Travel Tips
Practical information to help you prepare for your vacation with us.
Before Departure
- Check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates.
- Verify if you need a visa for your destination and apply well in advance to avoid delays. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US do not need a visa to vacation in Europe.
- Keep digital and printed copies of important documents like your passport, visa, and travel insurance.
- Confirm if your devices are dual voltage (check labels like 100-240V).
- Research the type of power outlets used at your destination and bring the appropriate adapters or converters if needed. In the countries we visit in Central Euope, only Italy and Switzerland have different prongs on the plugs. Many hotels now have multi-outlets or modern charging connections.
- Inform your bank or credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations to avoid having transactions flagged or blocked.
- Consider setting up travel alerts via your banking app for smoother international use.
Weather & Packing
- Stay informed about the expected weather for the trip and and pack accordingly.
- Smart packing and weather awareness can make all the difference for an enjoyable journey!
- Choose lightweight, versatile clothing you can layer for warmth or remove when it gets too warm.
- Stick to essentials and mix-and-match outfits to avoid overpacking. Don’t forget a compact, waterproof jacket for unexpected rain!
You will be on your feet a lot on our tours. And there are also often uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, as well as stairs or inclines. Investing in well-fitting shoes suitable for walking all day on a variety of surfaces is our #1 tip. Break them in before your trip!
Telephones
Contact your mobile carrier to learn about international roaming packages or add-ons for Europe. Many providers offer plans that include data, calls, and texts at reasonable rates.
When dialing internationally, replace “00” with the + symbol followed by the country code. For example, to call Germany: +49, then the local number. This works within the designated country as well as from outside that country.
While prepaid phones with local numbers are still an option, they’ve largely been replaced by eSIMs and roaming plans. If you need a local SIM card, plan some time in advance, as they are only available at electronic stores and provider shops.
Shopping
- VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted, and digital payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly common, but some small businesses, markets, and services (like tipping or bathroom charges) may only take cash.
- It’s smart to have small denominations of local currency on hand for convenience.
- Prices in Europe typically include Value Added Tax (VAT), so what you see is what you pay.
- For large purchases, you may qualify for a VAT refund. Ask the shop for a VAT refund form, and process it at the airport before departure.
- Many stores also offer to ship purchases home tax-free, saving you the hassle of carrying them.
When paying by card, select to be charged in the local currency rather than your home currency. This avoids hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates.
Food & Drink
- While wait staff in Europe typically earn fair salaries, leaving a tip is a polite gesture.
- A tip of 5–10% of the bill is customary, or you can round up to the nearest convenient amount for small bills.
- Drink orders are alway the first priority.
- Always toast before your first sip! (We will elucidate on the proper etiquette during the tour.)
- Food orders are most often taken after the drinks have arrived at the table.
- Tables are rarely reserved for more than once each mealtime, so the waitstaff will never pressure you to pay and leave.
- Let the waitstaff know immediatley after coffee or dessert that you would like to settle the bill.
