• In order to enter France & Germany, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of re entry back into your country. 

• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for any entry stamps.

• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

• All destinations on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Type C or F plugs with two small, round pins. 

• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on bringing a curling iron. Most of the hotels will have a hair dryer. 

• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. Ask the front desk at the hotel for more information.

• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges and other questions. 

• Travelers will need to walk for 2-3 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, such as cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs. 

• Each traveler should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. If you are unable to keep up, you will be required to make other arrangements at your own expense.

• You will need to handle your own baggage at all times, including carrying it up and down stairs and lifting it onto overhead racks on trains.

• This is an independent tour and the tour director is unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.

• Since this is an independent tour, all transportation during the tour will be on foot or by train. You are always welcome to hail a taxi or Uber if needed, but it will be at your own cost.

• Round-trip airfare is not included, but for a $25 consultation fee, LC Travel can help find a flight that fits your schedule and budget. You will be required to purchase flights independently, and any changes or delays are your responsibility, not LC Travel's. Legally, we cannot handle your flights as they are booked in your name.

• One group private airport transfer from CDG to the Paris hotel is included in the tour cost. Please aim to arrive around 9:00 am on Monday, December 2nd.

• However, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour (Frankfurt, Germany) is not included, as everyone will have different departure times.

• The high-speed train from Paris to Strasbourg and from Frankfurt to Cologne is included. Short, local trains or buses are not included but should not cost more than $10-20 per trip.

• Please note that travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each. We highly recommend using carry-on luggage only, as we will be traveling on trains and walking to hotels. Large checked bags can be difficult to maneuver on cobblestone streets. LC Travel will not be held responsible for any damage to luggage, loss of luggage, or injuries caused by transporting your luggage during this tour.

• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please be aware that intra-European airlines have much stricter baggage limits. 

• You are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights or other transportation. 

• Ensure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medications, and important documents in your carry-on bag.

• If you take medication daily, please ensure you bring enough for the entire duration of our tour, plus extra in case of any delays.

• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify LC Travel. 

• Ensure you are physically fit and able to handle this rigorous tour, as we cannot delay the group’s plans if you are unable to keep up. 

• We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any medical issues that might arise during the tour. Should you get injured or become ill, the group will have to continue without you. Travel insurance can cover any associated costs of an interrupted tour. LC Travel can provide you with a quote for travel insurance.

• Winters in France and Germany are generally cold. To ensure you are comfortable during outdoor sightseeing, we recommend packing a coat, hat, and gloves, as well as rainwear. It's even better if these items are water-resistant or waterproof. 

• We also suggest packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. A sturdy pair of walking shoes, sneakers, or winter boots is recommended. Make sure they are broken in to avoid discomfort. We recommend spraying them with waterproof spray to help repel any rain or snow. Shoes or boots with thicker soles will keep your feet warmer. 

• Make sure your boots or shoes are not too tight. You will want to wear thick, warm socks, and if your feet are crammed into footwear that does not fit properly, your feet will get cold.

• PRO TIP: Don’t bring an umbrella. Christmas markets tend to get crowded, and the last thing you want is to accidentally poke someone's eye out. Make sure your coat has a good hood to keep any rain or snow off of you.

• In Europe it is customary to tip a small amount to drivers, porters, and waiters (local currency only). Porters at the hotel who handle your luggage: 1-2 euros per piece of luggage. Drivers: 2-3 euros per person, per trip. Waiters at sit down restaurants: around 5 euros (or more for excellent service). Street food vendors: I usually round up to the nearest dollar/euro or leave 1-2 euros in the tip jar. 

• Note: Waiters are paid a living wage in Europe and you do not need to tip 20% like is expected in the US. Also, they are never in a rush to get you out the door because they are paid well and on an hourly basis. They do not depend on tips like here. In most cases, you will have to ask for the check when you are ready to leave.

• You will use Euros in France & Germany. It can be helpful to order some of the local currency through your local bank so you don’t have to search for a place to withdraw upon arrival. I would suggest ordering about $50-100 worth of Euros. (Contact your bank for more information.)

• We strongly advise that you take 2 different credit cards from different banks. If one card gets denied, lost or stolen, you will want another one to use. (FYI-American Express is not accepted as widely as Visa.)

• Let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be traveling overseas. Check that your credit cards do not have a foreign transaction fee. 

• A debit card is handy, but we suggest you put a limited amount on it or limit withdrawals if possible, just in case it gets lost or stolen. I personally use the Charles Schwab debit card because they do not charge withdrawal fees and I only put $100 on the card at a time. 

• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour. 

• Some card machines require a numerical PIN code. If your card does not have one, contact your company and ask for one. Some of the train ticket machines require these, so it is important to have your PIN.

• You will need coins to use the bathrooms. A nice, clean bathroom usually costs about 50 cents, so make sure you keep some in your pocket. 

PRO TIP: Whenever you are in a restaurant or store, always ask to use the bathroom, even if you think you don’t have to go, GO!