Practical Information

Passports & Customs

Passports:A valid US passport is mandatory to travel to France. If you do not have a passport yet, you need to apply for one at least a month and a half before your trip. For more information, look in the front of your local phone book under "Federal (or US), Passports" or go to travel.state.gov (Note: do not use "www"). Major post offices also carry the forms. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
If you already have a passport, please check the expiration date. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your return date. No visas are necessary for US citizens staying for three months or less.
Customs: US residents are allowed to bring back $400 worth of duty-free goods from Europe, including one litre of alcohol. For more information, look in the front of your local phone book under "Federal (or US), Customs" or go to www.customs.ustreas.gov.

Money:

While many spend less and still have a great time, most travelers on our two- and three-week Fully-Guided tours spend between $500-$1,000 over the course of the tour on additional and non-included meals and sightseeing, and on souvenirs, gifts, and other personal needs. ATMs vs. credit cards vs. traveler's checks: Bring a mix as all three have advantages and disadvantages. It's important to have an alternative in case one money method doesn't work.

We strongly recommend that you bring at least one ATM debit card. Using an ATM debit card is like writing a personal check: the money is withdrawn from your checking account. While they have Visa or MasterCard symbols on the front, ATM debit cards are not credit cards. Your debit card allows you to get cash from European ATMs at a rate close to the excellent interbank/wholesale exchange rate. To use your card overseas, it must have a Cirrus or Plus symbol on the back. You also need to know your four-digit PIN code. Many European machines do not accept longer codes and may not have alphabetical equivalents marked. Check with your bank for overseas transaction fees and daily withdrawal limits.

Most European ATMs withdraw money from checking accounts only. They will not allow you to withdraw funds from savings accounts or transfer funds from savings to checking. Make sure you have sufficient funds in your checking account before you leave.
A Visa or MasterCard credit card also offers excellent exchange rates, as well as important fraud protection. Use your credit card for hotels, meals, souvenirs, and other major expenses. While many credit cards can also be used for "cash advances" at ATMs, steep interest rates and fees make this an option for emergencies only. (Before you leave, you'll want to get a 4-digit PIN code for your card, and find out about fees and interest charges.) As at home, save all receipts until you can verify your statement.

We also recommend that you bring a small emergency stash of traveler's checks in case your card is eaten, the computers are down, or you simply can't find the right type of ATM. To minimize per-check fees, it's best to bring US dollar traveler's checks in larger denominations such as $50 or $100. Your bank or auto club may offer traveler's checks for no fee (any major brand is fine). You can save unused checks for future trips, deposit them back into the bank, or use them up at home.

Finally, photocopy all of your cards and jot down the emergency phone numbers. You can call collect from outside the US if you have a problem. Remember, 800 numbers generally do not work outside the US although substituting 880 can sometimes get you through as a regular toll call.

Tipping

Usually tips are included in meals in France, you may however tip at your discretion.

Getting to France

Start investigating flight possibilities several months before your departure date—earlier if you want to use frequent flyer miles. Don't delay making an airline reservation because of hotel arrangements. You can always find a hotel, but flights fill quickly.

Your hotels:

Our tour hotels are quaint, often creaky, family-run, in unbeatable locations, and full of personality... a memorable part of your travel experience. Your room will usually have a private bathroom. And yes, there will be stairs, hundreds of them. Some hotels will not have elevators so pack light and be in good shape.

Telephone Calls:

To call France from the US, dial: 011 + 33 (France's country code) + local 10 digit number minus the initial 0. All area codes are part of the local number.

To call the US from France, dial 001 + US area code + local number.

French phone cards: If you'll be calling home a lot, or calling another European country, use local phone cards (purchased at post offices, convenience stores and newsstands), and dial direct. This will save you money and hassles.

US phone cards: Another, more expensive (but possibly more convenient) option is to bring an international calling card from your long distance provider (Sprint, AT&T, MCI, etc). Be sure to ask for their best price option for calling from Europe to multiple US numbers. If you choose this option, use their toll-free access numbers and double-check for any hotel connection charges. It may be a lot cheaper to call from a pay phone rather than from your hotel room.

Packing List and Tips

Pack versatile, comfortable clothing that you can layer for warmth or coolness. Rain is possible regardless of the time of year.
For late fall tours, pack a warmer sweater and socks, hat and gloves. While daytime temperatures should be pleasant, evenings can be cool, especially at higher elevations.

Laundry

France has plenty of laundry mats, but you don't always have plenty of time. Your hotel can arrange for your laundry to be cleaned.

Weather and crowds

Summers can be busy but since your transportation, rooms, sightseeing, and many meals are already taken care of (and your guides are efficiency experts!), it isn't a problem. France can be sunny and warm in mid-summer but cool temperatures and rain are always possible.

Crowds will be fewer in the early spring and late fall, although never entirely absent. Spring brings long twilights while autumn nights are pretty cozy. Weather is a bit more unpredictable but very manageable with smart packing.

These climate charts should be helpful for packing decisions:

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