Important pre-travel information you can use!
MONEY
Please be sure to alert your bank to the fact that you will be traveling overseas so that they will not block the use of your credit or debit cards. We recommend that you bring more than one card in case there is a glitch of some sort. A PIN is required in order to pull cash from an overseas ATM using your credit card, so if you don't have one, request one from your bank immediately. For destinations using more common currencies such as Euros or Great British Pounds, we recommend that you arrive with the local equivalent of $200-300 per traveling party. It is better not to carry large sums of cash. Credit cards are widely accepted (except American Express), however, most purchases under €10 or £10 do require cash. US dollars are NOT accepted in Europe for any service, large or small, so don't bring a lot of US dollars. Most banks will not exchange the local currency for dollars, so you would have to rely on hotels and cash windows that often charge exorbitant fees. For more information, read 10 money tips for your overseas vacation. For questions concerning the European VAT (Value-added Tax), please refer to Deciphering the European VAT.
TIPPING
For tipping guidelines, please read Europe tipping guidelines. Please note that tips should be paid in cash and usually cannot be added to a credit card transaction.
WEATHER & PACKING
Visit weather.com for a 10-day forecast before you travel. Europeans tend to dress conservatively, but comfortably. They also tend to dress smartly for dinner, but generally there is no need to really go over the top. In many countries, shoulders and knees must be covered in most churches, including the Vatican. Backpacks and large umbrellas are not usually permitted in the museums and many churches. Do prepare for rain at any time of year, just in case, but don't neglect to bring your sunglasses!
Along this line, we cannot stress to you how much you will regret over packing. We recommend at most that you bring one medium-sized suitcase per person. You will manage your own bags during the trip including onto trains and overhead luggage racks. We urge you not to bring a rolling carry on in addition to your rolling checked luggage. You can easily buy anything and everything there that you might need, from toiletries and painkillers to socks and chargers. In fact, why not bring just a few basics, and purchase some lovely local products and fashion as you need/want them? PLEASE consider traveling light and mixing/matching your wardrobe. Note that European vehicles are smaller than their US counterparts, and so luggage storage space will be very limited in private transportation. Read our packing tips & hacks here
Please use luggage that is in good condition. Missing handles, broken zippers or latches, etc., make it difficult for you to handle or for hotel porters to assist you.
ADAPTERS & CONVERTERS
If you have questions on adapters/converters for your electric items, please refer to Adapters and Converters. Please note that modern electronics and small appliances are often dual-voltage and need only a plug adapter--but not always! It is possible to purchase dual-voltage curling/flat irons and travel hair dryers, but note that oftentimes, high-powered hair dryers may still pull too much electricity to work properly. Please check your appliances to be sure they are dual voltage (110/220 v). If not, please bring a converter.
HOTELS
Your hotels offer climate control, private bathrooms, hair dryers, small toiletries like soap & shampoo, and breakfast. Washcloths are not usually provided in mainland Europe hotels. We suggest bringing a bath poof and facial wipes. Wi-fi is complimentary in most hotels. You might want to read 11 tips for enjoying your European hotel stay.
PHONES
IMPORTANT: Especially if traveling without a Soiree Tour Manager, we urge you to download the free messaging app called WhatsApp for communicating via internet or wifi with the suppliers of your travel services. In most destinations, this is how our local partners are communicating, and will be the easiest way to connect if there are any issues with your services, such as if you are having trouble finding your driver or guide. WhatsApp is double encrypted and allows for wifi-based calls, free text and voice messaging, and easy sharing of photos with your loved ones back home who have the app. Please consult your phone carrier regarding using your cell phone overseas. For more information, please read International phone use.
WALKING
You'll do a lot of walking in Europe, and there are often stairs. You'll walk at a leisurely or moderate pace. If your group has mobility issues, please let us know. Your guides will try to accommodate you when possible; elevators are not available at all sites.
DINING
You should enjoy dining in Europe! If you don’t, you’re doing it wrong. But the restaurant experience might be different from what you’re used to. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and be sure to read 9 tips for dining like a pro in Europe
INSURANCE
If you haven’t yet done so, please purchase trip insurance. We think you’ll learn something at 6 Important things to know about COVID-era trip insurance
SMART TRAVEL
We always recommend enrolling your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
FLYING INTERNATIONALLY
Haven't flown internationally in a while--or ever? Read our useful tips for flying to Europe & beyond
TRAIN TRAVEL
Traveling by train in Europe? We've got you covered with our 14 pro tips for European train travel. Train travel around the globe is similar
Please be sure to alert your bank to the fact that you will be traveling overseas so that they will not block the use of your credit or debit cards. We recommend that you bring more than one card in case there is a glitch of some sort. A PIN is required in order to pull cash from an overseas ATM using your credit card, so if you don't have one, request one from your bank immediately. For destinations using more common currencies such as Euros or Great British Pounds, we recommend that you arrive with the local equivalent of $200-300 per traveling party. It is better not to carry large sums of cash. Credit cards are widely accepted (except American Express), however, most purchases under €10 or £10 do require cash. US dollars are NOT accepted in Europe for any service, large or small, so don't bring a lot of US dollars. Most banks will not exchange the local currency for dollars, so you would have to rely on hotels and cash windows that often charge exorbitant fees. For more information, read 10 money tips for your overseas vacation. For questions concerning the European VAT (Value-added Tax), please refer to Deciphering the European VAT.
TIPPING
For tipping guidelines, please read Europe tipping guidelines. Please note that tips should be paid in cash and usually cannot be added to a credit card transaction.
WEATHER & PACKING
Visit weather.com for a 10-day forecast before you travel. Europeans tend to dress conservatively, but comfortably. They also tend to dress smartly for dinner, but generally there is no need to really go over the top. In many countries, shoulders and knees must be covered in most churches, including the Vatican. Backpacks and large umbrellas are not usually permitted in the museums and many churches. Do prepare for rain at any time of year, just in case, but don't neglect to bring your sunglasses!
Along this line, we cannot stress to you how much you will regret over packing. We recommend at most that you bring one medium-sized suitcase per person. You will manage your own bags during the trip including onto trains and overhead luggage racks. We urge you not to bring a rolling carry on in addition to your rolling checked luggage. You can easily buy anything and everything there that you might need, from toiletries and painkillers to socks and chargers. In fact, why not bring just a few basics, and purchase some lovely local products and fashion as you need/want them? PLEASE consider traveling light and mixing/matching your wardrobe. Note that European vehicles are smaller than their US counterparts, and so luggage storage space will be very limited in private transportation. Read our packing tips & hacks here
Please use luggage that is in good condition. Missing handles, broken zippers or latches, etc., make it difficult for you to handle or for hotel porters to assist you.
ADAPTERS & CONVERTERS
If you have questions on adapters/converters for your electric items, please refer to Adapters and Converters. Please note that modern electronics and small appliances are often dual-voltage and need only a plug adapter--but not always! It is possible to purchase dual-voltage curling/flat irons and travel hair dryers, but note that oftentimes, high-powered hair dryers may still pull too much electricity to work properly. Please check your appliances to be sure they are dual voltage (110/220 v). If not, please bring a converter.
HOTELS
Your hotels offer climate control, private bathrooms, hair dryers, small toiletries like soap & shampoo, and breakfast. Washcloths are not usually provided in mainland Europe hotels. We suggest bringing a bath poof and facial wipes. Wi-fi is complimentary in most hotels. You might want to read 11 tips for enjoying your European hotel stay.
PHONES
IMPORTANT: Especially if traveling without a Soiree Tour Manager, we urge you to download the free messaging app called WhatsApp for communicating via internet or wifi with the suppliers of your travel services. In most destinations, this is how our local partners are communicating, and will be the easiest way to connect if there are any issues with your services, such as if you are having trouble finding your driver or guide. WhatsApp is double encrypted and allows for wifi-based calls, free text and voice messaging, and easy sharing of photos with your loved ones back home who have the app. Please consult your phone carrier regarding using your cell phone overseas. For more information, please read International phone use.
WALKING
You'll do a lot of walking in Europe, and there are often stairs. You'll walk at a leisurely or moderate pace. If your group has mobility issues, please let us know. Your guides will try to accommodate you when possible; elevators are not available at all sites.
DINING
You should enjoy dining in Europe! If you don’t, you’re doing it wrong. But the restaurant experience might be different from what you’re used to. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and be sure to read 9 tips for dining like a pro in Europe
INSURANCE
If you haven’t yet done so, please purchase trip insurance. We think you’ll learn something at 6 Important things to know about COVID-era trip insurance
SMART TRAVEL
We always recommend enrolling your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
FLYING INTERNATIONALLY
Haven't flown internationally in a while--or ever? Read our useful tips for flying to Europe & beyond
TRAIN TRAVEL
Traveling by train in Europe? We've got you covered with our 14 pro tips for European train travel. Train travel around the globe is similar