Pre-Departure Resource Center
Get ready for your trip.
Your departure is getting closer. Find our checklists, packing advice and trip resources here, ready when you need them.
Start here: departure checklist
10 Things to Do and Know Before You Go
From travel documents to the flight ahead, review the essentials before you leave home.
Your travel essentials.
Know what to pack, what to expect, and where to find answers.
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Pack with confidence
ACIS Packing Tips
Plan what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to make the most of your luggage space.
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Travel together
ACIS Behavior Guidelines
Review our expectations for a safe, respectful and rewarding experience for everyone.
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Prepare to depart
Getting Ready to Travel
Find guidance on passports and visas, money matters, keeping in touch, and more before you go.
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Picture your trip
What to Expect on Tour
Get familiar with life on tour, from daily activities and meals to accommodations.
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Know your destination
Destination Fact Sheets
Find useful cultural background and practical travel details for the places you’ll visit.
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We’re here to help
Traveler Support
Have a question about your upcoming trip? Find our live chat and ways to contact the ACIS team.
Your trip, close at hand
Meet the ACIS Travel App.
Keep your itinerary, flight information and hotel details together in one convenient place. Get the app before departure so you’re ready to go.
For group leaders
Help your group feel prepared.
Bring everyone together before departure and review the resources for leading your tour.
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Pre-Departure Meeting PowerPoint
Use our 2026 presentation to guide your pre-departure meeting and help travelers and families prepare.
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ACIS Group Leader Academy
Find guidance and planning resources to help you organize your group and lead with confidence.
What should I pack?
We’ve got lots of packing tips, but the ones we’ll shout again and again are to check the weather shortly before you go, bring layers, and definitely bring comfortable shoes. We encourage you to carry on your luggage and avoid the risk of the airline misplacing it. Our trusted rule of thumb is to bring about half of what you think you’ll need!
Can I bring prescription medication with me on tour?
We highly recommend storing any prescription medication in your carry-on and not your checked luggage in case the checked luggage gets delayed or misdirected or if you need it in an emergency. Once your airline is confirmed, we advise you to review their guidelines and review the customs regulations of all countries on your itinerary for any restrictions. It can be helpful to carry a copy of the prescription or doctor’s note with you, especially if the medicine is in liquid form or requires syringes.
How much spending money do I need?
The amount of spending money you’ll need depends on personal habits, but a good rule of thumb is $50 USD a day. This allows for lunch, snacks, soft drinks, souvenirs, free-time activities, optional excursions not already included in your itinerary and local transportation during your free time.
Should I exchange money before I go?
We encourage groups to bring a small amount of local currency with you. Get together with some friends to save on fees. Once overseas you can use ATMs and they generally offer good rates, but you won’t want to spend your arrival day in line for the ATM with your entire group. Save the time so you can start exploring.
In case of emergency
Know where to turn if something unexpected happens. Review our emergency guidance and how ACIS can help while you’re on tour.