Travel Articles From www.escortedrussiatours.com

Europe Travel Tips

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Mon, 23 May 2011 11:51 EST

Europe may appear overwhelming for a first time visitor, or even a seasoned traveler in certain countries. The following information wil help you prepare for your vacation:

Passports/Documents:

Your passport must be current and valid for at least six months past your return date. Passports requires for US citizens traveling to Europe for stays of less than 90 days. A passport and Visa are necessary for travel to Russia (restricted to less than 30 days). A passport and onward/return ticket are necessary for travel to Croatia (less than 90 days).

Currency:

The Euro is the currency for most European nations (major exceptions are the U.K., Switzerland and Scandinavia). ATM’s are prevalent, and are usually your best source for cash at the most current exchange rate.

Adapters and Converters:

European voltage is higher (220v vs 110v) than that in the United States. A continental plug adapter and voltage converter are necessary.

Phone and Calling Cards:

Every country has a unique country code following a plus sign (i.e. +39 for Italy). Instead of area codes, all countries use city codes that begin with zero. Some U.S. phone cards offer international service in Europe. Low cost cell phones may be purchased in any European countries, and some US cell phone service providers offer overseas service for higher rates.

Temperature:

Europe records its temperatures in Celsius. To convert to an approximate Fahrenheit temperature, double the Celsius an add 30.

Time and Date:

The 24-hour clock is used to denote timetables. To convert to U.S. time for 13:00 and over, subtract 12 and add “pm”. For example, 18:00 is 6:00 pm.

Dates are written with day coming before the month. For example, Christmas is 25-12-10.

Greenwich Mean Time (UK) is 5 hours, and Continential Europe is 6 hours ahead of Eastern-Standard Time.

Tipping:

A customary European tip is 10-15%. However, many places include service charges in the bill, in which case no additional tip expected.

Packing for Your Trip:

Check with your airline for luggage weight restrictions, as many local European carriers have their own rules. Your primary bag should be relatively light and not exceed 25 inches.

Clothing:

Temperatures can fluctuate, so be prepared to dress in layers. Be aware that some sites, such as the Vatican, enforce strict dress codes. Consult your travel agent for more details.

Travel Improves Your Health

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 1 Jun 2010 10:56 EST

We all “feel” better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true. Vacations can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic… Two vacations can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%.

Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health.

Here are some other tips to reduce stress during travel.

Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind. A week is recommended.
Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

Europe Language Tips

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:18 EST

There is no need to enroll in French, Italian, German and Spanish classes for your European Tour. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on how to say some of the basics (eg. hello, please, thank you) in the native tongue of each of the countries you visit. It is often not only useful, but also polite to know a few of the basics in the local language and it’s a good idea to try and remember and uses these basics.

English is a widely spoken and understood as a second or third language amongst many Western Europeans, particularly those of the younger generations.

Western European Language Basics

English	French	Spanish	Italian	German	Greek	Dutch
Good Morning	Bonjour	Buenos Dias	Buongiorno	Guten Morgen	Kalimera	Goedemorgen
Good Bye	Au revoir	Adios	Arrivederci	Auf Wiedersehen	Yasou	Tot ziens
Please	S’il vous plait	Por favor	Perfavore	Bitte	Parakalo	Alstublieft
Thank You	Merci	Gracias	Grazie	Danke Schon	Effaristo	Dank u
Yes	Oui	Si	Si	Ja	Ne	Ya
No	Non	No	No	Nein	Oki	Nee
Where is?	Ou est?	Donde ésta?	Dové	Wo ist?	Poo eeneh?	Waar is?
The toilet	Les toilettes	El lavabo	Il gabinetto	Die toilette	To oahlehtes	De toilet
The bank	La banque	Banco	Banca	Die bank	Trapeze	Bank
Post office	La poste	Correos	Ufficio postale	Die post	Takedromeo	Postkantoor
How much?	Combine?	Cunato?	Quanto?	Wieviel?	Posso?	hoeveel?
The bill	L’addition	La cuenta	Il conto	Die rechnung	To loghariazmo	rekening
Ladies	Dames	Enoras	Donne	Damen	Yinekon	Dames
Gents	Messieurs	Senores	Uomini	Herren	Anthron	Heren
Stamp	Timbre	Sello	Francobollo	Briefmarke	Grammatesimo	Stamp
One/two	Un/deux	Uno/due	Uno/due	Eins/zwei	Ena/thio	Een/twee
Three/four	Trios/quatre	Tres/cuarto	Tre/Quattro	Drei/vier	Tria/tesera	Drie/vier
Five/six	Cinq/six	Cinco/seis	Cinque/sei	Funf/sechs	Pende/eksi	Vijf/zes
Seven/eight	Sept/huit	Siete/ocho	Sette/otto	Sieben/acht	Epta/okta	Zeven/acht
Nine/ten	Neuf/dix	Nueve/diez	Nove/dieci	Neun/zehn	Enea/theka	Negen/tien
Open	Overt	Abierto	Aperto	Geoffnet	Anikton	Open
Closed	Fermé	Cerrado	Chiuso	Geschlossen	Kilson	Gesloten
Hot	Chaud	Caliente	Caldo	Heiss	Zesto	Hete
Cold	Froid	Frio	Freddo	Kalt	Krio	Koude
Water	Eau	Agua	Acqua	Wasser	Nero	Water
Tea	Thé	Té	Té	Tee	Chai	Thee
Coffee	Café	Café	Caffé	Kaffee	Kafe	Koffie
Beer	Biére	Cerveza	Birra	Bier	Bira	Bier
Wine	Vin	Vino	Vino	Wein	Krasi	Wijn
Excuse me (sorry)	Excusez-moi	Perdon	Scusi	Entschuldigung	Sygnomi	Sorry
Cheers	Santé	Salut	Saluté	Prost	Yamus	Proost

These Languages are of use in….

French – France, Southern Belgium (including Brussels) parts of Switzerland

Spanish – Spain (Spanish will be understood in most parts of Spain, however Catalan and Basque are spoken in Barcelona and the North of the country)

Italian – Italy, parts of Switzerland, Albania

German – Varying dialects throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Greek – Greece

Dutch – Dialects throughout the Netherlands and Northern Belgium

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

We also have specialty European Tour Operators sites:

Welcome to Europe

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:57 EST

The sheer diversity of experiences in Europe is simply astounding. From the rich and stirring history of London to the immense and breathtaking snow-capped Swiss Alps, and from the exhilarating old-world charm of Italy to the pristine natural beauty of Scandinavia...everywhere you turn you'll be captivated by astonishing sights that will remain etched in your memory long after your return home.

Imagine yourself walking down the grand boulevards of Paris, stopping at a cafe near the magnificent Eiffel Tower. Picture yourself exploring the antiquities of Rome, the breathtaking Coliseum and the sprawling Roman Forum. Let you mind's eye wander the medieval cobblestone streets of Prague, enchanted by the storybook ambiance of its majestic castles. See the glorious sun beaming off the whitewashed walls of Greece's stunning island, Santorini.

The experiences are endless, the pleasures are immeasurable and the magic will be forever locked in your heart. Across these 22 diverse nations, you'll find a joyful abundance of discovery, adventure and relaxation. Europe has the thrills, delights and treasures you seek, and so much more.

River Cruises :: A Popular Choice for Travelers

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Sun, 5 Sep 2010 13:00 EST

A River cruise is defined as a voyage along inland waterways, often stopping at multiple ports along the way. River cruises are a unique experience in cruising reaching places that the larger cruise ships can not. Ships or vessels are no larger than 38-by-410-foot dimensions to meet the requirements of assorted locks and bridges the vessels must past through. River cruises are considered a luxury cruise category with very high service standards and staff to passenger ratios. These cruises offer an intimate look at the destinations and passages between them. You learn all about the history and culture of the sights you see.
Some of the fascinating destinations a river cruise can take you:

Europe: Travel along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Elbe and other great rivers of western, central and eastern Europe

Russia and Ukraine: Travel along the Dnieper from Kiev to Odessa.

China: Highlights of Beijing, Shanghai, and/or Xian and the Yangtze River

Click here to learn more about River Cruising
River Cruise Operators : Avalon Waterways | Uniworld River Cruises | River Cruises

Escorted Tours

tours@atlastravelweb.com (Atlas Travel Web) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:23 EST

Escorted tours have changed drastically over the years...more comfortable coaches, better itineraries and more free time to allow you to explore on your own. If buses are not for you, tour operators also offer river cruises, train tours or hosted city stay.

Booking through a tour operator is an excellent value - they negotiate packages in bulk, and pass on the savings. You pay one price for hotel, transportation, several meals & sightseeing tours, as well as the services of a tour guide and driver. You know exactly what your out-of-pocket expenses are, so there are no surprises. The only surprise is how much you will learn and enjoy the your knowledgeable guides, and the friends you will make along the way.