BY CLAY LARROY
In
the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both
new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books,
videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am
providing valuable information about wonderful vacation destinations. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
A key consideration for your
planning will be the composition and number of people in your party. Some tour
companies keep the group sizes very small, as few as 8, but on occasion groups
swell to 25 or more. The larger group tours tend to be less expensive in general
but individuals have less access to group leaders and experts. The age range on
a typical archaeological tour is wide, from 30 - 80 years, but most participants
tend to be physically active. The atmosphere is most often very informal and
friendly. Some tour operators have limits on whether children can participate,
so be sure to inquire if you have young ones that will accompany you on your
travels.
Most tour operators have few
prerequisites for travel such as prior course instruction or study. However,
your own enjoyment of the adventure will be all the greater for any preliminary
research and study that you undertake. Ask your travel consultant to determine
if the tour operator has a recommended reading list for you prior to travel. If
not, spend some time acquainting yourself with the geography, culture and
history of the area you are to visit.
You will often have an
opportunity while on your travels to purchase an antique or an artifact. In
some rare instances you might even find an artifact lying amidst rubble. Use
caution! In many countries the distinction between an antique, an antiquity and
a cultural artifact is not only close, but vitally important. In some
countries, antiques are the province of state-run shops. More often, however,
many countries ban the export of cultural artifacts or antiquities without a
proper permit, and some items may not be exported in any event. In addition,
certain categories of antiques, such as ancient paintings, calligraphy or
firearms may be forbidden. Protected animal products, ivory or hides often are
not permissible items for export. The laws and regulations governing the export
of antiques are considerable in many countries moving well beyond
considerations of VAT (Value Added Taxes) into the realms of cultural antiquities
and smuggling! Thus, one of the most crucial services provided by a good
host tour operator is compliance with local laws regarding the purchase and
export of antiques. Americans have been arrested in some countries for the
unauthorized purchase of antiques or other important cultural artifacts. Always
insist that the seller provide a receipt and, when appropriate, the official
museum export certificate required by law, if any. Unwary purchasers can find
their goods confiscated without compensation and in extreme cases even
arrested. Thus, communicate with your host guide before making any purchase and
keep your receipts in order.
Archaeological site visits are
by their very nature a more active category of travel. Not all archaeological sites are accessible to those with physical impairments or limitations. In
addition, site visits often entail long periods of time walking or hiking in
areas that are unpaved and even technical to negotiate. The climate in various
areas of the world, whether heat, humidity, cold, altitude or other exposure to
the elements can add to the physical stress a site visit might entail. If you
have any concerns about the physical capacities of you or your companions make
them known to your travel consultant early in the planning process. Finally,
ask a doctor schooled in travel medicine whether there are any special health
considerations for your intended destination such as malarial recommendations,
inoculations or suggested precautions against food and water borne maladies.
Accommodations provided by an archaeological tour operator vary not only from tour operator to operator but
also from trip to trip. There are very high end luxurious accommodations
available as well as tents, research stations and jungle lodges. Likewise, tour
operators provide a varied number of means to transport travelers to, from and
between sites, from large motor coach buses to 4-wheel drive vehicles. Knowing
in advance what type of lodging and transportation the tour operator provides
will help you to better prepare mentally for your travels.
Your travel consultant will
provide you with information regarding the necessary travel documentation for
your destination of choice. In general, international travel requires a
passport and often a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six
months after your planned date of return. Visas can often be purchased at your
point of entry, but sound practice dictates that you obtain any necessary
travel documentation well in advance of travel. Travel insurance, which can
typically be purchased through your travel consultant, is a good idea to
protect against baggage loss, trip cancellation, interruption or unexpected
health emergencies occurring during your journey.
Archeology tours. We know
you. You’ll dig it.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape
us.” – Anonymous
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