Bucket List Europe: Barcelona, Paris & London

Head on over to the entry requirements tab to get the most up to date information on what documentation is needed for your trip. Note that Travelers are responsible for staying up to date with entry requirements and should check for the most current requirements by referencing the U.S. Department of State or Government of Canada website.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization is required for entry to the United Kingdom. You can find more information here.

Electronic Travel Authorization: *Starting in mid-2026 U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering most European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone countries. This online application will require a small fee, and travelers will undergo a security check to determine their eligibility for entry. You can keep up to date *here.

Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.

Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

First things first, to be as prepared as possible make sure you download the Ultimate Break app! In the app you’ll be able to meet other travelers before you meet IRL, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more.

You’ll also want to keep these dates in mind as you prepare for your trip.

100 days from departure

• Confirm your name as it appears on your passport. The earlier you do this the better as the name given at time of booking is what we use to book your flights and must match your passport. Any changes made after this point will result in fees from the airline.
• Request any special travel needs you may have. This includes flying in early or staying late, flying with a friend or travel companion, or specific airline preferences.

60 days before departure:

• Finalize any rooming upgrade requests you have.
• We get life happens. 60 days before departure is the last date we’re able to rebook your tour should your original date no longer work. Please note fees may apply. Learn more about our rebooking policy here. Any changes to your dates after this time would be a cancellation and rebooking.

While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic phrases in French to get started:

Barcelona (Spanish)

• Hola  – Hello
• Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
• Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom?
• Gracias – Thank you
• Por favor – Please
• Perdón / Disculpe - Excuse me

Paris (French)

• Bonjour – Hello / Good day
• Bonsoir – Good evening
• Merci / Merci beaucoup – Thank you / Thank you very much
• S’il vous plaît – Please (polite)
• Excusez-moi – Excuse me / Sorry
• Où sont les toilettes ? – Where are the bathrooms?

Download Duolingo or some language-learning podcasts to practice your skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!

You’ll have the chance to sample a variety of local dishes during your trip; some may be offered during included meals while most will be something you are able to enjoy during your free time. 

Included Meals*

• Welcome Dinner
• Farewell Dinner

*Some tours may have additional meals provided. Please refer to your itinerary for specific details.

Note: Vegetarian options will likely be available but may be limited/repetitive. Please submit your dietary notes via the app or online account, in addition, please let your Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions ahead of time so they can plan accordingly. Not all dietary restrictions or preference are commonly known abroad, as such we do recommend travelers bring snacks. Learn more about traveling with allergies 

Dining in Europe

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• Ordering food and drinks is a great time to practice the local language; it goes a long way with locals, and shows respect for their culture.
• Restaurants ask you to choose between still or sparkling water, but remember sparkling water is an added cost.
• The less special requests you make at a restaurant, the more accurate your dish will be.
• It’s normal to seat yourself in a restaurant instead of waiting to be seated.
• Wait-staff in Europe are not as attentive as in the US; don’t be afraid to flag someone over for help!

We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.

Pro tip: If you’re checking a bag, we suggest purchasing an Airtag, or similar tracking technology, to keep track of your bag if it gets delayed or lost by the airline.

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

We categorize this trip as a low activity level. This means you're ready to choose your own adventure. You may spend more time on a bus or vehicle but there will be some walking and activities as well. There’s also some free time for you to enjoy at your own pace. On these tours, be prepared to:

• Walk a minimum of 7,500k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
• Use public transportation
• Climb on and off a motor coach or vehicle unassisted
• Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if no elevator)
• Climb occasional stairs, hills and navigate various terrains (think cobblestones) to different sites
• Stand for periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops

For Essential Trips: Be able to climb a ladder for bunk beds (if applicable)

Today's the day! You're about to head off on the adventure of a lifetime. While unimaginable memories await you on the other side, you've likely got a long flight (or flights!) ahead of you. Whether you're a first time flier or an airport veteran, flying can be stressful. But it doesn't have to be! Check out our articles on flights so that you're a pro before you even clear security. Here you'll find tips on checking for flights, seat selection, luggage requirements, and more!

For those with an Ultimate Break flight package: Once you land, a representative will be waiting for you in the arrival’s hall (after you’ve picked up your bag and gone through customs). The exact meeting point will be communicated to you by your Tour Director when they join the app a few weeks prior to departure..

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, your first step is to talk with an airline representative to get rebooked onto the next available option. If you're still experiencing difficulties, take a look at our article on flight delays and cancellations and give us a call at +1-617-619-1411.

For those who booked flights independently: You are responsible for meeting the group at the first accommodation. Transfers are paid by travelers who purchased flights with us, as such we nor your Tour Director can accommodate you on arranged transfers.  Check in usually starts at 3pm - if you get to the first accommodation early, ask the front desk if they can hold your luggage and then head out to do some exploring!

Your tour package includes all internal transfers, including bus transportation and airfare between cities. Your tour director will help facilitate the check in process for the group for any internal flights your tour may have. To help internal flight days go smoother, make sure to listen to your tour director’s instructions thoroughly, be on time, and pack strategically.

We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end. 

You will use the Euro and British Pound on this trip. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.

Tipping

More insight on local tipping customs will be shared by your Tour Director. We do however, have a few suggestions for tipping your guides throughout the trip.

• We recommend tipping your Tour Director $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip
• For local guides, you should tip $2-$3 at the end of each experience.

We take safety and support seriously. From our EF Global Safety Network to our crisis response team, we lead the way in safety and support. with over 55+ years supporting travelers on tour, our experts constantly review national and international travel guidelines to ensure your trip will meet our rigorous safety—and satisfaction—standards. We’re always there when you need us. You can learn more about our safety commitment here.

While London, Paris and Rome are considered safe for travelers, like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. 

Here are a few additional points:

• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.
• Health: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and staying healthy while traveling
• International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
• Transportation Safety: When getting a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber or Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
• Nightlife: As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Always make sure to have a buddy or two when you go out, never hit the town alone.

Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.

Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.  

We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.

During your trip you’ll have free time to explore and do the things that are important to you; in essence making the trip unique to you and your interests. Check out our free time suggestion guide here.

When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.

Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.