great britain & ireland

starter guide
A Simple Guide for Planning Your Britain and Ireland Vacation

Planning a trip to Britain and Ireland can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Deciding which cities to visit, where to stay, what to see, and how to get from place to place adds up to a lot of research, planning, and potential headaches. And, sometimes, the many resources, Web sites, and travel guides available can only make matters more confusing.
We can help. We are here to get you out from under planning burdens and straight to the excitement of your Britain vacation. So heres to not letting another minute pass by. So, lets GO! As a family-owned company specializing in travel for more than 85 years, Monograms has heard just about every question there is about planning a tripboth internationally and domesticallyand we think we can help you nd most of your answers here. Whether you are considering an escorted tour for you and your family, or an individual travel plan, this Britain and Ireland travel kit was planned with travelers like you in mind...to help you get started and on your way to an amazing British travel experience. From selecting your ideal destinations, accommodations, and itinerary to guring out when to travel, what to pack, and how to get where you want to go, let this kit be your guide. And, should you have any additional questions that we havent answered, we are just a phone call or email away and are happy to answer your most simple or detailed questions. We wish you safe and happy travels to Britain and beyond!

Clis of Moher

London Eye

TRAVELING TO BRITAIN OR IRELAND FOR THE FIRST TIME?

With Great Britains and Irelands varied history, cultures, and historic sites, deciding where to go, when to go, how long to stay, and how to get the most bang for your buck can be tough. The rst step is to ask yourself some questionsand were making the second step (answering them) a little simpler. Our goal is the same as yours: Stop dreaming and start going!

trip planning
There are so many places to see in Britain & Ireland, how do I approach my trip planning?
Start your planning with how much total time you have to get away. Are you looking at this trip as your once-in-a-lifetime chance to see it all? If so, make room for at least 10 days. Or is it a true starter vacation to get a taste of the British Isles before a return trip or two? In that case, four days is our minimum recommendation.
If you only have a short amount of time to get away and view this as a starter vacation, plan to visit just one major destination. Choose just one of the most popular British cities or possibly two.

tooOxford, Cambridge, Bath, Shakespeares Stratford-upon-Avon, and more.

LONDON: London is one of the worlds most exciting and interesting cities, lled with museums, historical sites, shops, restaurants, pubs, entertainment venues, experiences, and churches. It oers some of the best shopping in the world. Londons theater scene rivals that of New Yorks Broadway, so be sure to catch a show. Visit the historical treasures such as Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. There are many fascinating towns outside of London,

DUBLIN: Although Dublin is one of Europes oldest cities, it oers trendy bars and cosmopolitan restaurants along with its historical sites. It oers beautiful urban parks, art galleries, elegant Georgian architecture, medieval castles, beautiful cathedrals, and numerous museums. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, dating back to 800 AD. Perhaps take an excursion outside of Dublin to the scenic Wicklow Mountains, explore the mystical site of Newgrange, or visit Malahide Castle.

EDINBURGH: Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combine a medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town with modern architecture, numerous shops, and a plethora of restaurants, including many oering fresh, local produce. Explore some of the residences of Britains royaltypast and presentand learn about Scotlands tumultuous history. The citys main focal point is Edinburgh Castle. Opt to take an excursion to the Highlands to learn more about Scotlands history and to search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster.

WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET? TRAVEL TIP

A simple guideline is to allot about $200-$300 per day for the land portion of your trip. Add on an additional $1,200 for airfare and dont forget to budget for transfers to/from the airport and travel between destinations. A trip from London to Edinburgh on the high-speed train costs around $25. If your budget (or time) is limited, explore packages where travel, lodging, and some sightseeing are included. Then, add on activities and excursions that t your budget. If the idea of researching and booking transportation (from the airport, between cities, etc.) and activities is starting to raise your blood pressure, dont worryin the next sections, well give you simple solutions!!

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED?

If you are just looking for a London getaway, its very doable to have a complete London vacation in as few as four days. If well planned, this will give you enough time to experience the major sites and visit the most popular attractions. Anything less than four days, and the trip wont be worth the money youve spent on your ight. Make sure to take into account the extra day needed for the transatlantic ight. If your time is limited, we highly recommend that you focus just on a single cityLondon for a rst-timer. Trying to do London plus another region in just four days has left many rsttime travelers in need of another vacation just to recover! If you can manage more time away, you can easily combine a London experience with a series of excursions. Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds, and Windsor Castle are within easy access for fun day trips, and theyll give you a nice balance of the British Isles when combined with London. Many travelers with up to a week in London add a Paris trip. With Eurostar high-speed train service through the Chunnel, its more manageable to add Paris than you might think!

Tower Bridge

whats the right time?

HaPenny Bridge

How far ahead do I need to plan and book my travel?

When are you planning to travel? If your heart is set on a trip during the summer months, plan to book your getaway ve months out. Travel during the shoulder season (late-September through April) and you can book a few weeks to two months out.

Make sure to check attraction hours, as many have reduced hours and days. The peak travel seasons are June through Septemberwhich is also when many Brits take their vacationsand the holiday season. May is a good time to travel, since it is warmer but not quite at the height of tourist season.

When is the best time of year to travel to Britain and Ireland?

Because these are large cities, they are year-round destinations. If traveling during the summer, the weather is warmer and the days stay light longer, so you can see more. However, if you want to escape the crowds and see what locals are like in their everyday lives with fewer tourists, the o-season may be the best time to go. November or January to March oer lower rates with the same opportunities for theater, restaurants, stores, and museums.

Whats the weather like in Britain and Ireland and how will it aect my plans?
Britains weather can vary from day to dayone day sunny and the next day rainy. In general, the summers are warmer but wetter, and the winters are cooler. The summers tend to be cooler than those on the European continent, but the winters are milder. July and August are the warmest months. If traveling during the winter, plan to spend your day inside at museums, churches, and stores, and bring a coat.

TRAVEL TRAVEL TIP: TIP

TRAVELING WITH A FAMILY?

Making a home base in one or two British cities, while spending at least three nights in each city, is great for families with children. You wont have to pack up and lug all of your gear from place to place, and your kids can feel comfortable knowing where they will be sleeping each night. Book a family vacation through Monograms and receive a 25% discount o the land vacation price for kids ages 2-11, a 10% discount for kids 12-17, and kids under 2 are free!

Dublin

This chart should give you a better idea of the type of temperatures and average rainfall you can expect.

January February March April May June July August September October November December

46 F 46 F 49 F 53 F 58 F 63 F 66 F 66 F 62 F 57 F 50 F 47 F

2.7 in 2.0 in 2.1 in 2.0 in 2.2 in 2.2 in 2.0 in 2.8 in 2.6 in 2.8 in 2.5 in 3.0 in

43 F 43 F 47 F 52 F 57 F 63 F 65 F 65 F 61 F 55 F 47 F 44 F

Edinburgh 2.4 in 2.8 in 1.9 in 1.6 in 1.9 in 2.0 in 2.2 in 2.4 in 2.4 in 4.0 in 3.0 in 3.2 in

London 46 F 47 F 52 F 56 F 63 F 68 F 73 F 73 F 67 F 59 F 52 F 48 F 2.0 in 1.5 in 1.2 in 1.9 in 1.6 in 1.8 in 1.3 in 1.8 in 2.0 in 2.8 in 2.3 in 2.2 in

Are there language dierences?

English is spoken in Great Britain and Ireland, so Americans can travel around without any diculty. However, there are some words that dier between English spoken in the U.S. and Great Britain. Here are just a few examples. banger = sausage biscuit = cookie bobby = policeman chemist = pharmacist chips = French fries crisps = potato chips football = soccer half eight = 8:30 (not 7:30) holiday = vacation jumper = sweater left luggage = baggage check let = rent licenced = restaurant authorized to sell alcohol lift = elevator loo = bathroom mobile = cell phone pants = underwear, briefs queue = line quid = pound (money worth $1.50-$2) ring up = call (telephone) soda = soda water (not pop) solicitor = lawyer trainers = sneakers tube = subway underground = subway

mapping out your trip

What type of trip do you want to take? Youve decided on your destination(s) and you
need to ll your days with fun activities and excursions that will make your trip memorable. But where do you start? From museums and monuments to gardens and ruins, Great Britain and Ireland are lled with enough history and mustsee sites to ll a years worth of sightseeing.
With our experience helping travelers create vacations to remember, we can help you truly personalize your getaway. You have options on how to travel through Britain. Below are the most popular ways to experience Britain and Ireland. Use it as a guide to choose a style that ts you and your vacation needs.

Escorted Tour Vacation

Want to experience the best parts of a destination while letting someone else be in charge? On an escorted tour, sightseeing excursions, hotel arrangements, and most meals are planned for you, with all of the details and logistics on tour handled by an expert your Tour Director. You can form your own group or join one that already exists.

Independent Travel Package

Like to travel on your own, but dont have time to do the research? Would

you feel most comfortable having an expert put together your trip for you? Generally, with a travel package, all travel and hotel accommodations are arranged for you, along with an itinerary that includes some pre-scheduled activities and a good amount of free time to explore on your own. This type of package provides a balance for travelers who want to take advantage of the benets of an organized trip, but who are not interested in traveling with a group and following a set timetable. And some independent travel packages

oer access to local guides, giving you a resource on the ground to help with any on-site needs, suggestions, or recommendations. Travel packages also oer families great options and expert assistance.

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Getaway

Prefer a challenge and want to research, plan, and book everything on your own? This puts all the planning in your hands. When you choose this option, its important that youre independently minded and are interested in customizing every detail of your trip.

Trinity College Library

Driving Vacation
For those who like complete control over their destiny, this ones for you. A driving vacation will oer a much more intimate and hands-on vacation. So, experience the freedom of the open road. But take into account that driving on the other side of the road can present some challenges. To ensure an enjoyable trip, make sure to plan your route ahead of time, taking into consideration the stops you want to see, your pace, where you want to stay, and your budget. Done well, it can truly be a rewarding adventure.

TRAVEL TIP HOW BUSY DO I WANT TO BE?

Beware of overbooking your trip and turning your vacation into a chore. Schedule sightseeing early in the morning, preferably on your rst full day in town, and leave the afternoon open to relax and take in a local experience. By scheduling free time each afternoon, you will ensure that you feel fresh and attentive throughout your trip. Monograms vacations will help you strike that perfect balance.
St. Pauls Cathedral

what are the things i can

Do I want a trip that focuses on Britains greatest hits and must-see sites? We always recommend
starting your rst full day on vacation with a city tour to give you the lay of the land. Having a Local Guide show you the highlights and provide some tips on what to see and where to go is a great help, whether its your rst or fth trip to that destination.
You can research, book, and pay for these tours and other excursions in advance of your trip. That way, youll wake up on your rst morning knowing exactly what you are doing, without having to waste your time looking at maps and asking for directions. City tours are included on escorted tours and independent travel packages such as Monograms. Activities and excursions are generally extra, but will give you a well-rounded experience (stick with uswell help you book the extras you want and lots more)!

BRITAINS MUST SEES

No matter who or how well traveled you are, seeing the main sites in each city is a must. Here are a few standout sites that make the destination unique and present great photo ops.

LONDON
London is a vibrant city lled with thousands of years of history, fascinating museums, beautiful parks, magnicent churches, amazing shopping, exciting nightlife, and sumptuous international cuisine. London has an ecient public transportation system with subways known as the Tubeand buses, making it easy to travel. Must-see sites: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament Westminster Abbey The site of royal weddings and coronations. Buckingham Palace Visit the ocial London residence of Britains monarchs since 1837. St. Pauls Cathedral Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built 300 years ago.

Tower of London This amazingly preserved landmark is full of history and houses the Crown Jewels. London Eye An enormous Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames River that gives amazing views of the city. British Museum This museum houses a collection of art and antiquities from prehistoric to modern times.

SCOTLAND
Glasgow Belfast Edinburgh North Sea

DUBLIN
DublinIrelands engaging capital welcomes visitors with its rich history, bustling streets, and lively atmosphere lled with its many pubs. Originally a Viking settlement, Dublin is now the islands largest city and a popular tourist destination. Must-see sites: Trinity College with its Book of Kells Irelands oldest university.

IRELAND
Dublin Liverpool Atlantic Ocean

Leeds

Manchester

ENGLAND
London

t miss?
Dublin Pub in Dublin

OConnell Street Lined with statues, this is Dublins main trac artery. St. Patricks Cathedral St. Patricks Cathedral is the National Cathedral for the Church of Ireland. Temple Bar Check out Dublins cultural quarter with its outdoor cafs, international restaurants, unusual shops, and fun pubs. Dublin Castle Occupied since its creation in 1204 AD, it has played an important role in Irelands history. Guinness Storehouse Enjoy hearing the story of GUINNESS and savor some of this world-famous beer. Kilmainham Gaol A famous prison that once held key gures in the Irish rebellions, it now gives in-depth insight into the history of the struggle for Irish independence.

EDINBURGH
A city known for its friendliness, Edinburgh has two distinct areas: the medieval Old Town and the 18th-century New Town. Scotlands capital, Edinburgh oers historic sites, cosmopolitan cuisine, interesting shops, and so much more. Must-see sites: Edinburgh Castle In the Middle Ages, Edinburgh was Scotlands chief royal castle. Royal Mile The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and oers many restaurants, cafs, and shops. Holyrood Palace The Queens ocial residence in Scotland, it has served as the residence for kings and queens since the 15th century, including for Mary, Queen of Scots.

Royal Yacht Britannia One of the worlds most famous ships, it served as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth for 44 years.

TRAVEL TIP GETTING AROUND

In the British Isles, people drive on the left side of the road. You can drive up to 12 months with a valid license from your home country. Americans are used to looking to the left to check for trac before crossing the road. In Britain and Ireland, be sure to look to your right before crossing any roadsor choose Monograms and leave the transportation to us!

whats the best way to feel

What can I do to have an authentic British experience? Make time to
head off the beaten path to discover the cafs, shops, galleries, and neighborhoods that form the heartbeat of that city. This is where Local Guides (and Monograms Local Hosts) are invaluable. They can introduce you to the less-traveled areas and enhance your experience like no one else.

The following are some of the most popular local suggestions:

LONDON

Drop into a local pub to have a pint and sample Englands famous sh n chips. Or give yourself a truly British treat and enjoy Afternoon Tea at the English Tea Room at Browns Hotel or the Wolseley. Enjoy a night out at Londons West End and see one of the amazing shows, including Chicago, Wicked, Billy Elliott, Les Misrables, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera. largest green spaces in London with over 350 acres, or an afternoon on the bustling South Bank along the Thames.

Shop til you drop at one of the many markets or shopping streets. Oxford Street is Londons best-known shopping area, with over 300 shops and many of Londons agship stores. Bond Street oers luxury stores with exclusive brands, while Westeld Shopping Center is Europes largest in-city shopping center with over 275 stores. Check out Camden Market, Londons most popular open-air market. For antiques, browse the Portobello Market on Saturdays. Explore the seedy underbelly of Victorian London when you join the Jack the Ripper tour to trace the unsolved crimes of the Ripper.

DUBLIN

With over 1,000 pubs, Irish pubs remain a focus of Irelands culture, so grab a pint and enjoy the craic (crack)Irish for fun. Take a pub crawl and discover Dublins traditional pubs and Irish music, or enjoy a drink at the Octagon Bar in the Clarence Hotel. Take a stroll in St. Stephens Green, the inner-city park laid out in 1880 at the initiative of Sir Arthur Edward Guinness, a member of the Guinness brewing family. Or, go south of St. Stephens Green to the Iveagh Gardens, one of the nest and least known of Dublins parks and gardens.

Take a stroll in Hyde Park, one of the

l like a local?

Edinburgh Castle

Explore the many shops along Grafton Street, Dublins pedestrian street with some of its best shops, performers, and musicians. Visit one of the many wonderful museums, including the National Museum, which takes you back to prehistoric and medieval Ireland; the James Joyce Museum, dedicated to the works and life of this famous Irish writer; and the National Gallery of Ireland, with a collection of European and Irish art.

SCOTLAND

Take a walk to Arthurs Seat, the highest point in Edinburgh, where the remains of an extinct volcano rise 823 feet. Or, climb Calton Hillwith its upturn telescope and monument to Admiral Lord Nelsonfor one of the best views over the city. Visit the Clan Tartan Centre, where you can search the database of 50,000 names to nd out if your name is associated with a Scottish clan or tartan. Travel to the Scottish Highlands and visit Loch Ness, known for its beauty, mystery, and monster. Feel history come alive as you learn about gures important in Scottish history.

Enjoy coee at the Elephant House Gourmet Tea & Coee House, one of the best tea and coee houses in Edinburgh. J.K. Rowling wrote some of her early novels in its back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Stroll through Edinburghs vibrant and historic Grassmarket area, which oers a range of unique and quirky shops.

simplify your trip

Perfect Starter Packages by
Now your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be, without all the planning and logistics hassles. Monograms was designed to make travel abroad simpleboth planning and traveling. With Monograms, we handle all the details, so you can feel comfortable and condent in your destinationeven if its your rst time there. Let us handle the details and you handle the fun!

The following are the most popular Monograms packages for the rst-time traveler to Britain and Ireland:
A Week in London
7 DAYS Experience a week in London to enjoy all that the city has to oer with a wonderful balance of leisure time and expertly guided tours. See the must-see sites, including Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, and St. Pauls Cathedral. Opt to take excursions to Windsor Castle, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, or even Paris for a cruise on the Seine and champagne at the Eiel Tower.

London & Edinburgh

7 DAYS Enjoy vibrant Londonwith its many museums, historical treasures, fun SCOTLAND pubs, and cultural Edinburgh North highlights, then Sea take a rst-class ENGLAND ride on the London express train to Edinburgh, where you will tour the castle and admire the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. Perhaps visit the Royal Yacht Britannia to see how the royal family lived and worked on board during glittering state visits.
3 3
M

Dublin & London

7 DAYS Travel to two of Europes most popular cities and experience the highlights of both. Visit IRELAND Dublin Trinity College and the famous Atlantic Ocean ENGLAND 1,200-year-old London Book of Kells in Dublin. In London, see the main landmarks, visit St. Pauls Cathedral, and witness the Changing of the Guard (if held) at Buckingham Palace. Time in both cities gives you the opportunity to explore on your own.
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This is just a sampling of our Monograms Britain and Ireland packages. We even go beyond and apply the same skill to vacations in Europe, North America, South & Central America, Australia & New Zealand, Asia, and Africa. In total, there are over 143 packages to choose from.

Every Monograms Britain and Ireland package comes complete with the following components:
Complete arrangements for 4 or 7 days in your selected city Pre-screened hotel accommodations in the heart of the city Included sightseeing in each city with VIP access to must-see sites Transportation between cities (for multi-city packages), including

rst-class seats aboard all trains

Breakfast each morning
Kylemore Abbey

Monograms Local Hosts at your service, based at your hotel Option to add ights, airport transfers*, Travel Protection, and

Dublin, London & Edinburgh

10 DAYS For a more in-depth experience of the British Isles, combine the best of Dublin, London, and Edinburgh. See the must-see SCOTLAND Edinburgh sites in each city, including North Sea St. Patricks Cathedral in IRELAND Dublin Dublin, Westminster Abbey ENGLAND Atlantic in London, and the Royal Ocean London Mile in Edinburgh. Monograms makes the sightseeing easy in each city, so you have time on your own to explore what is most important to you.
3 3 3

additional Activities & Excursions, personalized to your interests

* Airport transfers included when you purchase your ights through Monograms

is a travel company, not a travel website, with particular expertise in Britain and Ireland. As part of the Globus family of brands, weve been showing travelers the way in and around Britain (and the rest of Europe) for over 85 years. Get started today!

beyond britain & ireland

Want to add more vacation to your vacation? Perhaps you would like to use London as your hub
and venture to France, Germany, Spain, or other European countries. The Globus family of brands offers over 450 vacation optionsfrom fully escorted tours to river cruises. So, take advantage of some of these other great vacation packages and truly make your next getaway the trip of a lifetime!

HERE ARE A FEW POPULAR GLOBUS* TOURS THAT WOULD BE GREAT ADDITIONS TO YOUR MONOGRAMS BRITAIN AND IRELAND VACATION:
London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities (Family Vacation)
7 DAYS Spend a magnicent week in London and Paris with your family! Ride the London Eye and ascend the Eiel Tower.

New! Italian Vista

European Highlights
9 DAYS Sample some of Europes most popular cities. Enjoy all that London, Paris, Lucerne, Milan, Venice, and Rome have to oer.

8 DAYS Cover Italys main sights on this unforgettable vacation. Begin your journey in Rome, with included visits to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peters, and the awe-inspiring Colosseum. Stay in Assisi and visit St. Francis Basilica. Spend a full day in Venice and nish your vacation in Milan.

Essential Europe

11 DAYS This fascinating journey starts in Rome and ends in London, with stays in Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris. Trip includes visits to famous sights, like the Colosseum, St. Marks Square, and the Eiel Tower.

*Globus tours include everything you need for a hasslefree European experiencefrom an expertly planned itinerary and all transportation to sightseeing and many mealsall with the guidance and insight of the industrys most experienced Tour Directors.

Barcelona

Venice

European Charm
13 DAYS See some of Europes most beautiful cities. Spend two overnights in Holland, Germany, Italy, and France.

The Best of Eastern Europe

14 DAYS This is the perfect vacation for those who really want to explore Central Europe in detail. Guided sightseeing in the main capitals is included: Berlin, Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.

You can also travel Europe by boat! River cruising is Europes fastest-growing travel segment, and Avalon Waterways is leading the way. Avalons style and premium standard will give you a perspective of Europe like none other, with Europes newest eet, largest staterooms, expansive views, and enriching land programs (included in your cruise price).

Paris

youre ready to go...almost

You are a few weeks away from your departure date and are starting to think about packing and nalizing the last details of your trip. Here are a few additional things to remember to make sure you are ready and prepared for your adventure overseas.

FAQS
What to pack? The obvious answer is to pack comfortable clothes and shoes. The climate in Europe varies, so remember to bring clothes that can be layered for additional warmth or taken o in warmer weather. Weve included a few additional items that we know will come in handy. A money belt A pouch strapped around your waist and hidden under your clothes, a money belt provides great peace of mind when you are carrying large sums of money, passports, credit cards, and other important documents. Dress for comfort We Americans usually dene comfortable shoes as athletic or tennis shoes. Funny enough, these shoes are what give us away as American tourists. If you want to blend in a little more and go incognito, pack a dierent type of shoe that provides just as much comfort and support as a sneaker. Also, take layers of clothing to help you adjust to temperature variations during the day. When its warm, be prepared for sites without air-conditioning. Long pants or a long skirt When traveling during the warm summer months, its hard to imagine walking around all day in anything but shorts or short skirts. Remember that many of the places you will be touring are religious sites with modest dress codes. Its considered inappropriate and disrespectful to show your bare legs at some attractions, so keep a pair of pants or a skirt in your bag and you will be dressed appropriately, no matter where you go.

Photocopies of important documents Should you lose something on your triplike a plane ticket, travel itinerary and conrmation numbers, or your identicationyou will save yourself a lot of headache and hassle by having a copy of each document on hand, stored in a safe place.

our Journeys Club loyalty program exchange rate discounts, visit JourneysClub.com. Anything I should know about the ight to Europe?

Baggage Any time you y, you want to check your airlines policies and restrictions regarding A small daypack A napsack or backpack will checked and carry-on baggage. Most airlines make touring around a city or taking a day trip a lot allow one checked bag per person free-of-charge easier, as you can carry more items and still have on international ights. Make sure you follow your your hands free for photo opportunities. airlines weight and size guidelines to avoid paying additional fees for an oversized or heavy bag. Money ATMs have become an easy way to get the type of money you need when you need Arriving at the Airport For international ights, it in destinations around the world, so plan to arrive at the airport no less than two hours before bring a debit card! Visas, MasterCards, and other your departure time. Check if your ight is on credit cards are also generally accepted forms of time before leaving home so you can eliminate payment worldwide. waiting around the airport if your ight is delayed. How do I nd out the currency exchange rate and how do I exchange money? Food Pack some snacks for the ight or pick up a few items, including water, after you clear security and are waiting to board. Having your own food and drinks means you dont have to rely on or airline food or the ight crew to get you through the ight.

An ATM usually oers the best exchange rate and is the easiest way to get Euros or Pounds. Make sure you notify your bank before you leave for your trip so they dont ag your account for unusual activity while you are away. The last thing you need What do you recommend for traveling abroad when you are in Europe is to have your account with a family? frozen, leaving you without access to cash. When traveling anywhere with children, both young Credit cards, as a whole, provide a fair rate of and old, we follow one rule: expect the best, but exchange. You can charge your purchases, feeling prepare for the worst-case scenario. comfortable that your credit card company is behind you should you have any problem with your Pack extras of everything in a carry-on bag. From snacks, diapers, and water to toys and changes charges down the line. You can also try local banks of clothes, you can never be too prepared, and hotels, but remember that they will charge a particularly when dealing with potential delays, relatively high fee for handling the exchange. Some rerouting, and long waits. company loyalty programs also oer discounted rates on currency exchange. To learn more about

st
OHAND WHAT ABOUT A PASSPORT?
Traveling to Europe requires a passport. Weve listed a few facts you need to know about applying for or renewing your passport: Most post oces, courts, libraries, and government oces accept passport applications. Aim for a window seat for your child for a little built-in entertainment at take-o and landing. Help your family stay organized by counting all bags, both checked and carry-on, before you leave for the airport. Then, regularly count your bags each time you get on or o a plane, train, boat, car, or bus and when checking in or out of a hotel. With a full count each time, you are guaranteed to have everyones belongings with you throughout your entire trip and all the way home. Beyond your ight, its important to plan your vacation with a mix of fun activities and rest and relaxation time each day. And, bring snacks with you in your daypack to ward o cases of the grumpies. How can I avoid jet lag? Minimize the impact of changing multiple time zones by staying hydrated during your ight and avoiding alcoholic drinks while on the plane. Remember to set your watch to the time at your destination as soon as you begin your ight to help you begin adjusting before you even arrive. If its daytime when you arrive at your destination, spend as much time as you can outside, using the sunlight to help you adjust to the new time zone. The reverse is true if you arrive in the evening. Try to get a good night of sleep so you can wake up at a reasonable time the next day to start your vacation. Renew your passport if it has been 10 years or more since it was originally issued Fill out and submit the appropriate application, present a copy of your current identication, and show evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as: - A previously issued, undamaged passport - A certied birth certicate - A naturalization certicate - A certicate of citizenship You must apply in person if: - You are applying for your rst U.S. passport - You are under age 16 - Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged - Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago You will need to provide two identical passport photos Be prepared to pay your passport fees when submitting your application - An application fee of $135 for a new adult passport is collected with your application - A renewal fee of $110 is collected for all adult passport renewals Visit the US State Department website (http://travel.state.gov/passport) for more information.