We’ve been getting a lot of questions over on our Facebook page and elsewhere about what happens once you book a tour with Expat Explore Travel. In this series we’ll try to answer some of those questions – and if we miss any out please get in touch in the comments section below!

1. What documents do I need?

Obviously, you’ll need a passport before you go anywhere. Make sure it’s valid for at least six months after you return from your holiday – and make sure you have a few blank pages too. Remember, entry and exit stamps and visas will take up space pretty quickly!

Top tip: Make photocopies of your passport before you leave home, and keep these separate from the passport itself. That way if your passport does go missing, you’ll at least have some documentation with you. But really… try not to lose your passport. It can take weeks to replace, and it’s not cheap either.

Travel documents:

Make sure that any travel services you have paid for are shown in your invoices, and that your name has been spelled correctly. Make copies and bring them along too.

Travel Insurance:

This is something that you need to organise before you travel. Many organisations offer travel insurance, and it’s totally up to you which one you choose. Keep in mind that if you’re applying for a visa, most countries will require proof of travel insurance anyway. Keep a copy of your policy with your other travel documents so that you can refer to it quickly if you need to.

2. What visas do I need?

Depending on the country you’re from, you may need a visa to visit the UK and may even need a Schengen visa to visit Europe. Please check which visas you’ll need; we won’t be able to help if you’re refused entry because you have the incorrect visa documentation. Once you’ve paid for your tour in full we’ll send you the necessary support documents to make your applications, including an E-ticket, accommodation list and a letter to the relevant embassy confirming your booking. Keep in mind that the embassy you apply to will depend on the country in which you spend the most time.

3. Where does my tour depart from?

This is a very frequent question. The tours that depart from London all leave from the same place – a car park right outside our offices. Here’s the address:

Unit 9,
Dock offices
Surrey Quays Road
London SE16 2XU

The nearest tube is Canada Water, which is on the Jubilee Line (the grey one on the map) and the London Overground (orange on the map).