 Russia Travel Tips
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Helpful Tips for Travel in Europe
Helpful Travel Tips, Suggestions and Information.
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The climate in Central and Western Europe is very similar to that in the Pacific Northwest (of the U.S)---the summers can be hot and they can be wet. September tends to be milder, with generally more pleasant and milder weather than in summer. The fall can also get cold. Alpine weather tends to be even more dramatic than in the rest of Europe. We recommend to be prepared for anything: Bring a “Parka” (windbreaker with hood) in case of inclement weather. It is best to pack lightweight clothing (layers), such as denim jumpers and jackets, jeans and a few tops---rather than bulky sweaters. One nice outfit for our Farewell Dinner, otherwise casual clothes only, not requiring ironing.
We will be touring many sites on this tour, up close and personal (mostly on foot). Because much of the tour will be walking, we recommend a good and comfortable pair of walking shoes. Most hotels will provides shampoo and soap; however, it is common that they are combined together in a “shower gel.” Bringing your own shampoo, a bar of soap and a small washcloth is recommended. (A pocket package of Kleenex and a few “Wash-n-Dries” also come in handy while traveling). Calling Cards (such as AT&T or MCI) are the easiest way to call home from the states. (Note: Avoid the “Prepaid Calling Cards”---they don’t work from Europe!) For details about contacting your friends and family while you are away, click on the “Calling Home” link above.
Two free personal luggage tags are provided to Alpventures® Tour Guests prior to tour departure, and we strongly recommend that these tags be placed on your bags prior to traveling. They will also assist us when handling your bags at each hotel throughout the trip. Porter service will be provided at all hotels on Alpventures® Tours. Most airlines still allow two pieces of “checked” luggage and two small “carry-ons,” however we highly recommend that you limit your luggage to one checked piece and one carry-on. All bags are subject to search, due to heightened security measures at airports worldwide. Avoid bringing (or buying) anything in your luggage that could even remotely be construed as a weapon. If you plan to do a great deal of shopping on the tour, we recommend to pack a large, empty hand-bag in your checked luggage, to use on your return flight as your “carry-on.” (We also recommend a small shoulder bag, money purse or money belt for your Passport, Credit Cards, etc. while traveling).
The voltage in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria is 210 / 220V. 
Hair dryers will be provided in most of our hotels; however, if you plan on bringing your own appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons or battery chargers, please make sure your appliance is 110/220V (compatible). Some appliances will need to be manually switched from 110V to 220V on the back or bottom of the appliance. The wall sockets in Europe are also different. Adapter Kits (U.S. to European countries) may be purchased at most Radio Shack retail stores, electronics stores, travel stores or online at Teleadapt USA
| Shipping Goods to the U.S. |
Postage in Europe is extremely expensive to the United States. We recommend packing lightly so you have room in your luggage (and carry-on) for any items purchased on the tour (i.e., souvenirs, books, videos, etc.). Some merchants will ship your goods directly to the U.S.; Postage, handling and insurance charges will vary.
While traveling in Europe, you may wish to access the Internet in order to check and send email, or surf the World Wide Web. The easiest and most convenient way to get online is to visit an “Internet Café,” or “Cyber café.” These are located in most European cities, and they are popping up in many smaller towns off the beaten path. Internet “terminals” are also located at many rest areas along the freeways and at Tourist Information Offices. Typically, you have to buy either a password or token in different increments of time (15, 30, 90 min., etc). These can run anywhere from $1-up for 15 minutes of online time. Most cafes use common web browsers, or at least browsers that work like Internet Explorer or Netscape. Alpventures will provide details of the locations, prices and opening hours of Internet Cafés while you are on tour.
 The new “Euro” currency is now in effect throughout Europe. (Note: The Euro is only used in those countries that belong to the European Union. Take a look at the new Euro here. This makes things much easier for foreign travelers. The value of the Euro is very close to the U.S. Dollar, which makes shopping easy because the Euro prices listed are almost the same as the Dollar. On tour with Alpventures®, you will have the opportunity to do banking at the airport before we depart for our first destination. Remember, most banks in Europe close for 1-2 hours at lunchtime and they are not open on weekends. Traveler’s checks are not difficult to use in Europe, however they can be very expensive (unless cashed at an American Express office), as most merchants will charge a fee per check used. It is our recommendation that you bring Credit Cards or Debit Cards while traveling for your source of money. (Don’t forget your “PIN” numbers for the cards! Some Credit Card companies and Banks have a different PIN number for outside the U.S. Check with your Bank or Credit Card company before you leave). ATM’s (Automated Teller Machines) are very convenient and easy to use while traveling abroad; you can find one just about everywhere and they can be used in the English language. There will be a minimal fee for using the ATM’s. (On tour, you are welcome to bring U.S. Dollars in cash as well, however banking opportunities to exchange currency will be less frequent than ATM’s).
Take a look at how the U.S. Dollar is doing in the foreign exchange before you travel abroad. Our Currency Converter is easy to use: Enter an amount, select the currencies to be converted, and click the 'Convert' button. Your converted currency will be displayed in the same window. Currency Converter
| U.S. Customs Official Policy |
As a returning U.S. resident, you are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty free (without declaration). The next $1,000 worth of items you bring back with you into the country for personal use or gifts are dutiable at a flat 10% rate. For further information, including laws, regulations, and helpful traveler information, click here.
You are encouraged to bring cameras on all Alpventures® Tours. (On the World War II Tours, photography at the Concentration Camp Memorial Sites is allowed, however we strongly recommend discretion be used at all times. Photography inside the memorial museum is prohibited. Panoramic cameras are recommended at the Normandy beaches, the former Nazi Rally Grounds in Nuremberg and at the Eagles Nest). Film and batteries can be expensive throughout Europe, so bring plenty of extra film with you. For information about the voltage for battery chargers, click on the “Electrical appliances” link above.
 Travel protection while traveling abroad is highly recommended. Alpventures® partner insurance professionals, InsureMyTrip.com, offer a different packages to suit your needs from over 40 vendors, covering delayed/lost luggage to personal injury and even death while traveling away from home. Our vendors have also increased their services to provide coverage for delays and cancellations due to acts of terrorism. Protect your trip investment and travel with peace of mind. For an online quote in minutes or more information and details click on the logo below.
| Calling Home / Global Cellular Phone Rentals |
Your loved ones here at home (and your important business concerns) are only a phone call away while you are traveling with a global cellular phone rental. Leave the hassle of being reached only in your hotel room behind and have a cell phone with you all the time. For less than $30 a week, you can have the comfort of knowing you can be reached at any time while you are away from home. In addition, whether it’s an emergency or you just want to let a friend know how much fun you’re having, you can call the U.S. for the lowest rates in the industry. Have the cell phone delivered to your door before you depart, and provide your friends and family with your number in advance. For more information, current rates and to reserve your phone online, click here.
Plan Ahead:
Remember, when calling the U.S. from Europe, there is a difference in time zones. In order to prevent calling your party at an inconvenient time, plan your call. Germany, Austria, Italy and Belgium are located in the CET (Central European Time) zone, and are ahead of the U.S. Early morning in Central Europe means nighttime in America (the night before). In Germany, we will be 6 hours ahead of the East Coast, 7 hours ahead of the Midwest, 8 hours ahead of the Rockies and 9 hours ahead of the West Coast. Europeans also use the 24-hour, or Military Clock. Here are a few examples to help:
| Pacific |
Mountain |
Central |
Eastern |
CET |
| 2100 Mon |
2200 (10 p.m.) |
2300 (11 p.m.) |
2400 (Midnight) |
0600 Tues |
| 0300 Tues |
0400 (4 a.m.) |
0500 (5 a.m.) |
0600 (6 a.m.) |
1200 Tues |
| 0900 Tues |
1000 (10 a.m.) |
1100 (11 a.m.) |
1200 (Noon) |
1800 Tues |
| 1500 Tues |
1600 (4 p.m.) |
1700 (5 p.m.) |
1800 (6 p.m.) |
2400 Tu-We |
| International Toll Free Direct Access Codes |
Most European hotel rooms are equipped with private telephones. It is easy and convenient to call your friends and families at home, and you can either use Calling Cards (not Prepaid Calling Cards) or have your calls billed directly to your room. (NOTE: If you plan to use a Calling Card, make sure your card includes international calling before you leave). Some hotels will have a different number for dialing an “outside” line, and you will be provided these numbers at check-in. Keep in mind, calling the U.S. from your hotel can get very expensive. A list of hotels including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses (when applicable) will be provided prior to departing on an Alpventures® Tour. For information on renting a cellphone while on tour, click here. In order to use a Calling Card, you will need to reach your long distance phone carrier for the call to connect. Here are the toll-free International Direct Access Codes* that will connect you with an American operator without any charge:
|
Austria |
Belgium |
France |
Germany |
| Sprint |
0800-200236 |
0800-100-14 |
0800-990-87 |
0800-888-0013 |
| AT&T |
0800-200288 |
0800-10010 |
0800-990011 |
0800-2255288 |
| MCI |
0800-200235 |
0800-10012 |
0800-990019 |
0800-8888000 |
* The telephone companies can change these Direct Access Codes at any time. Alpventures® takes no responsibility for problems resulting from the use of these numbers. To check for current Direct Access Codes, or to find the codes for other countries not listed here, use the following links:
ATT International Dialing Guide |
Most European countries have a 15%-25% value-added tax (VAT), or sales tax on merchandise. The good news is, it is usually included in the price, and in some cases, as a non-resident of that country; you are eligible to either have the tax taken off or get part of that money back. Many merchants are now using the “Global Refund™” formulas that are easy to fill out and can be submitted at their airport offices in Europe. All details including minimum purchase amount, obtaining a customs authorization and the location of Global Refund™ airport offices will be provided by Alpventures® while on tour. The main things to remember are: 1) have your Passport with you when shopping; 2) keep all your receipts; and 3) have the goods with you when obtaining a customs authorization stamp at the airport.
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