PROGRAM STAFF
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
CONTACTING HOME
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your local carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from the hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
While cell phone service is typically available in the larger cities of Australia may be limited, and at times may not be available at all. Should you choose to bring your cell phone on your vacation, please refrain from conducting conversations during the guides’ excursion commentary.
INTERNET ACCESS
All hotels used in Australia provide complimentary Internet access.
CURRENCY AND MONEY MATTERS
The official currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Currency exchanges are available at airports and major hotels, or you can withdraw local currency from ATMs. In cities such as Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart (Tasmania), and Sydney, you can pay for purchases using cash, debit, or credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry small denominations of cash for smaller vendors. Be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues abroad.
Credit cards can be used in all department stores and in some smaller stores also. The most widely accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard first and foremost, but also American Express and Diners Club.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your debit/ATM and credit card(s) overseas.
GRATUITIES
Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
SMOKING
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas throughout the program. All hotel rooms are non-smoking.
We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
In Australia, the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your devices are not compatible with this voltage or plug type, you will need a power adapter and possibly a voltage converter. Be sure to check your electronic devices for compatibility before your trip.
EXCURSIONS
Your tour program includes comprehensive excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations host will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Brand g Vacations host.
ETIQUETTE
Customs in Australia may differ from your home country. The itinerary takes you through areas where locals are living their daily lives. If you’d like to take photos of people, please request their permission (pointing to your camera and waiting for a nod is sufficient). Your guides will inform you when photography is prohibited in certain locations. Always be respectful of local customs and cultural sensitivities, particularly in indigenous communities or sacred sites.
FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Many of the places we visit on the itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Many excursions involve walking over uneven ground. Additionally, some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g reserves the right to refuse participation, or to require a passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
SECURITY
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. Brand g cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from a hotel, or while on an excursion. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
WEATHER
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and you can check sites like weather.com or CNN Weather for current conditions.
Average High/Low (°F) for February:
- Melbourne: 79°F / 58°F
- Adelaide: 83°F / 61°F
- Hobart (Tasmania): 71°F / 55°F
- Sydney: 80°F / 66°F
Prepare for a range of temperatures across the different locations on your trip.
WHAT TO BRING
Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, rain jacket and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
Clothing: Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate throughout the trip. We suggest natural and/or moisture-wicking fabrics in light colors which may be layered, such as a mix of lightweight shirts, everyday khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts, along with a lightweight jacket or pullover for early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces. It is also recommended to bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella.
Shorts, or lightweight pants, good walking shoes, and sun hats during the day are highly recommended.
Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. However, we do recommend a few dressier outfits for dinners and evenings out.
Footwear: You will engage in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support.
Laundry: Laundry service is available for an extra fee at the hotels. Instructions and fees are listed in your Guest Service Directory book or within the closet in your hotel room. Self-service laundry facilities are not available in the hotels.
