General
Will I be traveling with a reliable company?
Most certainly. Trafalgar has been in business since 1947 and we have perfected the escorted vacations experience throughout the world. Every year, over 55% of our passengers have traveled with us once before and many return to travel with us again.
Will I be traveling with people from other countries?
Trafalgar sells its tours in more than 38 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to find 6-10 different nationalities on any one tour. You'll forge new friendships with other Trafalgar guests from Australia, America, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, UK etc.
How many people are on tour with me?
There will be a maximum of 49 people on First Class, CostSaver and Breakaway tours throughout Europe.
Will I have time on my own?
Absolutely. Trafalgar designs each itinerary with the perfect balance between planned sightseeing and activities and time on your own to explore.
Will the coach be modern and comfortable?
Rest assured that you will ride in comfort, as Trafalgar has the finest fleet of air-conditioned coaches from Mercedes, Setra, Volvo and Fiat.
Are the hotels air-conditioned?
The majority of hotels have air conditioning but not all. Fewer hotels north of the Alps in Europe have air conditioning as a matter of course.
What are the Tour Directors like?
Our Tour Directors come from a variety of backgrounds and include former teachers, sales managers and lecturers who all share the passion for travel. They have a minimum of five years experience as Tour Directors behind them, and have all been thoroughly trained, making them the best of the world’s elite travel professionals.
What is the difference between Trafalgar’s First Class and CostSaver tours?
Both provide exceptional value for money, with the same professional service of a Tour Director and Driver and comfortable coaches. First Class tours include First Class Hotels, buffet breakfast daily and more sightseeing inclusions. CostSaver hotels are guaranteed Superior Tourist class or better and continental style breakfast daily.
What is the difference between "visit", "view" and "see" in the itineraries?
Here is a glossary of some common terms used in our itineraries:
Visit - Your coach will stop and you?ll get to visit a specific site.
View - A brief stop and an opportunity to take photos.
See - Your Trafalgar coach will drive by the site so that you can see it.
Sightseeing tour - A local city guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site.
Orientation tour - Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own.
'Why not see' or 'perhaps enjoy' - These phrases refer to optional excursions not included in the tour package, but are available for an additional fee.
Time to explore and discover - Free time on your own.
A day to relax - No planned activities; time for optional excursions or other independent activities.
Transfers - Coach or train transportation from the airport to your hotel or city center.
Reservations & travel documents
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Trafalgar strongly recommends that all clients have an insurance policy to ensure your peace of mind before and whilst traveling. It’s important that you protect yourself in case of trip cancellation / interruption for any reason, travel / baggage delay or loss of baggage and medical expenses.
Why isn’t my existing medical insurance enough coverage?
Check with your primary care insurer but most insurance companies will not cover accidents overseas or out of the area and usually claims will only be met up to a stated limit. Travel insurance will cover balances up to a much higher amount. In addition you will receive cover for travel costs, accommodations and assistance.
What happens if I travel alone? Is there an extra charge?
When you travel with Trafalgar you won't be penalized for being a solo traveler. Instead, we provide two options that save you money! Our room-matching service pairs you up with someone of the same gender whilst on tour, thereby saving you the cost of a single supplement. Or, if you're not interested in being matched up and prefer a room of your own, you'll appreciate our low single-room supplement.
What is the single supplement?
The single supplement is the discount price that is offered to those who would like to stay in a room on their own.
Are prices based on double occupancy?
All prices quoted on the Trafalgar website and in the Trafalgar brochures are per person, sharing a double room (unless stated otherwise).
Are airport transfers included?
Transfers will depend on the tour you choose. In general, if you buy Trafalgar’s Land and Air package then return transfers between the airport and hotel are included.
Can I select my airline seats before departure?
All carriers have different policies when it comes to seating assignments. Special seating can be requested in advance through your travel agent, whilst some carriers only do seating assignments at time of check-in.
Can I request special dietary meals?
The meals on tour will provide you with a balanced diet and are based on local foods and menus. We can accommodate passengers who prefer a vegetarian diet and can assist with diabetic, gluten free and other medically recommended diets. Please advise at time of booking. We regret that we are unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements.
Will I need a passport?
Passports are needed when travelling outside your home country. Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
Will I need a visa?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your tour. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your travel agent, and local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting, well in advance to determine which visas you require and how to obtain them.
When will I receive my documents from Trafalgar?
Travel documents are usually sent 21 days prior to departure.
What is Express Check-In?
Trafalgar's Express Check-In is an online check-in facility that allows you to provide all your essential details and preferences to Trafalgar, prior to your departure, so that you don?t have to fill in any additional forms on the first day of your tour. Express Check-In is available to anyone who books a Trafalgar tour (except River Cruises) and puts a deposit on their booking. Express Check-In can be completed up to 15 days prior to your departure date and only takes 10 minutes to complete. Visit www.trafalgar.com/express.
Before my tour departs
How much luggage can I bring?
Due to limited space on the motor coach, you are requested to bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 30in. x 18in. x 10in. (76cm x 46cm x 25cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23kg).
Is baggage handling provided?
Baggage handling is provided. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
How do I change my currency?
Currency can be exchanged at airports or banks throughout Europe, and traveller’s cheques are easy to obtain. Whilst small amounts of cash are necessary, it is advisable to carry mainly traveller’s cheques as they can be replaced if lost or stolen. Also, most bank machines (ATM’s) throughout Europe accept debit cards.
Are tips are included?
Trafalgar Tours has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as all baggage handling at hotels and ports. Tips to restaurant staff for meals are also included in the price of your tour.
Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors US$4 per day, Drivers US$2.50 per day and Local Guides US$1 per day.
Can I bring a wheelchair on tour?
Yes, as long as it is fully collapsible, non-motorized and you are travelling with an able bodied companion capable of pushing you in it. Please advise us at time of booking if you plan to bring one.
What type of outfits do I pack and will I need formal attire?
This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. It is advisable to bring at least one ‘smart’ outfit for special evenings or highlight dinners. Please note that some churches/places of worship require covered shoulders and in some cases, knee length shorts/skirts. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.
What type of weather can I expect?
Weather varies in different parts of the world, therefore always check the weather forecast before travel. This will also help you determine what to bring with you. For local weather conditions go to www.weather.com
Whilst on tour
What are optional excursions and when do I purchase them?
Optional excursions are side excursions that are offered to clients to enhance their experience. Examples of these are the Moulin Rouge in Paris, a Mozart/Strauss concert in Vienna or a fabulous ascent of the Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt. They can be purchased at the beginning of the tour through your tour director. Whilst we include a great deal of excursions in all tours, we cannot and would not want to include everything. We understand that free time and personal choice are important and we leave it up to you to decide the perfect balance of included activities and time on your own. Payment can be made by cash (in local currency or Sterling), traveller’s cheques or credit cards.
Can I use my electrical appliances?
Electrical currents vary in Britain, on the continent of Europe and also in different countries throughout the world. Some newer appliances have dual voltage, but if not, we suggest you carry a converter for your electric shaver, travelling iron and other small appliances to prevent damage. Additionally, plugs/outlets differ everywhere, so you’ll need a universal electrical travel adaptor before you go in order to use your appliance.
Must I know the native languages of the countries I am visiting?
Whilst it is a nice gesture to greet local people in their native language, it is not essential as your Tour Director will normally be able to assist you.
Can I have laundry done?
Most hotels do offer laundry service, and in some cities Laundromats are also available. However, it is a good idea to try and pack enough clothing without having to do laundry, as it can sometimes be costly and / or inconvenient.
Is there seat rotation?
Yes, your Tour Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby clients rotate seats on the coach daily. This allows for all passengers to experience the different views from various seats and maximise interaction.
What if I become ill on tour and am unable to continue?
Your Tour Director will assist with a doctor’s visit or hospitalisation. Trafalgar has a dedicated Customer Care Department, which will contact you to offer assistance and advice, coordinate with your travel insurance company and keep in touch until you rejoin the tour or return home. This service is included in the cost of your tour but is not intended as a replacement for travel insurance.
What if I arrive late and miss a feature on the tour?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to, missed meals or sightseeing.
Can I drink the water in the countries I will visit on my tour?
In Britain, Western Europe and Scandinavia, the answer is ‘yes’. For other countries visited you will be guided by your Tour Director.
Is smoking allowed on the coach?
There is a no smoking policy whilst on board the coach. However, we make plenty of comfort stops, allowing you ample opportunity to smoke if you wish, stretch your legs, take a scenic snapshot or just time to enjoy a cup of coffee.
