FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Before departure from home.

How strict are the suitcase size guidelines?

They’re just guidelines—don’t stress about an inch here or there. That said, the coach doesn’t have elastic sides, so please try to pack reasonably. Traveling lighter makes life easier!

What if my luggage doesn’t arrive?

You’ll need to fill out a form at the airport’s baggage claim. Please include of list all your hotels on the report.

What if my arrival time doesn’t match the transfer?

Follow the signs to the official taxi rank outside the airport. Do not accept rides from anyone approaching you—they will overcharge you.
A licensed Rome taxi has a meter, and the fare to the city is approximately €55.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes! It’s safe and perfectly fine to drink.

Do I need to book the optional experiences in advance?

Yes, but for Berlin and Warsaw only, the rest once the trip is underway.

How much should I tip in Europe?

💰 Bars: Leave small change.

🍽️ Restaurants: 10% is appreciated.

🚕 Taxis: Round up the fare.

💼 Hotel Staff: Tips for porterage and restaurant staff are included, but you can leave something for housekeeping if you’d like.

🎤 Local Specialists: €2-3 per person per service is appreciated. (This is separate from prepaid gratuities.)

👥 If you didn’t prepay staff gratuities:

• Travel Director: €7 per person, per day

• Driver: €4.50 per person, per day
  (Tipped at the end of the trip.)

Money

💰Do NOT bring dollars in cash, please, as they are NOT accepted over the counter and there is a 20% commission fee to change them into Euros. Credit cards and Euro cash are accepted everywhere. Notify your bank that you are travelling to Europe and ensure you know your PIN number for ATM withdrawals. I recommend having a small amount of Euros cash on you (around €100) at all times.

What can I expect from European hotels?

🏨 Hotels vary in style and standards—go with the flow!
🛏️ Beds: Usually standard doubles, not king size. Rooms are way smaller than what you may be used to!
🔑 Key cards: You’ll need to insert your key card into a slot inside your room to activate electricity—this saves energy. Keep it away from your phone to avoid demagnetizing!
🛄 Porterage: Included on Trafalgar trips (one bag per person), but not included on Costsaver trips.
🔥 No irons or ironing rooms in most hotels.
💨 Hairdryers: Basic models, usually without a nozzle for blow-drying.
📺 TV: A couple of English news channels, but most will be in Italian, German, French. etc.
❄️ Ice: Available at the bar, but ice machines are rare.
🧺 Laundry: Services are available, but they can be pricey.
☕ Breakfast: Usually starts at 7 AM—no coffee available before then!

What if I’ve never done a trip like this before?

✨ You’ll be amazed by the camaraderie that builds as we travel!
🍒 Optional experiences are the cherries on the cake—tailor your trip your way!
🌍 Embrace the differences, expect the unexpected!
💆‍♀️ You’re on vacation—relax, enjoy, and let Europe work her magic! Let me worry about the logistics.

PACKING TIPS

Carry-On Essentials

Pack valuables, a change of clothes, underwear, prescription medication, and anything else you don’t want to be separated from in your carry-on.  Airlines do lose luggage—especially on connecting flights!

Share the Load, Halve the Risk

If you’re traveling with a partner, put a couple of outfits in each other’s bags. Just do it! If one bag gets lost, you’ll be so glad you did. 

Dress Code & Clothing

👗 Dress Code:  Almost everything we do is “come as you are’ but do bring one ‘smart’ outfit for our optional Moulin Rouge evening! Of course, shoes should be comfortable and already broken-in.

👟 Comfortable Shoes: Essential. We walk a lot!

☀️ Spring/Summer: Lightweight layered clothing is best. An umbrella doubles as a sunshade. Showers happen - bring a light waterproof. 

🍂 Fall/Winter: A warmer waterproof coat is advisable.

Medication

Bring enough for the entire trip in your carry-on. Carry a list of your medication with a prescription showing active ingredients and dosages.

Electrical Adapters & Power

⚡ In Europe we use 230 volts and two round-pin plugs. Hotel rooms may have limited sockets, so bring a multi-plug power strip if you have several devices.

🔌 A universal adapter is a must! Available on Amazon or at the airport.

Hotel Essentials

🏨 What’s NOT Provided:

• Washcloths

• Hair conditioner

• Kettles (becoming more common, but not guaranteed!)

💨 Hairdryers: Provided, but usually basic and without a styling nozzle.
🚫 Leave the Dyson at home! It will blow up!

Luggage Security

📸 Snap a photo of your suitcase before check-in. If it goes missing, this could help.
📍 Consider using a digital tracker (like an Apple AirTag) for peace of mind.

Passport & Documents

📱 Keep clear photos of your passport and essential documents on your phone. Its a good idea to email the photos to yourself so that if you lose your phone you still have access to the photos!

Staying Connected

📶 Cell Phones: Make sure your phone is set up for roaming. Check with your provider. An eSIM may offer better data plans abroad. Airalo is a good and reliable brand.  CLICK HERE to go to their website.