Complete Your Checklist
Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the tour return date.
• Entry Requirements: Travelers are responsible for monitoring and complying with all entry requirements based on their tour itinerary (including countries in transit). You can view the most up to date entry requirements for this tour 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.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: 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.
• Traveling 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.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• 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.

Prepare for your Flight
Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. You can check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, 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 canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancelations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you slept in and missed 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 Barcelona
Welcome to Europe! Once you land, grab your luggage and pass through customs and immigration.

Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

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.

Transfers and Sightseeing
Transfers between cities are via plane, train, and automobile (oh, and ferry). These transfers can take anywhere between 2-8 hours. As you journey from country to country with stops in between, you’ll cover over 7,000km of the most beautiful air, land, and sea in Europe. You’ll also receive a public transportation pass in each city that offers them. Transportation in cities that offer no pass may require more walking. Prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day, especially when sightseeing.

It’s a good idea to bring a great book with you for transfer days. Try bringing a novel that’s based in somewhere you’re visiting! We recommend “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, Anything by Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, Origin), or The Bourne Series!

A month in Europe is exciting and life-changing, but to make the most of these 35 days without burning out, we have a couple reminders:

• 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 nap, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Be Prepared: We recommend bringing 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 couple mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.
• Talk to your Tour Director: Your Tour Director is with you every step of the way for a reason. If you need anything during tour, you can reach our team 24/7 at 617-619-1411, but remember you can talk to your Tour Director at any point too.
• Rooming: Maybe you’re a night owl and your roommates are early risers. Maybe you find your new BFF on tour. Maybe your roomie is a snorer and you’re a light sleeper. Whatever it is, let your Tour Director know and they can try to rearrange room assignments at the next accommodation.
• Carpe diem: You’re in EUROPE! Make the most of every day and remember why you chose to travel in the first place. This is an epic experience, so make it yours.

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.
• Pickpocketing. It’s unfortunately an issue in major European cities; Keep an eye on your things at all times
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• 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 or Uber, and always have cash on hand.
• 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.
• 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.

Budgeting
We recommend budgeting $80- $100 per day for meals, gratuities, shopping, and free time activities.

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.

Managing Money

• 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 cards at ATMs on the international networks, but be wary of fees.
• Let your bank and credit card companies know your travel plans ahead of time to avoid potential complications while abroad.
• Discover and American Express cards are not widely accepted overseas.
• If you have a credit card that offers zero international transaction fees, bring that to save some money for purchases abroad.

Currencies Used

• Spain: Euro (€)
• France: Euro (€)
• England: Pound Sterling (£)
• Netherlands: Euro (€)
• Germany: Euro (€)
• Czech Republic: Czech koruna (Kc)
• Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHf)
• Italy: Euro (€)
• Greece: Euro (€)

Tipping

• For your Tour Director, we recommend tipping $140-$210 at the end of the trip
• For local guides, we recommend tipping $1-$2 at the end of each experience
• Otherwise, tipping is not customary in Europe, but many locals leave 1-2 Euro for exceptional service

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

• Attempting the local language when greeting people, ordering food, or navigating a new city shows respect and goes a long way with locals! On this trip you'll encounter a number of languages. Download Duolingo or some language-learning podcasts to practice your skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!
• Siestas. Many Europeans take a long midday break and close shops from 12-2pm to spend time with friends and family
• Europeans are night owls. Nighttime is when cities come to life – embrace it!
• Dress the part. Europeans dress to impress. We recommend comfortable clothes and walking shoes, but now's the time to try your new sunhat, fancy shades, and the latest trends.
• Embrace the culture. Unlike the U.S., water isn’t free, customer service is more hands-off, and everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. Instead of comparing, dive all in!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips when dining out in Europe, and delicacies you must try in every country.

• Practice the local language when ordering - It goes a long way with the locals.
• Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling.
• Avoid making special requests at restaurants, it’s not as common in Europe.
• Feel free to seat yourself in restaurants instead of waiting to be seated.
• Don’t be afraid to flag your waiter or waitress over for help!
• Spain: Paella, patatas bravas, and pa amb tomaquet
• France: Baguette (no-brainer), steak frites, crepes, and a café au lait
• United Kingdom: Afternoon tea, sticky toffee pudding, bangers & mash
• Netherlands: Herring, stroopwafel, bitterballen, and poffertjes
• Germany: Weisswurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and spread some schmalz on your bread
• Czech Republic: Beer! A crowd favorite is Pilsner Urquell, or Staropramen
• Switzerland: Racelette cheese, any Swiss chocolate, and some zopf (Swiss bread)
• Italy: Baccala mantecato (fish-based antipasto), : Chianti Classico for wine, gelato, Florentine steak, cacio e pepe, and all the pizza
• Greece: Horiatiki Salata (Greek Salad), saganaki (fried cheese), and Ouzo

Note: Vegetarian options will likely be available but let your Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions ahead of time so they can plan accordingly.

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. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.

Note: If you want to visit sites like the Anne Frank House during your free time, make sure to book your ticket in advance. check with your Tour Director before the tour for the best time and date to do so.

Versailles optional: The Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays. In the event that the itinerary day containing the optional lands on a Monday for your departure, the optional will take place the following day.