Checking in to your arrival hotel  Official check-in times vary from hotel to hotel. Should your flight arrive in the early morning into the city where your trip begins, you may find yourself arriving at the hotel before noon, and it could be early afternoon before your room is ready (2pm/3pm). Hotels try to prevent this from happening, but check-in times cannot be guaranteed. The hotel will be able to suggest how any spare time could be used to sightsee, relax or enjoy local restaurants while your room is being prepared.    When arriving at your first hotel, check in at the main reception desk. The reception staff will need to know your name and that you are travelling with Brendan Vacations; we recommend having your Brendan Vacations booking reference number and hotel confirmation on hand (these will be provided in your final travel documents).   For Guided Vacations, check-ins will be managed by the Travel Director after the first day, who will advise you on procedures and hotel features before arrival. They will secure keys and oversee the delivery of your luggage to your room.    Photocopies of documents  Some hotels are required to keep your passport at reception throughout your stay owing to government, country or local laws. You are therefore recommended to bring a photocopy of your passport and any visas with you when you travel.    A useful tip is to photocopy your airline tickets, credit cards and your driver’s license etc. as this can speed up replacements on those rare occasions that the originals are lost. Even easier is to scan your documents and send them to yourself as attachments to your email so that you have access to them if needed.    Keys  Many hotels use magnetic key cards. These may be required to use the elevator. In many hotels, key cards also operate the lighting and air-conditioning. The card is usually inserted into a slot or box located just inside the room in order for the electricity to function and it is a great way to save energy.    Checking out of your hotel   Always make a last-minute check of safe deposit boxes, drawers, wardrobe and bathroom before departing each hotel. If you've consumed any items from the mini bar or accessed pay-TV, etc., then you are responsible for paying incidental expenses before departure. We recommend settling any bills in the evening to ensure a smooth departure the following morning.