Before you go...
Everything you need to know before you travel, from obtaining a passport to tips on what to pack, can be found on the links below. Take the time to read them over and you will be prepared on the day of departure. Click these links for information.
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Enjoy the Journey
England is one of a few countries  that did not change it's currency and continues to use pound notes and coins
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Suggested List for Males:
  • Jeans   
  • Shorts
  • Nice slacks
  • T-shirts     
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Light jacket or windbreaker (for layering)
  • Running shoes
  • Sandals
  • Toiletries
  • Adapter plugs
  • Watch
  • Alarm clock (battery)
  • Umbrella
  • Travel iron (optional)
  • Camera
  • International cell phone
  • Batteries for camera/phone
  • Band-aids and hand sanitizer

Suggested List for Girls:
  • Jeans   
  • Shorts
  • Sun dress
  • Skirt
  • T-shirts/ tank tops     
  • Light jacket or windbreaker (for layering)
  • Running shoes
  • Sandals (no heels, streets are cobblestone)
  • Toiletries
  • Flat or curling iron (optional)
  • Adapter plugs
  • Watch
  • Alarm clock (battery)
  • Umbrella
  • Travel iron (optional)
  • Camera/international cell phone
  • Batteries for camera/phone
  • Band-aids and hand sanitizer

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance. It will help protect your investment from lost or stolen luggage, illness or trip cancelation (depending on the policy you choose).  IC Tours does not sell insurance, however, we have provided a link to STA Travel Insurance. We have recommended them over the years because they specifically insure students at affordable policies.

Credit and ATM Cards

The easiest way to obtain cash when traveling is with an ATM card. You can get one at your local bank. Make sure the monies are coming out of a checking account NOT a savings account. Your bank may tell you otherwise, but in our experience most European ATM machines will not give you money from a savings account. Why? We do not know, but save yourself the trouble and transfer funds into checking. Currency exchange offices, restaurants, stores and your hotel will not give you good exchange rates, banks and ATM machines will.

ATM Tips
  • Make sure to memorize your PIN
  • Do not write it down for others to see
  • Make sure your card has a logo for PLUS or CIRRUS on the back -  when traveling look for ATM machines with these logos.
  • The maximum you can withdraw in a given day is $300.00. If you withdraw that amount on a Friday, you will not be able to take money out again until Monday, so if you are going shopping plan ahead.
  • Sometimes the machines will not give you money, DO NOT try more then 2 times on that machine or it will eat your card. Simply go to another ATM machine.
  • Remember - ATM machines and banks will give you the best exchange rate (FYI - even the smallest villages have multiple ATM machines).
Cell Phones

Your cell and IPhones will not work in Europe unless you get international coverage. There are a number of US companies that sell European mobile phones. Most of our clients have used ekits. These phones are pay as you go, are inexpensive to make outside calls, with free incoming calls in most countries. You may also wait until you arrive in Europe to purchase a local pay as you go phone. Prices start around $30.00.
Currency

The euro is the currency for Austria, Cyprus, Belgium, Finland, Germany, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands. Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, Malta and Slovakia.
British Pound
Both currencies fluctuate daily on the world market. You can check the rate of the dollar to the euro or pound at: http://www.x-rates.com/
Remember the rate you see today may not be the same tomorrow!
What Kind of Luggage to Bring

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage and carry-on -  think small. We recommend a bag with wheels, ideally, one that has an attachable carry-on, otherwise a carry-on that fits over the luggage handle and stays in place when you are walking. Try to limit the size to 26 inches or under.
  • On average, checked luggage should not exceed 44 pounds (fees may apply for every pound over)
  • Keep valuables in your carry-on
  • Carry-ons must fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. They can not be taller than 21"
  • 3-1-1 rules for bringing liquids refers to the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) rule for how much liquid travelers can take on an airplane in their carry-on bags.     
                    3-1-1 means:
                    Each liquid you want to carry on must be in 3.4 ounce (or less) container.
                    That refers to the "3"

                    The containers must be in 1 clear quart-sized plastic bag (no bigger, no smaller!).      
                    That refers to a "1"

                    Each passenger is allowed only 1 bag.
                    That refers to the second "1"

                    You must be able to fit all liquids in the one quart sized bag with each  container being no larger than 3.4 oz.                                                                               
  • It does not prohibit you from putting larger sizes of liquids in your checked baggage.       
  • Follow these proceedures so you don't slow down the security line.                                                                                                                           
symbol     EUR letters
European voltage is 220, while in the US it is 110. In order for your electronics to work your will need plug adapters. We recommend getting a set with 4 plugs (the outlets can vary so by getting a set you will be covered).
Hairdryers can be difficult in Europe (even with adapters) because they get so hot. It is not hard to burn one up and/ or blow a fuse. Most hotels have them in the bathroom. If you must bring your own try to find one with dual voltage, buy a voltage converter or buy a dryer in Europe.
Climate

Europe is on the metric system an measures temperature in Celsius not Fahrenheit. It can be difficult knowing how to dress!
For you math entusiasts here are two calculations:

                                         Fahrenheit to Celsius                                           Celsius to Fahrenheit                                                                                  1. Subtract 32 degrees from Fahrenheit                       1. Mulitply Celsius degrees by 9
                      2. Mulitply by 5                                                             2. Divide by 5
                      3. Divide by 9                                                               3. Add 32



  
 




Conversion Chart
Temperatures  Ranges
                                                                     
                                                                          Celsius                                        Fahrenheit 
                                                                  Between 1 - 10  degrees                        32 to 50 degrees
                                                                  Between 11 to 20 degrees                     51 to 68 degrees
                                                                  Between 21 to 30 degrees                     69.8 to 86 degrees
                                                                  Between 31 to 40 degrees                     87.8 to 104 dregees  
FYI :
Visitors to churches and cathedrals should have their knees and shoulders covered as a means of showing respect. Males will need to wear long pants and a shirt with sleeves. Girls can wear dresses that are below the knee and must cover your shoulders with either a light sweater, jacket or shawl. You may also be turned away with offensive sayings or graphics.

Catherdral Attire
Passport Information

The traveler is responsible for obtaining all documents related to travel.  We recommend applying for a passport well in advance of your departure date. If you already have a passport make sure  it is not within 6 months of expiration.  They may not let you travel, it is safer to have it renewed.

If you do not have a US passport, check to see if there are any additional paper you will need to travel (ex. a visa).

It is recommended that you make 2 photocopies of your passport. Leave one at home and keep the other in a safe place in your luggage (your tour leader may wish to hold it for you).

For additional information log on to: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Student Insurance Link
How to Pack

You will be carrying your own bag so pack lightly! People always bring more clothing than is needed. Most cities you will visit have laundromats. So, bring half of what you think you need and take an hour half way through the trip to wash clothes.
  • Hairdryers - most hotels have hairdryers ( see Voltage and Electronics section)
  • Toiletries - always bring travel size, full size takes up too much space (most drug stores have a section for travel size items).
  • Band aids - in case you get blisters on your feet!
  • Adaptetr plugs - you will need a set to plug any USA products into European outlets (see Voltage and Electronics section).
  • Shoes - you will be walking alot so be sure to bring comfortable shoes and /or sandals - break them in if they are new! Avoid blisters!
  • Clothing -   bring light weight fabrics that do not wrinkle easily.                          
                                                       
Make sure to have enough cash on hand for tipping. These are the acceptable guidelines to follow:
1. Local Guides - 1 euro per person for a full day tour.
2. Coach Drivers: 2 euro per person for a full day tour
3. Meals:
     a. if service is included: 1 euro per person
     b. service not included: 10% of your bill