Europe 2007

            First let me help set your expectations.  It is a good idea to realize that many of the European customs and standards are very different from our American expectations.  If you are aware of this before traveling and realize that these customs should not be taken personally, it will be much easier to sit back and enjoy the experience.  I have listed a few things that you should be prepared for:

  1.   Many of the cities that we will visit are ancient cities, which were not built for tour buses.   
       Therefore, we are not guaranteed a front door drop-off.  You will be responsible for
      carrying your own luggage at all times.  Keep this in mind when packing your luggage.   
      Hopefully we will not have to carry our bags too far but be prepared just in case.  This is when
      you really appreciate the wheels on your suitcase. 

 2.  Elevators are available in most hotels, but they are sometimes small and slow.  In some
      hotels the elevators start on the second floor which means that you have to climb a
      flight of stairs before reaching the elevator.  When a group of 35 travelers arrive all at
      once it is sometimes just easier to take the stairs.

 3.  Many public restrooms have pay toilets.

 4.  Continental breakfast usually means toast and coffee or rolls and coffee.

 5.  Dinners tend to vary between local cuisine and an attempt to mimic some
       American meals.  Sodas are NOT provided with your meals.  Bottled water and
      beverages must be purchased.  Remember you are responsible for purchasing your
      own lunch.

 6.   Hotel rooms are sometimes smaller than what we are accustomed to.  Some are not
       air-conditioned.  If there is air conditioning it is not nearly as “cool” as what we are
       accustomed to.  You might want to consider a small portable battery operated fan.

 7.  Many stores and businesses keep different hours from what we would expect.  

 8.  Don't forget that we will be combined with other groups which will include students
       and adults.  Take this time to make new friends with our partner travelers from
       various parts of the United States. 

      In brief, keep in mind that the purpose of visiting new countries is to have new experiences.  Hopefully all of them will be pleasant.  But keep in mind like any vacation there may be times that do not go exactly as planned.  It’s times like these that you need to be prepared to “enjoy the moment!”  Keep in mind some of the most trying experiences make the best stories when you return home. 

One of the best features of this trip is that it is planned as an educational experience with briefings throughout your journey.  If you want to see a lot of Europe you are in the right place.  I hope that you are ready to do some walking because we will “hit the ground running ” and continue to do so throughout our trip. 

Our accommodations have been clean and safe but cannot be described as 5 star.  Knowing this ahead of time will make your trip more enjoyable. 

            It’s time to start packing.  After leading 21 domestic trips and 8 European trips, I still have not managed to master the art of packing light.  However, I cannot stress the importance of doing so.  You will be miserable packing a heavy suitcase across Europe.  You will be TOTALLY responsible for handling your own luggage.  You will be responsible from taking your belongings from the bus to the hotel and vice versa.  You will be glad that you kept it light. 

            Do not pack to the brim.   There are so many interesting things to buy.  Make sure to leave room in your suitcase to carry your souvenirs home.  One option is to carry a lightweight bag in your suitcase.  Toward the end of the trip you may want to load the extra bag and check it separately for the trip home.  This has not been a problem in the past but we all know that the airlines are frequently changing the rules.

            As for a carry on bag, the airlines are checking those more thoroughly these days.  So the idea is to keep the important things in but to minimize as much as possible.  Do include your passport (Bring a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate location.), camera and all medicine (in a labeled bottle or with a copy of the prescription), one set of underwear, toothbrush etc (Yes…airlines do lose and delay luggage.)  Keep in mind by the time we reach our destination we will have been traveling form many hours.  (I suggest a blow up neck pillow for the airplane.)

Getting ready…

§       Wheels are a MUST on your luggage.  Narrow streets do not always allow the bus to give you front door service at the hotel.  Elevators are available in most hotels, but they are usually small and slow.  In some hotels the elevators start on the second floor which means that you have to climb a flight of stairs before reaching the elevator.

§       Keep your luggage weight to a minimum.  Check with the airline closer to our departure date for specific details. 

§       Label everything with your name and address...inside and out!  Luggage tags may be lost during transport.  Cameras and bags are easily misplaced.  Again, label EVERYTHING with your name and address. 

§       Invest in a brightly colored luggage strap or ribbon.  Brightly colored luggage straps can be found at Wal-Mart.

§       If you have never used a backpack, this might be the time.  Look for a lightweight bag that is sturdy.  A backpack makes a great carry-on.

§       Don’t forget the camera and lots of film.  If you think you have enough, pick up a few more rolls.  Be sure your camera is light and portable.  Label it clearly with your name and address.

§       Purchase a calling card.  The best deals can be found at Wal-Mart or Sam’s.  Make sure that you have the country codes for each country.  These are different for each country.  If the codes are not with the card, call customer service before leaving home.  You must have these codes to call home.  Keep in mind that units indicated minutes used in the United States.  It takes several units for a one minute call home.

§       When you are thinking about calling home, remember that the countries we will visit are 6 to 7 hours ahead of us.  This makes it difficult to call home at reasonable hours.  Warn family members before leaving home. 

§       The international flight will be a LONG one.  You might want to consider purchasing travel books and/or maps for each city to read on the flight. 

§       Visit a bookstore such as Barnes & Noble to pick up books on the countries we will visit.  You might want to consider purchasing travel books and/or maps for each city.  I suggest versions that are small enough to carry with you while on tour.  Familiarize yourself with the layout of the cities that we will visit and the sights located there.  If there are special sights which you would like to visit on your free time, it is extremely helpful if you have some idea of the location.

§       After you have completed your reading, concentrate on getting some sleep.  I suggest purchasing an inflatable neck pillow which can be found in the luggage department of most stores.  It is important that you get some sleep on the plane.  When we arrive in Paris it will be noon and will do some touring after our hotel check in.  This will be followed by several days of intense touring.  You will need all of the rest that you can get.       

§       We will be using the Euro and the pound.  The values can be found in the daily newspaper.  If you start watching the value of now, you should be familiar with the money once on tour.

§       Before we leave you should change American dollars to foreign currency.  No matter what anyone else says…you will be glad that you changed money BEFORE departing.  This can be done closer to our travel date.

§       Additionally you will probably want to bring some traveler’s checks.  Make a list of the numbers on the checks.  Leave one at home and bring a copy with you.  Keep the copy separate from the checks. 

§       ATM machines are available.  But do not depend on these machines since they are not always where you want them when you need them.

§       Credit cards are accepted in most stores so you DO want to bring your credit card.  This is especially handy for large purchases or extra spending money.  Again, make two copies of your card number, expiration date and customer service number.  Leave one at home.  Take one with you separate from your card. 

§       On the other hand, it is important to remember many of your purchases will be made from street vendors who do not accept credit cards.

§       You many want to bring some cheap washcloths or bath sponges that can be left behind.  Europeans provide towels but think washcloths are unsanitary.

§       Don’t forget any braces/supports for ankles etc.  If you have any problems that call for such.

§       Do bring a lightweight jacket preferable rain repellant with a hood.  We tour rain or shine.  You may want to bring a small umbrella.

§       Before departing check the weather page in our local newspaper for high and low temperatures in the cities that we are visiting.  Remember that some hotels are not air conditioned.  Even hotels that are air conditioned are not always cool by our terms.  Packing a small battery operated fan is an option.   

§       Shorts are acceptable for MOST touring.  Do include one or more pairs of slacks for days when shorts are not acceptable.  Europeans are strict about knees and shoulders.  You will need your knees and shoulders covered in order to visit churches.  The best bet is to carry your jacket and a light weight skirt in your backpack.  You can slip this on before entering and take it off to continue your tour.  Pants are acceptable.  Another option is to carry a wrap skirt in your backpack.  The skirt can be worn over shorts in the church and then removed for touring.

§       Comfortable walking shoes are a must.  We will do lots of walking.

§       You must have a watch and a travel clock.  Reminder…France and Spain are 7 hours ahead of us. 

§       Start watching weather reports for Europe.  If you see where it is really hot in July you might consider one of those very small battery operated fans.

§       If you plan to use a camera charger or blower dryer or anything electric you will need a converter and adaptor.  Make sure that the kit you purchase includes both. 

§       Check with your health insurance company to determine coverage abroad.  Bring a copy of your health insurance card and a phone number to reach the company.  Bring your insurance card. I strongly recommend the complete EF insurance package.

§       Label everything inside and outside.  Luggage tags are sometimes lost during transport.  Cameras and bags are easily misplaced.  Label everything with your name and address. 

§       Record credit card numbers and customer service numbers for your cards.  Make a two photocopies of your passport and your birth certificate.  Leave one copy at home.  Bring the other copy with you but store it separately from your passport.

§       Record serial #s of any other important items or documents.

§       Don’t forget that we will be combined with students and adults from other areas.  Take this time to make new friends with our partner travelers from various parts of the United States.  You might want to bring cards with your name and address to exchange with our new friends.  It’s nice to keep in touch when we return home.  We have made some great friends this way.  These can be simple computer cards.  It’s just a fun thing to do.

§       A waistbag or money pouch to be worn under your clothing is essential.  You will have to carry your passport and airline ticket with you at all times.  These need to be kept on your person in an inaccessible spot.

§       Leave valuables such as expensive jewelry at home. 

§       Prepare for a few unexpected expenses.  We tour with the group throughout the day.  We sometimes participate in nighttime activities not pre-planned by EF.  For example in the past we have taken a boat ride down the Seine or we have gone to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  These are expenses that are not covered by EF.   Other night activities that we have done included a theater performance or a stop at the disco.  All of these activities involve admission fees not covered by EF.  The cost of these activities may range in cost beginning at $15 and increasing from there.

§       Other expenses to consider are pay toilets, lunch (which is not provided by EF), metro or bus tickets when bus transportation is not provided, beverages which are not provided with meals and airport meals to and from Europe. 

§       Don’t forget you will need some United States currency to use at airports for food, drinks, etc.

I hope I have not overwhelmed you with all of the information!  I hope that preparing for the trip will be an exciting part of our upcoming tour.  In the meantime, feel free to call me with any questions are concerns.  However, if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to call me or contact me by email. 
Phone:  225-687-7720 or 225-803-6013
Email:  donna@donnakirkland.com 

                                          Looking forward to a great trip,