Travel Information

Holiday Europe

Travel Information

 

Holiday Visas for Europe

Find out for which country you need a visa, if at all, by contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at www.dfat.gov.au or call (02)6261 1111. Or do a self-check at http://visalink.com.au/frontpage.aspx?from= .

Passport

If you have to apply for a passport or renew your passport you can get all the information necessary at www.passports.gov.au or call the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232. Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity from date of return to your home country.

Plan and organize your Stop-Overs

Book your airport transfers, hotels, sightseeing and excursions at various stop-over locations en route to Europe here.

International Driving licence

If you are intending to hire a car during your Europe holiday it will be a good idea to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can obtain those from your motoring associations in your state or territory.

Self-service laundromats in Euope's cities

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our travellers during their independent travel Europe is: "Do you know of any conveniently located self-service laundromat in the cities we are travelling to?" To make it easier for you to find those sometimes small and hidden places we have compiled and mapped out a list of laundromats in the cities on our Europe tours. Click here to see our 'Self-service laundromats in Europe's cities' list.

Senior Card

If you have a senior card make sure to take it with you as you will be able to get some concession on admission fees at some places during your holiday in Europe.

Money

You have the option of cash, travel card, traveller’s cheques, credit card and debit card. Each of them has their advantages and disadvantages.

Cash can get lost or stolen, but it would be useful to have at least some local currency on you for the country you are arriving in. You can get foreign currency at your bank or a foreign exchange bureau.

A Travel Money Card is a prepaid card available in 4 currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, NZD). To find out more information about Travel Money Cards and which one will be best suited to your situation take a look at http://www.ausbt.com.au/best-travel-money-cards-anz-commonwealth-bank-american-express-travelex-cash-passport-28-degrees-mastercard .

Compare the pros and cons and then decide which option or options you are happiest with.

For up-to date exchange rate of currency check http://www.xe.com/

Health and Safety

Check out the Smart Traveller website at www.smarttraveller.gov.au for information on the countries that you are intending to travel to. We strongly advise you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before you travel. (Link provided on the Smart traveler website) With the information you provide it will make it easier for the department to find you in an emergency and to provide assistance or information or get in touch with you in a family emergency.

Give family members or friends your itinerary and contact details so that they can reach you when necessary.

Travel Apps

Make your holiday hassle-free and more fun by downloading some very useful travel Apps prior to your tour. Click here to see the latest travel Apps.

Insurance

It is very important to have comprehensive travel insurance when travelling overseas.        Click here for further information.

Electricity

If you take along any equipment that needs electricity then check what kind of adaptors you need for which country in Europe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_power_around_the_world

Prepare for your flight and holiday

Seat reservation: Check which kind of aircraft you are flying with and then have a look for the best seats for that particular aircraft on www.seatguru.com/. Contact your airline and book the seat that will suit you best.

On board luggage: Check with your airline what you can and can not take into the cabin and the size and weight of your carry-on luggage.

Some pointers:

• Your feet tend to swell somewhat during long flights so wear some comfortable shoes or warm socks to walk around in.
• Pack a change of clothes into your cabin luggage in case your suitcase does not arrive with you in time.
• If you are flying as a couple pack some of traveller A clothes into traveller B suitcase and visa versa. If one of the suitcases gets delayed or does not arrive at least neither of you is totally without a change of clothes.

Make a packing list and a list of things to do before you leave. Use the following link to make your own list. www.packinglistonline.com/