 If traveling to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) for business or pleasure for up to 6-months (90 days for leisure travel), Americans do not need a visa. However, for travel on or after January 08, 2025, Americans will need a travel authorization.
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 Portugal is a stunning gem on the Iberian Peninsula that offers great food and wine, world class architecture, incredible land- and seascapes, and deep cultural roots. To make the most of your visit, keep in mind our useful Portugal travel tips.
 We all know what it’s like. We watch a movie. See an Instagram photo. Read an image-rich travel blog. And we think, I want to step into that scene!
But, in many cases, you won't find that dreamy setting on your own. 10/5/2024
Soirée Answers Your Portugal Questions Wondering whether Portugal is the right choice for you?
From stunning beaches with crystal blue waters to great food and wine, world class architecture, and deep cultural roots, Portugal checks all the boxes for a perfect vacation. We answer your Portugal questions to help you craft a just-right travel experience. 9/11/2024
Top 10 Travel Essentials Even the most adventurous travelers have their creature comforts. These are the things that can make your trip a little less foreign or your hotel room a little homier. As experienced travelers, we’ve put together a list of items that we’ve found make our flights and our travels a more comfortable experience.
What would you add to this list?  First time travelers to Italy almost always have the same mental picture: Tuscany with its rolling green hills covered in vineyards, towering Italian cypress trees, and scenic hilltop villages. We LOVE Tuscany, we do! But we also love to help our clients experience other regions within Italy.
7/26/2024
14 pro tips for European train travel Traveling by train in Europe is a great way to see the continent and can provide travel that is quick, easy, and—quite often—affordable.
But if you’ve never traveled in Europe by train or have not done so since that study-abroad program way back when, then it’s worthwhile to keep in mind our train travel tips. 7/11/2024
Travel: How to pick the right flavor The dilemmaThis author has noted that too often people who are planning to travel internationally either for the first time or to a new destination are reluctant to seek the advice and assistance of a travel professional.
Instead, they take the suggestions of a travel blogger or social media influencer that might not have ever been to the destinations they are dreaming of visiting. Or, worse, AI-generated suggestions that pull, unfiltered, from every internet source out there, worthy and reliable or not so much. And then there are well-meaning friends and family who advise their must sees and dos based on their individual experiences. One will insist a certain place or tour experience is amazing while someone else might say the opposite. Have you found yourself in this very situation? 6/21/2024
Soiree Q&A: Flying with Luggage We get tons of questions about flying with luggage, and for good reason. It's confusing, you hear horror stories, you can't imagine a 10-day trip without all your things. What to do?
When it comes to your questions about whether to check your bag and how to keep your belongings safe while on your flight, we've got you covered with this Soiree Q&A  Journey to authentic Sicily to discover its fascinating history, stunning seascapes, and unique food culture.
But don’t go it alone. Soirée Travel Specialists can make your personalized private journey or extra-small group trip to this Italian Mediterranean island the trip of a lifetime. Here’s how we do it.  With temperatures on average above New York City’s, you can experience one of the most exciting natural landscapes on earth, rub elbows with fun-loving locals, and feast on award-winning cuisine during the winter in Iceland.
Whether traveling independently or on our exclusive Iceland Northern Lights Hunt small group journey in February 2025, read our travel tips for visiting Iceland in winter.  Iceland. Natural hot springs. Impressive waterfalls. Volcanos. Glaciers. Icebergs.
With temperatures on average above New York City’s, in Iceland you can experience one of the most exciting natural landscapes on earth, rub elbows with fun-loving locals, and feast on award-winning cuisine. Whether traveling independently or on our exclusive Iceland Northern Lights Hunt small group journey (Feb 2025), read our 6 tips on where to go and what to do in Iceland 2/9/2024
6 Useful Sicily Travel Tips Have you been imagining a Sicily trip? This Italian island region is unlike anywhere else, so read on for 6 Useful Sicily Travel Tips.
 At the crossroads of the Mediterranean, scenic Sicily embodies the history and flavors of a half-dozen cultures. From rich cuisine to unique wines, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, Sicily is ripe for discovery. Whether traveling independently or on our exclusive Flavors of Sicily small group tour (Spring 2025), read our tips on where to go and what to do in charming Sicily
 We are huge fans of packing light for international travel! You'll never regret it. But exactly how do you do it?
With a Capsule Wardrobe.  Traveling outside the USA with a valid passport seems a no-brainer, but for passport newbies—or for folks who haven’t worried about their passports in almost 10 years—it’s good to keep in mind a few important tips.
1. A valid passport is required for all travel outside the USA. Granted, there are a couple of US territories that do not require them, but for United States citizens traveling to Europe (and even to Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean locations), a passport is required. Passports for minors under age 16 expire 5 years after the issue date; adult passports expire in 10 years.  What is the ETIAS? First, a little background.
If traveling to Europe for business or pleasure for no more than 90 days in a 6-month period, Americans do not need a visa. However, by 2025, Americans will need a travel authorization. Most European countries are part of the Schengen Zone--a cooperation agreement between 26 countries in Europe--and in the Schengen Agreement Americans are granted a visa waiver for business or leisure travel of up to 90 days.  In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
3/29/2023
9 tips for dining like a pro in Europe When it comes to food, Europe does it right. Whether a hearty shepherd’s pie in the U.K., a flaky croissant in France, or a divine risotto in Italy, travelers to Europe are in for a treat.
Yes, it’s true that sometimes budget limitations, fatigue, or lack of know-how means visitors to Europe may feel frustrated or that they’ve wasted their precious travel dollars on a less-than-satisfying dining experience, but it doesn’t have to happen. Keep these dining tips in mind, and you’re likely to find eating in Europe one of the highlights of your trip. 3/9/2023
8 ways to enjoy Slow Food dining The Slow Food movement is nothing new. Originating in 1986 when Italian Carlo Petrini protested the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant near the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Slow Food movement represents a response to the fast food lifestyle. With an emphasis on locally-grown ingredients and traditional, regional cuisine, the movement is responsible for some of the best dining experiences around the world.
Yes, the movement has a website and is well-organized, but in truth the Slow Food movement is less an association and more a philosophy. Eat simple. Eat authentic products. Eat traditional. Slow down. Enjoy. Promote local cuisine, small farms. So, how can travelers explore and enjoy slow food?  You’ve booked your trip to Europe, made sure your passport is in order, packed your bags, and now you’re off on that trip of a lifetime.
What you might not have thought about is what to expect at your hotel. In the USA., hotel standards are pretty consistent. You know what to anticipate at a Motel 6 and what to look forward to at the Four Seasons. In Europe, the lines are not so clearly drawn. In order to avoid disappointment and frustration, it’s helpful to know what to expect during your European hotel stay. 1/19/2023
8 tips for renting a car abroad Self-drive options when traveling abroad give the most flexibility to travelers. Yet it’s important to consider whether it’s the best option for your particular destination and needs.
Here are 8 tips for making your decision and following through should you decide to rent a vehicle while traveling. 12/14/2022
Europe tipping guidelines Americans are used to tipping in restaurants and for certain services, but when traveling abroad we are easily confused by what is customary and considerate. Every destination varies in tipping practices, but in Europe you can generally consider:
 The deadline by which American travelers need a REAL ID or acceptable alternative to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities has been extended to May 2025.
12/2/2022 Is river cruising right for you? River cruising is fabulous for many people, but is it right for you?Only you can decide! We're happy to talk through the experience with you, but our handy list of pros and cons might help.
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