Picture this: After researching potential destinations, reading through day-by-day itineraries, comparing tour operators, and more, you’ve officially reserved an Odysseys Unlimited small group tour. As the countdown to your departure date begins – and as your excitement grows – you can’t help but wonder … what happens next?
Before you depart on your adventure with Odysseys, there are some things you’ll need to take care of – like renewing your passport (if necessary), making final payment on your tour, getting any recommended inoculations, and more. In this blog, we highlight some of the tasks every Odysseys guest should add to their pre-tour to-do list. Read on to learn more.
When you should do it: As soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally
No one likes waiting in line at the airport, which makes Global Entry a must-have for any frequent traveler. Launched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2008, Global Entry is a program that allows “trusted travelers” to skip long Customs lines upon return to the United States. The application process can take several months, so it’s best to begin applying for Global Entry shortly after reserving your tour to ensure that you’re fully enrolled before your departure date.
When you should do it: By 95 days prior to departure
We require a $475 deposit from all guests at time of booking, with the remaining tour balance due 95 days prior to departure. (Reminder: Your deposit is fully refundable up until your final payment date.)
When you should do it: At least 90 days prior to departure
Without a valid passport, you won’t be getting very far. But did you know that, for many destinations, you can’t use your passport for international travel if it’s within six months of its expiration date? We therefore recommend that you check when your passport is set to expire shortly after reserving your tour. If your passport’s expiration date is less than six months from your tour’s scheduled return, you should begin the renewal process no later than 90 days before your tour.
When you should do it: Approximately 75 days prior to departure
Your preliminary airline itinerary should be available in your My Odyssey guest portal approximately 75 days prior to departure. We recommend logging into the portal and reviewing your itinerary as soon as you’re notified that it’s available.
When you should do it: Approximately 75 days prior to departure
If you booked your tour as “land only,” we request that you provide your air itinerary to Odysseys approximately 75 days before your tour so we can share your arrival and departure times with your tour director.
When you should do it: Approximately 60–75 days prior to departure
Based on the entry requirements of the countries you’ll be visiting on tour, you may need to obtain a visa, Electronic Travel Authorization (like the ETA required to enter the U.K.), or other documentation before departing. For most tours, you should start applying for travel documentation 60–75 days before your tour, but please note that application processing times can vary dramatically depending on destination. Log into your My Odyssey guest portal to find all the information on additional travel documentation your tour may require.
When you should do it: At least 60 days prior to departure
Much like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck – a program that allows travelers to quickly move through airport security via a special express security line – is a great way to save time at the airport. Most TSA PreCheck applications are processed and approved within 3–5 business days, but as some applications can take longer, we recommend applying for TSA PreCheck at least 60 days before you’re scheduled to leave for your tour.
Learn more about Global Entry and TSA PreCheck here.
When you should do it: At least 60 days prior to departure
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV, MMR, DPT, chickenpox, and polio. However, the CDC may also recommend additional inoculations depending on where you’ll be traveling. If that’s the case for you, we advise getting any additional prescriptions and/or inoculations at least two months before leaving the United States.
For more information from the CDC, visit their website: www.cdc.gov.
When you should do it: Approximately three weeks prior to departure
Your final pre-departure documents – which include essential tour information, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, general destination information, accommodations list, final flight itinerary (if applicable), tour member list, and more – will be uploaded to your My Odyssey guest portal approximately three weeks before your tour.
When you should do it: Within 24 hours of flight departure time
The day before your departure, check in for your flights and check your flight status using your airline’s website or mobile app.
When you should do it: Anytime before or after booking your tour
What better way to get excited for an upcoming adventure than by immersing yourself in the destinations you’ll be visiting? We offer Destination Insights and Recommended Books & Films for every Odysseys Unlimited tour. Find them toward the bottom of every tour page on our website, or in your My Odyssey guest portal.
Whether you’ve traveled with Odysseys before or you’re considering your very first small group tour with us, we can’t wait to explore the world together! We’re proud to offer tours to Europe, Africa & the Middle East, Australia & the South Pacific, Central & South America, Asia & the Far East, and North America. Once you’ve found the itinerary of your dreams, we invite you to submit an online reservation request or call us at 1-888-370-6765 – together, we’ll make your travel dreams a reality!
Share your great adventures with us on social media. Tag your pictures with #myodyssey and they may be featured on our website!
By using this website you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
