Bus Travel

The Deluxe Motor Coaches in which you will be travelling feature toilet facilities, reclining seats and air-conditioning in the summer season.

Assorted beers, wines, sodas and mineral water are available at modest prices. For your additional comfort you may want to bring along:

• A light blanket and small pillow
• Tidy snacks that don't drip, crumble or stain in the event of delayed meal stops.
• Diet sodas, as they are not always available on the bus.
• Reading material.

As in all modes of travel, courtesy to fellow passengers is essential and care should be taken that one's own fun does not disturb others. Most tour operators and bus companies adhere to these requirements.

• Personal music players be used only with earphones.
• All coolers be stored in the under-carriage.
• No hard liquor permitted on the bus.
• No smoking on the bus.
• Use the toilet sparingly, as once it is full, it will beclosed.
• Keep the area around you clean and orderly - this also makes points with your drivers.

Travel Documents

Active duty military personnel should have either leave orders indicating countries to be entered or valid BLUE U.S. Tourist Passport. For travel to former Eastern bloc countries, check with your Orderly Room for necessary documents.

Civilian employees and dependents must be in possession of a valid BLUE U.S. Tourist Passport. Civilians with official (RED) passports require visas for many countries and it is suggested that they obtain the BLUE Tourist Passport. Non-US-citizen dependents also require visas for entry into most countries. You should check with your respective Consulate for Visa requirements, as they are always changing.

Luggage/Valuables

Please limit yourself to one (1) suitcase per person and a small carry-on bag that will fit under the seat or can be stored above. Label all luggage inside and out with your name, European address (not APO) and civilian phone number. For your convenience and comfort, it is suggested that you include the following:

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• A fold-up umbrella -weather can be very unpredictable in Europe.
• A sweater/light jacket during summer travel.
• A battery powered alarm clock as some hotels do not have wake-up capabilites.
• Necessary electrical adapters for small appliances.
• An adequate supply of medication, any prescriptions and camera film - these items can be quite costly in Europe.
• A pocket calculator to figure exchange rates
• Your TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

Dress

Casual dress is acceptable most everywhere in Europe, however it is appreciated to "dress up" a bit, especially for evening activities. Embarrassment can be avoided observing the following guidelines:

• Gentlemen should bring a coat/tie/dress slacks for entrance into casinos, night clubs, theatres, etc. Dress codes vary, but nobody is turned away with coat and tie.
• Ladies should have a dress or pants suit for the evening - again, just in case.
• Various museums, churches and cathedrals prohibit shorts, tank tops, muscle shirts, etc. Your tour guide can provide guidance for the proper attire for the day's activities.

Children

Discounts are offered for children and are explained in the travel brochures. Infants are required to be seated individually and in their own safety seat. Be advised that drivers can refuse entry if appropriate safety seat is not with infant children.

Suggestions / hints:

• Bring a sufficient supply of formula and diapers for children - they tend to be pricey in Europe.
• Disposable bags for soiled diapers.
• Small strollers can usually be stored in the under-carriage

Also:

• Children 12 & under receive discounts on optional tours
• As a safety precaution, hotels normally require that a child under 12 share a room with an adult.
• A single parent travelling with an infant may have to pay the single room supplement in that it is inappropriate to request than another client share the same room.
• Triple rooms, if available, may sometimes be quite small compared to U.S. standards.
• Local hotel and baby-sitting services can be quite expensive, when available.

Accomodations

Enjoy Tours makes every attempt to contract American-style hotels with the usual amenities. However, the quaint, historic-laden establishment may be the norm in a particular region.

• Many hotels are equipped with mini-bars, pay TV videos, in addition to telephones with usually high rates. It is your responsibility to settle these accounts prior to departing the hotel.
• Cribs or cots can be requested from hotel receptions and the usually minimal cost is paid directly to the hotel.
• Store all valuable items in the hotel safe; some hotels provide an in-room safe.

Currency

Normally, you will obtain the best exchange rate for the appropriate currency at your community banking service. Some former eastern European countries require that their currency be exchanged upon crossing the border where the rate is usually better. Consult your local banking facility for the latest rates, requirements or restrictions.

Suggestions / hints:

• Credit cards are more widespread, but are not accepted everywhere in Europe. Prior to dining, shopping, etc., inquire if payment can be made with credit cards.
• Personal checks cannot usually be accepted. Travellers cheques are the safest, but the local exchange rate may be lower than at your banking facility.
• To estimate a budget for your trip, read all itineraries carefully as to the included / not included features - and establish a fund for souvenirs and personal expenses.

Departure Points / Times and Transfers

All departure points and times are located on the back of the tour brochures. Once you establish a place and time with an agent, it cannot be changed without first notifying the travel office or the tour operator. Arrive at the departure point 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure ~ with your receipt(s).

Enjoy Tours' central transfer point is in Mannheim, where you will board/transfer to the bus that will transport you to your tour destination.

• Some companies may use the same point or pick up at similar locations. Always ensure that you are on the proper Enjoy Tours' transfer vehicle. Be aware that although your final destination may be Paris, the transfer bus / vehicle will be picking up passengers for all destinations.
• The driver has a list of passengers boarding at various points prior to arriving at Mannheim. If your name is not on the list - probably due to booking later - have your receipt available and, again, ensure that it is the Enjoy Tours' vehicle you are boarding.
• Weather conditions and peak travel seasons often cause traffic delays throughout Europe. If the transfer vehicle is more than 30 minutes late, contact the emergency number on the brochure, 06301-600-110. NEVER leave the area without contacting the company.
• Loss of personal items occurs most frequently during the transfer process. Make sure that you collect all your belongings before departing the bus - as once they are left behind, it is often difficult to track them down.
• Finally - and you may chuckle - make sure that you are at the pick-up point on the right departure day.

Travel / Cancellation Insurance

The cancellation policy is stated on the back side of each tour brochure. There are valid and acceptable circumstances for cancellations - individual military duty, extreme hardship due to illness, accompanied by a doctor's letter.

If a person booked with a group eventually must cancel, that is not a valid reason for the entire group to cancel.

European cancellation and travel insurance can be obtained at a minimal cost - check with your Community Travel Office for details.

Help Avoid Cancellations

No tour operator likes to cancel tours - it is only a result of too few customers causing the tour to operate at too great a loss. You can help in limiting cancelled tours by planning your travel early, getting the approved leave and placing a deposit. Avoid waiting until the last minute, as it may be too late.

PLAN AHEAD and SIGN UP EARLY!

Additional Common Courtesies

• While on tour, please adhere to time schedules as established by your tour guide. European guides are punctual in their planning - tardiness in meeting at prescribed times upsets the schedule for everyone. Bring a watch - and BE PROMPT!
• Many sites and attractions can be rather crowded and congested during peak travel periods. Exercise patience and listen to your tourguide who has been in such situations and often has the proper remedy.

Following these basic tips and guidelines will serve to enhance your travel experience and also those with whom you will be touring. If you have additional questions or comments or if there is any way ENJOY TOURS can assist in your travel plans, please call us at 06301-6000 or e-mail - reservations@EnjoyTours.com.