Great Britain and Ireland Starter Guide

8/13/2019 Great Britain and Ireland Starter Guide

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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!

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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.


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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.

Documents

Great Britain and Ireland Starter Guide