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How much does it cost to Travel to Europe?

May 18, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

cost-travel-europeTraveling to Europe can be costly or cheap depending on your means and how you want to travel. First class travel is going to cost you a bundle, while traveling in budget class will save you a ton. Traveling frugally doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Travel to Europe these days can be quite affordable, more so than in the past. Seeing Europe, doesn’t have to be just a dream, but can become a reality.

Airlines
Round-trip airline tickets to Europe are ranging from $1000 to $1500 during high season and can be as low as $500 during off season (September through May). Right now there are two competing airlines, Continental and U.S. Airways, which are undercutting most other airlines on many flight routes to European countries. If you dig around on the Internet a bit, you may come up with a good deal. There are many websites that have a feature which compares different airlines, different flight times and different routes all to your benefit. If you find a good deal, go ahead and lock it in, the further out the better, so you will be assured the price and a seat, and your departure won’t be impeded.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is quite inexpensive these days, so this is one cost you won’t have to stress about. If you’re booking ahead, trip cancellation insurance is a must. You don’t want to get stuck at the last minute being out all the vacation money you’ve invested because you had to cancel your travel plans. These cheap travel insurance policies will protect you for a number of covered reasons for trip cancellation. Being stuck with a huge emergency care bill will really stress you out, so make sure you get covered with (ravel medical insurance as well—just in case of an accident.

Lodging
Many European countries offer inexpensive hostels if you’re up for sharing space with strangers that range from luxurious to the barest of the bare for around $8 a night. If you prefer a bit more privacy and a more low key stay, you can get comfortable motel accommodations for around $120 a night during high season and even cheaper during off season. If you stay a bit away from the city center or historical areas the cost will always be much less, but you trade easy access for the lower cost.

Food
Just as there are large disparities in the cost of flights and lodging—the same can be said for food. Depending on the European country you are visiting and the way you like to eat, the cost will be reflective. Some people can eat on $20 a day in Turkey, while having to spend a $100 a day in France. If you are going to be spending more of your budget on lodging, then you may want to plan on spending less on nice meals out and go for a loaf of fresh bread, cheese and some fruit eaten in your room.

Filed Under: Learning

What are the off seasons to travel to Europe?

May 17, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

off-seasons-travel-europeTraveling during Europe’s off season, from September to May, means a more relaxed trip with fewer tourists, less expense and a greater opportunity to enjoy the culture of the cities you choose to visit. However, you will have more rain, less daylight and have to pack heavier clothing. To enjoy the off season you have to overcome the few disadvantages and enjoy the overwhelmingly positive aspects of traveling during this time.

Researching European countries and cities before you go will help to better guarantee your satisfaction. For example, off season for the Mediterranean means the rainy season with a lot of daylight showers. Some European cities, like Italy’s Bologna have overcome this with an system of covered streets so tourists can go from one side of the city to the other without getting soaked. Germany and Switzerland are beautiful winter destinations. The Internet offers abundant information on where to go and what to see during the off season.

European travel during the off season is much easier than during the tourist season. The Rail offers a great way to travel Europe, while stretching your legs in ample space or taking a nap in a sleeper car. The cost will be less in off season, too. You can buy a travel pass for weeks or months depending on your needs. If you don’t want to foot the bill for the Rail, the bus is always a good choice, less luxurious than the Rail by far, but very accommodating. You can even hop a flight between countries for less than $100 during the off season.

Off season travel provides many opportunities for cultural interactions with the locals because there are less tourist to clog up the works. Europe doesn’t shut down because there are fewer tourists. In fact, they crank up some of their own cultural activities, such as the winter opera season and winter festivals. The museums still offer wonderful exhibits and they are a great way to escape the weather on a cold, rainy winter’s day. The off season takes a bit of creativity to maneuver but many travelers prefer it that way.

The off season can be a bit unsafe when traveling to European countries, because of the weather. It is highly recommended that travelers purchase travel insurance before they go. Being injured in a vehicular accident because of bad weather can cost a big price for emergency services, care at a hospital, or even medical evacuation back home. Travel medical insurance will take care of the costs if you are unfortunate and have an accident during your European vacation.

Filed Under: Learning

How to travel by train in Europe

May 16, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-train-europeTraveling by train in Europe is like traveling by plane. Same principles apply. Arrive as early as possible, keep your luggage close, travel comfortably, hope you have a window seat, find it, and relax.

Always check your ticket or reservation for the name of the train station. If you are in a small town, no problem, there may be just one or two stations; but go to a large city and there might be several stations. Double-check the name on your ticket or on your reservation. Most train stations are centrally located in a town or a city. There’s usually no problem for local busses or cabs to get you there directly. Plan to arrive around a half an hour early if possible so you don’t have to be rushing through crowds of people at peak travel times. Always carry local currency for tips and fares.

If you need to purchase your ticket once you arrive at the train station, be prepared for longer queues depending on what time of day that you are traveling. Never leave your luggage unattended or with a stranger, not even for a few minutes. If you have a rail pass and know how to use it, find your train platform or track number and wait to board. Remember that having a pass doesn’t guarantee a seat, so you should always have a reservation.

If not, check the departure panel, remembering that time is on the 24-hour clock. Follow the signs to your platform. Don’t forget that if you need a porter, you need to keep tip money on hand, as there’s nothing quite as crabby as a jilted porter. If you have any questions, ask a nearby concierge, that’s what they are there for.

Know if you are in coach or first class. The first class cars are first, the coach cars follow, their numbers clearly marked at the door of each train car. Seat numbers are just like they are in an airplane, located just above your seat. Luggage racks are everywhere, at the end of the car and at and around your seat. Sit tight and wait for the conductor to come around to show your ticket or rail pass along with your passport if you are on a train to a different country. That’s all that you will need to show the conductor, you won’t have to show a travel insurance policy or your travel medical insurance documentation, if you do, that’s not the conductor! It will suffice to keep all documentation on your person, however, in case of emergency.

Filed Under: Learning

Do you need a passport to travel in Europe from UK?

May 15, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

passport-travel-europe-ukIf you are a citizen from a country outside of the European Union, then you will need a passport to travel from the UK to other European countries. You may not be asked to produce your passport at every border crossing, even one out of the UK to another EU country, but it is advisable to carry it with you. At different borders, border personnel may ask to see your passport at any time. You will have to have your passport to get back over the border to your home country anyway, so carry it on your person if you are traveling from one European country to another. Once in an EU country you will be visiting for a bit, leave your passport in the hotel safe, so you don’t lose it in case of pickpocket or an accident.

Initially, other requirements to travel first to the UK may include a visa. Consult your local consulate well before your travel date to make sure of all requirements. Other documentation that you may be asked for at border crossings, while traveling in Europe, include a letter of invitation, a round-trip or return ticket, proof of accommodations and an itinerary for your trip. Each country within the EU has different requirements for foreign visitors unless they are participating Member States of the Schengen agreement, which allows for persons of certain countries to travel freely within the Schengen area. Once in the Schengen area, if you are from one of the 35 countries with special privileges, in which the United States is included, you can go from one country to another freely without a visa, but will still need your passport. Be aware the UK is not a Member State, so they have their own requirements for border crossing.

Make sure well before your departure that you have applied for your passport, or if you already have one, check to make sure it hasn’t expired, and gotten all other documentation together including a visa if you need one. Another important matter to handle is purchasing your travel insurance. Travel insurance package plans provide various coverages such as: travel medical insurance, trip cancellation policies, as well as protection against lost baggage, trip delays and missed connections.  Travel medical insurance is highly recommended in case you are injured during your trip to Europe. Traditional insurance policies do not cover travel to other countries and you will require coverage in case you need emergency transport, hospital care or medical evacuation back to your home country. This way you won’t be responsible to pay for the costs of these medical services yourself.

Filed Under: Learning

When to buy tickets for Summer Travel to Europe

May 14, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

When to buy tickets for summer travel to EuropeThere are many schools of thought when it comes to the most optimal time to buy tickets for a European summer vacation. Some say nine months in advance, some say six weeks in advance will get you the best deals. Factors like fuel prices, unexpected sales on airline tickets and the economy are keeping travelers home, and can have an effect on the price of tickets. Typically, tickets range from $1000 to $1500 during the most traveled summer season to Europe.

Remember, ticket prices can vary greatly from airline to airline. So study the different airlines and see which ones generally have the lowest fares, then watch those airlines for sales or price drops. FareCompare.com, an online software that queries over 500 airlines at a time for the best deals, says that Continental and US Airways are two of the biggest fare discounters for flights to Europe and that many of the other airlines are just sitting around while these two airlines undercut many European routes.

If you aren’t worried about cost, book early on-months in advance-to get the best seats and rest assured your trip plans are covered. If you are trying to be frugal, then gambling on the airlines having a sale, or keeping an eye on prices and booking your flight when tickets fall within your budget is a good idea. Whichever way you want to go, keep in mind booking as early as possible is always your safest bet.

Are you hesitant to book early because you think something may come up, you won’t be able to take your trip and you will lose your money for having to cancel or delay your departure? Your feelings are understandable, but with a travel insurance policy, the risks are minimal, and you won’t have to fear losing your money. There are many travel insurance policies available to cover many unplanned cancellations or delays. A great one to consider is trip cancellation coverage, which provides reimbursement for travel expenses if you have to cancel your trip. For example: You and your spouse are planning on traveling to Europe in July, you bought tickets in January and booked your hotel, your spouse falls ill and cannot travel, you stand to lose about $5,000. No problem, with your trip cancellation coverage you won’t lose a cent. This is just one example of many covered reasons under a trip cancellation policy.

Another important travel insurance policy to get before your trip is travel medical insurance. This covers you in case you or your loved one are injured while in Europe and your traditional insurance policy is not in effect. Travel medical insurance covers emergency transport, emergency or hospital care and if needed, medical evacuation back to your home country. Covering all your bases while preparing to or traveling to Europe is smart.

Filed Under: Learning

What to prepare before travel to Europe

May 13, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

prepare-travel-europeTraveling to Europe means a lot of preparation beforehand. There is research to do, documents to obtain, consulting with your travel agent to plan your trip, booking your trip and getting your trip covered by travel insurance. Start preparing for your trip months in advance to insure ample time to get everything in order. This will yield the most satisfactory and enjoyable trip possible.

Documentation
Check with your local consulate to find out what you will need to enter Europe and get back home safely. Visas are required for some country’s nationals while others, like United States citizens, can cross most European borders without one—if you are staying less than three months. If you are traveling from the U.S. to Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania or the United Kingdom you will need a visa. Passports are required no matter where you travel in Europe because you need one to get back into the United States. Visas and passports take time to get so apply early, or if you already have them, make sure your documents are up-to-date.

Travel Prep
If you are a “do-it-yourselfer,” you’ll want to get on the Internet and start researching your travel accommodations and flights early on. Don’t like to go it alone? Travel agents are great resources because they are experts on travel and all it involves, and can get you the best flight and accommodations with little hassle for a small fee. No matter which method you choose, be sure to plan your trip to see as much of Europe as you can. This continent has so many wonderful countries very close to one another, which enables you to have optimal travel enjoyment from visiting multiple countries instead of just one.

Booking
Be sure to book your trip early for the most savings and the biggest assurance that your trip’s details are in order. When booking early you lock in the price for your flight and won’t be subject to rising prices due to fuel costs or other factors. You know you have a seat on the most cost effective flight and your accommodations are not subject to availability. Many travel agents, hotels and airlines require you put down a deposit or pay everything up front, so be prepared to have the money available at the time of booking.

Travel Insurance
When booking your travel early, you do risk losing the money you have put up if something comes up and you have to postpone or cancel your trip. However, travel insurance, which includes trip cancellation coverage, will cover the risk and make sure you don’t lose your money because of life’s unpredictability. Also, be sure to pick up travel medical insurance in case you have an accident while visiting Europe where your traditional insurance coverage isn’t in effect.

Filed Under: Learning

Do you have to have a Visa to travel to Europe?

May 12, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

visa-travel-europeWhether you need a Visa to travel to Europe or not will be determined by what country you are from and which European country you are traveling to. Most European countries—with the exclusion of five including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Romania—have opened their borders to the nationals of 34 countries. This means there are no Visa requirements for nationals from these countries if they plan to stay for 3 months or less. The United States is included in the 34, which allows U.S. citizens to travel and roam the inclusive countries of Europe freely without a Visa.

The Schengen Agreement and the Amsterdam Treaty in 1999 are responsible for this open border hospitality. So if you are visiting Europe and plan to visit multiple countries like Italy, Spain or France go for it, you’ll just need a passport and a few other documents that border personnel might ask for such as: a travel itinerary, return or round-trip airline ticket or boat ticket, a letter of invitation and hotel or motel accommodation confirmation. The reason for all the extra documentation is so that they can determine that you do plan to move on out of their country within your allotted 3 months.

If you aren’t from the United States then check on Europa.eu for the list of 34 invited countries to see if you can get into the EU without a Visa too. It provides such a luxury to be able to cross multiple borders without having to wave your Visa around, it makes Europe seem so much friendlier.

To those hailing from the United States, before you head out for your European vacation it is advisable to definitely get some travel insurance. Cheap travel insurance is easy to find and a travel insurance policy like travel medical insurance can give you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip knowing you are covered in case of an accident that sends you to the hospital or worse yet, has you being medically evacuated back home for care. Just imagine the nightmare of debt you would have to pay just to get out of the country if you weren’t covered with a good travel medical insurance policy. Another way to get covered when you first plan your trip and pay all the upfront monies on your flight and hotel is to protect yourself with a travel cancellation policy, just in case something unforeseen comes up and you have to back out of your trip—this coverage would save you thousands of dollars you might have lost.

Filed Under: Learning

Do you need to take in shots for travel in Europe?

May 11, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

shots-travel-europeThe Center for Disease Control lists routine, recommended, and required vaccinations for every country in the world.

Most vaccines require time to effective, so it is important to schedule them ideally four to six weeks before your trip. Some vaccinations require multiple dosages over the course of days or weeks. Review with your personal physician what routine vaccinations you have had, still need or need boosters for, as well as the recommended vaccinations for European travel. Currently there’s no required vaccination for European travel, only for travel in yellow fever prone countries in Africa and South America. Saudi Arabia requires the meningococcal vaccine for Hajj travel. If you cannot schedule the vaccinations in advance, get them anyway as you may yet benefit from them.

Your European vaccination travel checklist should include:

  • Schedule doctor visit
  • Know what vaccinations you need
  • Knowing if you have an immunocompromised system, including HIV
  • Pregnancy? Traveling with infants? Breastfeeding? Children?
  • Have you begun to research your destination’s health requirements, if any?

Your physician will tell you what vaccinations you need to complete your routine schedule as well as what recommended vaccines you will need for your destination. Let your physician know:

  • Where you will be traveling in Western or Eastern Europe
  • Will you be traveling into rural or remote areas
  • When you will be traveling

It will be taken into account with your known age, health status and previous record in order to determine which of the recommended vaccinations are right for you. Western European nations may have different requirements than Eastern European nations. Some countries are recovering from war and other issues that may affect the environment and possibly your health, others may have no issue at all.

H1N1 and the seasonal flu continue to be a global concern. Q fever is an issue in The Netherlands as well as measles in the United Kingdom and throughout Western Europe, and Typhoid Fever in Eastern Europe.

You are responsibly for all expenses incurred while traveling in another country should you become ill. The U.S. Department of State has country specific information regarding travel insurance. You need to check with your insurance agent to see if your current coverage needs updated to include extra travel medical insurance or other type of medical insurance rider or new policy. You will still need to pay all costs of care even if you have insurance and file a claim later.

Filed Under: Learning

How to travel Europe on the Eurorail?

May 10, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

travel-europe-Eurail-PassEurail Passes, also known as Eurorail, make getting from one European country to another a breeze. With over 841 pass combos, you can pick and choose the pass that fits your travel plans by choosing the number of countries that you are planning to visit and the number of days that you are planning to travel.

There are four main pass categories:

Eurail Global
Hop on any train in 21 countries including: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This is first class all the way.

Eurail Select
Don’t want to travel to more than three, four, or five countries? Design your pass the way you want to travel. The only catch? The countries must border each other.

Eurail Regional Travel from three to 10 days within a two month period for those who want to explore one of 25 regions in Europe. Each region has different specifics, so consult your Eurail or travel agent.

Eurail One-Country
Explore one of 17 countries up close and personal: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. These used to be called the Eurail National Pass for those of you who have used them before.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
If two to five adults aged 26 or over are going to travel together, consider the Saver Pass or a Youth Pass if you are under 25. Note that Saver Passes are available as first class on most Eurail passes. Youth passes are second class or coach, but in some cases can be upped to first class. Kids ages four to 11 pay just half of the adult pass and kids up to four can usually sit on an adult’s lap, so they ride free. Beware one caveat: Eurail passes offer no Pass Security insurance. The Eurail office strongly advises you to see if your Eurail Pass is covered under your own insurance. If not, they advise you to get travel insurance.

Don’t forget that travel begins for any pass on the first day you use it and that the pass must be validated within six months of issue. Don’t try to activate your pass without an official stamp from the Eurail Aid Office or at a rail ticket window. If you do it yourself, it is worth nothing and non-refundable. Know that 24 hours constitutes a travel day and is calculated midnight to midnight, local time with overnight travel often an exception with different rules. There are varying discounts when you present your Eurail pass at select ferries, buses, hotels, museums and other sightseeing venues, so always ask. As always, keep your Eurail pass with your main travel documents, such as passport and other identification. It will do you no good locked in your suitcase with your travel insurance policy, pack of gum, and souvenirs.

Filed Under: Learning

Where could I stay in Europe & travel to many Countries?

May 9, 2010 By Damian Tysdal

stay-europe-travel-many-countriesThe most central country to stay in Europe and have access to the most popular countries, that don’t require a Visa, is France. It’s neighbored to the south by Spain and Portugal, to the north by Belgium and the Netherlands, to the northeast by Germany, to the east by Switzerland, Italy and the Mediterranean Sea and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The United Kingdom is also located to the west, but a Visa is required to enter, as it is not one of the Schegen Member States, like the other countries directly accessible from France. So if you are planning on visiting the UK, you will want to get your Visa well in advance of your departure time for Europe.

The rail runs to all countries surrounding France, so you won’t have to figure out how to get to another country. Buy a rail pass to save money, if you plan on visiting multiple countries over a period of 15 days or longer. Safety can be an issue on the trains during commuter runs, so beware of pickpockets and luggage thieves. If you like to travel by car or plane, then those are possibilities, although they may not be the quickest or most convenient way to get around.

All the countries surrounding France, and it included, are filled with the most beautiful historical sites, countryside, museums, castles, restaurants and cafes. They are home to some of the most cultured societies in the World. You will not be disappointed if you take time to visit every European country you can possibly fit in. Spain, Italy, France and Germany are the most popular countries to see, but be sure to take time to visit Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands for breathtaking natural beauty.

If you are planning a multi-country trip you’ll want to get travel insurance before you leave. Traveling a great deal can make you more prone to accidents and injuries, so getting travel medical insurance is a must for every foreign traveler. Being stuck in another country in the hospital and having to pay all your medical bills up front before you leave will cause financial and emotional stress if you aren’t covered by a good travel insurance policy. Another great way to cover yourself financially, when you are paying up front for an expensive flight and accommodations, is to get a trip cancellation policy. If you fall ill or have to cancel your trip because of another covered reason on the policy, then you won’t be out thousands of dollars and leave you only able to visit Europe in your dreams.

Filed Under: Learning

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About this website

My name is Damian, and I started this website in 2006 to help travelers understand travel insurance.

The site features company reviews, guides, articles, and many blog posts to help you better understand travel insurance and pick the right plan for your trip (assuming you actually need travel insurance).

I am also a licensed travel insurance agent, and you can get a quote and purchase through this site as well.

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