Travel Tips
Prior to departure, United Vacations recommends that all travellers check the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Travel Advisories via their website, to obtain the latest information on your chosen destination, or alternatively, by telephone on 1300 887 870.
More travel tips are available on each of the following destinations listed below:
USA Travel Tips
The United States is the world's fourth largest country by area. It is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations.Population: 308,745, 538 million
Capital City: Washington DC
Language: English
Climate: The United States has a wide variety of climate types due to its large size. As a general rule the summer months are hot, more so in the Southern states, which can get extremely hot, whilst Florida can get humid. Winter in the Northern states an on the East Coast can be very cold. California, the most visited state is consistently mild with an average range of 9 to 20 degrees in winter and 16 to 29 degrees in Summer
Passport and Visa Requirements: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the date of arrival in the USA. The United States government has introduced an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which applies to all Australian passport holders visiting or transiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Holding an ESTA is mandatory for all eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers to the United States. For travel to any USA state please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov to fill in an Authorisation approval application - please note Conditions apply please see the website for details.
Currency: The currency of the United States is the American Dollar.
Most banks in the USA are open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm. Saturday from 9.00am to 2.00pm.
All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Transport: Throughout the USA there are many ways to travel. Internal flights with varied airlines are the easiest way to travel. Greyhound coaches have direct connections in northern USA and Amtrak is the main rail network operator. Also there is a wide range of car hire options.
Taxis are plentiful in most cities at night 8pm to 6am and all day Sunday there is a surcharge of 50%. Cab drivers expect a tip of 15%
Tipping: Tipping is customary in the USA. When dining out Tip 15% of the bill, based on the quality of service. If you receive exceptional service, 15-25% is customary. In most major cities of the U.S. however, 20% is considered to be a "good tip". For tour guides 15% - 20% depending on quality (knowledge, friendliness, etc)
Airport Customs: To increase your safety, there are new rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on flights into and out of Australia.
Each container of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on baggage must be 100 millilitres or less. All the containers must be sealed in a transparent, one-litre plastic bag. You are only allowed one plastic bag. Any transparent resealable bag of one litre capacity or less is allowed.
You may still carry on board prescription medicines. Baby products and non-prescription medicines that you need for the flight are also allowed. Proof of need may be required.
When you get to the screening point, you will have to surrender any liquids, aerosols or gels greater than 100ml that you still have with you, including duty free. The new rules also introduce random frisk searches as part of the screening process. For more information, visit www.dotars.gov.au
Duty Free:
Visitors may import the following goods over 21 years of age into the USA without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 2kg of smoking tobacco or proportionate amounts of each.
- 1L of alcoholic beverage if 21years or over.
- Gifts or articles up to a value of US$100.
Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS)
If you have purchased liquid, aerosol and gel items and wish to make a TRS claim (for example wine, perfume etc) you can pack these goods into your hold baggage, and proceed to the TRS facility with your tax invoice, as per current practice.
Customs staff at TRS facilities will ask you a series of questions to enable them to determine the validity of the claim.
Oversized goods, including oversized liquid, aerosol and gel goods such as cases of wine, should continue to be treated as they are now by presenting them to the Customs Client Services Desks located land-side in all international airports. Passengers who have their goods sighted at Customs Client Services Desks are still required to present their passport, international boarding pass and tax invoice at TRS facilities.
For further information contact the TRS Information Hotline on 1300 555 043 or the Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263.
Electricity: 110 volts
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Fire Department: 911
CANADA Travel Tips
Blessed with spectacular scenery, cultural diversity and natural wilderness, Canada is the second largest country in the world. Canada's vast mountain scenery, national parks, and low key rural charm are unlike any other.Population: 33,100,000 million
Capital City: Ottawa
Language: English,French
Climate: In winter, temperatures fall below freezing point throughout most of Canada. But the south-western coast has a relatively mild climate. Along the Arctic Circle, temperatures are below freezing for seven months a year. During the summer months the southern provinces often experience high levels of humidity and temperatures that can surpass 30 degrees Celsius regularly.
Passport and Visa Requirements: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the date of arrival in Canada.
Currency: Canadian dollar.
Most banks in the Canada are open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm. All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Transport: Ferries operate on east and west coast of Canada. Greyhound Canada operates the largest coach system. For rail there is Amtrak, which operates between USA and Canada, also VIA rail, Canada's rail system.
Tipping: Gratuities are seldom included in Canadian restaurants. It is customary to tip approximately 15% on the total bill before tax, 20% for exceptional service. Approximately because tipping is personal and if 10% is your personal choice then tip 10%; but 15% is customary and (rightly or wrongly) expected.
Airport Customs: To increase your safety, there are new rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on flights into and out of Australia.
Each container of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on baggage must be 100 millilitres or less. All the containers must be sealed in a transparent, one-litre plastic bag. You are only allowed one plastic bag. Any transparent resealable bag of one litre capacity or less is allowed.
You may still carry on board prescription medicines. Baby products and non-prescription medicines that you need for the flight are also allowed. Proof of need may be required.
When you get to the screening point, you will have to surrender any liquids, aerosols or gels greater than 100ml that you still have with you, including duty free. The new rules also introduce random frisk searches as part of the screening process. For more information, visit www.dotars.gov.au
Duty Free:
Tobacco - 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 200g of loose tobacco
Liquor - 1.14L of spirits, 1.5L of wine, or 24 bottles or cans of beer.(8.5L)
Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS)
If you have purchased liquid, aerosol and gel items and wish to make a TRS claim (for example wine, perfume etc) you can pack these goods into your hold baggage, and proceed to the TRS facility with your tax invoice, as per current practice.
Customs staff at TRS facilities will ask you a series of questions to enable them to determine the validity of the claim.
Oversized goods, including oversized liquid, aerosol and gel goods such as cases of wine, should continue to be treated as they are now by presenting them to the Customs Client Services Desks located land-side in all international airports. Passengers who have their goods sighted at Customs Client Services Desks are still required to present their passport, international boarding pass and tax invoice at TRS facilities.
For further information contact the TRS Information Hotline on 1300 555 043 or the Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263.
Electricity: 110 to 120 volts
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 911
Ambulance: 911
Fire Department: 911
