Travel Tips
• Airport Security
• Currency
• Dining
• Electricity
• Getting to Atlanta
• Ground Transportation
• Insurance
• Passports and Visas
• Special Needs
• Taxes
• Time
• Tipping
• Travel Agent
• Weather
Airport Security
Please take a moment to become familiar with some of the security measures at U.S. airports. This may result in saving time once you arrive at the airport. All passengers are screened, and all bags are screened. Do NOT pack or take prohibited items with you. If you are not sure what items you can carry on the plane, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/index.shtmfor more information, along with other U.S. travel information.
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Currency
The currency is the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted at many businesses. The current exchange rates can be found at http://www.xe.com/.
There is an ATM in the lobby of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, and almost every foreign currency can be converted at the hotel. There are also many banks within two blocks of the hotel.
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Dining
You will find many dining options close to the conference hotel, from fast-food outlets and diners for a quick bite to eat, through to gourmet dining.
The Westin Peachtree Plaza also has some great dining options if you want to remain in the hotel:
The Café
Located on the lobby level, The Café serves a Southern-style buffet breakfast including eggs made to order, homemade breakfast cereals, fresh pastries, Belgian waffles and fruit. A la carte items also are available.
Monday - Friday 6.30am – 10.30am
Saturday - Sunday 7.00am – 12.00pm
The Sun Dial Restaurant Bar & View
There are few settings more dramatic than a sleek, glass-walled dining room that slowly revolves through a full 360 degrees, 73 stories above the street. Ideal as a place to unwind and take in ‘Atlanta’s best view of Atlanta’.
Lunch: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Friday 6.00pm – 11.00pm
Saturday 5.30pm – 11.00pm
Brunch: Sunday 11.30am – 2.30pm
The View: 10.00am – 11.00pm
Starbucks® Coffee Bar
Open daily from 6am to 6pm, Starbucks offers a variety of coffee and sells it along with fresh, rich-brewed, Italian style espresso beverages and a variety of pastries and confections.
Daily 6.00am – 6.00pm
The Lobby Bar
Open daily, the Lobby Bar is the place to catch up with friends and colleagues, have a light bite or wind up an evening.
Monday - Friday 4.00pm – 12.00am
Saturday 2.00pm – 12.00am
Sunday 2.00pm – 11.30pm
For more information on dining in Atlanta please visit http://www.atlanta.net/dining/.
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Electricity
Outlets and voltage are at 110 volts. Adapters are required for electrical appliances not originating in North America. The frequency of electrical current in the U.S. is 60 Hz.
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Getting to Atlanta
Located 12.5 miles from the Westin Peachtree Plaza, is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is the world’s busiest airport, and is a valuable hub served by major International and domestic carriers, connecting cities and countries all around the world.
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Ground Transportation
Getting to the Westin Peachtree Plaza
There are several ways to reach the hotel from the airport, but we recommend taking the MARTA train.
MARTA train
The MARTA train station at Atlanta Airport is located in the terminal building towards the Ground Transportation Area, and the train stops directly outside the Westin Peachtree Plaza (Peachtree Ctr N1). Follow the signs from baggage claim to get to the MARTA station.
The MARTA rail system runs from 5.00am to 1.30am weekdays and from 5.30am to 1.00am weekends. Departures are every 4-5 minutes weekdays and 10-15 minutes on weekends. Journey time to Downtown (Five Points station) is around 15 minutes and Peachtree Ctr N1 is the next stop. The fare currently is $1.75 or $2.00 with a credit card. For MARTA information telephone the MARTA customer information line at 1.404.848.5000 or visit http://www.itsmarta.com/. You can also click here to view the MARTA map.
Taxis
Taxis are available at the Ground Transportation Area outside the terminal Arrivals area. Follow the signs from baggage claim. Taxis are regulated by the City of Atlanta and there is a flat rate from the airport downtown. Journey time from the airport to downtown Atlanta is 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Currently the fare is $32 from the airport to the hotel.
When you are Downtown, taxis can be called from any pay phone, and hotels, bars and restaurants will gladly call them for their patrons. In most cases taxis arrive within 15 minutes. Note that taxis cannot be flagged from the street. Taxi rates start at US$2 and increase US$0.25 every one-seventh of a miles.
Bus Shuttles
The Atlanta LINK provides a shuttle service between the airport and main areas of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. The current fare for an Atlanta Link roundtrip fare downtown is $32 per person ($18.50 one-way). Shuttle reservations can be made in advance at www.theatlantalink.com.
If you are arriving from the A through E Gates take the train to Baggage Claim. Once you disembark the train, take the escalator to the Arrivals Lobby. If you arriving from the T Gate follow the signs to Baggage Claim, after retrieving your luggage follow the signs to the Arrivals Lobby. The Atlanta LINK ticketing / customer service counter is located at the top of the escalators in the Ground Transportation Information Center. Once you have purchased your ticket from our counter and have your luggage, follow the signs to the Delta Baggage Claim South Terminal, exit through doors S-5 or S-6. Atlanta LINK vehicles are located in the middle island.
Should you have any difficulties in locating the booth at the airport, please call 1.404.524.340.
Train
The MARTA train system is a cost-effective way to get around Atlanta. The MARTA train station at Atlanta Airport is located in the terminal building towards the Ground Transportation Area. Follow the signs from baggage claim.
The MARTA rail system runs from 5.00am to 1.30am weekdays and from 5.30am to 1.00am weekends. Departures are every 4-5 minutes weekdays and 10-15 minutes on weekends. Journey time to Downtown (Five Points station) is around 15 minutes. The fare currently is $1.75. For MARTA information telephone the MARTA customer information line at 1.404.848.5000 or visit http://www.itsmarta.com/.
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Insurance
Before leaving home, we encourage you to have adequate travelling insurance. Delegates are advised to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever travelling outside of their own country.
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Passports and Visas
For more information on entering the U.S., visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website at http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/.
Here are some top tips for international delegates.
• A valid passport is required.
• A tourist visa is necessary for visitors from certain countries.
• Ensure that your passport is valid for six months beyond your intended period of stay.
• Ensure that your visa is in order if one is required. If you require a visa, you should apply as early as possible to allow time for processing.
• The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business [visitor (B) visa purposes] for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.htmlfor more information. Travel Update: International travelers to the U.S. from countries in the Visa Waiver Program must now apply for entry online as part of the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization, effective as of January 12, 2009. Travel authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Please note, authorization does not guarantee entry into the U.S. and the decision rests with the immigration official at the port of entry. Visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta to apply for entry.
• Know the name and address of the hotel at which you are staying.
• A return airline ticket or E-Ticket receipt and itinerary may need to be presented at inspection.
• Onboard your flight: An immigration form is required from all non-U.S. citizens except permanent U.S. residents and Canadian citizens.
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Special Needs
If you have special needs please contact the ISNCC Secretariat on 1.604.630.5516 or email info@isncc.org.
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Taxes
Sales tax in Atlanta is currently 8%. Hotel guest room tax is currently 15% (8% sales tax and 7% occupancy tax).
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Time
Atlanta is in the Eastern Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus 5 hours). From early April through late October, Atlanta switches to daylight-saving time.
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Tipping
Tipping for good service is customary. Here are some tipping tips:
• Taxi Driver – 10-15% of fare
• Airport Porter US$1 per piece of luggage
• Hotel Bell Desk US$1 per piece of luggage or per taxi summoned
• Hotel Housekeeping - US$1 per person per day
• Restaurant Waiter or Waitress – 15-20% of bill. None at fast-food restaurants
• Bars - US$1 per drink or 10% to 15% of drink prices
• Hotel Room Service - 15% of bill
• Parking Attendant/Valet – 15% of parking rate
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Travel Agent
FCM Travel Solutions is the official travel agency for the 16th International Conference on Cancer Nursing, and your dedicated Travel Consultant will be able to assist you with any queries on travelling to Atlanta. For further information, or to make a travel booking for the conference, please contact:
Dustin Ross
Account Manager
FCM Travel Solutions
1133 Melville Street
Vancouver BC V6E 4E5
Tel: 1.604.687.8077
Fax: 1.604.687.8553
Email: dustin.ross@fcmtravel.ca
24 hour emergency assistance: 1.604.209.7681
You can also make your travel arrangements on your own through the travel agent of your choice. Please do not contact FCM Travel Solutions for hotel reservations, but reserve your guest room via the conference website at http://www.isncc.org/conference/16th_ICCN/.
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Weather
In March and April, Atlanta's temperatures are pleasant, and the city is awash in the blooms of dogwoods, cherry trees, and azaleas. Remember that conference meeting rooms are air-conditioned and sometimes the temperatures vary, therefore we advise bringing some layers just in case.
| Month |
Avg.
High |
Avg.
Low |
Mean |
Ave.
Precip. |
| March |
65°F |
44°F |
54°F |
5.38 in |
Visit
http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/current/KATL.html>http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/current/KATL.html</a to check on current weather conditions.
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