Fully Escorted Europe

 Europe on Your Own

 Cruise Europe

 
One of the biggest benefits of escorted travel is the ability to experience a destination without worrying about the details such as transfers, hotels and much more. You will have plenty of free time to explore on your own but you will also benefit from the expert knowledge of Tour Directors.

There is also value you receive with an escorted vacation that is difficult or nearly impossible to get with your own planning. Because of tour companies buying power, you will get unmatched values when it comes to your hotels, excursions and even your air price. You will often also have the option of adding even more inclusives to your trip or even adding days to your vacation.
 

PRACTICAL POINTERS

CURRENCY
You will require varying amounts of local currency in each country you visit. We strongly recommend that you buy a small amount of each currency required before arriving as this enables you to make initial purchases until you manage to get to a bank. On our Discovery European tours which depart from London, we offer a currency pack for your specific tour. These can be bought from your Tour Director on the first day of your tour.

CREDIT CARDS
The majority of better restaurants, shops, hotels, theatres, etc., in Western Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and North America accept most major credit cards. The bill you sign will be in local currency. This will be converted into your local currency and invoiced in the usual way. You can also use American Express, Diner's Club, Visa, and MasterCard to obtain cash abroad.

PASSPORTS
Carry your passport with you AT ALL TIMES to ensure against loss or theft in hotels. For added protection, keep a photocopy of your passport in your suitcase. Hotels are sometimes required to hold your passport in order to comply with local regulations.

PHONE CARDS
Almost all hotels will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room. This charge can be high, especially for international calls. It is always cheaper to use public telephones (pay phones) or an international calling service such as EKit, allowing you to save up to 70% on international calls. Information on Ekit global phone cards will be sent with your tour documentation. Your tour director will also advise you how to use the telephone if you are unsure.

HOTEL HINTS

VOLTAGE
Electrical currents vary in Britain, the European continent and North America. We suggest you carry a converter for your electric shaver, traveling iron, hair dryer, and other small appliances. Best bet is to buy a universal electrical travel adapter before you go, to help prevent accidents and damage to your appliances.

Insight Vacations Single TravellersSINGLE TRAVELERS
If you are a single traveler and are willing to share in order to avoid paying a single supplement, Insight Vacations will try to find someone of the same sex to share your room. In the event this is not possible, you will have a room to yourself without having to pay the single room supplement. For your well-being we operate a strict "No Smoking" policy on room shares.

FOR YOUR TRAVEL COMFORT

SHARING & CARING
Travel with your own folding umbrella and you will never be half wet! When you share an umbrella with a spouse or traveling companion, it means that you keep only half dry.

DIVIDE & CONQUER
Instead of packing one suitcase for one person, couples should split their belongings between the two cases. That way, if one bag goes astray, neither person is left without a change of clothes and necessities.

Insight Vacations ClothingCLOTHING
Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and you will not only be more comfortable, you'll be more relaxed.

FOOTWEAR
When your shoes look lovely but your feet are killing you, you've made a big mistake. Make sure you have on a pair of 'broken-in' shoes for daytime walking.

FAUX BAUBLES
Junk jewelry or fabulous fakes travel beautifully. Leave items of great monetary or sentimental value at home where you know they are safe.

BLOW IT UP
Plastic hangers that inflate are a great boon to travelers. They keep the back separate from the front of your shirt or blouse and it will drip and dry faster than a conventional wooden/wire coat hanger. The blow-up hanger leaves the item wrinkle and snag-free.

THE BUZZ WORD
Wake-up calls are always given to passengers when on tour. Should the call not go through, or heavy sleepers not hear it, your own backup alarm clock provides good insurance. Choose one that is lightweight and simple to operate. Tour Directors adore passengers who are on time!

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR VACATION

Insight Vacations HotelsINSIGHT HOTELS
All Insight hotels are exclusively First Class, Superior First Class and Deluxe standard. It's worth remembering that room sizes in Europe, UK & Ireland tend to be smaller than in other areas of the world, and can vary within the same hotel, particularly in older, character hotels.

TIRED & TRAVEL WEARY: YOUR HOTEL CHECK-IN
Hotels are aware that their guests traveling from other parts of the World are tired and travel weary. That is why they make every effort to have you settled in your room as soon as possible. However, in London and other major cities where occupancy rates are high, checkout time is at 1:00 p.m. Therefore, your room may not be ready when you arrive. If you wish, you can reserve your room for the previous day, to ensure an earlier check in - particularly if you have had a long journey.

Insight Vacations MealsHOTEL MEALS
Your Insight tour will feature an abundance of dining experiences. You'll enjoy included three course table d'hote dinners where we arrange the ideal complement of local foods such as soups and salads, pasta, paella, fish, chicken or various meats, plus appetizing desserts and coffee or tea.

In Scandinavia and Germany and elsewhere, mouth-watering buffets are often provided.

Hearty breakfasts are always included, from delicious traditional full-cooked breakfasts in Britain and Ireland to substantial buffets or continental style breakfasts as is the usual custom throughout Europe. In North America breakfast will consist of a full American breakfast.

Should you require special dietary menus your tour director can arrange these for you when informed in advance.

LUGGAGE
Handling is included for one suitcase per person.

GRATUITIES
On an Insight Vacation, some gratuities are included in the price of your trip: baggage handling, meal service for all meals listed in the tour itinerary, and hotel service charge. Room service, however, is not included in the tour price.

TIPPING
Tipping is a widespread practice in Europe and North America and is a customary way of acknowledging service.
Here are some guidelines:

        • Taxi fare, on meter 10-15%
        • Restaurant, total bill 10-15%
        • Tour Director US$4.00 per person per day
        • Motorcoach Driver US$2.50 per person per day
        • Local Sightseeing Guide US$1.00
        • When Service Charge is included, for service above average, a small extra tip is suggested.

MOTORCOACH MAGIC
Insight's coaches are safe and comfortable and our drivers are highly experienced professionals. To give each passenger an equal opportunity, we rotate seats daily. For the comfort and health of all our passengers, we enforce a non-smoking policy. We do, however, provide regular rest stops so that you can stretch your legs, and allow passengers a smoke.

TRIP TERMINOLOGY

At Insight, our approach to touring is planning a vacation the way you would do it yourself. And, in order to provide you with a balanced itinerary, we concentrate on some areas more than others. This glossary will help you understand the different terms used to describe your itinerary.

Insight Vacations SightseeingSIGHTSEEING TOUR
A guide will accompany the group to visit local areas of interest.

ORIENTATION TOUR
Places of interest are pointed out, and then you are free to explore on your own.

VISIT
This means the coach will stop with enough time to see a specific sight.

VIEW
A photo opportunity or brief stop of about 15 minutes.

SEE
Your coach will drive by the site.

Insight Vacations time to relaxTIME TO EXPLORE AND DISCOVER
Free time to do as you please.

A DAY TO RELAX
No planned activities. Time for your own independent explorations.

TRANSFERS
Motorcoach or train transportation from the airport to your hotel or city center in the UK, Europe and North America.

LOCAL GUIDE
Professional guides with specialized expertise in a specific city or region, who guide you on a visit to key attractions.

Insight Vacations Tour DirectorTOUR DIRECTOR
Tour escort who manages your entire trip, and is responsible to see that your vacation runs smoothly. He or she travels with you, helping with everything from coordinating hotel check-in and language translation, to advice on the best restaurants and sights to see.

 

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