Your airline ticket includes one checked bag but note that years of customer feedback tells us that the lighter you pack, the better. Yes, even for a 54-day trip around the world! We recommend a standard carry on size bag (21.7” x 13.7” x 9” - 22.7” x 14.7” x 9.6”) plus a small backpack or purse, but be aware that some full flights may “gate check” your carry on anyway and give it back to you when you land.

Traveling with a carry-on is helpful because you'll need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot. If you’re worried about not having enough clothes, remember you’ll have the opportunity to do laundry throughout the trip. See more packing tips below to help you become an international, carry-on-suitcase, jet-setter:

• See more specific suggestions and weather-related tips in the Country-by-Country section further down in this guide
• 1 lightweight, water-proof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing days
• Comfortable sandals for beach days
• 3-4 pairs jeans / trousers / shorts
• 5-7 shirts / t-shirts / sweaters
• 1 nicer outfit for Farewell Dinner or a night out
• Bathing suit
• Beach towel – we love the Microfiber travel towels ($10-$20, Amazon.com)
• Underwear and socks
• Toiletries, medicine
• 1 reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Phone or camera
• Passport
• Debit / Credit cards and cash
• A power adapter – a staff favorite is the “Targus World Power Travel Adapter” ($20, Amazon.com)

Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. You can check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you slept in and missed your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case…

We recommend you get an international data plan from your cell phone provider in order to stay in touch with your group, Tour Director, and your peeps back home. The most common options are the Travel Pass with Verizon, or purchasing a personal hot spot with your carrier. Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars; but it isn’t always as strong as Wi-Fi in the US. For your cell phone and any other electronics you bring abroad, you will also need a converter/adapter.

We at EF will help facilitate any COVID related testing requirements while on tour, however it is the travelers responsibility to pay for these tests and it is our recommendation that you budget roughly 150-300 USD total for the duration of the trip. Please note that non-boosted travelers may be required to do additional testing to enter places such as restaurants, and/or major attractions.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.

Cash and most well-known credit/debit cards are widely accepted abroad, and ATMs are accessible in most major cities. We recommend budgeting $80- $100 per day on for meals, shopping, and free time activities. As you travel, it’s best to use a debit card and withdraw the local currency from ATMs.

Currencies used:

• Peru: Peruvian soles
• UK: Pound (£)
• France: Euro (€)
• Switzerland: Swiss franc (Sfr)
• Italy: Euro (€)
• Greece: Euro (€)
• UAE: Dirham or Emirati dirham (DH / Dhs)
• Kenya: Kenyan shilling (Ksh)
• Thailand: Baht (฿)
• Australia: Australian Dollar ($ / AUD)

Tipping is not customary outside of the U.S., but many locals leave the equivalent of $1-2 for exceptional service in restaurants, for taxis, or for local guides.

Throughout your tour, you will have one Tour Director who is with you from start to finish. We recommend tipping them $342 at the end of the trip if you feel inclined.

• In Peru, Thailand, and Australia you will also be accompanied by a local Tour Director with expertise in the region. We recommend tipping $4-6 per day at the end of your time with them.

Transfers between cities are via plane, train, and automobile, and they can take anywhere between 2-8 hours. You’ll also receive a public transportation pass in most major cities where it’s necessary. Transportation in cities that offer no pass may require more walking. Prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day, especially when sightseeing.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. But, it’s equally important for you to maintain your health and safety while abroad. From your first flight to Athens all the way through to your farewell dinner, drink plenty of water, get sleep when you can, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi or Uber, and always have cash on hand.
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411