European Hotels

   Europe's hospitality industry is centuries old, and its hotels often reflect the varied traditions and standards of their respective countries. While comfortable, do not expect European hotels to be the same as at home. Single rooms in European Hotels are often smaller than in USA hotels.   Also, when booking a triple room, the third bed may be a 'rollaway' cot. The room may be the same size as a standard twin room.

Hotel Meals

   Dinners that are included in your tour package are generally table d'hote, or "fixed" menus; on occasion, there may be a choice. Tea, coffee or other beverages are not included except on first class tours and at breakfast. Nor is it custom to serve butter with bread, except at breakfast.
   In some European countries, continental breakfast is the norm, consisting of tea/coffee, rolls and butter, jam/marmalade. Hotels may charge extra for a hot or buffet breakfast and fruit juices.

   Check out your tour itinerary to see the type of breakfasts offered on that particular tour.

Luggage

   Most operators limit passenger baggage to one suitcase and one carry-on per person. The size of luggage is shown in the brochure conditions.

Gratuities

   Tour companies often include gratuities and service charges as part of the tour package. These include: Baggage handling, meal service for all meals included, and hotel service for all normal service, but not room service or tips to local guides, the Tour Director and Driver
 Recommended Tipping:

   Taxi-fare on meter 10-15%   Restaurant - total bill 10-15%

   Tour Director US$4.00 per person per day.   

   Motorcoach Driver US$2.50 per person per day.

   Local Sightseeing Guide US$1.00

   When Service Charge is included, for service above average a small extra tip is suggested.

Currency

   We recommend that while in Europe you have an adequate supply of convertible travelers checks and US$1 for tipping. You can obtain traveler checks from your bank or travel agent. Make a separate note of all the numbers and denominations of your travelers checks in case of loss or theft. Carry some checks in small denominations, as it may be difficult to cash larger checks in hotels and shops.

   Travelers checks and currency can be changed at airports, your hotel, a local bank and at "Bureau de Change" locations throughout Europe. Since switching to the Euro it has become easier to travel with one currency through Europe.
Also, have some travellers checks in each person's name. If one person is unable to sign the check, the other still has access to money. Never carry all your travellers checks together.

Credit Cards

   The majority of larger restaurants, shops, hotels, theatres, etc. in Western Europe, and in many Eastern Europe countries, accept most major credit cards. The bill you sign will be in local currency. This will be converted into US or Canadian dollars by the credit card company and invoiced in the usual way. You can use American Express, Diner's Club, Visa, and Mastercard to obtain cash abroad.

Passports

   Carry your passport with you at all times to ensure against loss or theft in hotels. For added protection, keep a photocopy of your passport in your suitcase. Hotels are sometimes required to hold your passport overnight to comply with local regulations. 

It is the law in some European countries to have some form of identification on you.

Phone calls

   Almost all hotels will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room. This charge can be high, especially for international calls. It is always cheaper to use public telephones (pay phones) or an international calling service such as AT &T 'USA Direct'. Your tour director will advise you how to use the telephone if you are unsure. Ring late UK/Europe time, it's cheaper. In France and Britain use prepaid phonecards for a set amount of phone time - no change required and no big bills. Available from tobacconists, phone exchanges and Post Offices.

Valuable voltage

   Electrical currents vary in Britain and on the continent of Europe. Some appliances have dual voltage, but if not, we suggest you carry a convertor for your electric shaver, travelling iron and other small appliances. Also, pins, holes and plugs differ everywhere, so buy a universal electrical travel adaptor before you go to prevent accidents and damage to your appliance.

Alarm

   Wake up calls are always given to passengers when on tour. Should the call not go through, or heavy sleepers not hear it, your own back up alarm clock is a good insurance. One that is lightweight and simple to operate. It's nothing to be alarmed about but Tour Directors adore passengers who are on time.

Packing

   Instructions for couples: never pack one suitcase for one person and one suitcase for the other person. Split belongings between the two cases. If one case goes astray neither person is left without a change of clothes and necessities.