France - Travel FAQ's

Travel Insurance:
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured. In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical may be very frustrating without insurance. Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance. For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must.

Visa Information:
US citizens need a valid US passport for entry in France. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other separately from your original. 

Health Certificates:
None required.

Language Spoken:
French

Currency:
The currency in France is the French Franc. Check the travel section of your newspaper or the Internet for the most recent exchange rate. If possible, exchange currency at a US bank before you leave. ATM machines are available in the major cities throughout France. However, in smaller towns, ATM cards, traveler's checks and credit cards may not be accepted. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in FRENCH FRANCS ONLY - NOT US DOLLARS.

Voltage:
Electricity is 220 volts. You will need to bring along the necessary converters to operate any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc.

Medication:
If you are required to take daily medications, explain your dosage to someone traveling with you in case there is a problem or a medical emergency. Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you if your medication is lost. All medication should be labeled or kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medication.

Baggage Allowance:
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera). Be sure your luggage is clearly marked (using the baggage tags provided). It is wise to also insert an index card with your name, address and phone number inside your luggage.

Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Time Zone:
Six hours ahead of EST and one hour ahead of GMT.

Climate:

Pre-Flight:
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers. In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788.

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.

When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short. Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.

Check-in time for international flights is normally two hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for international travelers.

Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry.

In order to avoid jet lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water.

What to Pack:
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion. Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. Dress throughout is casual. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit if you plan on eating at an exclusive restaurant. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings.

A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella.

Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these items in your checked luggage. 

Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry. A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.

Do not over-pack. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

If you are traveling with a companion, it is a good idea to cross-pack some of your items. Put half of your items in your companion's luggage and vice-versa. This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.

Take along a small backpack. When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, notebook and pen. It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.

Don't forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic "zip-locking" bags (for storing open bottles and containers).

Purchase your film and batteries in the US. Remember to bring extra for your video camera.


Tipping:
A service charge is often added to the bill in hotels and restaurants. However, if it is omitted, a tip of 10-15% is customary. A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $1.00 per person, per day and a tour escort usually receives $2.00 per person, per day. Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day. Tip taxi drivers at least 10-15% of the fare. This is simply a general guideline. Tips and gratuities are earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner.

Meals:
For meals that are not included on your itinerary, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range). Experiment with the various sauces, a French specialty. In the south of France, be sure to try the fresh seafood made with local herbs, olive oil, garlic and sun-ripened tomatoes. Of course, wonderful breads and pastries are available throughout the country.

Shopping:
Check with your group leader or the front desk for the best shopping areas. Specify that you are interested in purchasing items that are known for their local and cultural appeal. Shop for antiques, art, porcelain, clothing, scarves, perfumes, cheeses, crystal and gourmet foods. Don't forget to visit the Paris area flea markets.

In France:
If you plan on eating at any of the more upscale, famous restaurants in France (especially Paris), be sure to make reservations ahead of time and dress nicely. Dungarees, sweat pants, and street clothes are not acceptable in most of the higher priced restaurants. Don't be surprised if many of these fine-eating establishments are closed on Sunday.

The easiest way to see Paris when you are on your own is by public transportation. The subway is fast, but you'll miss most of the sights in transit. The bus offers the added bonus of seeing the sights en route to their destination. You can purchase a pass that will give you access to the subway, buses and some trains.

Try to learn some phrases in French before you travel. Most people will appreciate the effort.

It's a Long, Long, Ride:
You're at the gate, your plane awaits...the excitements mounts. After take-off and checking out all the neat little amenities and freebies, the novelty wears off. Hours and miles across the Atlantic yawn ahead of you. Below are some tips for the making your flight as easy as possible.

Dress comfortably for the flight. Wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement as you will most likely be trying to sleep on the flight. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily.

In order to avoid jet-lag, do not drink alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages. Choose natural fruit juices and water. Bring your own bottled water on the plane with you.

Before you leave, choose a good book that will keep you occupied for most of the flight. Before your return flight, buy another - not only will it pass the flight time quickly but it will become a souvenir of your trip.

Store your coat and anything you are not going to use in the overhead compartment. You'll be much more comfortable with a minimum of things to shift around.

Take off your shoes and make yourself as comfortable as possible right away.

Bring along a moisturizer as the air in the cabin is extremely dry.

Get up once in a while and stretch your arms and legs.

If you find yourself extremely exhausted upon arrival in France, take a one hour nap after check-in. Most flights to Europe arrive early in the morning before attractions are open. Plan on beginning your sightseeing in the afternoon after resting.

Odds And Ends:
From experience, the best way to sight-see is to keep your hands free! No one wants to walk through the Louvre with a soaking wet umbrella and ten different shopping bags. A rain hat and poncho (or rain coat) are a lot easier to deal with than an umbrella. Bring along a day back-pack with a water bottle (fill it at the hotel before you leave), tissues (a definite must), note-book and pen. Keep your purchases in your day pack. You'll be less tempted to spend and spend as the pack gets heavier and heavier.

Carry a photo-copy of your passport in your money pouch. You will most likely be asked to leave the original at the hotel.

Plan your itinerary or prioritize those places you must see before you leave the US. This will ensure that you don't miss any of those important things you are traveling across the ocean to see.

Learn a few words of French, simple phrases to ask directions, how much something costs, etc.

Choose restaurants away from the main tourists attractions. Prices are a lot more reasonable and you'll more likely to catch a glimpse of the true France. Don't worry about drinking the water, it's safe and most restaurants and cafes use bottled water.

Take lots of pictures, keep a mini-journal, introduce yourself to people, seek out obscure little places not mentioned in tour books and have a wonderful time.
      

copyright (Pilgrim Tours) 2001