| Our background for this page - nostalgia at it's highest, from the old days - passport stamps from all the places we visited through the years. You don't get stamped these days (not at the moment anyway!
Being the travel buffs we are, we definitely feel that an ounce of prevention, is worth more than we care to think about...On that note let's go over some basics. Most of the places we have been to are relatively peaceful and my general feeling is that there are so many wonderful carefree places to visit, why complicate your life by going where you're not safe or wanted. The U.S. State Department does a superior job of putting out Travel Advisories. These cover health alerts, political concerns, economic and other conditions that can affect your trip greatly. I remember the days before such advisories (and not having the ease of the computer to check it out). Dominican Republic was one exciting spot
at one time and so was the Yucatan. When you get off a plane to find another plane surrounded by tanks and soldiers with machine guns, it can be very deflating. We have the web address right here for you to check to see if something is going on, that would make another place more desirable. In the instance of Yucatan, it was the Dictator Tito arriving in full regalia to meet with Castro. More thrills than we needed...so check!
A Passport is still required for going to Europe. We have provided the information for obtaining one if you don't have one yet. Most European countries do not require visas for visits under 90 days. But if you're going on a grand tour, you might also need a visa. The countries we have on our list do not require health certificates. Have you ever lost your passport or had it stolen? You know the terrible sinking feeling that you get then. Easy enough to keep a copy and some additional photos in another place, if in event this does happen to you, you won't spend your whole trip trying to get a new passport issued.
If you become ill in a foreign country or have an accident, it helps to know your Consulate's address or phone number, as they usually can recommend a good doctor. Hopefully he will be English speaking, if not...do not fear. I fell and cut my cheek open in France, went to a doctor who didn't understand a word of English and I didn't understand a word of French. I did get a little alarmed when he grabbed a can of spray glue and sprayed the cut closed. He was very advanced with that spray glue (it is just now being used here in the states) and I don't have a scar! However, before out last trip we joined IAMAT. We are including the link we hope you never need! You can get a
list of English speaking doctors in foreign lands and not feel too helpless. We feel travel insurance is a good idea, as most times your hospitalization will not cover medical expenses in Europe and once again a trip can be ruined by a financial upset.
Electrical appliances such as razors or hair curlers can be a problem. Most countries in Europe use 220V. So try to carry a converter along. Once again the hotels may have them, but they may all be out. Our group opened the Intercontinental Hotel in Athens and that group of Americans arrived, plugged in their appliances to get ready for cocktails and the whole NEW Hotel when dark. Make sure you have the right voltage!
Driving is definitely a challenge! And you must have an International Drivers License. Being what I think is a very tough experienced New York driver, I feel I can drive anywhere in the world...but London is more than a challenge, it can be deadly because of the right side driving so think about that one. In the countryside it is probably okay, as you don't have the roundabouts (or at least heavily traveled ones to worry about. If you plan to drive in England go to the country first and practice, then work your way back to the M-4 in London. As far as the rest of Europe, it is not that difficult, except in Germany with their road signs and their speeds. France is a little speedy as well,
at least in Paris and on the Riviera. The Pyrenees and Central France is more quiet. but just keep in that right hand lane and you should be fine, driving 100 km's an hour with the best of them in very short order. I thought Florence was a breeze and that traffic was very civilized, until I realized I was driving in a "bus only lane". One very important point to know, if you do plan to drive (and it is the best and freest way to see everything) make sure the hotel you pick has parking facilities, as parking is very limited in most of the major cities. And don't even think about parking illegally! You can have the convenience of driving in and out of the city and then taking taxis or the Metro or the Underground or just walking.
Our feelings about "duty-free" shopping is basically don't. Liquor and cigarettes are the best buys. But now with all the discount stores here in the states, you can get better deals on watches and cameras here. However, how can you resist buying some real French Perfume in Paris and there are a number of duty free shops in the City where you can do this. Plus they have such sweet little flacons and packages that you never see stateside! And I definitely bought my Tag Heuer watch in Zurich. Also if you just happen to fly into Schipol, the most exciting duty free awaits. I last bought a mirror with 7x magnification. (talk about scary - but you sure can see). So the thrill of buying some things still out weigh the savings.
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