Travel Tips
For most of our travel destinations, you will probably not need anything more than a valid passport. (Sandbridge, Virginia does not actually require a passport, but you may be asked to divest your cares when entering.)
Information on obtaining a passport - as well as on immunization, drivers' permits, and legal documentation that may be required when you travel overseas - is available through agencies like AAA, US State Department, and your health care provider. If you have any problems, please contact us. We have encountered most of them and can help you untangle the red tape.
While packing for your adventure, we recommend you include these versatile "accessories."
Ryanair is the cheap flight champion of European air travel, and they fly everywhere in Europe! (Some other carriers with bargain fares include EasyJet, BMI, and Aer Lingus.) But be aware that the weight limit for checked luggage is 15 kilos (approximately 30 lbs.) and is strictly enforced. There is a hefty surcharge for every additional pound. Trust us- this is the voice of very expensive experience! They don't seem to be quite as fussy about carry-ons, but it's probably wise not to push it. And Ryanair flies out of Stansted Airport, which is about 40 miles out of London. There are trains and buses there, but it's wise to plan ahead - having to take a taxi at 4:30 in the morning can be expensive! (More voice of experience.)
Many European carriers have affiliations with US airlines.
You may be able to accumulate Frequent Flyer miles, so check with your customary
domestic carrier before making reservations. Make sure to bring your
Frequent Flyer cards!
For tips on the seat configuration of your particular airplane, check out seatguru.com!
Travel Log
Planning
a visit to the
Washington, DC area? Enhance your visit by taking in a play or a show at one of
Washington's many professional theaters (more than any US city except New York)!
You'll find musicals, comedy, tragedy - whatever your taste desires. And the
theaters range from the world-famous Kennedy Center to smaller, more intimate
venues - many are in new, specially designed buildings. One we especially like
is MetroStage in Alexandria, Virginia (3 miles from downtown Washington). For
current productions and directions to the theater, check out their website at
www.metrostage.org.
Bill of Fare
In most European restaurants, your bill includes a 15% gratuity.
However, it is all right - and welcomed, though not strictly necessary - to leave a modest additional tip depending upon the
quality of service you received.
In pubs in Great Britain and Ireland, one usually has to go to the bar or counter to place an order. You can get awfully thirsty waiting for someone to come and take your order at the table! Check your table; some have numbers which you will need to provide when placing your order. And although you need to place your order at the counter, sometimes they bring the order to the table (hence the reason for knowing your table number). The locals are generally friendly and helpful, so if you can't quite figure out the customs, just ask - it's a good way to make friends in the pub!
Although many Europeans drink bottled water as a matter of taste, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.
Bring a spirit of culinary adventure when traveling abroad;
sampling the local specialties is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience a
new culture. However, most menus have English translations and/or staff
able to help you make your selections.
We have never found communication to be a problem! So don't deprive yourself of a wonderful experience because you "don't speak the language." It really doesn't matter.
We do have lists and recommendations of favorite restaurants -culled by our own experience and that of our clients. Contact us for some choices.
Fabulous stateside vacations