AMERICAS : HAWAII

The world truly is an amazing place. Experience the natural and the man-made beauty and marvel at our wonderful planet. Beautiful destinations are everywhere. Take your pick and allow us to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you.

HAWAII

The Hawaiian Islands are full of scenic surprises where travellers can see everything from tropical rainforests to volcanic lava waterfalls cascading into the sea. The stunning natural beauty of Hawaii will immediately draw you in.

The Hawaiian Islands boast some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, not only for swimming but also for the surfers among you. Every island carries its own secrets, from massive redwood trees in Kauai to organic farms in Maui to the bustling city of Honolulu. Hawaii also boasts some of the world’s most beautiful ocean life. It is indeed a painter’s paradise, a work-a-holic’s relaxation area, and the party-goer’s nightlife spot.

HAWAII

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO I NEED A VISA?

You will need to apply for a visa for the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and other nations within the Americas. No visa is required for Argentina. Visas must be obtained before leaving Australia.
Be extra careful with your visa requirements and your passport validation in the United States. People are taken into detention for just having the wrong type of visa, or if your passport expires less than 6 months before your departure from there.

DO I NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENCE IF I WANT TO DRIVE?

Even if you have an international driver’s license (required only in some US states), you must still carry your Australian license with you. Canada requires an international driver’s license as do most countries. Please check.

CAN I TAKE MY MEDICATION WITH ME?

Anyone requiring medicines that contain potentially addictive drugs or narcotics (some cough medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or stimulants) should:
· Carry drugs, medicines and similar products in their original containers.
· Carry only the quantity of such substances that a person with that condition would normally carry for personal use.
· Declare all drugs, medicines, and similar products to Customs officers.
· Make sure you have obtained a written statement from your personal physician that the medicine is for use under a doctor’s direction and that it is necessary for your physical well-being while travelling.
Drug products that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may not be acceptable.

CAN I LOCK MY LUGGAGE?

You may lock your luggage and in most places this is ok. However, please be aware that in the United States, locks will be broken and your luggage searched.

CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN SOUTH AMERICA?

In most capital and larger cities tap water is ok to drink. When travelling further out, however, it is best to either buy bottled water or bring a bottle filter with you. We recommend bottled water in any place that you haven’t been before, including the US.

DO I TIP AND HOW MUCH?

Tipping is not mandatory, however, we recommend you tip staff at hotels and restaurants according to the local expectation. In the Unites States tipping is almost everywhere and in most cases waiters and waitresses especially rely on tipping to make up a proper salary. 10-15% is the average.
Tipping taxi drivers is customary in Canada, where a good 10% or 15% for exceptional service is greatly appreciated. Tipping is expected in Canadian bars and restaurants.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Many people often ask “Do I really need travel insurance?” It’s something travel agents hear a lot. This specific type of insurance is not something to skimp out on, especially when you are paying large amounts for your travel. The few extra dollars could be not only money-saving but also life-saving.

There are many benefits to travel insurance. It will offer you:
· Coverage in cases of unforeseen events when travelling
· It can not only save you tens of thousands for medical emergencies but help with emergency accommodation and vehicle accidents
· Dental insurance
· Assistance with lost or stolen luggage, handbags, backpacks and other items
· Assistance when your flight has been cancelled or rescheduled – this can wreak havoc on your travel plans.

Many Aussies mistakenly believe that their Australian health insurance will cover them in other countries. This is not the case, and any trip to a doctor’s clinic or a hospital, especially the latter, can end up costing thousands, even tens of thousands.

Even within Australia, if you happen to be travelling in an area that is more remote and there is a sudden medical emergency, you may have to be airlifted out to a bigger city.

Things such as weather, strikes, or technical issues can result in people missing a connecting flight or even leaving on the one they are scheduled to be on. In such cases, the last thing people want is to be left out of pocket for something that was unavoidable and not their fault.

It is also important to mention that banks and credit card companies are now offering insurance for travel, however, this insurance is often not comprehensive travel insurance and many people find out too late, that it was not worth what they paid for it. Travel insurance companies are experts in travel and therefore have the expertise and the coverage that is necessary for people travelling overseas or domestically.

So, when travelling, whether it be domestic or overseas, travel insurance is a must and should never be overlooked. Always check the terms and conditions. Touchdown Tours only works with reputable travel insurance companies that can have you covered for every unforeseen event.