great britain

& ireland
starter guide
A Simple Guide for
Planning Your Britain and Ireland Vacation
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, and
travel guides available can only make matters more confusing.

We can help. We are here to get you out from under
planning burdens and straight to the excitement of
your Britain vacation.
So heres to not letting another minute pass by.
So, lets GO!
As a family-owned company specializing in travel for
more than 85 years, Monograms has heard just about
every question there is about planning a tripboth
internationally and domesticallyand we think we
can help you find most of your answers here.
Whether you are considering an escorted tour for
you and your family, or an individual travel plan, this
Britain and Ireland travel kit was planned with travelers
like you in mind...to help you get started and on your
way to an amazing British travel experience. From
selecting your ideal destinations, accommodations,
and itinerary to figuring out when to travel, what to
pack, and how to get where you want to go, let this kit
be your guide. And, should you have any additional
questions that we havent answered, we are just a
phone call or email away and are happy to answer your
most simple or detailed questions.
We wish you safe and happy travels to Britain
and beyond!

Cliffs of Moher London Eye

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!
 trip planning
There 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 looking
at 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 time tooOxford, Cambridge, Bath, EDINBURGH: Edinburgh is a
to get away and view this as a starter Shakespeares Stratford-upon-Avon, UNESCO World Heritage Site that
vacation, plan to visit just one major and more. combine a medieval Old Town and
destination. Choose just one of the most Georgian New Town with modern
popular British cities or possibly two. DUBLIN: Although Dublin is one
of Europes oldest cities, it offers architecture, numerous shops, and
LONDON: London is one of the trendy bars and cosmopolitan a plethora of restaurants, including
worlds most exciting and interesting restaurants along with its historical many offering fresh, local produce.
cities, filled with museums, historical sites. It offers beautiful urban parks, Explore some of the residences
sites, shops, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, elegant Georgian of Britains royaltypast and
entertainment venues, experiences, architecture, medieval castles, presentand learn about Scotlands
and churches. It offers some of beautiful cathedrals, and numerous tumultuous history. The citys main
the best shopping in the world. museums. Dublin is a UNESCO focal point is Edinburgh Castle.
Londons theater scene rivals that City of Literature, dating back to Opt to take an excursion to the
of New Yorks Broadway, so be sure 800 AD. Perhaps take an excursion Highlands to learn more about
to catch a show. Visit the historical outside of Dublin to the scenic Scotlands history and to search for
treasures such as Windsor Castle and Wicklow Mountains, explore the the infamous Loch Ness Monster.
Buckingham Palace. There are many mystical site of Newgrange, or visit
fascinating towns outside of London, Malahide Castle.

WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET?

A simple guideline is to allot about $200-$300 per day If your budget (or time) is limited, explore packages where
TRAVEL TIP

for the land portion of your trip. Add on an additional
$1,200 for airfare and dont forget to budget for transfers
to/from the airport and travel between destinations. A
trip from London to Edinburgh on the high-speed train
costs around $25.
travel, 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 is
starting to raise your blood pressure, dont worryin the
next sections, well give you simple solutions!!
 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, this
will 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 worth
the 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 highly
recommend 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 in
need 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 theyll
give you a nice balance of the British Isles when combined with London. Many travelers
with 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 Bridge
 whats the right time?

HaPenny Bridge

How far ahead do I need to plan
and 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 to
travel 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 their
everyday 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.
TRAVEL TIP:
TIP
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.

TRAVELING WITH A FAMILY?

TRAVEL

Making a home base in one or two British cities, while spending at least three nights in each city, is great for families
with children. You wont have to pack up and lug all of your gear from place to place, and your kids can feel comfortable
knowing 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!
 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
This chart should give you 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
a better idea of the type of 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
temperatures and average 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
rainfall you can expect. 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

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 = sausage lift = elevator
biscuit = cookie loo = bathroom
bobby = policeman mobile = cell phone
chemist = pharmacist pants = underwear,
chips = French fries briefs
crisps = potato chips queue = line
football = soccer quid = pound (money
half eight = 8:30 worth $1.50-$2)
(not 7:30) ring up = call
holiday = vacation (telephone)
jumper = sweater soda = soda water
(not pop)
left luggage = baggage
check solicitor = lawyer
let = rent trainers = sneakers
licenced = restaurant tube = subway
authorized to sell underground = subway
alcohol
mapping out your trip
What 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.

Escorted Tour Vacation you feel most comfortable having an
Want 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 are
planned 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 Package
Like to travel on your own, but dont
have time to do the research? Would
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) Getaway
Prefer 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.
 Trinity College Library

Driving Vacation TRAVEL TIP

For 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 open
road. 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, and
your budget. Done well, it can truly be a
rewarding adventure.
HOW BUSY
DO I WANT TO BE?
Beware of overbooking your trip
and turning your vacation into a
chore. Schedule sightseeing early
in the morning, preferably on your
first full day in town, and leave the
afternoon open to relax and take in
a local experience. By scheduling
free time each afternoon, you
will ensure that you feel fresh and
attentive throughout your trip.
Monograms vacations will help
you strike that perfect balance.
St. Pauls Cathedral
what are the things i can
Do 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 go
is 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 SEES LONDON Tower of London This amazingly

No matter who or how well traveled you London is a vibrant city filled with preserved landmark is full of history and
are, seeing the main sites in each city is thousands of years of history, fascinating houses the Crown Jewels.
a must. Here are a few standout sites museums, beautiful parks, magnificent London Eye An enormous Ferris
that make the destination unique and churches, amazing shopping, exciting wheel on the banks of the Thames River
present great photo ops. nightlife, and sumptuous international that gives amazing views of the city.
cuisine. London has an efficient public British Museum This museum houses
transportation system with subways a collection of art and antiquities from
known as the Tubeand buses, making it prehistoric to modern times.
easy to travel.
SCOTLAND
Must-see sites:
DUBLIN
Glasgow
DublinIrelands engaging capital
Edinburgh Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
welcomes visitors with its rich history,
Belfast Westminster Abbey The site of royal
bustling streets, and lively atmosphere
IRELAND North weddings and coronations.
Leeds
filled with its many pubs. Originally a
Sea Buckingham Palace Visit the official
Dublin Viking settlement, Dublin is now the
London residence of Britains monarchs
Liverpool Manchester islands largest city and a popular tourist
since 1837.
Atlantic destination.
St. Pauls Cathedral Designed by
Ocean ENGLAND Must-see sites:
Sir Christopher Wren and built 300
years ago. Trinity College with its Book of Kells
London
Irelands oldest university.
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 Irish
independence.
Dublin Pub in Dublin
EDINBURGH Royal Yacht Britannia One of the
A city known for its friendliness, worlds most famous ships, it served as
Edinburgh has two distinct areas: the the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth for
medieval Old Town and the 18th-century 44 years.
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 TRAVEL TIP
castle.
GETTING AROUND
Royal Mile The Royal Mile connects
Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace In the British Isles, people drive on the left
side of the road. You can drive up to 12 months
and offers many restaurants, cafs, and
with a valid license from your home country.
shops.
Holyrood Palace The Queens official Americans are used to looking to the left to
check for traffic before crossing the road. In
residence in Scotland, it has served
Britain and Ireland, be sure to look to your
as the residence for kings and queens
right before crossing any roadsor choose
since the 15th century, including for
Monograms and leave the transportation to us!
Mary, Queen of Scots.
whats the best way to feel
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.

The following are some of the most popular local suggestions:

LONDON Shop til you drop at one of the many DUBLIN

Drop into a local pub to have a pint
and sample Englands famous fish n
chips. Or give yourself a truly British
treat and enjoy Afternoon Tea at the
English Tea Room at Browns Hotel or
the Wolseley.
Enjoy a night out at Londons West
End and see one of the amazing shows,
including Chicago, Wicked, Billy Elliott,
Les Misrables, Lion King, and Phantom
of the Opera.
Take a stroll in Hyde Park, one of the
largest green spaces in London with
over 350 acres, or an afternoon on the
bustling South Bank along the Thames.
markets or shopping streets. Oxford With over 1,000 pubs, Irish pubs remain
Street is Londons best-known a focus of Irelands culture, so grab a
shopping area, with over 300 shops pint and enjoy the craic (crack)Irish
and many of Londons flagship stores. for fun. Take a pub crawl and discover
Bond Street offers luxury stores with Dublins traditional pubs and Irish
exclusive brands, while Westfield music, or enjoy a drink at the Octagon
Shopping Center is Europes largest Bar in the Clarence Hotel.
in-city shopping center with over 275
stores. Check out Camden Market, Take a stroll in St. Stephens Green,
Londons most popular open-air the inner-city park laid out in 1880
market. For antiques, browse the at the initiative of Sir Arthur Edward
Portobello Market on Saturdays. Guinness, a member of the Guinness
brewing family. Or, go south of St.
Explore the seedy underbelly of Stephens Green to the Iveagh
Victorian London when you join the Gardens, one of the finest and least
Jack the Ripper tour to trace the known of Dublins parks and gardens.
unsolved crimes of the Ripper.
l like a local?
Explore the many shops along Grafton
Street, Dublins pedestrian street with
some of its best shops, performers, and
musicians.
Visit one of the many wonderful
museums, including the National
Museum, which takes you back to
prehistoric and medieval Ireland; the
James Joyce Museum, dedicated to
the works and life of this famous Irish
writer; and the National Gallery of
Ireland, with a collection of European
and Irish art.
Edinburgh Castle
SCOTLAND Enjoy coffee at the Elephant House
Take a walk to Arthurs Seat, the Gourmet Tea & Coffee House, one
highest point in Edinburgh, where the of the best tea and coffee houses in
remains of an extinct volcano rise 823 Edinburgh. J.K. Rowling wrote some
feet. Or, climb Calton Hillwith its of her early novels in its back room
overlooking Edinburgh Castle.
upturn telescope and monument to
Admiral Lord Nelsonfor one of the
Stroll through Edinburghs vibrant and
best views over the city.
historic Grassmarket area, which offers
Visit the Clan Tartan Centre, where a range of unique and quirky shops.
you can search the database of 50,000
names to find out if your name is
associated with a Scottish clan or tartan.
Travel to the Scottish Highlands and
visit Loch Ness, known for its beauty,
mystery, and monster. Feel history
come alive as you learn about figures
important in Scottish history.
 simplify your trip
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 planning
and 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 London & Edinburgh Dublin & London

7 DAYS 7 DAYS 7 DAYS
Experience a Enjoy vibrant Travel to two of
week in London to Londonwith its Europes most
enjoy all that the many museums, popular cities
city has to offer historical and experience
with a wonderful treasures, fun the highlights
SCOTLAND
balance of leisure time and expertly guided Edinburgh
3 pubs, and cultural of both. Visit
IRELAND
tours. See the must-see sites, including North
Sea highlights, then Dublin
3 Trinity College
Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Piccadilly take a first-class Atlantic
Ocean
and the famous
ENGLAND
Circus, and St. Pauls Cathedral. Opt to ENGLAND ride on the 3 London 1,200-year-old
take excursions to Windsor Castle, the express train Book of Kells

London
3

Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, to Edinburgh, in Dublin. In

Stonehenge, or even Paris for a cruise on
the Seine and champagne at the Eiffel
Tower.
where you will tour the castle and admire
the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the
British Isles. Perhaps visit the Royal Yacht
Britannia to see how the royal family lived
and worked on board during glittering
state visits.
London, 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.

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.
 Every Monograms Britain and Ireland package comes
complete 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

Kylemore Abbey
Option to add flights, airport transfers*, Travel Protection, and
Dublin, London & Edinburgh additional Activities & Excursions, personalized to your interests
10 DAYS
* Airport transfers included when you purchase your flights through Monograms
For a more in-depth
experience of the British
Isles, combine the best
of Dublin, London, and
Edinburgh. See the must-see
SCOTLAND
3 Edinburgh sites in each city, including
IRELAND
North
Sea St. Patricks Cathedral in is a travel company, not a travel
Dublin
3
Dublin, Westminster Abbey website, with particular expertise
Atlantic
Ocean
ENGLAND in London, and the Royal in Britain and Ireland. As part of
3
London Mile in Edinburgh. the Globus family of brands, weve
Monograms makes the been showing travelers the way in
sightseeing easy in each city, so you have time and around Britain (and the rest
on your own to explore what is most
of Europe) for over 85 years.
important to you.
Get started today!
 beyond britain & ireland
Want 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!

HERE ARE A FEW POPULAR GLOBUS* TOURS THAT WOULD BE GREAT ADDITIONS TO
YOUR MONOGRAMS BRITAIN AND IRELAND VACATION:
London & Paris: A Tale of
Two Cities (Family Vacation)
7 DAYS
Spend 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.

*Globus tours include everything you need for a hassle-

free European experiencefrom an expertly planned
itinerary and all transportation to sightseeing and many
mealsall with the guidance and insight of the industrys most experienced Tour Directors.
 Barcelona Venice

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.

You can also travel Europe by boat! River cruising is Europes

fastest-growing travel segment, and Avalon Waterways is leading
the way. Avalons style and premium standard will give you a
perspective of Europe like none other, with Europes newest fleet,
largest staterooms, expansive views, and enriching land programs (included in your cruise price).
Paris
youre ready to go...almost
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.
FAQS
What to pack?
The obvious answer is to pack comfortable clothes
and shoes. The climate in Europe varies, so
remember to bring clothes that can be layered for
additional warmth or taken off in warmer weather.
Weve included a few additional items that
we know will come in handy.
A money belt A pouch strapped around your
waist and hidden under your clothes, a money
belt provides great peace of mind when you are
carrying large sums of money, passports, credit
cards, and other important documents.
Dress for comfort We Americans usually define
comfortable shoes as athletic or tennis shoes.
Funny enough, these shoes are what give us away
as American tourists. If you want to blend in a
little more and go incognito, pack a different type
of shoe that provides just as much comfort and
support as a sneaker. Also, take layers of clothing
to help you adjust to temperature variations
during the day. When its warm, be prepared for
sites without air-conditioning.
Long pants or a long skirt When traveling during
the warm summer months, its hard to imagine
walking around all day in anything but shorts or
short skirts. Remember that many of the places
you will be touring are religious sites with modest
dress codes. Its considered inappropriate and
disrespectful to show your bare legs at some
attractions, so keep a pair of pants or a skirt in
your bag and you will be dressed appropriately, no
matter where you go.
Photocopies of important documents Should
you lose something on your triplike a plane
our Journeys Club loyalty program exchange rate
discounts, visit JourneysClub.com.
ticket, travel itinerary and confirmation numbers,
or your identificationyou will save yourself a lot Anything I should know about the flight to Europe?
of headache and hassle by having a copy of each
document on hand, stored in a safe place. Baggage Any time you fly, you want to check
your airlines policies and restrictions regarding
A small daypack A napsack or backpack will checked and carry-on baggage. Most airlines
make touring around a city or taking a day trip a lot allow one checked bag per person free-of-charge
easier, as you can carry more items and still have on international flights. Make sure you follow your
your hands free for photo opportunities. airlines weight and size guidelines to avoid paying
Money ATMs have become an easy way to additional fees for an oversized or heavy bag.
get the type of money you need when you need Arriving at the Airport For international flights,
it in destinations around the world, so plan to arrive at the airport no less than two hours before
bring a debit card! Visas, MasterCards, and other your departure time. Check if your flight is on
credit cards are also generally accepted forms of time before leaving home so you can eliminate
payment worldwide. waiting around the airport if your flight is delayed.
Food Pack some snacks for the flight or pick up a
How do I find out the currency exchange rate few items, including water, after you clear security
and how do I exchange money? and are waiting to board. Having your own food
An ATM usually offers the best exchange rate and and drinks means you dont have to rely on or
is the easiest way to get Euros or Pounds. Make airline food or the flight crew to get you through
sure you notify your bank before you leave for your the flight.
trip so they dont flag your account for unusual
activity while you are away. The last thing you need What do you recommend for traveling abroad
when you are in Europe is to have your account with a family?
frozen, leaving you without access to cash.
When traveling anywhere with children, both young
Credit cards, as a whole, provide a fair rate of and old, we follow one rule: expect the best, but
exchange. You can charge your purchases, feeling prepare for the worst-case scenario.
comfortable that your credit card company is
behind you should you have any problem with your Pack extras of everything in a carry-on bag. From
charges down the line. You can also try local banks snacks, diapers, and water to toys and changes
and hotels, but remember that they will charge a of clothes, you can never be too prepared,
relatively high fee for handling the exchange. Some particularly when dealing with potential delays,
company loyalty programs also offer discounted rerouting, and long waits.
rates on currency exchange. To learn more about
st
Aim for a window seat for your child for a little built-in
entertainment at take-off and landing.
Help your family stay organized by counting all bags,
both checked and carry-on, before you leave for the
airport. Then, regularly count your bags each time
you get on or off a plane, train, boat, car, or bus and
when checking in or out of a hotel. With a full count
each time, you are guaranteed to have everyones
belongings with you throughout your entire trip and all
the way home.
Beyond your flight, its important to plan your vacation
with a mix of fun activities and rest and relaxation time
each 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 zones
by staying hydrated during your flight and avoiding
alcoholic drinks while on the plane.
Remember to set your watch to the time at your
destination 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 the
sunlight to help you adjust to the new time zone. The
reverse is true if you arrive in the evening. Try to get a
good night of sleep so you can wake up at a reasonable
time the next day to start your vacation.
OHAND 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 accept
passport applications.
Renew your passport if it has been 10 years or more since it was
originally issued
Fill out and submit the appropriate application, present a copy of your
current 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) for
more information.