Thanks to everyone who was able to make it to our meeting on April 30. For those who were not able to attend, or as a refresher to those who were there, below are some things we talked about and tips for our travels!
General things to think about
- You may have noticed on the Hotel list that there is nothing listed in Leipzig. With the "Luther" year upon us, Leipzig is extremely busy and we have not been able to confirm a suitable hotel for this one night stay. We are still pursuing Leipzig, but we are also looking in surrounding areas. I will forward the final hotel list once the Leipzig area hotel is set and please know we will have our full sightseeing tour of Leipzig.
- Jun 19: When we arrive in Rome, we will proceed to the baggage claim area, collect our suitcases and continue to the Arrivals Hall area where our assistant and tour escort will be waiting and holding a Nawas sign. The assistant will be at the airport only and our escort will accompany us to the hotel.
- Jun 30: Berlin Departure: Those departing on June 30 will have a transfer from the hotel to the airport. The local coach/driver and assistant will meet the group in the lobby of the hotel for the transfer to the airport at the designated time. Our tour escort will go over this with you before he leaves the group.
- Tour Escort: I am pleased to advise you that your tour escort is Mr. Jon Bouillot who will be with you from arrival Rome on Jun 20th to late afternoon in Berlin on Jun 29th for a total of 10 days. Jon will assist our group during ‘free time’ with ideas on places to go.
- Meals: The tour includes breakfast daily which will be a hot or cold buffet dependent upon the hotel. If you depart hotels prior to 7:00 am, boxed breakfasts may be provided. Most dinners will be served in the hotels’ restaurants and possibly at a local restaurant dependent upon the hotel. The restaurants choose the quality meal to be served to the group and are usually 3 course.
- Bottled water (as well as other drinks) is not included in the tour price. Whether at your hotel or restaurant or meals on your own, tour members have to pay for bottled water. I bring this to your attention as restaurants often put bottles of water on the table but if opened, they will be charged for them (a bit deceiving). Furthermore, some hotels will not offer tap water to guests.
- Daytime attire for both men and women should be casual and comfortable and good walking shoes are a good idea. When visiting places of worship, please dress respectfully.
Flights
- With the "Luther" year upon us, Leipzig is extremely busy and we have not been able to confirm a suitable hotel for this one night stay. We are still pursuing Leipzig, but we are also looking in surrounding areas. I will forward the final hotel list once the Leipzig area hotel is set and please know we will have our full sightseeing tour of Leipzig.
- Delta/KLM Electronic Tickets: Electronic tickets have been issued on plain paper as required by the airline. Tour members MUST bring the following items to the airport at check in or they could be denied boarding: a) Flight information (preferably the electronic ticket receipt). b) Actual passport (be sure it is signed!). c) A second form of a photo ID for adults (such as a drivers license).
- Note: You must bring your actual passport that is signed and valid for at least 6 months after the date of re-entry into the United States (Dec 30, 2017). Many countries are enforcing this requirement. Failure to have a valid passport with the required expiration may result in the airline declining to board you for the departure flight.
- All tour members will receive boarding passes when they check in at the airport. Seats are assigned by the airline per the rooming list; you will be advised of your seat numbers at check-in - Delta does not advise seat numbers in advance and often ‘blocked seating’ is assigned and seat numbers computer generated. Be sure to be at the airport early to change your seat if not satisfied.
- Please note that flight times/numbers are as of today and are subject to change by the airline. I will be checking flight information again prior to our departure, but as usual we recommend tour members reconfirm flight information directly with the airline on departure day.
- If you are someone who accrues frequent flyer miles, Delta offers miles on group tickets. Any tour member interested in accruing miles must apply for this themselves and they must save their passenger receipt/boarding passes until the mileage appears on their statements. Nawas cannot provide copies and not able to assist with securing frequent flyer miles.
- Due to changing airport security measures, we recommend that you contact the Transportation Security Administration for the most up to date regulations at: www.tsa.gov -or- toll free #: 1 (866) 289-9673
Some Good Travel Advice
- Please read the ‘Preparing for your trip to Europe’ guide previously sent as there is much information noted regarding US Custom allowances, VAT refunds, currencies for the countries you are visiting and general information about traveling abroad.
- Please travel wisely! We suggest you take as little jewelry as possible, and leave whatever you can from your wallet at home. There are many ATM machines in Europe so if you have a debit card, you might consider bringing it so you do not have to carry as much cash. You will need to check with your bank to see if your debit card can be used in the countries you are visiting. Travelers checks are nearly impossible to exchange and you cannot pay in US Dollars while traveling abroad.
- People traveling together (husbands/wives) – pack clothes half in one suitcase, half in the other. Just in case a suitcase does not arrive with you, you at least have clothes in your spouse’s suitcase to get you through until your suitcase shows up. This is a good idea for everyone sharing in a room if possible.
- As a reminder, porterage of one suitcase per person is included on your land tour, and carry-on bags cannot have wheels due to coach limitations. Passengers are responsible for the handling of their personal carry-on bags. Be sure to check the airlines regulations prior to departure for checked baggage charges/fees/free allowance along with weight and size limitations on international/domestic flights at the link noted on the flight schedule.
- Effective July 2014, the TSA introduced enhanced security measures regarding electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc) and passengers may be asked by security to power up any of these devices prior to boarding your flight back to the USA. Please be sure to fully charge these devices before going to the airport as powerless devices will not be allowed on board your scheduled flight and you will be asked to leave them behind or rebook your flight.
Last But Not Least...
Lastly, just a reminder that NAWAS recommends purchasing the trip cancellation insurance if you have not done so already. It is a valuable protection against trip cancellation or interruption.
Please note that the Aon Affinity insurance is secondary to tour member’s primary insurance. Healthcare/medical costs outside the USA are not covered by Medicare and many private medical insurance plans. Should you have any questions regarding the insurance coverage, please contact AON Affinity directly at (800) 388-4937.
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