Switzerland
Switzerland

The time is nearing for your trip to Switzerland! Listed below are several reminders to help you prepare for your trip. 

MOBILE APP

You will receive an email from Auto-Owners Insurance 2021 Long Program (AOI2102) with downloading, activation, and log-in instructions for the A-O Trips Switzerland Mobile App. The personalized app will provide the most up-to-date information prior to and throughout your travel. We recommend you and your guest download the app to your personal devices so that you receive important announcements and updates to travel arrangements. If you do not have an international plan for your mobile device, you can turn off the cellular data on your phone and use the complimentary Wi-Fi at the hotels in order to access the app.

SWITZERLAND ENTRY INFORMATION

You will receive an email approximately 22 days prior to your departure with detailed instructions for entry into Switzerland, including documentation requirements and completing the online form required for entry.

If you have a connecting flight outside of the United States: currently, most countries allow in-airport access for transiting passengers. If you are using program air, we will notify you of any changes. If you have booked your own air, you will be responsible for making sure regulations haven’t changed at the airports you will be transiting through.

AIRLINE E-TICKETS

You received an email from Gavel International with your flight itinerary and confirmation, unless you are arranging your own air transportation. 

This is the only airline ticket confirmation you will receive, please print it and keep with your program information. If you provided a frequent flyer number with your registration, that information has been sent to Gavel for inclusion on your flight reservation. We recommend you download the mobile app for your airline where you will be able to view your flight itinerary and also receive arrival and departure updates.

  • Face coverings are required for all travelers while in the airports and on your flights to Switzerland.

  • Some airlines will provide disinfecting wipes upon boarding the aircraft.  We recommend bringing a small supply of wipes and hand sanitizer in your carry-on bag.

  • The airline may ask you to confirm at check-in that you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, have not been exposed to or been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 10 days.

  • Please be prepared to show required documentation showing proof of vaccine, negative COVID test or recovery from COVID throughout your travel.

  • Please contact Gavel International should you experience delays in getting to your connecting airport that will affect your scheduled flight.

  • Following arrival at the Zurich International Airport, we will spend the day in Lucerne.  You will enjoy brunch at the Hotel Schweizerhof along with walking tours of Lucerne.  You will not have access to your checked luggage in Lucerne as it is being transferred directly from the Zurich International Airport to the Victoria-Jungfrau Hotel in Interlaken. You will be able to bring your carry-on/day bag with you to Lucerne and there will be a place for you to leave it at the hotel while taking the walking tour. We suggest your carry-on luggage include anything you may need for the day (rain coat, umbrella, jacket, comfortable walking shoes, medication) plus your travel documents (including passport) and any valuables.

COVID TESTING FOR RETURNING TO U.S.

Currently, a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of being recovered from Covid-19 within the last 90 days is required for your return from international travel to the United States. A-O Trips will provide the necessary COVID-19 testing within 3 days of departure for all participants departing on group departure day from the Fairmont Montreux Palace. If you are extending your trip and you depart from the Fairmont Montreux Palace on a non-group departure day, you will be required to obtain a COVID-19 test within the required time frame at a local facility and at your own expense. Information regarding where in Montreux you can get tested will be available at the hospitality desk. If you are extending in another city in Switzerland or in another country, it will be your responsibility to find a testing facility that can provide you with the required COVID-19 test. A positive COVID-19 test result may require quarantine in place for a defined period of time. Required quarantine in place is at your own expense.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passports are required for all travelers and must be valid for at least 6 months past travel dates. The name on your airline ticket must exactly match the name listed on your passport. Be sure to have proof of vaccine, negative COVID test or recovery from COVID available throughout your travel.

GETTING READY TO TRAVEL

You will receive a trip packet approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure which will include an information booklet, arrival day instructions, name badges, luggage tags and wrist bands.

Please read through these documents before traveling and check the mobile app for updates. You should also check with your airline for recommended arrival time at the airport.

Currently, Switzerland has face covering requirements in certain situations. We recommend having a face covering with you at all times so you are prepared in case it is required. Gavel will be available onsite at the A-O Trips Hospitality Desk should any questions arise during your trip.

For any emergency or special assistance, including wheelchair needs, before, during or after your trip call Gavel International at (877)379-7101. If you become ill or start displaying COVID-19 symptoms, you should remain inside your room and call the Gavel onsite staff ASAP for assistance or call “0” from your room phone for assistance from the hotel.

Based on the severity of your symptoms, you and your traveling companion may be quarantined for a period of time, possibly up to 10 days (at your own expense).

  • We suggest you bring the entire supply of prescription drugs you expect to need. Pack your prescription drugs in your carry-on luggage.   

  • If anyone in your party has a food allergy, or requires a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meal, please let us know ahead of time. This will help us provide efficient food service throughout the trip. Please contact Gavel International at (877)379-7101 or (816)334-0101or AOI2102@gaveledge.com. 

  • You'll be accompanied throughout the trip by a number of Auto-Owners associates. 

They've earned the opportunity to participate, but have paid a substantial buy-in as well. Each will try in every way to help make your trip more enjoyable (except in a financial way, no associate is on an expense account). If you encounter any problems, please visit the Auto-Owners Hospitality Desk. An Auto-Owners associate can also help locate a member of the Gavel International travel team to assist you. 

ATTIRE

Temperatures in Switzerland fluctuate depending on the elevation and between day and     evening. We suggest you pack a few items for all seasons and prepare to dress in layers to  accommodate the changing temperatures.  

Daytime Attire: Fall Casual – medium weight, fall casual clothing and comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Daytime temperatures may range from 40’s-70’s in the lower altitudes and can be in the 20’s-30’s in the higher elevations. A sweater and lightweight jacket are appropriate for most daytime activities. A winter jacket (packable jackets work well), hat, scarf and gloves along with shoes/boots that are appropriate for walking in snow or on ice may be appropriate based on the weather for the Mt. Schilthorn group tour. Check the attire recommendations for any optional tours that you have purchased. You should also pack a raincoat and small umbrella in case of inclement weather. Don’t forget your sunglasses and your swim suit as both hotels have indoor pools and a spa.

Evening Attire: For most Auto-Owners Insurance group dinners: Smart Casual – a collared shirt or blouse with slacks, capri pants, skirt or dress. For the Gala dinner in Montreux, dressy attire is suggested, including suits or sportcoats. Ties are optional. No blue jeans, shorts or T-shirts may be worn at Auto-Owners Insurance evening functions.

INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP

Included in this trip is roundtrip airfare, ground transfers between airports and hotels, three nights at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa in Interlaken, four nights at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreux, breakfast each day, lunches, dinners and group events as outlined in the itinerary, cash allowance, and gratuities.

OPTIONAL TOURS

Optional exclusive A-O Trips tours are being offered in Interlaken and Montreux. In order to guarantee your participation in the exclusive group optional tours, reservations should be made 31 days in advance of your group departure date using the unique link that was previously emailed to you. We will try to accommodate late reservations, however, we cannot guarantee availability after the cut-off date. For additional information on the optional tours, visit www.aotrips.com. If you need another copy of your email, please contact Gavel International at (877)379-7101 or (816)334-0101or AOI2102@gaveledge.com.

TRAVEL ACCIDENT/BAGGAGE INSURANCE

If you’re interested in travel insurance, please call (800)228-9792 or visit  www.travelexinsurance.com.

IMPORTANT

If anything occurs that may jeopardize your ability to travel, please let us know immediately! The sooner we're made aware of any problem, the better chance we have of helping you solve it. For additional information on the trip, visit www.aotrips.com. We hope you enjoy your time in Switzerland!