US$35. British Citizens use an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country which should be applied for online before travel, visit www.eta.gov.lk. Your ETA is valid for 30 days from your date of entry and your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of the return flight with one blank page for the visa.

Vietnam

Single entry visits to Vietnam may require a visa; this requirement was previously waived and, at the time of writing, no further definite information was available. If you are entering Vietnam more than once during your tour a visa is required. The current cost of a visa is £104 and your passport must be valid for one month beyond the visa expiry date. Zambia

The current cost is £35. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry into Zambia and contain two blank pages for the visa. Please note: If you are applying for any of the above visas an additional charge will apply if you use the services of a courier agency.

Health & holiday insurance

Your doctor will advise you on appropriate precautions and any recommended vaccinations. It is suggested that you consult your GP about 12 weeks prior to travel. Sensible prevention measures, such as high‑ factor sun protection, insect‑repellent sprays and drinking bottled mineral water are also advised. We recommend leaving contact lenses at home and using glasses due to increased dust in the air in some areas, and on flights.

Money Matters

All required currency can be readily purchased at UK banks and airports, with the exception of the Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee and Cambodian Riel which should be purchased upon arrival at your destination. Hotels and airports all generally have exchange facilities. Some people ask how much currency they’ll need. That depends on you! How much do you eat and where do you want to eat; how many souvenirs or presents do you wish to bring back? Our suggestion is to change a little at a time. You can use cash machines and banks to withdraw cash now generally anywhere in the world although our experience says this is more likely to work in larger cities! Credit cards too are widely accepted, again in the major cities.

Flexible arrangements

On some tours we’re able to offer upgrades and flexible flight arrangements should you wish to stay on for a few days of relaxation after your tour or maybe visit friends and family. Let us know what your plans are and we’d be happy to quote. Alternatively some holidays can be arranged without flights provided you join and leave the tour at a pre‑agreed point, usually the first and last hotels, and within the time restraints of the main group. We’re unable to tailor make other land arrangements before and after the tour for you. Our tour arrangements are made well in advance and in rare circumstances, contractual reasons or simple demand means we may have to make changes or even cancel specific departure dates. We cannot be responsible for costs for any additional items like flights or hotels you may have booked yourself in conjunction with the tour.

Essential Information for customers travelling Worldwide continued... Your journey

Your flight & airline

Our flights are with some of the world’s most reputable airlines and all flights include spacious, ergonomic seating in the economy cabin, usually two complimentary meals en route and appropriate to the time of day as well as soft and alcoholic drinks throughout the flight. You’ll find seatback video with a choice of films, TV and music channels to help keep you entertained throughout the flight. Your seats on the flight will usually be allocated by the airline who will make every effort to ensure you are seated with your travelling companions. Some airlines now charge for allocated seating in economy class and, as you’re travelling on a group booking, this cannot be actioned more than three weeks prior to travel. Where available, details explaining how to book your seating directly with the airline will be sent with your final paperwork. Your holiday Service with a smile The majority of our friendly, experienced tour managers are local to the destination and are on hand to ensure you make the very best of your time away. They will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport and show you to your transport. All our tour managers have a genuine interest in the country they are showing you and will be able to assist you with any questions you have.

Internal & regional flights

Internal and regional flights in India, Africa, South Africa, China and Latin America which, on the tours shown in this brochure, are operated by state regulated private airlines. The on‑board service is similar to European short‑haul flights and all airlines operate modern, western type aircraft usually built by Airbus, Embraer or Boeing. Airports throughout India and China are usually modern with all of the usual facilities.

Luggage

We ask that you do not exceed one suitcase per person (with a maximum weight of 20kgs) as space on the coach when you arrive at your destination will be limited. Keep your passport, important documents and any important medication in your hand luggage and, for your own comfort, do try to minimise the amount you take into the aircraft cabin. We will send you up to date information about your luggage allowance and what you can and can’t carry in it just prior to departure.

Hotels

There is no doubt, especially on holiday that involves travelling and sightseeing, that a good quality hotel is important, which is why we spend so much time carefully selecting the places you’ll stay – even if it’s only for one night! Chosen for a combination of location, welcome, comfort and the opportunity to rest and relax, our city‑based hotels and touring and resort‑based hotels are of an excellent standard and offer a range of modern conveniences and usually a choice of regional and international cuisine. Please let us know of any special requests, such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, at time of booking, and we’ll do our best to oblige, although no guarantee can be made. Note too that some facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available at certain times. Sometimes local conditions or volume of tours means that we may have to use alternative properties, where possible of the very same standard and in similar, convenient locations.

Enjoying your stay

When travelling overseas it’s always wise to take simple and sensible precautions. Never drink water that is not bottled. Even then, make sure the seal is intact. Try to always eat cooked food, served hot and avoid salad or cold food. Eat fruit which has to be peeled first. Take a hand sanitiser to use frequently and before you eat. Take sun block if you’re travelling to a hot destination. Mosquito bites are common, especially after dark and can make a trip miserable. Cover up and use a readily available repellent spray or cream. Also, we recommend you take your favourite brands of medication for general ailments such as headache, stomach upset etc and some sticking plasters just in case. After all, holiday time is precious!

Meals

On tours where all meals are not included you can always rely on your tour manager to point you in the direction of a suitable restaurant.

Tipping

A gratuity is an accepted form of appreciation and works differently from country to country. At the end of the day do use your own discretion to tip for good service and do rely on the tour manager for advice. It’s also customary to tip your tour manager and drivers if service is good! In China and India we now include some tips to cover the services of railway station, airport, restaurant and hotel bell staff. In South Africa and Costa Rica it is customary to tip around 10% when paying in restaurants and do check as, in some cases, it may have been added to the bill already!

Avoiding jet lag

Importantly, drink plenty of water prior to and during your flight. If necessary buy it after airport security and take it with you. We’d also recommend a good night’s sleep prior to your flight! On board, avoid too much alcohol and caffeine and do try to rest. We recommend taking an easy walk or a swim on arrival and avoiding sleep prior to night time in the country you’ve arrived in. The next morning, do your best to rise at a time appropriate to the locality. Avoid sleeping in as it will take your body longer to adjust to the difference in time. On the return, it is generally easier to adjust as you will be naturally tired by the reverse time difference. Try to sleep at normal UK bed time and by the following morning it’s likely you will be back in your own time zone.

Smoking

As is the case at home, smoking is pretty much outlawed in any public areas or on transport, including all flights. Regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The vast majority of hotels now have no or very few smoking rooms. In general, smoking outside is acceptable. Please note that e‑cigarettes cannot be purchased in or taken into India.