• In order to enter Europe, 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. 

• It's a good idea to make a copy of your passport information page and email to yourself plus someone not traveling with you.

• 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. The ship and most of the hotels will have a hair dryer. 

• Wi-Fi is included in the cost of the cruise fare. It is also 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. 

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Outside of the cruise, you will need to handle your own baggage, including carrying it up and down stairs and lifting it onto overhead racks on trains. 

• Optional extensions are independent tours 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.

• Winters in Europe 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.

• A phone lanyard is incredibly helpful when visiting Christmas markets. It keeps your phone secure and easily accessible for taking pictures or navigating with maps. It helps prevent dropping your phone in crowded areas, deters pickpockets by keeping your phone close, and frees up your hands while browsing stalls, holding a mug of hot cocoa, or carrying shopping bags.

• A winter hat is a no brainer for a Christmas market trip, but it’s a smart move to pack an extra colorful hat so it’s easy for your travel companions to spot you in the crowds. In fact, maybe we should all get matching ones so that we can keep track of each other. :)

• You will use Euros in Europe, but Hungarian Forint are used in Budapest. 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.)

• Apple Pay is the most convienent way to pay. Be sure to download your credit cards before you leave home. 

• 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.

• In Europe it is customary to tip a small amount to drivers, porters, and waiters (local currency only). Porters at the ship and hotels 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 in the U.S. In most cases, you will have to ask for the check when you are ready to leave.

• 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.

Food at German Christmas Markets

What to Eat & Drink in Germany

Because many of you have restrictions on what you will drink, I thought it would be a good idea to define what each beverage at the German Christmas Markets contains. (I usually clarify with the vendors and just say "no alcohol?". They can understand that well enough.)

• Gluhwein (hot red wine with spices)

• Feuerzangenbowle (hot punch made of red wine, rum, fruits, spice + sugar)

• Jagertee/Huttentee (black tea, red wine + rum)

• Tote Tante (hot chocolate, cream + rum)

• Grog (rum, sugar and hot water)

• Eierpunsch (similar to egg nog)

• Weisser Gluhwein (hot white wine with spices)

• Kinderpunsch (hot tea, juices + spices)

• Heisse Schokolade (hot chocolate)

• Heisser Apfelwein (hot apple cider)

• Public restrooms can be difficult to find and often charge a small fee, typically between 50 cents and 1 euro.

• Some locations allow you to tap your card to pay, but it's much easier to keep a few coins in your pocket just in case.

• In cafes or restaurants, restrooms are usually available for customers—consider ordering a small item if needed.

• Hotel lobbies and department stores may also have restrooms, but not all are open to the public.

• Bring a small pack of tissues or toilet paper, as some restrooms may not be fully stocked.

• Hand sanitizer or wipes can also come in handy, especially in high-traffic tourist areas.

Before you pack for your European Christmas market adventure, take a moment to check the weather forecast—closely! We saw so many travelers clomping around in bulky snow boots better suited for an Alaskan blizzard, when in reality, most European cities had dry sidewalks and mild winter weather. Save the space (and your feet) by packing more appropriate footwear.

If your hands tend to get cold, pocket-sized hand warmers are a game-changer. I personally skip gloves since they make it hard to use my phone, but having a hand warmer tucked in my coat pocket kept me perfectly cozy. You can choose between disposable versions or USB-rechargeable ones.

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. (Umbrellas are usually offered on the ship.)

Pro Tip: Use waterproof spray on your shoes, boots, and coat before you leave home. And consider using a coat with interior pockets—they’re perfect for keeping your phone, credit cards, and cash secure and within easy reach.