Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a passport for any of these trips?
A. Yes. All United States citizens who plan to travel outside of the US will need a passport due to the new requirements effective December 31, 2006. To learn how to apply for a passport, go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Q. Once a deposit due date has passed, how can I find out if space is still available?
A. Either e-mail TravelwithZTEC@yahoo.com or call 301-261-6784 between 9:00am - 6:00pm, Monday – Saturday.
Q. How will receipt of my payments be acknowledged?
A. By e-mail or phone. You may also contact ZTEC directly.
Q. Can I pay the full amount up-front?
A. Certainly.
Q. Are payments refundable should I cancel?
A. Payments are non-refundable; however, they are transferable to another event unless tickets (theater, sporting event, airline, etc.) have already been purchased. In this case, payments may be transferred to a replacement less a $25 administrative fee and any fees imposed by the vendor. Check individual trip flier or package for additional cancellation policy information.
Q. Is there an expiration date on your gift certificates?
A. No.
Q. Are the motor coaches you use handicap accessible?
A. Yes.
Q. From where do your trips depart?
A. Most of our trips depart from the Car Pool Parking Lot and Weigh Station in College Park off the Beltway at the I-95 exit. It will always be noted on the trip flier and itinerary along with directions.
Q. When do you send the itinerary?
A. No less than two weeks in advance of a trip.
Q. Can arrangements be made to be picked up at another location?
A. If your group numbers 10 or more, a second pickup can be made as long as it’s en route. Also, if ZTEC does a trip for your group or organization, you may choose your pickup location as long as it is not a private residence.
Q. Are seats assigned on the coach?
A. No. But if it’s a multi-coach trip, you and your traveling companion(s) may be assigned to a specific coach.
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TRAVEL TIPS
Check your passport
Some countries won't let you in if you have less than two empty pages. Also, check the expiration. Many countries require that it be valid for six months after your return date. Find a country's requirements by going to travel.state.gov and clicking "Travel Information by Country."
Resist the lure for designer knockoffs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit copy-righted and trademarked articles when you come back in the United States.
Follow the 3-1-1- rule
To avoid holding up security lines, make sure you're following TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3-ounce containers; a 1-quart clear plastic zip-top bag: one bag per flier). If in doubt, put your liquids in your checked luggage.
Know about the VAT refund
When making large purchases in another country, ask for a "de-tax" form from the shop, read the instructions and allow extra time at the airport to get your sales tax refunded. Value Added Tax refunds are not available in all countries.
Blend in
Europeans joke that you always can tell Americans by their white sneakers. Blending in will help you avoid being targeted by pickpockets and unethical taxi drivers. Choose a cab with a meter (and make sure it's running), or set the price before you get in.
Know the difference
Adapters change prongs to fit international outlets. You use them for dual-voltage appliances, laptops and chargers only.
Converters keep your 110-volt curling iron from burning up in countries that use 220/240 volt electricity. Buy a 1,600-watt converter before you go.
Call your credit card companies
Let them know before you go to avoid suspected fraudulent use, which will result in them freezing your card.
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