Gwyneth Harold-Davidson, Gleaner writer

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Freedom of the Sea. Some Jamaicans will be taking a cruise this summer. - File

President of the Jamaica Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and senior agent at Trafalgar Travel, Joy Gillett Chambers, says that preparation is important for a successful holiday.

Immunisation and Visas

Jamaican passport holders need a visa for most destinations, and sometimes even for in-transit stops, so it is best to make travel plans early so that you can apply for your visas and take your immunisation shots in good time. I would recommend that you start planning in March for a summer vacation abroad.

Special Needs

If you have special needs, tell the reservations agent at the time you are booking your passage or hotel room. This includes requests for unaccompanied minors, persons with physical disabilities or any other special request.

Clearing Immigration

Complete all the forms ahead of time - that is before you reach the immigration and customs agent. Have the head of family hold the passports and any other documents ready for inspection.

Babies and Infants

For babies, pack correctly with a change of clothes and remember to put the formula and bottles in your hand luggage."

Children to teens

"Once kids are old enough, let them carry their own hand luggage such as a knapsack pulley. They should also have a change of clothes, a game or book and their snacks in their bags.

Day Outings

If you are going to an amusement park or an all-day outing, make sure to carry plenty of money - the prices are sky high. You might want a souvenir and the children will want everything. The price of food is exorbitant, and is mostly junk food, so here is how you plan to save: Have a big breakfast before you go out on the road and carry a few snacks in your bag and box drinks with the straw, hopefully this will keep you going

until you can get back to your hotel or family home."

Attending special events

"If you are going for an event and carrying something important, such as the wedding cake, you need to book your ticket early and take advantage of any low fares. The closer that you book to the departure day, the higher the fares will be."

It is key to put important items for the occasion in your hand luggage, especially if you are traveling during peak times, as your luggage might not arrive with you.

Money

These days more people are using credit and debit cards for safety and convenience. If you do not have a credit card it is good to take US currency in travellers cheques. Change out your travellers cheques in small amounts based on your shopping and travel plans. It is good to have some currency of the country that you are traveling in because restaurants and shops might not have credit card facilities. The currency can also be a souvenir in itself, so you do not have to worry about changing it back to US at the end of your stay."

Cruises

"When planning for a cruise, remember that it is not all-inclusive. You are offered wine with dinner, but the package does not include alcoholic beverages. It is also customary to tip the cabin stewards and Maitre'd. Cruises also have at least one formal dinner, so to be accepted into the dining rooms, gentlemen should plan to carry a jacket and ladies evening wear. These days, each passenger is expected to have visas for all ports of entry, even if you are not leaving the ship."