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copyright (Pilgrim Tours) 2001 |
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Ready…Set…Go!
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 care 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. Speak with your Pilgrim Tours Representative or your Group Leader for travel Insurance options. Passport & Visa Information US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least 3 months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Germany. Make three photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. Due to new airline regulations, a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.Germany: You do not need a Visa when
entering Israel. Health Certificates None required. Language Spoken German Currency The currency in Germany is the Euro. 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. All the major international brands of credit cards - MasterCard, Visa and American Express - are becoming more widely accepted, especially at major hotels, petrol stations and department stores. Don't assume that you'll be able to use your card to pay for meals; inquire first. ATMs are widespread throughout Germany and you should have no problem accessing your credit or debit account back home. Foreign currency, including traveler’s checks, can be exchanged at banks and special exchange shops in large towns. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in EUROS - NOT US DOLLARS. Voltage Electricity is 220 volts and 50Hz. 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 medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency. Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you if your medication is lost. All medication must be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medications. 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 tagged on the inside and outside. If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the baggage tags provided along with your own. 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 June-September is the best time to tour this Germany, when the days are warm and nights are cool (definitely take a jacket, especially to Bavaria). Be prepared for rain throughout the summer. During late fall and early winter, the fohn, a warm southern wind, can bring Bavaria and the Alps warmer temperatures than the lowlands. Take a sweater anytime you visit. Winters are cold and often drizzly, but the skiing is best then. Frankfurt Average Temperature Average Rain Fall Jan-Mar 30-43F 1” Apr-Jun 45-66F 2” Jul-Sep 53-72F 3” Oct-Dec 37-48F 2” 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. 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. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary. 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, we advise you to cross-pack. Put half of your items in your companion’s suitcase 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, and 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). Tipping At restaurants, the service charge is always included in bills and tipping isn't compulsory, though it is appreciated. Germans are used to rounding up prices as tips, but rounding up in euros can be too generous. Taxi drivers expect a small tip of around 10%. A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $2.00 per person, per day and a tour escort usually receives $4.00 per person, per day. Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day. 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, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range). Some of the best meals in Germany are in the country inns. Dishes tend to be hearty and include wurst (sausage), cheese, veal, breads, dumplings, Rhine salmon and Sauerkraut. You can find a good pretzel just about anywhere. Enjoy a late afternoon Café und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at a local restaurant or café. 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 Hummel figurines, musical instruments, porcelain, antiques, toys, dolls, and cuckoo clocks, chocolates and cheese. While ThereAsk if a person speaks English before
launching into any discussion. While most Germans speak some English,
many will not use it if you do not ask politely first. If you happen to drive through a town with the word “bad” in it, it means it has a spa. Germany is famous for its spas (with approximately 300 throughout the country). Bring plenty of film – the scenery is spectacular! |
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copyright (Pilgrim Tours) 2001 |
