Heritage Trip Checklist

✔️ Passports for all travelers!  Make sure expiration date is at least 6 months past travel return date.

✔️ Once passports are up to date, apply for your visas https://lotustours.net/visa-more/

✔️ Familiarize yourself with local customs, such crossing street; table manners; no moving on bus; respect for elders; some bargaining phrases in Mandarin, etc..

✔️ Confirm schedules and make deposit or payment 

✔️ Consider any vaccinations recommended. Check the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/travel

✔️ Review list of pre-trip resources to help your family prepare for the journey https://lotustours.net/resources/

✔️ Favorite snacks for in-between times during travel when food is not accessible or convenient

✔️ Luggage locks for China in-country domestic flights and train travel

✔️ Voltage converters and chargers for all camera gear and electronics

✔️ Gifts or gift planning for designated homes/schools/foster family, SWI staff you’ll be visiting

✔️ Passports and copy of passport main page and visa approval page (stored separately from passport)

✔️ Seasonal: Summer-sunglasses, bug spray; raincoat, walking sandals, shorts. Winter: layered clothing, jackets, gloves, hat, scarf & rain gear.  No formal wear required for SWI visit, but dressy casual works well.

✔️ Try to pack everything you need in a carry-on bag, or limit each person to one rollerboard and a backpack.  Train travel means carrying luggage up steps. Pack as light as possible, even for plane travel.

Choose to bring a flexible attitude; expect the unexpected. There likely will be some!  This is China!!!!

✔️ 60 days prior to departure balance payment for trip is due 

✔️ Set aside/purchase needed seasonal travel clothes, gifts and electronic items needed. 

✔️ Advise Lotus Travel of any food allergies

✔️ Toss items in your suitcase as you think of them, and you can pare them down later. 

✔️ Leave your travel itinerary, passport copies & contact info — names and phone numbers of the hotels where you are staying—with a friend/family member, so they can reach you if needed.

✔️ Phone numbers (contact numbers for your vet; helpful friends/neighbors; alarm company etc.)

✔️ Get crisp US money in small bills for guide/ hotel bellman tipping and finalize your money plans. Contact your bank/credit card company and let them know you’ll be traveling internationally.

✔️ Call your international airline 72 hrs. prior to flight departure to reconfirm your seats (required!)

✔️ Create your own final “must have” list: passports, camera, medication, ATM card, money belt, etc.