When arriving by air
Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and cleared customs you will be walking into the arrival hall of your first destination. It is possible you will be a little bleary-eyed after a long flight and there are also likely to be any number of meeting boards being held up for various passengers. Please remember your guide will not know your appearance at this stage and therefore you will need to look out for your name on a board. Once you have identified yourself to your guide, they will take you to your hotel and discuss your itinerary with you.
When arriving by train
Upon disembarking your train, you will be met at the end of the platform by your guide or a member of staff. Please remember your guide will not know your appearance at this stage and therefore you will need to look for your name on a board. Once you have identified yourself to your guide, they will take you to your hotel and discuss your itinerary with you.
What if you cannot find your guide?
Firstly do not panic. Let the crowds clear a little and stay with your luggage. If you are in a group it is advisable that you stay together, as the guide will be looking for all of you. After 15 minutes, if you still have not been met then one of you should locate the airport/train station ‘information point’ and check that you are in the correct place (many airports/train stations have several terminals and your guide will be waiting for you at your timetabled arrival terminal).
In the extremely unlikely event that after 45 minutes you have not been greeted, then you should contact the local number that will be provided on your travel documents.
If meeting at the hotel
Upon arrival at the designated hotel, you should go to the reception and check-in as normal. In most cases they will have details of your arrival and will alert you as to when your guide will be arriving (if they are not there already).
Please note- you may have been advised at the time of booking, that in some cases your guide may not be due until the following morning.
If you have problems at check-in, please explain the situation and allow the staff to look into the matter. In the unlikely event that there is still a problem, then you should contact the local number that will be provided on your travel documents.
Then what?
It is very possible at this point that you may want to freshen up after a long journey or go straight to bed. Alternatively, you may want to head straight out to soak up the local atmosphere or to have a bite to eat. Whatever your preference, you can make arrangements with your guide, who will also notify you of the following day’s start time and some general details.
Please note - In some countries your guide or your hotel will have to take your passport and register it with the local police. This is perfectly standard and you should not worry about your passport going astray – just be sure you have it when you move on to your next destination
What if you have booked some additional nights before your trip begins?
You will still receive the ‘meet and greet’ service as listed above at the time of your actual arrival. You will then be advised as to when to meet your guide again for the start of the itinerary programme.