Central Europe, Scandinavia & Russia Know Before You Go A step by step guide to your Trafalgar trip. Your insider’s journey begins… Thank you for choosing Trafalgar to show you the insider’s view of Central Europe, Russia & Scandinavia. A wealth of experience has taught us that your journey begins well before you leave home. So we have compiled this guide to provide you with as much information as possible to help you prepare for your travels. We look forward to welcoming you on the trip of a lifetime! Stavangar, Norway 2 Before you go… Travel Documents Trafalgar’s Express Check-In A couple of weeks prior to your vacation you will receive your Please register as soon as possible after making Trafalgar wallet with your travel documents and literature. your booking. These documents are valuable and contain a wealth of advice By registering with Trafalgar’s Express Check-In, you are and essential information to make your vacation as enjoyable ensuring we receive all the essential information we need to as possible. Please read them carefully before your departure. better anticipate your needs while on your trip. Passports and Visas Other benefits include: You will require a passport valid for six months beyond the • You won’t be required to show your passport at each hotel conclusion of your trip, with appropriate visas. Some itineraries • Your Travel Director will have all your important may require multiple-entry visas for certain countries. You details immediately must contact your travel agent or applicable government • You’ll receive useful information and tips before you go authorities to get the necessary documentation. It is the sole and compelling offers from our partners responsibility of each guest to have a valid passport and It should take less than 10 minutes to register and you necessary visas, as well as to comply with entry, health or other should have the following information ready: requirements of the countries visited. • Your booking number and last name • The passport details of everyone on your booking Travel Insurance • The emergency contact details of your nominated person Travel insurance is a must have! It is imperative that you take (should an unlikely event arise) out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers you the entire time you are away from home. Your policy should Please note, if you check in within 15 days of departure, we cover the following: cannot guarantee your Travel Director will receive your details. In this instance, please print your completed registration • Trip cancellation or curtailment form and present it to your Travel Director at the start of your • Loss or damage to property and baggage vacation. All of your details are kept secure. • Loss of cash, traveler’s checks, etc. • Medical costs and personal accident 1. Go to www.trafalgar.com/express Don’t forget to pack a copy of your policy, contact phone 2. Enter your Booking No. and Last Name numbers and instructions on how to claim in the unlikely event 3. Answer all questions and click 'submit' that it is necessary. Airport Transfers in Europe On many itineraries, we offer complimentary group arrival transfers from the airport to your Trafalgar hotel at set times. (Please check your relevant itinerary page in the brochure for full details). If your flight times do not coincide with the shuttle presents Central Europe, bus transfer timings you may choose and book a private Russia & Scandinavia transfer. It is very important that your travel agent provides us with all your arrival and departure flight details and we must be advised if your flight is changed for any reason. If we are not informed, no refund will be given for the cost of your taxi to the hotel. 3 Luggage anyone unknown to you to carry on board the aircraft. There are strict airport security regulations on items that Luggage Allowance may be carried on board aircraft such as liquids/gels and This is restricted to one large suitcase per metal objects. Please consult your airline or travel agent person with dimensions not exceeding regarding these and other restricted items and how they must 30x18x10” (76x45x25 cm) and a maximum be displayed at airport security checkpoints. We suggest 30” weight of 50 lb (23 kg). Hotel porterage you pack only essential items for daytime use in your hand- of this luggage is included in your baggage, both for your flight and while on the coach. For vacation price. example, your camera, medicines, anything that you use frequently or is particularly valuable. Expensive jewelry, clothing, etc. should be left at home for your peace of mind. 18” Clothing & Footwear Hand Luggage Hand luggage should be one piece per For information on suitable clothing and footwear, please person and small enough to fit under your refer to the listings under each country. However, a general coach seat or on the small overhead shelf tip would be to make sure you bring comfortable walking compartment. This is your responsibility and shoes as a number of cities in Europe are developing as should be carried on/off the coach with you. havens for pedestrians. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the What to Bring overhead compartment of the coach and This will depend upon your personal preferences, where you cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. are traveling to and the time of year you are traveling. We generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated, particularly that requires little or no ironing. Laundry facilities are available as it is necessary for your safety and comfort. If a second suitcase is at most of the places we stay, however, take sufficient clothing carried, or if it exceeds the permitted weight and /or dimensions, it to last for about a week. Below is a list of items to consider is subject to capacity of the coach and may be declined or incur a packing for your Trafalgar vacation: fee. Please see the full booking terms and conditions on the inside Clothing back cover of the brochure your trip relates to. Swimsuit Undergarments Airlines may have additional restrictions and may impose Sandals Socks additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please Hat Sleepwear contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information Shorts/skirts Jeans/trousers regarding airline’s checked baggage policies. Warm jacket Pullover/cardigan Waterproof jacket Shirts/blouses Please note that airport porterage at the beginning and end of Good walking shoes your guided vacation is not included. Loss or damage to luggage or any of your belongings is at your own risk, so please protect General Items yourself with appropriate insurance. Spare batteries/charger Camera/memory cards Medications Power plug adapters/converter Packing & prescriptions When traveling as a couple, pack each suitcase with day and Toiletries Collapsible umbrella evening clothing for each person, so that in the unlikely event Insect repellent Sunscreen one of your suitcases is mislaid on your flight, you’ll still be Travel sewing kit Pocket calculator able to manage. Plastic bags Travel alarm clock Water bottle Sunglasses Ensure that your personal and vacation details are written on a (screw top lid) label inside each suitcase (including name, address, telephone Sachets of Money belt or holster number, departure and return flight details). Write only your washing powder name and destination address on outside labels. Essentials Make sure that your luggage is in good secure condition, and Passport (& Visas) Travel insurance policy use a TSA approved lock for US security checkpoints. When Trafalgar documents Airline tickets carrying fragile items, use a rigid style suitcase for protection. Credit cards/pre-loaded currency cards Check-in only your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed by other people. Never accept packages or articles from 4 NB Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase. £30 per day. You should budget for drinks with meals and Tip: Weed out your wallet prior to leaving. Only take the refreshment stops during the day. Non-alcoholic drinks cost essential identifiers like your drivers license and just two credit approximately €2-€3/£1.50-£2.50 each. cards - one to carry, another to be locked in your hotel room safe. Do not carry your social security number on you. Optional Excursions Health Experience has shown us that most guests participate in these excursions and you should therefore budget for them See individual country information for any specific health in advance. Optional excursions are operated by third party requirements or recommendations. If you are on a regular suppliers, but have been approved and endorsed by Trafalgar. course of medication or there are medicines that particularly These may be purchased direct from your Travel Director who suit you, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply will accept payment in cash in most major currencies, such as for your entire trip. Identical brands may not be available US Dollars or Canadian Dollars as well as major credit cards elsewhere, but also bring a copy of your prescription. (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Full details and prices For easy access when traveling, please keep all your are shown in your itinerary leaflet or on the guided vacation medication in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases. itinerary pages on the Trafalgar website. Carry prescription drugs in their original package to avoid customs questions. We respectfully suggest older passengers Money and those suffering from any existing medical conditions Since 2002, the Euro has been the currency throughout much should have a thorough check-up with their doctor prior to of Europe.