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great britain
& irelandstarter guide
A Simple Guide forPlanning Your Britain and Ireland Vacation
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Planning a trip to Britain and Ireland can be exciting and overwhelming at
the same time. Deciding which cities to visit, where to stay, what to see, and
how to get from place to place adds up to a lot of research, planning, and
potential headaches. And, sometimes, the many resources, Web sites, andtravel guides available can only make matters more confusing.
We can help. We are here to get you out from underplanning burdens and straight to the excitement ofyour Britain vacation.
So heres to not letting another minute pass by.So, lets GO!
As a family-owned company specializing in travel formore than 85 years, Monograms has heard just aboutevery question there is about planning a tripbothinternationally and domesticallyand we think we
can help you find most of your answers here.
Whether you are considering an escorted tour foryou and your family, or an individual travel plan, thisBritain and Ireland travel kit was planned with travelers
like you in mind...to help you get started and on yourway to an amazing British travel experience. Fromselecting your ideal destinations, accommodations,and itinerary to figuring out when to travel, what topack, and how to get where you want to go, let this kitbe your guide. And, should you have any additionalquestions that we havent answered, we are just a
phone call or email away and are happy to answer yourmost simple or detailed questions.
We wish you safe and happy travels to Britainand beyond!
Cliffs of Moher London Eye
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TRAVELING TO BRITAIN OR IRELAND FOR THE FIRST TIME?With Great Britains and Irelands varied history, cultures, and historic sites, deciding where
to go, when to go, how long to stay, and how to get the most bang for your buck can be tough.
The first step is to ask yourself some questionsand were making the second step (answering
them) a little simpler. Our goal is the same as yours: Stop dreaming and start going!
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trip planningThere are so many places to see in Britain & Ireland, how do I approach my trip planning?
Start your planning with how much total time you have to get away. Are you lookingat this trip as your once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it all? If so, make room for at
least 10 days. Or is it a true starter vacation to get a taste of the British Isles before a
return trip or two? In that case, four days is our minimum recommendation.
If you only have a short amount of timeto get away and view this as a starter
vacation, plan to visit just one majordestination. Choose just one of the mostpopular British cities or possibly two.
LONDON:London is one of theworlds most exciting and interestingcities, filled with museums, historicalsites, shops, restaurants, pubs,entertainment venues, experiences,and churches. It offers some ofthe best shopping in the world.Londons theater scene rivals thatof New Yorks Broadway, so be sureto catch a show. Visit the historicaltreasures such as Windsor Castle and
Buckingham Palace. There are manyfascinating towns outside of London,
tooOxford, Cambridge, Bath,Shakespeares Stratford-upon-Avon,
and more.
DUBLIN:Although Dublin is oneof Europes oldest cities, it offerstrendy bars and cosmopolitanrestaurants along with its historicalsites. It offers beautiful urban parks,art galleries, elegant Georgianarchitecture, medieval castles,beautiful cathedrals, and numerousmuseums. Dublin is a UNESCOCity of Literature, dating back to800 AD. Perhaps take an excursionoutside of Dublin to the scenicWicklow Mountains, explore the
mystical site of Newgrange, or visitMalahide Castle.
EDINBURGH: Edinburgh is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site that
combine a medieval Old Town andGeorgian New Town with modern
architecture, numerous shops, and
a plethora of restaurants, including
many offering fresh, local produce.
Explore some of the residences
of Britains royaltypast and
presentand learn about Scotlands
tumultuous history. The citys main
focal point is Edinburgh Castle.
Opt to take an excursion to the
Highlands to learn more about
Scotlands history and to search for
the infamous Loch Ness Monster.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET?A simple guideline is to allot about $200-$300 per dayfor the land portion of your trip. Add on an additional
$1,200 for airfare and dont forget to budget for transfersto/from the airport and travel between destinations. Atrip from London to Edinburgh on the high-speed traincosts around $25.
If your budget (or time) is limited, explore packages wheretravel, lodging, and some sightseeing are included. Then,
add on activities and excursions that fit your budget.If the idea of researching and booking transportation(from the airport, between cities, etc.) and activities isstarting to raise your blood pressure, dont worryin thenext sections, well give you simple solutions!!
TRAVEL
TIP
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HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED?If you are just looking for a London getaway, its very doable to have
a complete London vacation in as few as four days. If well planned, thiswill give you enough time to experience the major sites and visit the most
popular attractions. Anything less than four days, and the trip wont be worththe money youve spent on your flight. Make sure to take into account the
extra day needed for the transatlantic flight. If your time is limited, we highlyrecommend that you focus just on a single cityLondon for a first-timer. Trying to
do London plus another region in just four days has left many firsttime travelers inneed of another vacation just to recover! If you can manage more time away, you can
easily combine a London experience with a series of excursions. Stonehenge, Bath,
the Cotswolds, and Windsor Castle are within easy access for fun day trips, and theyllgive you a nice balance of the British Isles when combined with London. Many travelerswith up to a week in London add a Paris trip. With Eurostar high-speed train service
through the Chunnel, its more manageable to add Paris than you might think!
Tower Bridg e
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TRAVELING WITH A FAMILY?Making a home base in one or two British cities, while spending at least three nights in each city, is great for familieswith children. You wont have to pack up and lug all of your gear from place to place, and your kids can feel comfortableknowing where they will be sleeping each night. Book a family vacation through Monograms and receive a 25%discount off the land vacation price for kids ages 2-11, a 10% discount for kids 12-17, and kids under 2 are free!T
RAVELTIP:
How far ahead do I need to planand book my travel?When are you planning to travel? If your heart is set
on a trip during the summer months, plan to book
your getaway five months out. Travel during the
shoulder season (late-September through April)
and you can book a few weeks to two months out.
When is the best time of year totravel to Britain and Ireland?Because these are large cities, they are year-round
destinations. If traveling during the summer, the
weather is warmer and the days stay light longer, so
you can see more. However, if you want to escape
the crowds and see what locals are like in theireveryday lives with fewer tourists, the off-season
may be the best time to go. November or January to
March offer lower rates with the same opportunities
for theater, restaurants, stores, and museums.
Make sure to check attraction hours, as many have
reduced hours and days. The peak travel seasons are
June through Septemberwhich is also when many
Brits take their vacationsand the holiday season.
May is a good time to travel, since it is warmer but
not quite at the height of tourist season.
Whats the weather like in Britain and
Ireland and how will it affect my plans?Britains weather can vary from day to dayone
day sunny and the next day rainy. In general, the
summers are warmer but wetter, and the winters
are cooler. The summers tend to be cooler than
those on the European continent, but the winters
are milder. July and August are the warmest months.
If traveling during the winter, plan to spend your day
inside at museums, churches, and stores, and bring
a coat.
TRAVEL
TIP
whats the right time?
HaPenny Bridge
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Are there language differences?English is spoken in Great Britain and Ireland,
so Americans can travel around without any
difficulty. However, there are some words that
differ between English spoken in the U.S. and
Great Britain. Here are just a few examples.
banger = sausagebiscuit = cookie
bobby = policeman
chemist = pharmacist
chips = French fries
crisps = potato chips
football = soccer
half eight = 8:30(not 7:30)
holiday = vacation
jumper = sweater
left luggage = baggagecheck
let = rent
licenced = restaurantauthorized to sellalcohol
lift = elevatorloo = bathroom
mobile = cell phone
pants = underwear,briefs
queue = line
quid = pound (money
worth $1.50-$2)ring up = call(telephone)
soda = soda water(not pop)
solicitor = lawyer
trainers = sneakers
tube = subwayunderground = subway
Dublin Edinburgh London
January 46 F 2.7 in 43 F 2.4 in 46 F 2.0 in
February 46 F 2.0 in 43 F 2.8 in 47 F 1.5 in
March 49 F 2.1 in 47 F 1.9 in 52 F 1.2 in
April 53 F 2.0 in 52 F 1.6 in 56 F 1.9 in
May 58 F 2.2 in 57 F 1.9 in 63 F 1.6 in
June 63 F 2.2 in 63 F 2.0 in 68 F 1.8 in
July 66 F 2.0 in 65 F 2.2 in 73 F 1.3 in
August 66 F 2.8 in 65 F 2.4 in 73 F 1.8 in
September 62 F 2.6 in 61 F 2.4 in 67 F 2.0 in
October 57 F 2.8 in 55 F 4.0 in 59 F 2.8 in
November 50 F 2.5 in 47 F 3.0 in 52 F 2.3 in
December 47 F 3.0 in 44 F 3.2 in 48 F 2.2 in
This chart should give you
a better idea of the type oftemperatures and average
rainfall you can expect.
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Escorted Tour VacationWant to experience the best parts
of a destination while letting someone
else be in charge? On an escorted
tour, sightseeing excursions, hotel
arrangements, and most meals areplanned for you, with all of the details
and logistics on tour handled by an
expert your Tour Director. You can
form your own group or join one that
already exists.
Independent Travel PackageLike to travel on your own, but dont
have time to do the research? Would
you feel most comfortable having an
expert put together your trip for you?
Generally, with a travel package, all
travel and hotel accommodations are
arranged for you, along with an itinerary
that includes some pre-scheduled
activities and a good amount of free
time to explore on your own. This
type of package provides a balance for
travelers who want to take advantage
of the benefits of an organized trip, but
who are not interested in traveling with
a group and following a set timetable.And some independent travel packages
offer access to local guides, giving
you a resource on the ground to help
with any on-site needs, suggestions, or
recommendations. Travel packages also
offer families great options and expert
assistance.
Do-it-Yourself (DIY) GetawayPrefer a challenge and want to research,
plan, and book everything on your
own? This puts all the planning in your
hands. When you choose this option,
its important that youre independently
minded and are interested in
customizing every detail of your trip.
mapping out your tripWhat type of trip do you want to take?Youve decided on your destination(s) and you
need to fill your days with fun activities and excursions that will make your trip
memorable. But where do you start? From museums and monuments to gardens
and ruins, Great Britain and Ireland are filled with enough history and must-
see sites to fill a years worth of sightseeing.
With our experience helping travelers create vacations to remember, we can help you truly personalize your
getaway. You have options on how to travel through Britain. Below are the most popular ways to experience
Britain and Ireland. Use it as a guide to choose a style that fits you and your vacation needs.
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Driving VacationFor those who like complete control
over their destiny, this ones for you. A
driving vacation will offer a much more
intimate and hands-on vacation. So,
experience the freedom of the openroad. But take into account that driving
on the other side of the road can
present some challenges. To ensure
an enjoyable trip, make sure to plan
your route ahead of time, taking into
consideration the stops you want to see,
your pace, where you want to stay, andyour budget. Done well, it can truly be a
rewarding adventure.
HOW BUSYDO I WANT TO BE?Beware of overbooking your tripand turning your vacation into achore. Schedule sightseeing earlyin the morning, preferably on yourfirst full day in town, and leave theafternoon open to relax and take ina local experience. By schedulingfree time each afternoon, youwill ensure that you feel fresh andattentive throughout your trip.
Monograms vacations will helpyou strike that perfect balance.
TRAVEL TIP
Trinity College Library
St. Pauls Cathedral
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what are the things i canDo I want a trip that focuses on Britains greatest hits and must-see sites?We always recommend
starting your first full day on vacation with a city tour to give you the lay of the land. Having
a Local Guide show you the highlights and provide some tips on what to see and where to gois a great help, whether its your first or fifth trip to that destination.
You can research, book, and pay for these tours and other excursions in advance of your trip. That way, youll wake up on your first
morning knowing exactly what you are doing, without having to waste your time looking at maps and asking for directions. City tours
are included on escorted tours and independent travel packages such as Monograms. Activities and excursions are generally extra,
but will give you a well-rounded experience (stick with uswell help you book the extras you want and lots more)!
BRITAINS MUST SEESNo matter who or how well traveled you
are, seeing the main sites in each city is
a must. Here are a few standout sites
that make the destination unique and
present great photo ops.
LONDONLondon is a vibrant city filled with
thousands of years of history, fascinating
museums, beautiful parks, magnificent
churches, amazing shopping, exciting
nightlife, and sumptuous international
cuisine. London has an efficient public
transportation system with subways
known as the Tubeand buses, making it
easy to travel.
Must-see sites:
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament Westminster Abbey The site of royal
weddings and coronations.
Buckingham Palace Visit the official
London residence of Britains monarchs
since 1837.
St. Pauls Cathedral Designed by
Sir Christopher Wren and built 300years ago.
Tower of London This amazingly
preserved landmark is full of history and
houses the Crown Jewels.
London Eye An enormous Ferris
wheel on the banks of the Thames River
that gives amazing views of the city.
British Museum This museum houses
a collection of art and antiquities from
prehistoric to modern times.
DUBLINDublinIrelands engaging capital
welcomes visitors with its rich history,
bustling streets, and lively atmosphere
filled with its many pubs. Originally a
Viking settlement, Dublin is now the
islands largest city and a popular tourist
destination.
Must-see sites: Trinity College with its Book of Kells
Irelands oldest university.
AtlanticOcean
London
Dublin
ENGLAND
IRELAND NorthSea
Edinburgh
SCOTLAND
Belfast
Glasgow
Leeds
Liverpool Manchester
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t miss?
OConnell Street Lined with statues,
this is Dublins main traffic artery.
St. Patricks Cathedral St. Patricks
Cathedral is the National Cathedral for
the Church of Ireland.
Temple Bar Check out Dublins
cultural quarter with its outdoor cafs,
international restaurants, unusual
shops, and fun pubs.
Dublin Castle Occupied since its
creation in 1204 AD, it has played an
important role in Irelands history.
Guinness Storehouse Enjoy hearing
the story of GUINNESS and savor
some of this world-famous beer.
Kilmainham Gaol A famous prison
that once held key figures in the Irish
rebellions, it now gives in-depth insight
into the history of the struggle for Irishindependence.
EDINBURGHA city known for its friendliness,
Edinburgh has two distinct areas: the
medieval Old Town and the 18th-century
New Town. Scotlands capital, Edinburgh
offers historic sites, cosmopolitan cuisine,
interesting shops, and so much more.
Must-see sites:
Edinburgh Castle In the Middle Ages,
Edinburgh was Scotlands chief royal
castle.
Royal Mile The Royal Mile connectsEdinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace
and offers many restaurants, cafs, and
shops.
Holyrood Palace The Queens official
residence in Scotland, it has served
as the residence for kings and queens
since the 15th century, including forMary, Queen of Scots.
Royal Yacht Britannia One of the
worlds most famous ships, it served as
the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth for
44 years.
GETTING AROUNDIn the British Isles, people drive on the left
side of the road. You can drive up to 12 months
with a valid license from your home country.
Americans are used to looking to the left to
check for traffic before crossing the road. In
Britain and Ireland, be sure to look to your
right before crossing any roadsor choose
Monograms and leave the transportation to us!
TRAVEL TIP
Dublin Pub in Dublin
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What can I do to have an authentic British experience?Make time to
head off the beaten path to discover the cafs, shops, galleries,
and neighborhoods that form the heartbeat of that city. This
is where Local Guides (and Monograms Local Hosts) are
invaluable. They can introduce you to the less-traveled areas
and enhance your experience like no one else.
LONDON Drop into a local pub to have a pint
and sample Englands famous fish nchips. Or give yourself a truly Britishtreat and enjoy Afternoon Tea at theEnglish Tea Room at Browns Hotel orthe Wolseley.
Enjoy a night out at Londons WestEndand see one of the amazing shows,including Chicago, Wicked, Billy Elliott,Les Misrables, Lion King, andPhantomof the Opera.
Take a stroll in Hyde Park, one of the
largest green spaces in London withover 350 acres, or an afternoon on thebustling South Bankalong the Thames.
Shop til you drop at one of the manymarkets or shopping streets. OxfordStreetis Londons best-knownshopping area, with over 300 shopsand many of Londons flagship stores.Bond Streetoffers luxury stores withexclusive brands, while Westfield
Shopping Centeris Europes largestin-city shopping center with over 275stores. Check out Camden Market,Londons most popular open-airmarket. For antiques, browse thePortobello Marketon Saturdays.
Explore the seedy underbelly of
Victorian London when you join theJack the Ripper tourto trace the
unsolved crimes of the Ripper.
DUBLIN With over 1,000 pubs, Irish pubs remain
a focus of Irelands culture, so grab apint and enjoy the craic (crack)Irishfor fun. Take a pub crawl and discoverDublins traditional pubs and Irishmusic, or enjoy a drink at the Octagon
Barin the Clarence Hotel.
Take a stroll in St. Stephens Green,the inner-city park laid out in 1880at the initiative of Sir Arthur EdwardGuinness, a member of the Guinnessbrewing family. Or, go south of St.Stephens Green to the IveaghGardens, one of the finest and leastknown of Dublins parks and gardens.
The following are some of the most popular local suggestions:
whats the best way to fee
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Explore the many shops along GraftonStreet, Dublins pedestrian street withsome of its best shops, performers, andmusicians.
Visit one of the many wonderfulmuseums, including theNationalMuseum, which takes you back toprehistoric and medieval Ireland; theJames Joyce Museum, dedicated tothe works and life of this famous Irishwriter; and the National Gallery ofIreland, with a collection of Europeanand Irish art.
SCOTLAND Take a walk to Arthurs Seat, the
highest point in Edinburgh, where theremains of an extinct volcano rise 823feet. Or, climb Calton Hillwith itsupturn telescope and monument toAdmiral Lord Nelsonfor one of the
best views over the city.
Visit the Clan Tartan Centre, whereyou can search the database of 50,000names to find out if your name isassociated with a Scottish clan or tartan.
Travel to the Scottish Highlandsand
visit Loch Ness, known for its beauty,mystery, and monster. Feel historycome alive as you learn about figuresimportant in Scottish history.
Enjoy coffee at the Elephant HouseGourmet Tea & Coffee House, oneof the best tea and coffee houses inEdinburgh. J.K. Rowling wrote someof her early novels in its back roomoverlooking Edinburgh Castle.
Stroll through Edinburghs vibrant andhistoric Grassmarketarea, which offersa range of unique and quirky shops.
l like a local?
Edinburgh Castle
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simplify your trip
This is just a sampling of our Monograms Britain and Ireland packages. We even go beyond and apply the
same skill to vacations in Europe, North America, South & Central America, Australia & New Zealand,
Asia, and Africa. In total, there are over 143 packages to choose from.
Perfect Starter Packages by
Now your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be, without all the planning and
logistics hassles. Monograms was designed to make travel abroad simpleboth planningand traveling. With Monograms, we handle all the details, so you can feel comfortable and
confident in your destinationeven if its your first time there. Let us handle the details
and you handle the fun!
The following are the most popular Monograms packages for the first-time traveler to Britain and Ireland:
A Week in London 7 DAYS
Experience a
week in London to
enjoy all that the
city has to offer
with a wonderful
balance of leisure time and expertly guided
tours. See the must-see sites, including
Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Piccadilly
Circus, and St. Pauls Cathedral. Opt to
take excursions to Windsor Castle, the
Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon,Stonehenge, or even Paris for a cruise on
the Seine and champagne at the Eiffel
Tower.
London & Edinburgh 7 DAYS
Enjoy vibrant
Londonwith its
many museums,
historical
treasures, fun
pubs, and cultural
highlights, then
take a first-class
ride on the
express train
to Edinburgh,where you will tour the castle and admire
the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the
British Isles. Perhaps visit the Royal Yacht
Britanniato see how the royal family lived
and worked on board during glittering
state visits.
NorthSea
3
3London
Edinburgh
ENGLAND
SCOTLAND
Dublin & London 7 DAYS
Travel to two of
Europes most
popular cities
and experience
the highlights
of both. Visit
Trinity College
and the famous
1,200-year-old
Book of Kells
in Dublin. InLondon, see the main landmarks, visit
St. Pauls Cathedral, and witness the
Changing of the Guard (if held) at
Buckingham Palace. Time in both cities
gives you the opportunity to explore on
your own.
Atlantic
Ocean
3
3 London
Dublin
ENGLAND
IRELAND
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Every Monograms Britain and Ireland package comescomplete with the following components:
Complete arrangements for 4 or 7 days in your selected city
Pre-screened hotel accommodations in the heart of the city
Included sightseeing in each city with VIP access to must-see sites
Transportation between cities (for multi-city packages), including
first-class seats aboard all trains
Breakfast each morning
Monograms Local Hosts at your service, based at your hotel
Option to add flights, airport transfers*, Travel Protection, andadditional Activities & Excursions, personalized to your interests
* Airport transfers included when you purchase your flights through Monograms
Dublin, London & Edinburgh 10 DAYS
For a more in-depth
experience of the British
Isles, combine the best
of Dublin, London, and
Edinburgh. See the must-see
sites in each city, including
St. Patricks Cathedral in
Dublin, Westminster Abbey
in London, and the Royal
Mile in Edinburgh.
Monograms makes thesightseeing easy in each city, so you have time
on your own to explore what is most
important to you.
AtlanticOcean
3
London
Dublin
ENGLAND
IRELAND
NorthSea
Edinburgh
SCOTLAND
3
3
Kylemore Abbey
is a travel company, not a travelwebsite, with particular expertisein Britain and Ireland. As part of
the Globus family of brands, weve
been showing travelers the way inand around Britain (and the restof Europe) for over 85 years.
Get started today!
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HERE ARE A FEW POPULAR GLOBUS*TOURS THAT WOULD BE GREAT ADDITIONS TO
YOUR MONOGRAMS BRITAIN AND IRELAND VACATION:
beyond britain & irelandWant to add more vacation to your vacation? Perhaps you would like to use London as your hub
and venture to France, Germany, Spain, or other European countries. The Globus family
of brands offers over 450 vacation optionsfrom fully escorted tours to river cruises.So, take advantage of some of these other great vacation packages and truly make your next
getaway the trip of a lifetime!
*Globus tours include everything you need for a hassle-free European experiencefrom an expertly planned
itinerary and all transportation to sightseeing and manymealsall with the guidance and insight of the industrys most experienced Tour Directors.
London & Paris: A Tale ofTwo Cities (Family Vacation) 7 DAYSSpend a magnificent week in London and Paris with your family!
Ride the London Eye and ascend the Eiffel Tower.
European Highlights 9 DAYS
Sample some of Europes most popular cities. Enjoy all that London, Paris,
Lucerne, Milan, Venice, and Rome have to offer.
New!Italian Vista 8 DAYS
Cover Italys main sights on this unforgettable vacation.
Begin your journey in Rome, with included visits to the Sistine
Chapel, St. Peters, and the awe-inspiring Colosseum. Stay in
Assisi and visit St. Francis Basilica. Spend a full day in Venice
and finish your vacation in Milan.
Essential Europe 11 DAYS
This fascinating journey starts in Rome and ends in London,
with stays in Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris. Trip
includes visits to famous sights, like the Colosseum,
St. Marks Square, and the Eiffel Tower.
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You can also travel Europe by boat! River cruising is Europesfastest-growing travel segment, and Avalon Waterways is leading
the way. Avalons style and premium standard will give you aperspective of Europe like none other, with Europes newest fleet,
largest staterooms, expansive views, and enriching land programs (included in your cruise price).
European Charm 13 DAYS
See some of Europes most beautiful cities. Spend two overnights in
Holland, Germany, Italy, and France.
The Best of Eastern Europe 14 DAYS
This is the perfect vacation for those who really want to explore Central
Europe in detail. Guided sightseeing in the main capitals is included:
Berlin, Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.
Barcelona Venice
Paris
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You are a few weeks away from your departure date and are starting to think about packing
and finalizing the last details of your trip. Here are a few additional things to remember to
make sure you are ready and prepared for your adventure overseas.
youre ready to go...almos
FAQS
What to pack?
The obvious answer is to pack comfortable clothesand shoes. The climate in Europe varies, so
remember to bring clothes that can be layered foradditional warmth or taken off in warmer weather.
Weve included a few additional items thatwe know will come in handy.
A money belt A pouch strapped around yourwaist and hidden under your clothes, a moneybelt provides great peace of mind when you are
carrying large sums of money, passports, creditcards, and other important documents.
Dress for comfort We Americans usually definecomfortable shoes as athletic or tennis shoes.Funny enough, these shoes are what give us awayas American tourists. If you want to blend in alittle more and go incognito, pack a different typeof shoe that provides just as much comfort andsupport as a sneaker. Also, take layers of clothing
to help you adjust to temperature variationsduring the day. When its warm, be prepared forsites without air-conditioning.
Long pants or a long skirt When traveling duringthe warm summer months, its hard to imaginewalking around all day in anything but shorts orshort skirts. Remember that many of the placesyou will be touring are religious sites with modestdress codes. Its considered inappropriate anddisrespectful to show your bare legs at someattractions, so keep a pair of pants or a skirt inyour bag and you will be dressed appropriately, nomatter where you go.
Photocopies of important documents Shouldyou lose something on your triplike a planeticket, travel itinerary and confirmation numbers,or your identificationyou will save yourself a lotof headache and hassle by having a copy of eachdocument on hand, stored in a safe place.
A small daypack A napsack or backpack willmake touring around a city or taking a day trip a loteasier, as you can carry more items and still haveyour hands free for photo opportunities.
Money ATMs have become an easy way toget the type of money you need when you needit in destinations around the world, so plan tobring a debit card! Visas, MasterCards, and othercredit cards are also generally accepted forms ofpayment worldwide.
How do I find out the currency exchange rateand how do I exchange money?
An ATM usually offers the best exchange rate andis the easiest way to get Euros or Pounds. Makesure you notify your bank before you leave for your
trip so they dont flag your account for unusualactivity while you are away. The last thing you needwhen you are in Europe is to have your accountfrozen, leaving you without access to cash.
Credit cards, as a whole, provide a fair rate ofexchange. You can charge your purchases, feelingcomfortable that your credit card company isbehind you should you have any problem with yourcharges down the line. You can also try local banksand hotels, but remember that they will charge arelatively high fee for handling the exchange. Somecompany loyalty programs also offer discountedrates on currency exchange. To learn more about
our Journeys Club loyalty program exchange ratediscounts, visit JourneysClub.com.
Anything I should know about the flight to Europe?
Baggage Any time you fly, you want to checkyour airlines policies and restrictions regardingchecked and carry-on baggage. Most airlinesallow one checked bag per person free-of-chargeon international flights. Make sure you follow yourairlines weight and size guidelines to avoid payingadditional fees for an oversized or heavy bag.
Arriving at the Airport For international flights,arrive at the airport no less than two hours before
your departure time. Check if your flight is ontime before leaving home so you can eliminatewaiting around the airport if your flight is delayed.
Food Pack some snacks for the flight or pick up afew items, including water, after you clear securityand are waiting to board. Having your own foodand drinks means you dont have to rely on orairline food or the flight crew to get you throughthe flight.
What do you recommend for traveling abroadwith a family?
When traveling anywhere with children, both youngand old, we follow one rule: expect the best, butprepare for the worst-case scenario.
Pack extras of everything in a carry-on bag. Fromsnacks, diapers, and water to toys and changesof clothes, you can never be too prepared,particularly when dealing with potential delays,rerouting, and long waits.
8/13/2019 Great Britain and Ireland Starter Guide
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tOHAND WHAT ABOUT A PASSPORT?Traveling to Europe requires a passport. Weve listed a few facts you
need to know about applying for or renewing your passport:
Most post offices, courts, libraries, and government offices acceptpassport applications.
Renew your passport if it has been 10 years or more since it wasoriginally issued
Fill out and submit the appropriate application, present a copy of yourcurrent identification, and show evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as:
- A previously issued, undamaged passport
- A certified birth certificate
- A naturalization certificate
- A certificate of citizenship
You must apply in person if:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport
- You are under age 16
- Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago
You will need to provide two identical passport photos
Be prepared to pay your passport fees when submitting your application
- An application fee of $135 for a new adult passport is collected with
your application
- A renewal fee of $110 is collected for all adult passport renewals
Visit the US State Department website (http://travel.state.gov/passport) formore information.
Aim for a window seat for your child for a little built-inentertainment at take-off and landing.
Help your family stay organized by counting all bags,both checked and carry-on, before you leave for theairport. Then, regularly count your bags each time
you get on or off a plane, train, boat, car, or bus andwhen checking in or out of a hotel. With a full counteach time, you are guaranteed to have everyonesbelongings with you throughout your entire trip and allthe way home.
Beyond your flight, its important to plan your vacationwith a mix of fun activities and rest and relaxation timeeach day. And, bring snacks with you in your daypack to
ward off cases of the grumpies.
How can I avoid jet lag?
Minimize the impact of changing multiple time zonesby staying hydrated during your flight and avoidingalcoholic drinks while on the plane.
Remember to set your watch to the time at yourdestination as soon as you begin your flight to help you
begin adjusting before you even arrive. If its daytime when you arrive at your destination,
spend as much time as you can outside, using thesunlight to help you adjust to the new time zone. Thereverse is true if you arrive in the evening. Try to get agood night of sleep so you can wake up at a reasonabletime the next day to start your vacation.