FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IRAN UPDATE:

The team at Trafalgar is closely monitoring the situation and there is NO impact to this tour.  Travel across Europe is operating normally and please remember your safety and wellbeing remain our priority.

Before departure from home.

As you prepare for departure and even during transit from your home to Europe, I would suggest taking it easy and prepare so you arrive fit and ready for action.  Some people like multivitamins, pro-biotics or other immune system boosters - I like dark chocolate.  Unfortunately, many folks find themselves ill while travelling either from the stress it puts on the body or by picking something up from other travellers in airports and/or on the plane. This results in some people arriving on the first day already unwell!  The more you look after yourself before you arrive the healthier and stronger you will be for the trip. Please take care. 



Emergency number to call anywhere in Europe?

112 - I suggest saving into you phone just in case.


How strict are the suitcase size guidelines on Tour?

They’re just guidelines—don’t stress about an inch here or there. That said, the coach doesn’t have elastic sides, so please try to pack reasonably. Travelling lighter makes life easier!


What if my luggage doesn’t arrive?

You’ll need to fill out a form at the airport’s baggage claim. Please include of list all your hotels on the report (I'll e-mail this to you 5 days prior to departure).


Where do we meet for the airport transfer?


If you have booked an airport transfer through Trafalgar, you will be met after customs at your London arrival airport by your Addison Lee driver, who will then transfer you to your hotel.  If the driver is not there, please contact European Guest Services on +44 207 620 8900


What if my arrival time doesn’t match the transfer?

You can go by Taxi (which can be expensive) or Train (both Gatwick and Heathrow have trains directly form the airport into London).


Can I drink the tap water?

Yes! It’s safe and perfectly fine to drink in every country we visit.


Do I need to book the optional experiences in advance?

No, you’ll book these with me once the trip is underway.


How much should I tip in Europe?

💰 Bars: Leave small change.

🍽️ Restaurants: 10% is appreciated.

🚕 Taxis: Round up the fare.

💼 Hotel Staff: Tips for porterage and restaurant staff are included, but you can leave something for housekeeping if you’d like.

🎤 Local Specialists: €2-3 per person per service is appreciated. (This is separate from prepaid gratuities.)

👥 If you didn’t prepay staff gratuities:

Money (outside the UK)

💰Cash in any currency other than Euros are NOT accepted over the counter and there is a 20% commission fee to change them into Euros if they do. Credit cards and Euro cash are accepted everywhere, but currency exchanges are not common anymore. Notify your bank that you are travelling to Europe and ensure you know your PIN number for ATM withdrawals. I recommend having a small amount of Euros cash on you (around €100) at all times.


What can I expect from European hotels?

🏨 Hotels vary in style and standards—go with the flow!
🛏️ Beds: Usually standard doubles, not king size. Rooms are way smaller than what you may be used to!
🔑 Key cards: You’ll need to insert your key card into a slot inside your room to activate electricity—this saves energy. Keep it away from your phone to avoid demagnetising!
🛄 Porterage: Included on Trafalgar trips (one suitcase per person).
🔥 No irons or ironing rooms in most hotels.
💨 Hairdryers: Basic models, usually without a nozzle for blow-drying.
📺 TV: A couple of English news channels, but most will be in Italian, German, French. etc.
❄️ Ice: Available at the bar, but ice machines are rare.
🧺 Laundry: Services are available, but they can be pricey.  There are some laundromats in Rome.
☕ Breakfast: Usually starts at 7 AM—no coffee available before then!

What if I’ve never done a trip like this before?

✨ You’ll be amazed by the camaraderie that builds as we travel!
🍒 Optional experiences are the cherries on the cake—tailor your trip your way!
🌍 Embrace the differences, expect the unexpected!
💆‍♀️ You’re on vacation—relax, enjoy, and let Europe work her magic! Let me worry about the logistics.