For the most up to date entry requirements for this tour, please visit here: https://www.efultimatebreak.com/entry-requirements?tour-code=LSNB

Travel Documents:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the tour return date.
• Visa: No visa is required for this trip if you are a U.S. Citizen. For citizens of other counties please check with the consulate in your area to verify the Visa entry requirements.
• Travel Insurance: While Travel Insurance is not required to enter Europe, 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.

Tour Preparation:

• Talk with your doctor: Although there are no health entry requirements for US citizens visiting Europe, it is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.

• Travelling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.

• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan so you can stay connected while on the road. While free Wi-Fi may be available, it won’t be everywhere nor as strong as we are used to. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.

• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

• Complete you pre-tour checklist: this can be found in your account.

Staying Healthy while Traveling

There’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, we recommend bringing a refillable water bottle!
• Be Prepared: The most prepared travelers will bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • Insight Timer: Meditation apps are very in right now. This one is especially amazing because there are 80,000 free daily meditations to help with sleep, anxiety, and stress.
  • What’s Up: If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed, What’s Up can help you manage these feelings with interactive games, forums, and a thought tracking diary.
  • Talkspace: No need to make appointments or commute to a therapist’s office. Talkspace gives you 24/7 access to real, licensed therapists. You can talk, text, or video chat with them right from your phone.

Safety while Abroad
With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.

We at EF will help facilitate any testing requirements while on tour, however it is the travelers responsibility to pay for these tests and it is our recommendation that you budget roughly 150 USD total. Please note that non-boosted travelers may be required to do additional testing to enter places such as restaurants, and/or major attractions.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour

The local currency in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland) it’s the Pound Sterling (£).
Read on for more must-knows about money and tipping on your trip!

• When exchanging money for this trip, better rates are usually found overseas, but it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but be wary of fees
• Budget around $80-$100 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities
• Tipping is not customary in Europe, but if you feel inclined it’s ok to leave 10%. or a few pounds for exceptional service.
  We recommend tipping your Tour Director $32 - $48 at the end of the trip. For local guides, you should tip $1-$2 at the end of each experience.

Note: Let your bank and credit card companies know your travel plans ahead of time to avoid potential complications while abroad.

Your airline ticket includes one checked bag (typically 27" x 21" x 14") but double check the luggage size requirements on your airline’s website. We recommend traveling with one small backpack or purse, and a smaller carry-on suitcase (22” x 14” x 9”) or bag. See more packing tips below:

• 1 rain jacket, 1 warmer / water-resistant jacket from October - March
• Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing days
• Waterproof shoes (such as rainboots)
• 1-2 pairs jeans / trousers / shorts
• 2-3 shirts / t-shirts / sweaters
• 1 nicer outfit for Farewell Dinner or a night out
• Underwear and socks
• Toiletries, medicine
• 1 reusable water bottle
• Phone or camera
• Passport
• Debit / Credit cards and cash
• Type “G” power adapter. A staff favorite is also the “Targus World Power Travel Adapter” ($20, Amazon.com)

Note: The UK is an oceanic and volatile climate, which means it gets ample rainfall, but it can change in a matter of seconds. Bring plenty of layers and a good rain jacket.

Flight Preparation
Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time.
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in London
Once you land in London, you will be met by your chauffer driver (fancy, right?) who will take you to your first accommodation. Here are steps on how to find your driver depending on the terminal you arrive in.

Terminal 1: Your meeting point will be the Café Nero located in the terminal, your driver will be holding an EF Ultimate Break sign
Terminal 2: Your meeting point will be the Café Nero located in the terminal, your driver will be holding an EF Ultimate Break sign
Terminal 3: Your meeting point will be the Café Nero located in the terminal, your driver will be holding an EF Ultimate Break sign
Terminal 4: Your meeting point will be at the WH Smith located in the terminal, your driver will be holding an EF Ultimate Break sign
Terminal 5: Your meeting point will be at the WH Smith located in the terminal, your driver will be holding an EF Ultimate Break sign

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Please note it is common to wait about 45 minutes – 1 hour for your driver as they may be stuck in traffic. They have all of your flight itineraries and will group 1-6 travelers together if people are arriving together. If you aren’t able to find your driver and have been waiting for more than 45 minutes please call at +44 203 813 3957 (Heathrow has free WiFi), let them know your name and you are an EF Ultimate Break traveler.

Meet Your Tour Director and Fellow Travelers
Your Tour Director will also tell you best way to communicate with them during the trip; they will be with your group from start to finish so if there is anything you need, connect with them. Concerned about international cellular data and staying in touch with your group? Check out “Phones and Electronics” further down in this guide.

Getting from A to B
Transfers between cities are via train, and you’ll also receive a public transportation pass in both cities. However, we’ve packed a lot into your tour, so prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day anyway , especially when sightseeing.

Note: For transfer days, bring a novel based where you’re visiting! We recommend Trainspotting, or an adrenaline-pumper like The Bourne Series!

Phone, Internet, and Electronics
We recommend you get an international data plan from your cell phone provider. The most common options are the Travel Pass with Verizon, or purchasing a personal hot spot with your carrier. For your cell phone and any other electronics you bring abroad, you will need a converter/adapter. Read more tips below about using your phone and electronics abroad:

• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Note: You should use a “G” adapter / converter on this tour (three square prongs). A staff favorite is also the “Targus World Power Travel Adapter” ($20, Amazon.com)

On this trip you’ll experience standard rooming, unless you purchased a private room upgrade. Standard rooming is in European hotels or boutique hostels and you’ll room with up to six fellow EF Ultimate Break travelers of the same gender per room. What to expect for standard rooming:

• 4-5 fellow EF Ultimate Break roommates of the same gender
• Small, boutique hotels and hostels
• One private bathroom per room that you’ll share with your roommates
• Limited WiFi connection
• Limited air conditioning – AC is popular in the U.S., but not in Europe

If you have any questions about your rooming status or want to request a specific roommate, call us at 617-619-1411, or connect with your Tour Director.

As you prepare to spend time in new cities, countries, and cultures, here are some expert tips to help you live like a true local.

• Pack a raincoat. We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again. Expect rain, wind, and more rain in London and Edinburgh.
  Public transportation is very popular in Europe. In London, you’ll have an Oyster Card (their metro pass) for the “Tube”. Taking public transportation is a great way to get to know a city
• Public restrooms abroad sometimes require a small fee – hold on to your smaller coins!
• Water is sometimes an added cost at restaurants and you may have to choose between still or sparkling
• In London, do not stand on the left of an escalator in the London Underground – the left is for walking, the right is for standing
• In Scotland, however, they abide by a “keep to the left” etiquette. Stick to this while walking and exploring the city!
• The Scottish are extremely friendly people, prepare to make new friends!
• Visit one of London’s many free museums or galleries like the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, or the Sky Garden
• We said it before and we’ll say it again: The weather changes in an instant. Expect the unexpected.

Beef, beer, whiskey, fish. These are some of the delicacies in the UK, and you’re more than guaranteed to try all of these staples in multiple forms while on your trip. You’ll sample a variety of other local dishes on your trip, but read on for all the tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• English Breakfast: This traditional morning meal includes eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, and most importantly, tea,
• Scottish Breakfast: Just like English Breakfast, but with black pudding, lorne sausage, tattie scones, and haggis if you’re lucky!
• Afternoon Tea: The average Brit drinks 3 cups of tea per day. Try an afternoon tea with light sandwiches or pastries!
• Fish and Chips: Chips are actually french fries in this traditional dish with lightly battered fish. It’s common as a takeaway treat, too!
• Eton Mess: This is a classic British treat of crushed merengue, cream, and strawberries
• Beef Wellington: A filet steak wrapped in puff pastry and cooked.
• Bangers and Mash: Mashed potatoes and sausages… what more do you need?
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: Moist sponge cake stuffed with raisins or dates, covered in toffee sauce served with ice cream or custard
• Haggis: A traditional dish from the highlands of Scotland. It’s a mash of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with oats, spices, onion, salt, and stock. Sounds interesting, tastes delicious.
• Neeps and Tatties: Or, tunips and potatoes. A famous combination in Scotland!
• Scottish Salmon: Scottish salmon is claimed to be the best, primarily because it comes from extremely fresh water. There’s only one way to find out, right?
• Battered Mars Bar: You’ve heard of a Mars Bar, right? Instead, try it deep fried and out comes a melted, chocolatey, gooey dessert.

Optimize Your Free Time
Not sure how to fill your free time? Lucky for you, we offer “optional excursions” for just that! If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add ons.