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coastline borders both the Mediterranean and Atlantic which means daily temperatures are tempered by sea breezes, with the Atlantic coast being cooler than the Mediterranean. Sunshine hours average about nine to ten hours on the coast. Average daily temperatures in Marrakech in the winter months are between 40-70°F. Tunisia: Tunisia has a warm climate all year. Winter is mild and has the highest rainfall. Mediumweights or rainwear are worn in winter. Sunglasses are advised. Rain falls between November and March, while colder weather conditions occur in December/January. LATIN AMERICA Argentina: Argentinas climate in the central zone is temperate, with mild winters. It is not, however, unusual for temperatures to change quickly. Brazil: In southern Brazil, the average daily temperature remains constant at around 80°F from December to April, and 70°F for the remainder of the year. Humidity can be high. The rainy season occurs from November to March. Chile: In the central region of Chile (including Santiago) the climate is Mediterranean. Average daytime temperatures in December can reach 80°F. Days are usually hot and the nights are cool. Peru: Peru enjoys a varied climate with an average daily temperature of around 70°F in the cities of Lima and Cuzco. Temperatures drop dramatically at night so warm clothing is essential. For more advice see our fact sheet. ASIA China: In the winter months in Beijing, the days will be sunny, but cold and crisp, and warm clothing is necessary. Further south, in the central region of China, winters are much milder. For example, average daily temperatures in Xian, Chongqing and the Yangtze Gorges are 50-60°F. April, early May, September and October are beautifully warm and sunny in Beijing, Xian, Nanjing and Shanghai with daytime temperatures reaching the upper 60s. Hong Kong: Hong Kong can have the occasional cold spell during the winter, but in general is warmer than most of China due to its southerly situation. Average temperatures range between 70-80°F throughout the year. There may also be occasional rain showers, which tend to be torrential but brief, and are usually followed by brilliant sunshine. Snow and frost are virtually unknown. Malaysia: Temperatures vary little from month to month in Kuala Lumpur and Penang at 85°F. Humidity is high and there is the chance that thunderstorms will accompany rainfall. Nepal: Nepal generally enjoys warm and settled weather with average daily temperatures ranging from 65-75°F. Sudden drops in temperature can occur in the evening. Winter months can drop to freezing. Thailand: Thailand is a great winter sun destination. The south of Thailand experiences an equatorial climate with an average temperature in Bangkok and Pattaya of 83°F. Vietnam: The climate during winter in the north can be cold, average temperature is about 50°F-60°F. In the south the climate is more consistent year round with an average temperature of 84°F. For our Christmas in Vietnam tour and winter departures we advise a mixture of warm and light summer clothes. RUSSIA Throughout the winter months temperatures often fall below freezing. PASSPORTS It is essential for British citizens to possess a full ten year passport, valid for at least six months beyond the return date for all holidays. If you do not have a passport, you should enquire at your local main Post Office or nearest Passport Office at least three months before departure. If you require a visa for your chosen destination and you have to apply for a new passport we must have the correct passport number or your visa will be invalid. Please note: If you are 16 or over and havent yet got a passport, our recommendation is that you should apply for one at least three months before your holiday. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. Jordan - £21 We will obtain a Jordanian visa for you. We will add the visa charge to your confirmation/invoice. We will obtain this for you using information that we will ask you to supply at the time of booking. Kenya - £47.50 We will obtain a Kenyan visa for you. We will add the visa charge to your confirmation/invoice, and send you all of the information and application forms that you will need. You will need to send us your passport as part of the application process. Nepal £37.50 We will obtain a Nepalese visa for you. We will add the visa charge to your confirmation/invoice, and send you all of the information that you will need. You will need to send us your passport as part of the application process. Russia - £97.50 We will obtain a Russian visa for you and will add the charge to your confirmation/invoice. We will send you all of the information and application forms that you will need. We will require your passport as part of the application process. Zambia - £75 Your Zambian visa will be issued on arrival. There are no forms to complete, but you will need to pay £75 per person (for British nationals) in cash on arrival. US dollars are also an acceptable form of payment. The £75 fee is for a single entry visa. Anyone leaving Zambia and then entering the country again will be charged an additional £75 for doing so. So if, for example, you take an optional excursion to Botswana, youll need to obtain another visa for £75. countries, and your Doctor or Local Health Authority will be able to give you up-todate information. We would also draw your attention to the T6 booklet (Health Advice for Travellers) available from main Post Offices or by telephoning freephone 0800 555 777. YOUR TOUR MANAGER On touring holidays, you will normally meet up with your Tour Manager at the port, the first night hotel, or at the arrival airport. On single centre holidays, the Tour Manager will normally travel with you, or meet you when you arrive in your resort. SMOKING Most hotels are non-smoking, smoking rooms are therefore not guaranteed. Smoking isnt allowed on our coaches or on flights and it is increasingly common to find smoking banned in public places. Smoking is normally allowed during the stops made during the journey.. HOTEL ACCOMMODATION When we talk about hotels, we do not distinguish between local classifications such as Gasthof and Pension and Motel or Inn. Some hotels have annexes and nearby dependencies, so it is possible that you will stay away from the main hotel building. Your bedroom Our prices are calculated on the basis that two people will share a room. It is not unusual to find a continental style twin bed. This is a double bed frame, with two separate mattresses. In some parts of Europe, you may find a shower in the bathroom without a base or curtain. Single rooms We can usually offer single rooms, for which there is normally a supplement. Single rooms are not as large as twin/double bedded rooms. Triple rooms A triple room is normally a twin/double bedded room with an extra bed (which may be of the folding type). Putting an extra bed in a room may make things rather cramped. YOUR JOURNEY Road conditions in some countries can sometimes make for a long day. Whilst these instances may be tiring, they can be extremely rewarding and part of the holiday experience. BAGGAGE HANDLING European Holidays - Porterage is not included on European holidays but assistance will be given if required. Long Haul Holidays - Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person is included both on arrival and departure from hotels. For security reasons, baggage handling is not included at airports. YOUR MEALS Most of our hoteliers serve simple, but good quality food because this suits the majority of palates. You will, however, find that the hotelier may serve dishes which are typical of the region. On half board European holidays, dinner is normally at one sitting, with a three course set menu or a buffet. Many of our hotels will also offer a choice of menu. If you arrive late at the hotel or depart early, meal arrangements may be adjusted. VISA REQUIREMENTS British citizens who hold a British passport need a visa to visit the countries weve listed below. In most cases, were able to arrange this for you. Well add the cost of the visa, plus a small handling fee, to your confirmation/invoice. If you hold any other type of passport, its your responsibility to check passport and visa requirements with the embassy of the country youre visiting. Were unable to accept any responsibility if you cant travel because youre not granted a visa. Australia - £15 To enter Australia, you need an ETA (electronic travel authority). We will obtain this for you, using information that we will ask you to supply at the time of booking. The cost of the ETA will be added to your confirmation/invoice. China - £45 We will obtain a Chinese visa for you. We will add the visa charge to your confirmation/invoice. We will obtain this for you using information that we will ask you to supply at the time of booking. Please note: In certain cases it may be necessary for us to obtain an individual visa rather than a group visa. As part of this application process we will require your passport up to eight weeks before travel. Egypt - £35 We will obtain an Egyptian visa for you. We will add the visa charge to your confirmation/invoice. We will obtain this for you using information that we will ask you to supply at the time of booking. India - £47.50 We will obtain an Indian visa for you. We will add the visa charge to your confirmation/invoice, and send you all of the information and application forms that you will need. You will need to send us your passport as part of the application process. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE On our coach holidays, please limit the amount of luggage you take to one medium sized suitcase, and one small bag to take inside the coach. We are unable to take golf bags, bicycles, etc. We can carry folding wheelchairs and skis, but please tell us in advance. Its sometimes possible to carry an electric wheelchair  please consult one of our Holiday Advisors. On our holidays by air, the baggage allowance is normally 20kgs (44lbs). Everything that you take (except one small piece of cabin baggage) must be included within this allowance. If you want to take any unusual items, e.g. wheelchairs, please call us for advice. AUSTRALASIA & THE PACIFIC OCEAN Australia: The seasons are reversed in Australia. Our departures in the winter months enjoy the delights of summer. Average daytime temperatures in Perth and Sydney will be very similar (around 75°F) whilst the climate at the Great Barrier Reef is on average some 10°F hotter and you may also encounter occasional rain showers. These tend to be torrential but are usually followed by brilliant sunshine. Virtually all public buildings, shops, restaurants, etc. have air-conditioning. New Zealand: The seasons are reversed in New Zealand but it has a very similar climate to Britain, so rain clouds will appear from time to time. There are no extreme hot conditions; the winter months in the South Island can be very cold with snow in the mountains. The west side of the islands receives more rain than anywhere else. The average temperature will be about 55°F. CHRISTMAS MEALS European Holidays: On Christmas Day we feature a special meal or a turkey Christmas meal and ask you to bear in mind that our European hotels may not be able to produce everything as you would expect at home. However, they will endeavour to ensure you have a super meal and a memorable day. CHILDREN For European holidays please ask at the time of booking for the relevant reductions. For Long Haul holidays we regret that we are unable to accept children under 12. SPECIAL DIETS The hotels and restaurants that we use can normally provide simple vegetarian meals. Diets in many of the countries featured are more meat orientated and restaurants are not as familiar with vegetarian dishes as in the UK and you are likely to be served an omelette or salad as an alternative dish. If you follow a vegetarian diet please let us know at the time of booking. We regret we cannot cater for other dietary needs, e.g. low fat, sugar-free, etc. EXTENDED STAYS If you choose to extend your stay at the end of your holiday we can help you with your arrangements. An administration fee of £45 is payable. This does not include any accommodation or transportation. All individual extended stays are unescorted. THE MIDDLE EAST Egypt: Egypt generally enjoys warm winters but sudden drops in temperature can occur in the evenings. Average daily temperatures in Cairo are 65-85°F. Jordan: Spring and autumn average daily temperatures vary from 70-80°F and some days can be very hot, especially in Aqaba. VALUABLES Money and other valuables shouldnt be left unattended in hotel rooms. We recommend the use of safety deposit boxes, if theyre available. HEALTH REGULATIONS No compulsory immunisation is required by UK residents for any of the countries featured in our brochures. However, voluntary immunisation may be recommended from time to time in certain www.travelsphere.co.uk 75