FAQ

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is mandatory that all travellers have sufficient travel insurance. We act as an Authorised Representative of Holiday Extras Insurance who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. We are pleased to offer a policy arranged by Holiday Extras (in cooperation with EuropAssistance). Please telephone our Reservations Department on 01473 660800 where we will be pleased to arrange cover for you.Cover is not effective until the premium has been paid and your application approved by the insurers. If you are relying on travel insurance provided by your bank or credit card provider as part of their service, please check that the cover is at least equal to that provided by Holiday Extras, in particular with regard to cancellation charges

FLIGHTS AND TIMINGS

The flights will be in economy class on scheduled services departing from London Heathrow/Gatwick Airports and also (except Tour D) from Manchester at a £50 supplement. As there are no direct flights between the UK and Memphis all flights will operate via a ‘gateway’ city where US Customs and Immigration formalities will take place. Flight times will be confirmed on your Confirmation-Invoice. Please note
however, that flight times are subject to change. The baggage allowance is 44lbs (20kgs) per person. Please note that we have allowed the sum of £265 within the tour price for the combined airport taxes, security charges and fuel surcharge. Any increase or decrease in this cost will be passed on to the passenger in the form of a supplementary charge or refund.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

It’s the height of Summer and likely to be very hot – especially in Tupelo and Memphis where daytime temperatures are likely to be in the 90’s Fahrenheit. Those travelling on Tour D should find Los Angeles also in the high 80’s and 90’s F. but San Francisco will be a little cooler but still in the high 70’s and low 80’s. Hawaii tends to offer beautiful weather – lots of sunshine but kept a little cooler by the Pacific breeze and with temperatures mostly in the 80’s F. Needless to say, you’ll need lightweight summerwear but take along a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings or for when you go into air-conditioned restaurants as the inside temperatures can seem quite cool. Shorts, T-shirts etc. are fine throughout the day but you might want to bring along some smart casual wear for some evenings. Remember too to bring a comfortable pair of trainers or walking shoes for sightseeing, your swimwear and sunblock.

EXCHANGE RATES AND PRICE REVISIONS

The tour price is based on the tariffs and currency exchange rate current at the time of costing these tours – (£1 Sterling = $1.52 US dollars).

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

A full passport issued by a member state of the European Union and valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK, is required. Visas are not required by British Citizens travelling on the holiday. Providing the passport bears the words ‘British Citizen’ you will be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Scheme.
There is now a requirement to preregister the VWP application online at least 72 hours prior to travel. The website for registration is: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and applicants will need to enter the same information they currently enter on the green VWP form on the aircraft. They will need a valid email address to receive the ‘Authorisation Approved’ document as without this they will be denied boarding by the airline. The registration is then valid for 2 years or until the expiry of the passport (whichever is the sooner). If you do not have access to the VWP website then we can do this for you for a small administrative charge.Holders of other passports should consult the US Embassy prior to departure for current visa requirements.

HEALTH

No vaccinations or inoculations are mandatory for British Subjects. The Department of Health produces the Health Advice for Travellers booklet (T6) which is available from your local Post Office or by telephoning 0800 555 777 free of charge. The cost of specialist medical treatment is high in the United States and passengers are recommended to ensure that they carry sufficient travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical bills.

TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES

Arena Travel is happy to welcome passengers with special needs wherever the appropriate arrangements can be made. Most airlines will offer additional assistance for
disabled travellers at airports and many hotels have specially designed rooms for disabled guests. Please note however, that we can only request such facilities on your behalf if we know your requirements well in advance. We therefore ask that anyone suffering from a medical condition or disability, or simply needing a little extra help during their holiday, provides full details of their special requirements with their Reservation Form. Passengers with a disability must be accompanied by an able-bodied person who is willing, and able, to assist them where necessary. Should you have any concerns regarding the suitability of a holiday prior to making your booking, please contact our Reservations Department on 01473 660800 where a member of staff will be delighted to help you.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Upon receipt of your deposit (and obviously subject to places being available), you will be sent a Confirmation- Invoice. Approximately 10 days before departure, you will be sent your travel wallet containing tickets, baggage tags, final detailed itinerary and joining instructions.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

A deposit of £200 per person (plus the relevant insurance premium) is payable upon booking.The balance is due not less than 80 days prior to departure.

PAYMENT BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD

We are pleased to accept payment by MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Debit Mastercard for all, or part of your holiday cost. Please complete the appropriate box on the Reservation Form if you wish to pay by Credit/Debit Card.
Please note: There is a 2% surcharge applied to all amounts paid by credit card and Debit Mastercard (3% Amex). We are also pleased to accept payment by MAESTRO and DELTA cards. No surcharges apply to these payments.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES

If you have any queries regarding the holidays detailed please don’t hesitate to phone us on 01473 660800.Telephone bookings can be made but these are only provisional and must be confirmed with a completed Reservation Form within 5 working days.

HOW TO BOOK

These holidays are arranged by Arena Travel (Arena Tours Ltd) who are licensed as Air Travel Organisers by the UK Government’s Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL 10117. The company is also fully bonded for your financial protection.
Your contract is subject to Arena Travel’s Reservation Conditions which can be downloaded from the Arena Travel Website:- www.arenatravel.com or are available by post by calling the Reservations Department on the number below.
To book, simply complete and sign the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit/s and insurance premium/s (if required) to:-

ELVIS August 2011
Arena Travel
Explorer House
2 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk IP5 3RH
Tel: 01473 660800 Fax: 01473 660801
Email: reservations@arenatravel.com
Website:www.arenatravel.com