Our Email:  info (at) old world tours.eu

Travel Tips

Here we offer you some practical information to help you prepare for your vacation with us. We will also send you a trip-specific list of travel tips after receiving your deposit.


Before Departure

  1. Check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates.
  2. Verify if you need a visa for your destination and apply well in advance to avoid delays. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US do not need a visa to vacation in Europe.
  3. Keep digital and printed copies of important documents like your passport, visa, and travel insurance.

  1. Confirm if your devices are dual voltage (check labels like 100-240V).
  2. Research the type of power outlets used at your destination and bring the appropriate adapters or converters if needed.

  1. Inform your bank or credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations to avoid having transactions flagged or blocked.
  2. Consider setting up travel alerts via your banking app for smoother international use.

Weather & Packing

  1. Stay informed about the expected weather for the trip and and pack accordingly.
  2. Smart packing and weather awareness can make all the difference for an enjoyable journey!

  1. Choose lightweight, versatile clothing you can layer for warmth or remove when it gets too warm.
  2. Stick to essentials and mix-and-match outfits to avoid overpacking. Don’t forget a compact, waterproof jacket for unexpected rain!

You will be on your feet a lot on our tours. And there are also often uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, as well as stairs or inclines. Investing in well-fitting shoes suitable for walking all day on a variety of surfaces is our #1 tip. Break them in before your trip!

Telephones

Contact your mobile carrier to learn about international roaming packages or add-ons for Europe. Many providers offer plans that include data, calls, and texts at reasonable rates.

When dialing internationally, replace “00” with the + symbol followed by the country code. For example, to call Germany: +49, then the local number.

While prepaid phones with local numbers are still an option, they’ve largely been replaced by eSIMs and roaming plans. If you need a local SIM card, plan some time in advance, as they are only available at electronic stores and provider shops.

Shopping

  1. VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted, and digital payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly common, but some small businesses, markets, and services (like tipping or bathroom charges) may only take cash.
  2. It’s smart to have small denominations of local currency on hand for convenience.

  1. Prices in Europe typically include Value Added Tax (VAT), so what you see is what you pay.
  2. For large purchases, you may qualify for a VAT refund. Ask the shop for a VAT refund form, and process it at the airport before departure.
  3. Many stores also offer to ship purchases home tax-free, saving you the hassle of carrying them.

When paying by card, select to be charged in the local currency rather than your home currency. This avoids hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

Food & Drink

  1. While wait staff in Europe typically earn fair salaries, leaving a tip is a polite gesture.
  2. A tip of 5–10% of the bill is customary, or you can round up to the nearest convenient amount for small bills.

In many restaurants, it’s common to order drinks first and wait for them to arrive before placing your food order. Be prepared for this relaxed pace.

  1. European restaurants value a leisurely dining experience and don’t rush to turn tables over.
  2. Once your plates are cleared, you’ll need to ask for the check if you’re ready to leave.

General Information

  1. CET is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET)
  2. CET is 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time (PT)
  3. CET is 9 hours behind Eastern Australia Time (AET) (adjust for Daylight Saving Time where applicable).

  1. To get a quick approximation of Celsius in Fahrenheit – double the Celsius value and add 30.
  2. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit precisely – multiply by 1.8 and add 32.
  3. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius precisely – subtract 32 and divide by 1.8.

  1. Most European destinations have a low crime rate, but stay alert, especially in crowded areas like tourist sites or public transport.
  2. Keep your belongings secure to avoid pickpocketing.