Frequently Asked Questions

UPDATE AS NEEDED:

  • Documentation
    • A valid passport is required for travel to Buenos Aires. It must be valid through your return travel date, but we recommend six months’ validity beyond travel dates.
    • All passenger names (first, middle and last names) on airline tickets/e-tickets must match your passport exactly, or the airlines will deny boarding. Suffixes (Jr., Sr., III, etc.) are not required.
    • Any changes after ticketing may result in additional fees and penalties. 
    • Non-U.S. citizens should contact their consulate to determine the necessary documentation.
    • Travel with photocopies of your travel documents and passport in case the originals are lost or stolen. Leave a copy of your passport at home as well.
    • Entry into any foreign country can be denied if you have a criminal background. Please check with the country’s consulate or embassy.
    • Important note for married people or anyone who has changed their name: If your maiden/former name is on your current passport, you must make sure your airline ticket has the same name. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport.
  • State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 
    STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We strongly recommend that you enroll in this free program before departing for your international destination. Enrollment benefits include:
    • You’ll receive important information from the embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
    • It will be easier for the U.S. embassy to contact you in an emergency, whether it’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
    • It will be easier for family and friends to get in touch with you in an emergency.
    • The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, is another resource. Visit their Know Before You Go page to learn more.
  • Airport check-in and boarding
    • Mask usage is not required on most airline carriers nor in most airports. 
    • To avoid being denied check-in or boarding:
      • You and your luggage must be checked in with the airline at least 60 minutes before flight departure. You may be able to check in online and prepay baggage fees; visit your airline’s website for information.
      • You must be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure.
      • We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before flight departure to allow for long lines and delays.
    • Airline websites and travel apps are useful for checking flight status and receiving notifications. The day before your scheduled departure, be sure to verify your departure time and gate with the originating airline listed on your itinerary.
    • The GEM Club mobile web app will include your flight information and confirmation number(s), to use as a reference at check-in.
    • Visit the TSA website for more information.
  • Checked luggage fees
    • Baggage fees vary by airline and frequent flyer status. Contact your scheduled airline for up-to-date information.
    • All luggage fees incurred will need to be paid by you at airport check-in; however, you may be reimbursed according to Labcorp’s T&E policy.
  • Flight delays
    Once you check in, the reservation is in the hands of the airline. If your travel is interrupted or canceled while you are at the airport, please get in line at a ticket counter or service desk. Once your new flights are booked, please inform GEM Club Program Headquarters of the new flight information. While in line, if you’d like assistance with possible flight options, call GEM Club Program Headquarters at 847-252-5919 (press 2 for air). If you call outside business hours, you will have the option to be forwarded to one of the travel air specialists for assistance.
  • Luggage identification
    Securely attach the GEM Club luggage tags you received in the mail to each piece of luggage you are checking. We also recommend enclosing within your luggage a business card, as this may help the airline identify your bag if the outer tag is detached in transit. Lost or damaged luggage is the sole responsibility of the airlines.
  • Packing tips
    • Many international carriers have weight restrictions. Please check the airline’s website directly for specific information.
    • One carry-on bag and one personal item (laptop, purse, camera bag) are permitted per person. The carry-on bag may not exceed 9” x 14” x 22” and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
      • Carry some toiletries, a change of clothes and a swimsuit (if applicable) in case your luggage is delayed.
      • Prescription drugs, in their original containers, should also be in your carry-on luggage.
      • Be sure to carry your valuables on you or in your carry-on bag.
    • Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are limited to travel size (3.4 ounces or less, each) and must fit in ONE quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. More information on what you can bring.
    • The TSA requires that your luggage be unlocked, or you may use TSA-approved locks, which are available where travel goods are sold.
    • For the most up-to-date information, visit the TSA website and your airline’s website.
  • Verify departure time
    The day before your scheduled departure, be sure to call or check the airline website (phone numbers and websites listed below), or use the airline’s mobile app, to verify your departure time and gate. You may consider checking again before you leave for the airport on the day of departure.

    UPDATE AS NEEDED:

    • Attire guidelines
      • Daytime: Casual clothing with comfortable walking shoes is appropriate for your selected tours and activities and the GEM Club Business Meeting.
      • Evening: Smart casual is appropriate for the welcome reception and dine-around evenings. This includes a collared shirt or sweater and long pants, casual dress, and a skirt or accessorized pant ensemble along with a wrap or sweater. For the awards dinner, formal attire such as a cocktail or dinner dress, and a suit and tie are appropriate. The final night event will be at La Republica, a working ranch; wear jeans or casual clothing and flat shoes, as you will be walking entirely on grass, sand, and uneven surfaces.
    • Currency/credit cards
      The exchange rate is approximately ARS $1200.00 to USD $1.00, but subject to daily fluctuations. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, and you can change dollars for pesos at any bank or at a “Casa de Cambio” exchange office showing a valid passport with a valid entry stamp. When you pay in dollars, most merchants will give you change in pesos, which is a good way to get small bills for taxis and tips.
      • Although American Express, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, you will need cash for taxis and tips; therefore, we suggest you bring a small amount of cash to change into Argentine pesos onsite.
      • Before traveling, notify your credit card company of your trip to avoid fraud alerts or transaction holds. Some businesses may have a minimum charge requirement for card payments, so carrying more than one form of payment is advisable.
      • ATM machines can also be found around Buenos Aires, but please be advised that many guests are finding it difficult to withdraw money from ATMs in Argentina nowadays, and service fees can be higher than normal.
    • Destination tips
      • Have the hotel phone number and address with you when you leave to explore the area.
      • Bring photocopies of your ATM and credit cards. In case of loss, replacement will be easier.
      • Leave your original passport and travel documents in your room safe. Carry a copy of your passport with you.
    • Drinking water
      A change in drinking water anywhere in the world can cause stomach distress. We recommend drinking bottled water when you travel.
    • Expenses
      • Personal items such as room incidentals, laundry, in-room dining, minibar consumption and activities not sponsored by Labcorp will be at your own expense.
      • Transportation charges to/from your home city airport and meals on your travel days will need to be paid by you; however, you may be reimbursed according to Labcorp’s T&E policy.
    • Health insurance
      Check with your health insurance provider to make sure they cover medical expenses in South America. Any treatments received while in Argentina must be paid for at the time of treatment and filed with your insurance company when you return home.
    • Hosted events
      • Breakfast daily
      • Welcome Reception & Dinner on May 2
      • GEM Club Business Meeting and Team-building Activity on May 3
      • Lunch and Awards Dinner on May 3
      • Hosted Activity & Lunch on May 4 and May 5
      • Dine-Around Dinners on May 4 and May 5
      • Farewell Event on May 6
    • Meal allowance
      Argentine pesos will be provided to help cover the cost for your meals at leisure including lunch on May 4 and/or May 5 (if not included in your selected activity) and lunch on May 6.
    • Medical information
      Please advise the GEM Club Program Headquarters of any medical conditions that may require special attention or treatment, if not already noted in your registration. Bring a copy of any prescriptions you are taking, and pack your prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage. We suggest you bring an extra supply in case of an unforeseen emergency. Do not pack medication in your checked luggage.
    • Mobile web app
      We recommend bookmarking this app or adding it to your home screen so it’s easily accessible. We also recommend using the hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi when using the app to avoid excessive data usage.
    • Name badges
      Name badges were included in the travel bag sent to you before travel.
      • Name badges should be worn to all planned group functions. They will identify you to your fellow travelers and assist the travel staff in recognizing you easily.
      • Please note that you should not put your magnetic name badges near credit cards or magnetically encoded room keys, as the magnet on your badge may deactivate these items. Those with pacemakers should also take caution, as the magnets may cause the heart rate to increase. If you are unable to use a magnetic name badge, please stop by the GEM Club Hospitality Desk. The travel staff will be able to provide you with an alternative name badge.
    • General Security and Caution Advice
      For Buenos Aires, exercise normal security precautions and be aware of petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse snatching, scams, and luggage theft, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. Be aware that protests, demonstrations, and other disruptions may occur, and avoid large public gatherings. Ensure that your travel documents are up to date, bring copies of your passport and credit cards, utilize room safes in the hotel, and make certain that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are always secure.
      • NOTE – The U.S. Department of State current travel advisory for Argentina is Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions. There have been anti-government protests recently in the central part of Buenos Aires, some of which have turned violent. Global Security is monitoring this area daily for any new developments.
    • Special dietary requests
      We are happy to help you with special menu requests and any other special needs. Please contact GEM Club Program Headquarters if you did not note your request during registration.
    • Time comparison
      Buenos Aires is in the Argentina Time Zone and does not observe Daylight Saving. In May, when it’s noon in Buenos Aires, it’s 8:00 a.m. in Los Angeles, 9:00 a.m. in Denver, 10:00 a.m. in Chicago, and 11:00 a.m. in New York.
    • Tipping
      Tips for all services outlined in the itinerary, as well as driver, housekeeping and bellman gratuities, have been prepaid by Labcorp. Tips for optional sightseeing, additional meals and other services rendered should be handled individually. It is recommended that you tip 10% on any personal meals and services that are not part of the GEM Club program. Tips for waiters in restaurants and bars must be cash only; you generally cannot add a tip on your credit card or room charge.
    • Tours and activities
      • Optional group activities are being hosted by Labcorp on May 4 and May 5.
      • Confirmations for your selected activities can be found on the Itinerary tab of this mobile web app. All appropriate tips have been paid to the guides, drivers, and tour staff.
      • If you would like information on booking additional tours on your own, you may stop by the GEM Club Hospitality Desk and speak to one of the local guides.
    • U.S. Customs
      You will pass through Customs in the first U.S. city upon your return. You are allowed duty-free purchases of $800 per person. Be sure to keep receipts for all purchases. Articles purchased at a duty-free shop are only duty free for the country in which they are purchased, are subject to U.S. customs duty and should be included in your list of purchases. We recommend you pack your purchases in your carry-on for easy inspection on your return trip home.
    • Weather/sunrise, sunset
      In early May, Buenos Aires is in the midst of autumn, offering mild and comfortable weather. Daytime highs of 66-72° F (19-22° C) and nighttime lows of 50-57° F (10-13° C) are usual. Click here for additional weather information.
    • Your GEM Club Program Headquarters travel staff
      We look forward to meeting you and assisting you in any way possible. Throughout the program, we will be available at the GEM Club Hospitality Desk or through the app Help tab:
      • Heidi Brand
      • Jackie Caracciolo
      • Tom Degenhart
      • Amy Fiser
      • Lori Fisher
      • Angela Sayler
      • Kathy Thouvenot