Stuart's Handy Travel Tips for Europe and Russia

Back by popular demand, Stuart's traveling tips, this time for Europe and Russia!

Stuart has just recently got back from a business trip to Europe and Russia.  With every trip comes a learning opportunity, first and foremost is the new type of credit card with a security chip that requires a personal identity pin

Though new in our country, this system will be implemented by year end.  The United States is the only country still using magnetic strip cards.   

If you are planning a trip  contact your credit card company to inquire if you can get this new card before your trip.  All the trains now require this new credit card  or cash - they will not accept a credit card with a strip anymore. When dining in a restaurant with a business associate, the restaurant would not accept Stuart's credit card.  He actually thought he might have to wash dishes to pay for his meal! Be sure to ask the hostess before seating.

When exploring in cities in Europe, watch out for cyclists!  The Netherlands and Scandinavian countries have cyclists everywhere.  Cyclists  have the "right away" so be aware when you step off the curb.

Have travel adapters for all your cell phones, lap tops, and other electronic devices.   Most places in Europe and Russia require the " round two prong plug adapters".  In England, you would require a three prong plug as they are 220-230 voltage. Most hotels do have air dryers, even Russia, so one less device to pack.

The "hop-on, hop-off" buses are the best way to get a good overview of a new city. Spend the day exploring since bus fares are reasonable and the commentary is in multiple languages. Stuart suggests you purchase your bus tickets from a kiosk on the street rather than on the bus.  You are able to save money as the kiosk will give you multiple coupons for discounts and some free admissions to local attractions.

The bus system from Heathrow Airport to nearby hotels is very good and much cheaper than taxi service. (Recent fare was 4.50 pounds as opposed to the 15 pounds Stuart was quoted from a taxi driver, plus bus drops you at the front door). If you are traveling into the city, take the train.  Heathrow Express is the fastest way to connect with London from Heathrow.  If you do decide you need a taxi, go to the office within the terminal.  Don't hail  a taxi outside the airport as Stuart says "they will take you for a ride", translation-excessive charges!

When flying international or domestic, it's important to pack medications and valuables in your carry-on, since cancelled flights and lost luggage are the new normal these days. A good travel insurance policy will make replacing the new undies and a free hotel more bearable. 

Stuart found that it was not worth the extra cost on first-class air seats.  When on Lufthansa, he noticed no additional leg room, just a black leather seat versus a blue seat in "monkey class"....and they serve the same free drinks.

Stuart says that these days airports have digital check-ins throughout Europe and Russia, so you need to keep your airline booking locator number handy.   You will need to know the 3 letter airport code for the first leg or destination code on a non-stop, keep a "cheat sheet" in your pocket with all these details, and a pen on hand, for those countries which require you to fill out customs declaration forms.

Make sure you have your passport number written down somewhere safe just in case you are pick-pocketed! You need to have proof of identity when travelling in these countries.  You can be stopped and asked for identification at anytime!  The best advice is to be prepared so you can enjoy your excursion to the fullest!

If you are traveling soon and have questions, CONTACT STUART as he will be happy to share his expertise with you. 

What’s new in the Romance World? You may be surprised…..

Brides are looking for fun and stress free weddings – with a built in honeymoon! So it is no wonder that the trend for destination and shipboard weddings is exploding! 

 Family and friends love it because they get the opportunity to get to know each other in a fun, tropical setting.  Brides have so many choices (grooms too) – they can get married at a resort, or say their vows on a beautiful beach, garden,  or really any exotic location around the world!  

Destination Weddings by Cruise Planners offers two exclusive shore side wedding packages in over 20 beautiful destinations.  Don’t forget that we can customize any trip to make it perfect for that special day!  

So let’s cruise!  

Virtually every cruise line offers some sort of wedding, honeymoon, and renewal of vows packages. Symbolic ceremonies can be arranged at sea, or you can have a wedding in any of the great global destinations that the cruise ships go to.

But what about same-sex ceremonies? Well, what about it in this very progressive time and turning point in history?

 Same-sex couples are looking to declare their love for one other in special ways.  Cruise Planners can offer a “Sea of Love Cruise”, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on Norwegian Getaway.  It includes a same-sex group commitment ceremony on a St. Thomas Beach. The departure date is September 27^th, visiting St. Maarten and Nassau too, with the commitment ceremony taking place on October 1^st.  After the ceremony, couples and guests will celebrate with a reception that includes a buffet, open bar, party costumes, champagne toast, steel pan band, and a photographer. 

t just doesn’t get much better than this folks!  Contact us to plan your ceremony!

Addictive River Cruising

Sail away on a river cruise….everyone’s talking about it.

1. riv·er

a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream.

2. Cruise

sail about in an area without a precise destination, esp. for pleasure

We’re not supposed to have favorites, but having been fortunate enough to have taken a few river cruises… I can’t wait to do another one sometime soon. We are passionate about river cruising!  Let me share some of my enthusiasm with you!  Close your eyes (really) imagine yourself meandering down a tranquil river with your own “floating hotel”.  You are totally immersed in the local culture.  Unpack your bag just once and let the sites come to you as you enjoy the ever changing scenery.  There are castles, vineyards, small quaint villages – and every day you can walk right off the ship at your leisure and into the center of town. Okay, open your eyes.  It seems like a dream, but that is the definition of river cruising.

There are no “at sea days” because river cruising is all about the destination, emphasizing culture and history. The ships are much more intimate with fewer passengers.  Superb meals from a friendly and welcoming staff, daily hosted shore excursions, complimentary wine and beer with meals, on board entertainment from local artists, all inclusive when you take that river cruise.  Now forgot about thinking it’s just for retirees, river cruising is so popular, there are sailings in Europe geared to families wanting something for everyone!

Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, Egypt, Africa and even the Galapagos Islands are hot spots for river cruising   Talk to us about the various options and we’ll find a river cruise that is perfect for you. Be forewarned…because once you have experienced a river cruise you will want to repeat the experience again and again!

Oh the Places You'll Go!

Dr.Seuss said it best when he wrote "Congratulations! Today is your day - You're off and away" - and this can be YOU so grab a suitcase and let’s get going!

You want to go places, but you just don’t know where to start…let us entertain you with a few choices which have all these things in common: All have breathtaking scenery, colorful history, plenty of activities - and English as the primary language!

Did you know?

Bermuda is closer than you think! It is far north of the Caribbean and located at the same latitude as Charleston SC.  Visit this pink sand oasis May through October and bring your golf clubs!

“Panama, Panama” (can you hear Van Halen singing?) The canal is a great history lesson, but how about the waterfalls, rainforests and volcanos!  Did we mention lions,monkeys and turtles oh my!

North to Alaska! You have thought about Alaska we know, make those travel plans between May and September.  Check out glaciers, humpback whales (really) and you have to be outside and go rafting or zip-lining, they do both!

Hawaii is happening!  It is “the” year-round popular destination with nearly perfect climate throughout the year, Barack and Michelle will vouch for that. You can view active volcanoes, lush canyons, endless beaches and cruising is the best way to get an overview of it all! 

East coast Canada and New England offer a cultural and historical legacy. The best time to go here is in the fall to view the gorgeous fall foliage, as well as enjoying quaint shops & cafes and historic lighthouses. Your camera will be your friend as you snap and snap and snap more photographs of this incredible region.

Pacific Coastal region?  Hmmmm, so under-appreciated, so enormous on the fun times!  There are so many fascinating cities, but the best event is stretching out and watching those whales ride out through the sensational sunset.  It is heaven on earth.

So make today your “day”, just pick one of these great places and we will have your trip underway!  Contact Us