Before You Travel

From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we’re with you every step of the way to help you explore the world with confidence. We’ve elevated our wellbeing protocols in response to the changed landscape and also offer flexible and risk-free booking terms. What hasn’t changed is that you’ll still experience the same ease of having it all taken care of, combined with the amazing and unique local Costsaver travel experiences.

We understand your worries and so you can view all the steps we’ve taken to offer you peace of mind for your concerns. We want you to travel without a worry in the world and have the most incredible time.

What COVID-19 travel regulations do I need to be aware of before travelling?

You can check the latest COVID-19 travel regulations, quarantine policies and border statuses for destinations around the world here.

Personalisation

With the information you share we will be able to personalise your trip based on your interests, dietary and rooming preferences.

Ease of travel

• Your tour experience will be seamless, from accommodation check-ins to passport and security checks.

• Your emergency contact details will be on file in case we ever need them.

• You can check in to view your trip itinerary and check all the useful travel and booking details.

• You can unlock your e-documentation.

Social Connection

• Say hello to your fellow guests and your Travel Director, before and during the tour.

• Send updates to social networks.

• Receive daily tour news and itinerary updates from your Travel Director.

Once registered with the My Costsaver travel portal you will be able to access your travel documents approximately 3 weeks before your departure. The portal also features a handful of social interaction tools including a group chat with your Travel Director and other guests.

Europe tours:

Due to COVID-19 changing the way we travel in 2021 and beyond, we have needed to change our requirements around travel insurance. Travel insurance is now necessary on all our trips, and must include the following coverage; Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Medical Expenses, Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation. Your choice of travel insurance must cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. This cover is not yet available, however is being worked on by insurance providers. When this level of travel policy is available to purchase  you can buy it from either us or your travel agent. If you have paid a deposit on a tour now, we, or your travel agent, will be in contact when the insurance is available to make sure you are properly covered.

If you opt to travel on Costsaver without the necessary travel insurance outlined above, you will need to acknowledge your agreement to take full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with Costsaver. Further, you agree to indemnify Costsaver against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies that may be brought against Costsaver as a result of your participation in the Costsaver trip.

Guests will need to agree that they have read and understood this requirement of travel with us at the time of registering for their trip. 

Rest of the world:

We strongly recommend all guests take out  a travel insurance policy to give themselves peace of mind before and while travelling. It’s critical to protect yourself in the event of trip cancellations, an interruption for any reason, baggage delays or loss of baggage and medical expenses. Travel insurance can be purchased through Costsaver

Manulife in partnership with Costsaver offers a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Details can be found by clicking here.

Your departure

Usually, guests are asked to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This timeframe gives you ample time to check in and pass via security to the boarding area. If online check-in is available, you can check into your flight via the website or app before arriving at the airport and save yourself time and hassle.

Please allocate sufficient time to make your flight – and be conscious that during busy travel periods or at airports with heightened security, there may be longer queues. Boarding generally begins 30-45 minutes prior to departure and the gate generally closes 20-minutes prior to departure. Check what time check-in counters open with your airline.

Airport check in

A set of travel documents are required for everyone travelling, regardless of age. All guests including children require a machine-readable passport that has more than six months validity after your trip return date along with any required visas. If you make sure your travel documents and required paperwork are in order, international travel is not so hard. When you travel internationally, you are responsible for holding the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip, and then make your way back home.

Please note: always use the information exactly as it appears on your passport (to book and complete any documents).

Airline tickets

Please read over your airline tickets carefully as lots of airlines have code share agreements with another airline. This means that your flights from home departure to final destination may use more than one carrier. If your airline ticket says “Flight operated by (airline)” you should check in with that airline and not the original carrier listed.

Airline connections

You may need to change planes at major airports while travelling internationally. Your airline will give you  information about the minimum connection time needed to transfer from one gate to another at each airport. We suggest you check connection times carefully and familiarise yourself with the airport layout prior to landing so you don’t miss the connecting flight. When checking in for your flight, make sure you check in to your final destination so you do not need to claim luggage and re-check it during flight connections.

Airport security

Before boarding a flight  you will pass through airport security. Security has measures in place to protect your safety, so get familiar with the rules and restrictions so you can pass via security checks without delay. The restrictions on items you can bring on board and in hand luggage changes from time to time and country to country, so we suggest you look at the latest security advice before travelling. Please remember that while all airports follow relevant aviation security requirements, the actual security procedures may differ from airport to airport. More details about security checks can be found on the airport website of where you are flying from and usually from that of your airline or travel company.

Airport Transfers are different depending on where you’re going. Click here for full details.

Europe tours:

Each guest travelling with Costsaver can bring one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”). Carry on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, with the size not exceeding 30cm x 28cm x 14 cm (12” x 11” x 6”) so it fits beneath your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. 

Please test the weight of your baggage before travelling so your driver and the hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your holiday. Each guest should be able to lift and comfortably carry their suitcase for short distances.

Baggage allowances and sizes vary between airlines so please consult your chosen carrier for information before you travel.

North & South America, Australia & New Zealand tours:

Each guest can take one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”) and weight not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. Guests may also take one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.

Africa & Asia tours:

East Africa safari vehicles cannot accommodate the normal luggage dimensions and weights listed above. Instead we kindly request guests travel with a soft sided bag or medium sized suitcase. Please note that for internal flights on Costsaver Asia tours there is often a 20kg (44lbs) luggage allowance.

If your luggage is delayed by the airline, it is the airline’s responsibility to make sure it finds you while travelling. If you need to claim  reimbursement for delayed baggage, please address the airline directly. Upon arrival complete a claim form at the airline desk before you pass through passport control and customs. It might help to provide the airline with our list of hotels so the baggage can be forwarded to you directly.

You may wish to pack the follow useful items:

A small travel alarm, so you don’t need to book wake up calls at your hotel;

A travel iron or steamer if you like neatly pressed clothes;

A wash cloth and carry bag;

A travel pillow;

A copy of the hotel contact list. If your luggage goes missing by your airline, this list will help them reunite you. That said, pack a change of clothes and essential travel toiletries in your hand luggage for the same reason;

Take a photograph of your luggage contents in case of loss;

Scented soap, fabric softener sheets or scented sachets will make your clothes smell fresh and clean during your holiday;

Pack one dressier outfit for nights at the theatre or a chic restaurant. Smart casual clothes are generally accepted attire for other evening activities.

Think about things such as spending money for meals that are not included, as an example lunch or drinks, snacks and alcohol. You will need money for Optional Experiences and sightseeing trips, plus purchases while shopping, gratuities and any random extralike laundry or dry cleaning.

Before travelling internationally, we recommend that you notify your bank and credit card company with information about where you are travelling and to obtain PIN codes if you do not already know them. It is critical to inform your provider so they will not deny payment because they think the transaction could be fraudulent. It is also good practice to keep the details of an overseas contact number for your bank and/or credit card company just in case you need their assistance when travelling.

In most countries ATMs are easily available to withdraw cash. There will generally be a fee determined by your bank or the ATM, but these are still the most cost-effective method of cash withdrawal. You can locate ATMs in the customs arrival hall or airport terminal building. As you travel your Travel Director can help you find the location of banks/ATMs etc.

Please remember to only insert cards into ATM machines that have the logo of your card. Debit cards are preferable to credit cards as transaction fees are less, and most machines have a maximum withdrawal limit.

If you plan to purchase local currency before you travel, ask for notes of smaller denominations. Many local stores and restaurants may not accept or be able to give change for the higher ones.

Europe tours:

To experience a  healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly recommend that you pack a good supply of any medication you may require while on holiday. Bring all your prescriptions in their original packaging and  pack them in your carry-on bag with copies of your prescription paperwork. This is the best way to travel as your checked luggage may be hard to access, particularly in the event of delays, lost luggage etc.

If you have concerns regarding enhanced airport security measures and the quantities of liquids you need to carry aboard an aircraft, do not worry. If you need to take liquid medication on flights simply carry relevant documentation from your doctor (a doctor’s note or letter should be fine) as you are entitled to take it with you on board your flight.

We suggest you research the rules around taking your specific medication to the destination country and what proof of treatment you’re expected to bring with you. For example, having your prescription drugs and doctor’s letter readily available will help you avoid any issues at airport customs in Spain. Note that not all European countries have the same regulations. We do not carry everyday over-the-counter medicines on the coach. Your Travel Director will be on hand to give advice on where to find pharmacies etc.

To determine which vaccinations or other health precautions are recommended for your travels, please get in touch with your doctor or health care provider before travelling. Most countries that Costsaver travels to do not ask for any special vaccinations. However, requirements can change at any time and we strongly suggest you check the latest information before you travel. Every guest must comply with entry, health and other requirements of the countries visited throughout your holiday.

Guests should alert Costsaver about any dietary or health related issues that may affect them during their travels. As an example, if a guest carries an auto-injector for nuts or other allergies etc. or has a condition requiring special attention. 

Please notify Costsaver of any disability requiring special assistance before travelling. This gives us time to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate specific needs of those travelling with a disability. A companion should always accompany those guests who require individual assistance to walk, get on and off the motorcoach and other vehicles and for personal needs such as dining, dressing etc.

Rest of the world:

To experience a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly recommend that you pack a good supply of any medication you may require while on holiday. Bring all your prescriptions in their original packaging and  pack them in your carry-on bag with copies of your prescription paperwork. This is the best way to travel as your checked luggage may be hard to access, particularly in the event of delays, lost luggage etc.

If you have concerns regarding enhanced airport security measures and the quantities of liquids you need to carry aboard an aircraft, do not worry. If you need to take liquid medication on flights simply carry relevant documentation from your doctor (a doctor’s note or letter should be fine) as you are entitled to take it with you on board your flight.

We suggest you research the rules around taking your specific medication to the destination country and what proof of treatment you’re expected to bring with you. To determine which vaccinations or other health precautions are recommended for your travels, please get in touch with your doctor or health care provider before travelling. Most countries that Costsaver travels to do not ask for any special vaccinations. However, requirements can change at any time and we strongly suggest you check the latest information before you travel. Every guest must comply with entry, health and other requirements of the countries visited throughout your holiday.

Guests should alert Costsaver about any dietary or health related issues that may affect them during their travels. As an example, if a guest carries an auto-injector for nuts or other allergies etc. or has a condition requiring special attention. 

Please notify Costsaver of any disability requiring special assistance before travelling. This gives us time to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate specific needs of those travelling with a disability. A companion should always accompany those guests who require individual assistance to walk, get on and off the motorcoach and other vehicles and for personal needs such as dining, dressing etc.

Yes, in most circumstances wheelchairs can be brought on the trip, as long as you’re travelling with someone who’s willing to provide personal assistance. Please inform us at the time of booking if you plan to bring a wheelchair so we can meet the requirements.

This will depend on your personal health circumstances and the destinations you are travelling to. Speak to your Travel Agent or doctor to find out if vaccinations are needed. If you take special medication or suffer from any form of illness, make sure you have enough supply of medication before departing for your holiday.

We understand how important it is to stay connected with your close family and friends while travelling. In your travel documents find a detailed hotel list that includes hotel names, addresses, contact numbers and dates of stay. Leave a copy of this document with family and friends so they can get in touch if needed.

You may wish to bring a smart phone on tour. If so, contact your service provider to let them know about your travel itinerary and dates before departure. Most companies can change you to an international plan, allowing you to make calls or use data outside your home country. Organise this prior to leaving to make sure that your phone and access service will work in the country/countries you are travelling through.

It is possible to make long distance phone calls from hotel rooms but it is very expensive. Even if you use a ‘toll-free’ calling card, a surcharge may be applied so always check beforehand to avoid a costly surprise. If you purchase a calling card for use while travelling, make sure the card covers the country/countries in which you will be travelling. A list of counties should be clearly displayed on the card or packaging.