Ready...Set...Go!
What to know before you go to Denmark

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:
North American citizens need only a valid passport to enter Denmark; a visa is necessary only for stays longer than three months.

Health Certificates:
None Required.

Language Spoken:
Danish is the official language, but most Danes also speak English, a required subject in school.

Currency:
The monetary unit in Denmark is one krone (or crown), which is comprised of 100 øre. The exchange rate as of August 1, 2001 was US$1=8.46. Airports, train stations, major banks, currency exchange
offices, and hotels in Denmark provide currency exchange. Traveler's checks are accepted as payment by department stores, car-rental agencies, and hotels, with change paid in Danish kroner. Travelers checks may be exchanged at banks for US$3.50 per check with a minimum fee of US$5-7. There is no fee to exchange American Express traveler's checks at the American Express office in Copenhagen at Amagertorv 18; tel. + (45) 33 11 50 05.

Voltage:
The normal electric current in Denmark is 220 volt ac in 50 cycles. Prongs for outlets differ from those in North America, so travelers should bring along a converter and an adapter with two round prongs for use with hair dryers and shavers, etc.

Medical:
Emergency medical care us supplied by municipal authorities, and hotel staff members can direct guests to local emergency centers, hospitals, or dental clinics (or dial 112). Emergency treatment in Danish public hospitals is free. Fees for non-emergency medical services are usually payable in cash, and are reasonable by international standards. Travelers taking prescribed medications should bring a supply large enough to last throughout the trip since some medicines available in North America are not on the market in Denmark.

Baggage Allowence:
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:
The time difference between Denmark and New York (EST) is six hours. The Daylight Saving Time (DST) will be in effect March 26 - October 29, 2000, and March 25 - October 28, 2001.

Climate:
Denmark's climate is much like that of the New England states, but decidedly more solar than polar, and more dry than wet. The four seasons are distinct. Thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, Denmark has relatively mild winters. Temperatures vary considerably from year to year,
particularly during winter months. Average daytime temperatures (in Fahrenheit) are: January, February, and March, 35; April, 40; May, 58; June, 65; July, 72; August, 72; September, 62; October, 49; November, 42; December, 37.

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:
Service charges are automatically added to the hotel and restaurants bill in Denmark, so no further tipping is required. Tipping for outstanding service is a matter of choice, but is not expected. Tips for Taxi drivers are included in the fare.

Meals:
Dining in Denmark runs the gamut from local specialties in cozy restaurants and country inns to continental cuisine in elegant hotels and restaurants. Something for every taste and budget. In Copenhagen, four restaurants have been awarded Stars in Guide Michelin: Kong Hans, Nouvelle,
Kommandanten and Restaurationen. In the larger cities, ethnic restaurants, health food and vegetarian restaurants, and cafes abound, often with very reasonable prices. But traditional Danish fare, especially the "Dagens Ret" (daily special), is within the limits of the budget traveler. Expect to pay the following for meals in Denmark (without wine or liquor; tips are included in the bill): Breakfast, US$6-20; lunch, US$7-25; dinner, from US$15. Most Danish resturants is smart casual.

Shopping:
Denmark has set the standard for modern design the world over. High quality cutlery, china, sports equipment, textiles, knitwear, knitting wool, handicrafts, furs, crystal, jewelry, silver, glassware, pewter, pottery, carved wood, furniture and even stereo equipment bear the hallmark of Danish craftsmanship. In Denmark, value-added tax, or VAT, is always included in the purchase price. Overseas visitors are entitled to a refund of 22%, less a handling fee of 5%, off he price of goods amounting to more than DKK 300 (about US$46) purchased at a single participating store. The refund procedure is easy: Fill out the tax-free slip provided by the shop and present it to the customs authorities at the airport prior to check-in. The tax is refunded to you, in the departure hall of the airport. Ask at the tourist office about the tax-refund procedure if you are departing by train or car.

Odds & Ends: 
From experience, the best way to sight-see is to keep your hands free! 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 Danish words, 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 true Denmark. 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.