LUGGAGE:

We recommend that you travel with one suitcase with wheels that you can easily maneuver and one compact bag, backpack or purse. Limiting your luggage to one piece makes it easier for you to handle getting in and out of buses and hotels.

Please refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov or your individual airline's website for up-to-date packing restrictions. Note that certain items are not allowed in your carry-on bag, such as bottles full of water or large tubes of toothpaste. For a comprehensive list of these items, refer to your airline’s website.

We recommend that you carry all of your valuables including your medication, jewelry, money, passport, eyeglasses, contact lenses, camera, computer, and chargers onto the plane with you to reduce the chance of their being lost. We also recommend carrying your toothbrush and a change of shirt and underclothes, in case your suitcase is delayed.

AIRLINE ALLOWANCES:

• For most international routes, airlines allows ONE checked bag not to exceed 62" total (length + width + height). Again, check the airline website for latest updates. Checked baggage fees may apply.
• WEIGHT LIMIT: Not to exceed 50 lbs per bag. Some airlines charge for each checked bag, and all airlines charge for additional bags. Again, check your airline's website for details. Checked baggage fees may apply.
• ONE CARRY ON: Most airlines allow one complimentary carry-on bag (to fit in the overhead compartment) and one complimentary personal item (to fit under the seat in front of you). The airline will strictly enforce the carry-on bag rules. Please keep in mind that all carry-on bags are subject to search.

3-1-1 LIQUIDS RULE:

• You are permitted by the TSA to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Check the TSA website for further details.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Passport
• Tour handbook
• Flight e-ticket record, located inside your AE neck wallet
• Paddling gear (paddle, PFD, water bottle, etc.)
• Credit and debit cards with PIN numbers
• Cash in small denominations in home or local currency (best used only as back up to credit and debit cards with PINs)
• Secure purse or wallet for your valuables, ideally with a zipper
• Pen or pencil for note taking and journal writing
• Phone and/or camera with extra memory card
• Chargers for electronics and phone
• AE electrical adapter (we will send this to you prior to travel)
• Personal toiletries
• Medications in original bottles
• Reading material, music, headphones
• Eye shades, ear plugs, inflatable pillow
• Weather-appropriate touring clothes
• Shawl to cover shoulders/legs and to keep you warm
• Comfortable, weather-resistant walking shoes or sneakers
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• A light weatherproof jacket or raincoat
• Collapsible umbrella, just in case!
• Eye glasses, contact lenses and lens solution
• Wash cloth
• Hand wipes or liquid sanitizer
• Band aids and tissues
• Refillable water bottle (a clear bottle is ideal, as some attractions to do not allow visitors to bring opaque bottles)
• Snacks

PACKING MEDICATION:

• Individuals who must carry medications in large supplies (such as insulin for diabetics) are advised to carry a memo on physician’s letterhead stating the following: full name of the drug, condition for which it was prescribed, dosage per day, quantity of drug necessary for the period of time traveling and a section stating that it is required for the well-being of the individual. It is also suggested that all medications be carried in their original containers with the pharmacist’s label attached.
• It may be required to show such documentation when passing through customs. Please refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov or your individual airline's website for official instructions on transporting medications.

PACKING TIPS:

When preparing for a trip, remember that packing light can really make your tour experience more enjoyable. Here are a few packing tips of our own that we find helpful when preparing for a trip:

• Luggage – It is best to travel with wheeled luggage or bags that can comfortably be strapped over one or both shoulders to make it easier for you to maneuver or carry. We recommend walking around with your luggage at home to test whether or not it is manageable to move with before your trip. It is also advisable to bring a small day bag to use as your carry-on so that you can comfortably carry items around with you while on tour.
• Pack light! – Before departing for your trip, make a list and go through each individual object that you are considering to decide whether or not it is crucial to have with you. The less you bring, the less you will need to roll or carry when you arrive in airports and hotels and get on and off the bus. Plan your attire for each day of your tour so you can maximize on the mix and match options. A pair of black pants for example can be worn for a few days with different tops. One blazer can serve for many different outfits.
• Organization – When packing your luggage, remember that you will want your clothing and other items to be easily accessible. Rolling clothing, rather than folding and stacking it, helps to conserve room in your suitcase and will help ensure that that outfits are easily reached. When folding items that wrinkle easily such as dress shirts, try laying a t-shirt or other non-wrinkle item on it and folding that into the shirt; this will help to keep deep creases from forming. Most hotels will have an iron in your room that you can also use to make sure your clothes look nice.
• Footwear – We recommend bringing as few pairs of shoes as possible on your tour since they take up a lot of space and can be heavy. You should be sure to bring shoes that are comfortable, have been broken in and have proper walking support since you will be spending a fair amount of time on your feet.

CALLING:

• To call the United Kingdom from the USA: Dial 011 + 44 (country code UK) + city code + phone number.
• To call USA from the United Kingdom: Dial 00 + 1 (country code) + area code + phone number.

When dialing on a cell phone, you may simply press and hold 0 + the country code + city code + phone number. This eliminates the need to dial 011. The same holds true if dialing from a foreign country back to North America. This eliminates the need to dial 00 before the phone number.

Note: It may be necessary to dial additional digits for operator-assisted or non-direct calls.

CELL PHONES:

Cell phone service is widely available internationally. While convenient, calling, texting, and using data abroad can be expensive if you do not prepare in advance. Always check with your cellular provider before traveling.

Before You Travel:

• Check Compatibility: Confirm with your carrier that your phone will work in the countries you are visiting. Most modern smartphones are compatible, but it’s best to be sure.
• Explore International Plans: Most U.S. carriers now offer international plans that allow you to use your phone abroad at reduced rates. Options vary from daily flat-rate plans to monthly packages for calls, texts, and data.
• Understand Costs: Ask how much calls, texts, and data will cost without a plan, and compare with international plan options. Inquire about overage fees in case you use more than your plan covers.

While Abroad:

• Avoid Surprise Charges: If you don’t have an international plan, turn off cellular data in your phone’s settings and use WiFi only.
• WiFi & Apps: WiFi is widely available at hotels, cafés, and public spaces. Messaging and calling apps (such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, or Messenger) let you call and text for free over WiFi.
• eSIM & Local SIM Cards: Many travelers now purchase an eSIM or local SIM card for affordable data and calling abroad. eSIMs can be set up instantly with an app, while local SIMs are sold at airports, phone shops, and convenience stores.

Other Options:

• Phone Rental: If you prefer not to use your personal device, you can rent a phone in advance of your trip by searching online for international phone rental services.
• Prepaid Calling Cards: These are still available in many destinations at convenience shops, post offices, and kiosks. Instructions and rates are usually listed in English.

Tip: If you add an international plan with your carrier, don’t forget to cancel it once you return home.

HOTEL ROOM PHONES:

The phone in your hotel room is useful for communicating with the front desk, requesting wake-up calls, or contacting other rooms in your group. However, we do not recommend using it for outside calls, as most hotels charge high service fees.

WI-FI
​The easiest and most cost-effective way to stay in touch with friends and family is through Wi-Fi, available at most hotels, cafés, and public areas. Many hotels now include Wi-Fi for free, but confirm at check-in if there are any fees.

MESSAGING & CALLING APPS
​Apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger, and Zoom let you make voice or video calls over Wi-Fi at no cost. Call quality depends on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal.

TEXTING

• Apple users: iMessage works worldwide over Wi-Fi when texting other Apple users. To avoid unexpected SMS charges, go to Settings > Messages and turn off “Send as SMS.”
• Android users: Apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram let you send free texts over Wi-Fi to anyone who also has the app.

TIP: Even when relying on Wi-Fi, it’s smart to keep cellular data turned off unless you have an international plan.

ALWAYS REACHABLE:
​Regardless of how you choose to communicate with friends and family back home, you may always be reached at your hotel. Hotel phone numbers are listed in your handbook. The person trying to reach you need only call the hotel and ask for you by name. The hotel will forward the call to your room or pass on a message if you are out.

In case of emergency, your family can also contact Music Contact International and our staff will contact you through your tour manager. To reach Music Contact International call: 1-802-862-2200 or 1-800-624-0166

CARDS:

We recommend using ATM/debit cards to get cash abroad. They ensure that you get the best exchange rate and do not limit you to banking hours. Be sure to inform your bank that you will be traveling abroad. With the increase in identity theft, banks and credit card companies are constantly monitoring for any suspicious activity on your account, including overseas purchases, which could result in a declined transaction if they are not notified prior to your departure.

When you notify your credit card company that you will be traveling in advance of your trip, also inquire whether a service charge, currency conversion fee, or international transaction fee will be applied for using the card abroad. These fees are generally lower than any exchange fees you would pay for exchanging cash or traveler's checks.

We do not recommend using credit cards to withdraw cash abroad as the cash advance fees are usually quite high.

You will also be able to use a credit card for purchases in most places of business, though there are some locations (including some department stores) that only accept European bank cards. Many stores, cafes, and restaurants have a minimum charge (usually 10 Pounds) for credit card use.

Please note that many countries around the world are adopting a system of chip-and-PIN credit/debit cards which means that some machines will not accept swipe-and-sign credit cards (especially many toll booths and ticket kiosks). Because of this, it is always recommended to have spare cash on you while traveling abroad so that you can exchange at a bank or the hotel front desk if necessary.

CASH:

You may also find it convenient to carry a small supply of cash for miscellaneous expenses; inquire at your local bank a few weeks before departure as to whether they can provide a small amount of the foreign currency to you for the destinations you will visit. Shops in international airports will usually accept U.S. or Canadian dollars.

The exchange rate as of October 2025 is:

$1.00 = 0.75 £ (Pound Sterling)

In the United Kingdom, the unit of currency is the British Pound. The banknotes come in different colors and sizes, with denominations of £50, £20, £10, and £5. Coins are also in circulation, with denominations including £2 and £1, as well as 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p. Transactions in the United Kingdom are conducted using British Pounds, and the use of Euros in the United Kingdom is not common. Visitors should be aware of the local currency and use British Pounds for transactions while in the country.

The above exchange rate is only temporary and can be updated by referring to the Foreign Exchange table in your newspaper or through a number of currency exchange websites.

You may carry an unlimited amount of American or Canadian funds during your trip. However, you may not depart from a foreign country with more money than you brought into that country.

GRATUITY:

We recommend designating one person in the group to be in charge of tipping for the group. Tips should preferably be offered in cash, in either USD or local currency.

Any weather can be great for touring! It is a good idea to know in advance what the weather will be so you can plan accordingly. About a week before your departure, you can begin to see reliable forecasts for the cities and regions you will visit. Check those forecasts online or in an international newspaper and plan for the specific weather you are likely to encounter.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." -Anthony J. D'Angelo

Edinburgh, Scotland

London, England

Together with your handbooks and airline tickets, you will receive an adapter plug from American Expeditions. This adapter will allow you to use a UK electrical outlet with your U.S. equipment; the rectangular prongs will fit into a UK outlet, and the spade contacts of a U.S.-style appliance will fit into the other end.

The United Kingdom uses 230-volt electrical outlets, while in the United States and most of the Americas the standard is 110 volts. Almost all battery chargers for video cameras, iPods, digital cameras, laptop computers, and other personal electronic devices are designed to accept a wide range of voltage (typically 100V–240V) and will automatically adjust the output voltage to the level required by the device. Please check the label on your charger to verify this information.

Please note: if your electric appliance (for example, a hair dryer, curling iron, or hair straightener) is not designed to accept multiple voltages, you will need a voltage converter. Voltage converters are available at specialty electronics stores. You should never plug a 110V-only appliance directly into a UK (230V) outlet, as this will destroy your appliance and could pose a fire hazard.

PASSPORT:

We recommend that you make two or three photocopies of your passport. Leave one at home with a friend or family member who will be reachable while you're abroad, and another with you while you are traveling. You may also be asked to give one to your group leader.

• Please be sure that your full name, date of birth, passport number and expiration date are accurately entered into the Web Payment System or shared with your group leader so that the ticketing information we provide to the airline accurately matches your passport information. If there are any discrepancies between information on your boarding pass and information on your passport, you may be liable for additional fees at check-in or you may be refused entry through security and onto your flight.
• Having a copy of your passport with you is helpful in the event that your passport gets lost or damaged while on tour and will facilitate the process of obtaining a new passport abroad.
• Check your expiration date! Your passport must be valid for six months after your planned return date. This requirement has become quite stringently enforced in recent years. It is of utmost importance that you examine your passport and check its expiration date well in advance of your departure.
• Applying for and obtaining a new passport without paying additional expediting fees requires ample lead time. Please be sure to check your passport at your earliest convenience.

VISA:

For individuals holding an American passport, U.S. citizens may be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival.

The ETA is valid for six months or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits multiple entries for stays of up to six months. Travelers transiting airside (i.e., not passing through UK border control) are temporarily exempt from this requirement. More information can be found here.

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Who needs an ETA?

• All US citizens travelling to, or transitioning through, the United Kingdom, including babies
• NOT NEEDED if you hold a UK Visa or are otherwise permitted to reside in the UK

How much does it cost?

• The application fee is £16 or about $22​ (paid by credit, debit, Google or Apple pay)
• Non refundable​
• Must apply individually; group applications are not permitted ​​

How far in advance should I apply?

• We recommend submitting applications at least 2 weeks in advance of travel​
• The standard approval time for ETAs is 3 business days but can vary​
• Once approved, the ETA will be linked to your passport
• ETAs are valid for 2 years or until the associated passport expires

How to apply

Preferred Method: APP

Alternate Method: ONLINE

• • Download from the App Store or Google Play on IOS and Android devices
  • May improve approval time
  • Use this method if you are applying for someone else who is not with you
  • Not preferred

What you will need

• Access to email and phone​
• Form of payment ​
  • Credit, debit, Apple & Google pay accepted.​
• Physical Passport ​
  • The application requires you to take a photo of your passport. ​

Application Steps

• Confirm your email and phone number​
• Take photos of passport
• Scan your face
• Complete questions (e.g. home address, nationality, occupation and criminal history)
• Submit payment
• Wait for approval to be sent via email (generally within 3 working days)

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

The United States Customs Office allows you to bring home up to $800 worth of goods (retail value) without paying customs duty, if:

• articles are for personal use or gifts
• articles accompany you
• you have not claimed an exemption within the preceding 30 days
• You may include in this duty-free exemption:
• 100 cigars or 200 cigarettes (1 carton)
• one liter (33.8 ounces) wine, beer or liquor, if 21 years of age or over

You may choose to mail purchases to your home residence, but it will be necessary to pay the applicable customs duty on the merchandise upon your return to the country. Gifts worth up to $100 may be sent, free of duty and tax, to friends and relatives in the U.S. as long as the same person does not receive more than $100 worth of gifts the same day.

Gifts for more than one person may be shipped in the same package (called a consolidated package) if they are individually wrapped and labeled with each recipient’s name. The package must be marked “unsolicited gifts and consolidated package” with the total value and nature of each gift and the name of the recipient.

If any single gift is over $100, duty will be charged on the entire package. These gifts will not reduce your duty-free allowance. Articles accompanying you in excess of your $800 duty-free exemption will be assessed at graduated rates of duty based on the fair retail value in the country of acquisition. These articles must be for personal use or for use as gifts and not for sale.

When returning to the USA you will receive a customs card on the flight which needs to be completed before you cross through immigration. It is best to fill it out while on the plane to save time at immigration. If you are bringing over $800 in purchases back with you, all items must be declared on this card. If you have spent less than $800, you do not need to list the items, you just need to indicate the total amount you spent on items you are bringing back into the country.

SHOPPING:

Many stores are closed on Sundays and holidays. Please note that some religious holidays have an extra day (i.e. Easter Monday and Pentecost Monday). If you need to buy something on a holiday or a Sunday, you will find shops open in train stations or around tourist attractions.

PUBLIC RESTROOMS:

Typically, public bathrooms and bathrooms in restaurants or cafes will either require a coin to open the door or you may see a request to leave a tip for the person who maintains the bathrooms. For this reason, it is advisable to always have coins handy. The good news is that public bathrooms tend to be very tidy as they are cleaned quite often

SEATS:

Group flight reservations do not accommodate specific seat assignment requests. American Expeditions cannot accept seating requests from travelers. Your group’s seats will be allocated by the airline. These seats will be located within the economy section of the aircraft and there is no guarantee that spouses, family members, or friends will be seated together.

• We are aware that certain airlines are now offering pre-assigned seating for individuals for an additional fee. However, American Expeditions cannot address such requests. Even seat assignments paid for in advance are not guaranteed by the airline; aircraft and seat configuration may change, and airlines may reallocate seating at their discretion.
• To best accommodate your seating wishes, we suggest that you arrive at the airport early, check in at least three hours prior to your flight, and speak directly with the agent at the check-in counter. You may need to change seats once airborne with members of your group to sit next to your family members.

SPECIAL MEALS:

Travelers with dietary restrictions or food allergies should let their group leader know as soon as possible. Most airlines can provide suitable alternative meals if the request is made with sufficient lead time. If you are a vegetarian, please indicate whether you would like a Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal (may include dairy products), or Vegetarian Vegan Meal (no dairy products.)