Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to organize your travel arrangements! Now you can begin the countdown to your trip! Before you know it, you will have your feet in the sand and a tropical drink in your hand! To prepare you for your journey, I wanted to share with you some important information. Please read this "Know Before You Go" document in its entirety so there are no last-minute questions or confusion.

Documents / Vouchers – Don't forget to take with you all of the travel documents I have sent you, including this "Know Before You Go" so that you can reference it during your trip. I recommend putting these with your passport prior to departure. There are no vouchers or airline tickets. Everything is now done electronically at the airline counter, arrival lounge, and at check-in. Special requests, occasions, or celebrations have been noted.

Passports - Make sure your passports are packed prior to travel. This will avoid any last-minute issues of trying to locate your passports. Make sure that they are not expired, torn, or unreadable. Passport booklets are required for all international travel. NO EXCEPTIONS. A passport card is NOT allowed for airline travel. TropiGal Travel is not responsible for passports. Due to the new Passport Validity Rule, travelers are required to travel with a passport that has an expiration date that is no less than 6 months from the date of travel. If your passport does not meet the Passport Validity Rule, contact me ASAP.

DO NOT forget your passports at home, as you will be unable to board your flight!

Get more information on how to renew or get a passport here:

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

I recommend you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The benefits include:

• Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
• Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
• Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

https://step.state.gov/step/

Airline - Remember to check with the airline the day before your flight to make sure there have been no changes to your flight times. Airline check-in can be done exactly 24 hours prior to departure. Have your passport and record locator/confirmation code ready, navigate to your airline's website, and click on check-in. If your airline allows assigned seats and/or they have not already been assigned, you can also assign or change your seats at this time. Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seating. At check-in, you are assigned a boarding group (A, B and C). The earlier you check-in, the better the boarding group you will be assigned to. Want automatic flight check-in, better seat selection, and early access to overhead bins? Purchase EarlyBird Check-In (fees apply). Use your Airline Confirmation Number to purchase EarlyBird at www.southwest.com/flight/early-bird-retrieve-reservation.html.

Be aware that you may have fees to pay directly to the airline that were not charged when you originally booked the airfare. For more information on your airline's baggage policies and fees, visit www.Sandals.com/baggage. If your airline charges for baggage, you can also purchase at check-in (sometimes at a discount) or at the airport.

• Tip: Some airlines may allow you to upgrade your ticket to business/first class for a fraction of the cost during online check-in. I recommend logging on to their website exactly 24 hours prior to departure for best availability.

Mobile Passport –- The Mobile Passport app speeds you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at airports and cruise ports. This app is officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

STEP 1: SET UP YOUR PROFILE

Enter your profile information as it appears on your valid, official passport. You can set up profiles for your entire family. Your information will be encrypted and shared only with CBP.

STEP 2: ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS

Answer CBP’s five brief questions about your trip. Then carefully review ALL of your information for the trip.

STEP 3: SUBMIT TO CBP

Once you are at your port of entry (airport or seaport), connect to wireless or wi-fi and submit your data to CBP. Remember: when you submit, you are confirming under penalty of law that your information is correct. Within a few seconds, you will receive a CBP receipt with an encrypted barcode. Your receipt will be valid for 4 hours.

STEP 4: SAVE TIME!

Follow the Mobile Passport Control signs to the designated Mobile Passport Control line. Show your passport to the CBP officer and scan the barcode on the CBP receipt. And that’s it!

https://mobilepassport.us/

Departing - Remember to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to take off. You should leave room for delays such as traffic, check-in lines, and long security lines.

TSA Regulations - Please remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage. No liquids over 3 ounces and all liquids must be in a 1-quart bag. You can bring mini-bottles of alcohol through security, but you cannot open the bottles and drink them on a plane. It is a violation of federal law to drink alcoholic beverages onboard an aircraft unless served by the airline. Do not try to drink Your own alcohol onboard.

For additional information/updates can be found here: http://www.tsa.gov/

Luggage Tags - Make sure to specify your home address is on your bags and note the hotel you are staying at. I recommend tying a ribbon on your suitcase that makes it easy for you to recognize as it comes off the luggage carousel. Please double check the tags before exiting Baggage Claim.

Resort Contact Info - If you need to provide Resort contact info to friends or family members, please reference the following link:

http://www.sandals.com/contact/contact-resorts/

Check-in/out  - Sandals allows you to check in online before arrival to speed up your check-in process and avoid having to fill out the paperwork. You may check in at www.Sandals.com/extras between 14 and 4 days prior to arrival. If you miss the timeframe for checking in online, do not worry, staff will upon arrival at the resort. You will also be asked to securely submit a credit card retainer on file (typically $400 USD).  This is standard practice for any incidentals or on-resort purchases. If it is not used, the hold will drop off.

Check-in is at 3 PM –or earlier if rooms are available and have been cleaned.

• Tip: For early arrivals, pack your swimsuit in your carry-on. If the room is not yet available, you can change in the spa and enjoy the pool or beach while your room is being prepared.

Check-out is 11 AM. I suggest settling any room charges the night before. Leave your locked baggage outside your room. The bellman will bring them to the lobby.

• Tip: For late departures, you can still enjoy the amenities and shower in the spa.

Island Arrival & Transfers - Immigration and Customs Declaration forms are required to enter the country.

All destinations except Bahamas and Grenada offer electronic immigration forms that are required to be completed online prior to entry. You need a valid email address as the Immigration and Customs receipts (a QR code or special identification number) are usually emailed. When you arrive, you’ll present the printed receipt or electronic version saved to your phone or mobile device. This is encouraged to speed up your arrival process.

Antigua - You are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Travel Form, which will be available 72 hours prior to your arrival in Antigua. No app is needed. Upload a photo of your passport and you will receive a QR code. Spouse and dependent children can be processed using the same form.

Barbados - You are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Travel Form, which will be available 72 hours prior to your arrival in Barbados. Once the form is completed, the Immigration and Customs receipt will be sent to the email that you provided in the form. Please save the receipts to your mobile device or print, them for presentation to Immigration and Customs, upon arrival. https://travelform.gov.bb/

Curacao - All international visitors are required to complete the Digital Immigration Card (DI card) within 7 days prior to departure. The Digital Immigration card is a mandatory card for all foreign travelers to clear immigration in Curacao. https://dicardcuracao.com/dicard

Grenada - Travelers are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form which is distributed by the flight attendants.

Jamaica –- Each passenger is required to complete the form which can be done up to 30 days before your scheduled arrival date, https://enterjamaica.com/

St. Lucia -– Complete one per family to receive a QR code by email to be presented to the authorities on arrival. Complete and submit your form up to 3 days prior to travel. https://travelslu.govt.lc/

St. Vincent – There are no paper or electronic forms to complete. Visitor permits are granted on arrival by an Immigration Officer and may is valid for six months for US citizens.  You need to possess a return ticket, indicate reason for travel, and where you will be staying.

Bahamas - Still requires paper forms to be completed on the plane. These cannot be obtained online because each has its own unique form control number and bar code. Please remember to bring a black or blue ink pen. If your airline doesn't have forms available, they will be available on arrival.

After processing a portion of the card is given back until time of departing when that portion should be given to the airline agent at the check in counter. An oral baggage declaration is required if the visitor has only their used personal belongings. If they are bringing other items, they would have to make a baggage declaration (C17) form and declare the items. All returning residents are required to complete a baggage declaration (C17) form whether they have items to declare or not.

When you arrive at your destination, follow the signs for Immigration, which you will clear first. Make sure to have your passports out and ready. After you clear Immigration you will go to the baggage carousel and collect your checked bags (if you checked any). From there you will go through Customs.

Once you clear Customs in Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Lucia, head towards the exit and look for the Sandals lounge and check-in with the attendants at the entrance.

All other destinations, exit the building and follow the signs until you see the Sandals podium and representatives. Provide the attendant with your name. All bags will be tagged, and you will be escorted to your transfer vehicle. Again, keep your wallet and passports with you!

Tipping Policies - Sandals has a very strict zero tolerance policy on tipping. None of the resort wait staff, bartenders, front desk, room attendants, and concierge are allowed to receive tips. In fact, if they are offered a tip and accept, they could lose their jobs. This is because Sandals has already included the cost of gratuities in their all-inclusive pricing. However, there are a few small exceptions to the no-tipping rule.

· Butlers: Butlers are allowed to receive tips from guests for excellent service. Remember, this is discretionary and the amount is whatever you feel comfortable with. Tips can be added on and charged to your room bill or provided directly to the butler.

· Spa Attendants: Massage therapists and other spa attendants are allowed to accept tips from customers. Tips can be added onto the final charge at the spa.

· Porter Service: $1.00 per bag. Porters will assist passengers in moving their bags from:

· Departures from curbside of the terminal building to the airline check-in position;

· Ground Transportation Arrivals Hall to a point at curbside appropriate for obtaining the type of transportation required by the traveler.

· Drivers: The drivers who transfer you between the airport and resort do not work for Sandals.

They work for tips, so tipping is welcomed and appreciated, however not expected or necessary.

Safes - Use your safe for your jewelry, passports, laptops, cameras, wallet, cash, and purses. The resort does not have a problem with theft, but I never trust anyone that has access to my room when it comes to my very important and valuable items! TropiGal Travel is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Safety - Please do not carry expensive jewelry and/or large amounts of cash in the open. When you leave your room, make sure all valuables are locked in the room safe. Remember to press and hold “LOCK” and then check to make sure it has locked properly before leaving your room.

Leaving valuables out or in an open safe is dangerous no matter where you travel to.

Money/Cash/Credit Cards - The resort will run your credit card for authorization for couple hundred dollars for incidentals to be credited immediately back to your account if not used. This opens up your room to charge things like gift shop purchases and spa treatments. I recommend using credit vs. debit cards, as the hold on your funds can last up to 7 business days.

American money is accepted. You do not need to exchange your money and I would not recommend it. The resort does have an ATM machine, but there are fees associated and the money will be dispensed in that country’s currency. The resort will only take credit card as a form of payment for incidentals. Also, most airports do not accept cash. I recommend bringing enough cash that you think you will spend.

As for how much cash you should bring on your trip: It depends on how much shopping and site seeing you want to do and how long you are staying. Its’ always a good idea to bring an extra $100-$200 in small bills (at least $20 to $50 worth of singles) and leave it in the safe in your room to be used for tipping drivers, bell-men at airport and market shopping as needed.

• Tip: If you plan to use your card, you may want to call your bank ahead of time and let them know you will be traveling out of the US. Many banks see foreign charges and put a freeze on your account which may be a problem when making purchases or checking out with a room balance.

Electricity: Bahamas and Jamaica run on 110/220V, same as the US, so no need to bring a converter. All other Sandals will have limited US outlets, (i.e. 1 bath, 1 nightstand) so you may want to bring a converter and/or power strip for multiple devices.

Dress Code - Sandals has a strict dress code for their restaurants. You can find out which restaurants require which attire by checking the restaurant list in your room. If you do not follow this dress code (some requirements include closed toe shoes for men) you may be asked to leave a restaurant, so please pack accordingly.

Resort Casual Attire - Shorts or jeans, t-shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered.

Shirts and footwear required.

Resort Evening Attire - Dress pants or jeans for men, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar). Dress shoes or elegant sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts or sneakers.

Entertainment & Theme Nights – A daily entertainment and activity schedule is posted throughout the resort as well as provided in your room nightly. Don’t miss the beach party or the chocolate buffet. Also, pack white clothing for ‘White Night’.

• Tip: Sandals Select Members don’t forget to RSVP for the return guest dinner.

Add-Ons – I can reserve your resort add-ons such as candlelight dinners, tours, excursions, and spa treatments prior to arrival at the resort. It is advised to pre-book these things so you can guarantee the date and time you want. You will also be able to pre-pay, which means you will avoid a balance for all of your add-ons at check out. All add-ons can be booked at www.Sandals.com/extras.

• Tip: Consider booking your massage(s) for the beginning of your stay. Some guests tend to suffer from sunburn after a few days in the sun and a massage when you have sunburn can be more painful than relaxing.

SnapShots – Professional photographers are available throughout the resort to capture your vacation memories. Don’t be shy! There is no cost to take the photo. The photographer will ask for you room number which will allow you to view all photos taken during your stay in the photo shop. I also suggest scheduling a complimentary 30-minute photo shoot in the gardens and/or beach at sunset. This is a great opportunity to get a family photo. If you choose to purchase any photos, both prints and digital copies are available, as well as photo packages at a discount. Sandals and Beaches return guests receive a 10% Photo Shop discount.

• Tip: Do not wait until the end of your vacation to choose your photos. This can be overwhelming and stressful. Visit SnapShots frequently and delete the photos you know you won’t want to purchase. This makes the decision process much easier at the end of your trip.

Sandals Select Rewards Program

If you are not already, become a member of the Sandals Select Rewards program and join an exclusive group of guests that call Sandals and Beaches resorts their Home Away From Home. As a member you will earn points & benefits that will make your experience on resort truly unique.

https://www.sandalsselect.com/enrollment/

Sandals and Beaches App – Download the Sandals app have access to your Sandals Select Rewards Account wherever you go! The Sandals app has been upgraded to enhance your member and vacation experience. With the Sandals & Beaches app you can manage your upcoming trip(s), view your booking information, book vacation extras, and even check-in before your arrival. While at the resort(s), use the app to make dining reservations, view resort map, check local weather, manage butler preferences, check-out and much more!

Do not wait until your vacation ends, should you have any concern, request, or compliment!

The fastest and easiest way to notify management is to connect with GINA in the app! This system is monitored and will ensure timely resolution.

Features of the App allow you to…:

• NEW and in Progress – You can now make ONE pre-arrival dining reservation 2 weeks prior to arrival, and only for the resort that you are staying at. The other reservations will need to be reserved when you arrive.
• Daily planner to set reminders for scheduled activities.
• Access your Sandals Select membership card
• Stay up to date with your current point balance as well as view pending points
• View membership status and benefits
• View upcoming trips and trip details
• View all past stays
• Personal vacation countdown
• Pre-Arrival Check In and more!

Sandals Visa Signature Card - Apply today and use your card to make at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of the account open date to receive your statement credit.

• No Annual Fee†
• Instant Decision Available
• No Foreign Transaction Fees†
• Earn triple points for purchases at any Sandals & Beaches Resorts
• Earn one point per dollar spent on everyday purchases

Apply Here: https://www.sandalsselect.com/sandals-card/

Loyalty and Travel - Sandals has a re-booking program available on property that typically provides incentives and discounts when you book future trips on-site. You will see the Loyalty and Travel information in both your room and in the lobby area at the Loyalty and Travel desk. Should you choose to re-book your next Sandals or Beaches vacation on property, I can continue to work with you on your future booking. You must email BookingChange@uvltd.com and cc Stacey@TropiGalTravel.com within two weeks with following info:

Resort:

Dates of Travel:

Agent: Stacey Buck

Agency: TropiGal Travel

IATA: 11524623

The Sandals Foundation / Pack For A Purpose - Sandals Resorts owns a non-profit organization that helps give back to families in the Caribbean. Through the Sandals Foundation, Sandals guests have the opportunity to help out too. You can make a donation while at the resort or online at wwwSandalsFoundation.org. You can also take part in the Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip which is a three tour where you visit a local school and interact with the children. The tour is provided through www.IslandRoutes.com and is a wonderful experience that only costs $20.00 per person. If you want to help in another way, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with Pack For A Purpose allowing you to bring up to 5 pounds of school supplies for the local children to be dropped off at the resort. From there the items will be picked up and delivered to the local children.

You can view a full list of what is needed at www.PackForaPurpose.org. The option to participate in any of these organizations above are entirely yours, but I always want to make sure I let my clients know about the foundation, should they want to join me in helping out a few great causes.

Internet / WiFi - There is no charge for internet usage for unlimited devices. At some resorts, you cannot use the WiFi until you are fully ‘checked in’ to your room. This is because it is associated with your room number. Once check-in has been completed, connect to Sandals WiFi and pull up the internet. You will be prompted to enter your room number and email address. Check your email for the authorization code and enter it on the webpage. Keep this email and authorization code, as it will be used for all devices you choose to connect.

• Tip: You may want to download apps on your smart phones or tablets that allow you free calls and texts through the internet, such as Skype, WhatsApp for texting and MagicJack for phone calls.

Cell Phones - If you plan to use your cell phone internationally, please make sure you contact your provider. International cellular service and/or text messaging can be very costly. Make sure to turn your mobile devices on airplane mode to avoid any data charges.

Social Media – Keep in touch with me through social media while you are away or when you return home. I love to see photos of the trips I send you on!

Join Talk Travel with TropiGal, a private community and like TropiGal Travel on Facebook!

Tag @TropiGalTravel and Stacey TropiGal Buck in your photos! This really helps me spread the word about TropiGal Travel!

Instagram: Follow @TropiGalTravel

X: Follow @TropiGalTravel

You can also find Sandals on all three social media sites! Feel free to tag them too!

Testimonials - I always appreciate it when my clients contribute testimonials if they feel I have earned one. Testimonials help spread the word to potential new clients and help me grow my business. If you would like to contribute one, visit my Google reviews page and include a photo from your trip. You can copy/paste your review on www.Facebook.com/TropiGalTravel/Reviews too!

As always, let me know if you have any questions or issues. I look forward to hearing all about your vacation when you return!