Latest Travel Articles

Monday, July 26, 2010

Europe may appear overwhelming for a first time visitor, or even a seasoned traveler in certain countries.  The following information wil help you prepare for your vacation:

Passports/Documents:

Your passport must be current and valid for at least six months past your return date. Passports requires for US citizens traveling to Europe for stays of less than 90 days. A passport and Visa are necessary for travel to Russia (restricted to less than 30 days). A passport and onward/return ticket are necessary for travel to Croatia (less than 90 days).

Currency:

The Euro is the currency for most European nations (major exceptions are the U.K., Switzerland and Scandinavia). ATM’s are prevalent, and are usually your best source for cash at the most current exchange rate.

Adapters and Converters:

European voltage is higher (220v vs 110v) than that in the United States. A continental plug adapter and voltage converter are necessary.

Phone and Calling Cards:

Every country has a unique country code following a plus sign (i.e. +39 for Italy). Instead of area codes, all countries use city codes that begin with zero. Some U.S. phone cards offer international service in Europe. Low cost cell phones may be purchased in any European countries, and some US cell phone service providers offer overseas service for higher rates.

Temperature:

Europe records its temperatures in Celsius. To convert to an approximate Fahrenheit temperature, double the Celsius an add 30.

Time and Date:

The 24-hour clock is used to denote timetables. To convert to U.S. time for 13:00 and over, subtract 12 and add “pm”. For example, 18:00 is 6:00 pm.

Dates are written with day coming before the month. For example, Christmas is 25-12-10.

Greenwich Mean Time (UK) is 5 hours, and Continential Europe is 6 hours ahead of Eastern-Standard Time.

Tipping:

A customary European tip is 10-15%. However, many places include service charges in the bill, in which case no additional tip expected.

Packing for Your Trip:

Check with your airline for luggage weight restrictions, as many local European carriers have their own rules. Your primary bag should be relatively light and not exceed 25 inches.

Clothing:

Temperatures can fluctuate, so be prepared to dress in layers. Be aware that some sites, such as the Vatican, enforce strict dress codes. Consult your travel agent for more details.

Monday, July 05, 2010

We invite you to experience the traditional magic of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean in the months of November through April. This is the perfect time of year to vsit. The climate is surprisingly often mild and the cities are less crowded than in the summer months, and prices are 30 to 40% lower than traveling during peak season.

Shop in the glittering Christmas Markets and Bazaars. Explore and soak up the atmosphere of Old World Charm. Our tours are priced much lower than during the summer season and the airlines are advertising some of the lowest airfares of the year. Now is the time to make your reservations.

Italy is still the leader of destinations and Spain is not far behind, but don’t discount Egypt. Egypt is an awesome destination for the winter season. Temperatures are more bearable than the hot, hot summer season. For Christmas Markets, Vienna Prague and Budapest are still most popular. Wherever you choose, you will not be disappointed in our winter seasons magical tour destinations.

Tour operators that offer winter tours are Globus, Trafalgar and Insight.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

We all “feel” better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true.  Vacations can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic… Two vacations can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%.

Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health. 

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

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Friday, May 28, 2010

First time visitors to Europe hanker for historic sites and world-class museum's in Europe's most famous cities. Return travelers revisit their favorities for in-depth exploration. Here is my list of four must see European cities and things to do in each.

LONDON, ENGLAND:
Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guards A ritual that is one of the most famous aspects of the royal residence, the Changing of the Guards features real military soldiers in their trademark red jackets abd bearskin hats.
The Tower of London is not only the home of the crown jewels, it also features permanent exhibitions of crowns and diamonds in the Martin Tower and armor and armaments in the Royal Armouries. Free tours given  by the Beefeaters are riddled with tales of the Tower's history. The Ceremony of the Keys, a 700 year old ritual performed every night at evening lockup must be requested in advance for viewing two to three months in advance.
The British Museum holds one of the world's greatest collections of antiquities-94 galleries worth. The National Maritime Museum's 30 galleries contain one of the world's largets collections of boats and navigational equipment, as well as the world famous observatory.

PARIS, FRANCE 
La Basilique du sacre Coeur de Montmarte & Montmartre cemetery Sitting atop the highest hill in Paris, the basilica is visible from all over the city. At the top of the steps leading up to the church, there's a plaza with a great view and just beyond the church around the cobblestones is the market square of Place du Tertre with shops, cafes and artists painting. Street performers regularly put on shows. Walled and shaded by trees the cemetery off Rue Caulaincourt near Palce de Clichy is famous for its hillside graves of composers, artists and authors. Notre-Dame de Paris is well known for its towera, flying buttresses and gargoyles. The inside glows with stained glass. The bell in the south tower is heard only on the most solemn occasions. The 11th century organ, which has 8,000 pipes, is played in concerts every Sunday except during Lent. Musee de Louvre needs several days to fully appreciate the museum.

BERLIN - This city's most beautiful plaza is called Gendarmenmarket with its three neoclassical buildings. Flanking it are two rebuilt 18th-century churches, Franzosischer Dom to the North and Deutscher Dom to the South. The French Cathedral has a museum chroniclng the history of the French Hugenots who sought refuge in Berlin following their expulsion from France and a viewing platform at the top of its tower. The German Cathedral houses an exhibition on the history of parliamentary democracy in Germany. Classical music and opera events are held in the square. Museum Berlin-Karlshorst is for history buffs interested in World War II. Dokumentation Zentrum, berlin Mauer is located opposite a preserved piece of the Berlin Wall and the adjoining death strip that constituted the border fortification. This museum gives an overview of the Wall's development and its fall. Alliierten Museum focuses on the history and role of the Western Allies in berlin, particularly during the Cold war.

ROME, ITALY- The piazza is the heart of Rome's most fashionable shopping area, familiar to residents and visitors because of its grand and distinctive steps. At the base sits a fountain by Bernini and the house of 19th century poet John Keats. At the top there's a grand view of the city. The Pantheon is a monumental round  ancient structure prserved very well. The painter Raphael and the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II are buried inside with hundreds of early Christian martyrs whose remains were transferred from the catacombs in the seventh century. Basilica di San Giovanni in laterano holds the distinction of being the highest ranked church - even above St. peter's Basilica in the Vatican- since it conatins the papal throne. The famous Scala Sancta are also at this piazza. Basilica di San Pietro is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. St. Peter's is the ultimate destination for Catholic pilgrims, but it also drawss visitors with its masterpieces of art and architecture. When the Pope is in residence, he blesses th crowds in Piazza San Pietro at noon on Sunday.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010