FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

A: Generally, between 20-30 people.

A: You will need a valid passport with an expiration at least 6 months after your travel dates.

A: Traveling abroad in 2024 with your mobile phone has become increasingly convenient, but it's essential to be prepared to avoid unexpected charges and connectivity issues. Most major carriers offer international plans that can provide affordable data, text, and call services across various countries. Before you go, check if your phone is unlocked and compatible with foreign networks. Consider buying a local SIM card or an international eSIM for lower rates on local services. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in public places like cafes, hotels, and airports, but always use a VPN for secure browsing. Additionally, familiarize yourself with apps that work offline and adjust your phone settings to minimize data usage. With the right preparation, staying connected while abroad can be seamless and hassle-free. Check out our blog post that gives you the full story: https://medfoodietours.com/blog/f/how-to-use-your-phone-internationally-without-charges

A: Our negotiated fares do not allow for payment with frequent flyer miles.

A: Special meals can be requested when making your reservation or by contacting Mary Weibler at mary@intertravcorp.com or at 630-377-5840.

A: You should plan to arrive for your flight a minimum of 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This allows you time to check in and pass through security to the boarding area. Look into TSA Pre-Check to expedite security areas.

A: TSA Pre✓® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports. Global Entry provides the TSA Pre✓ benefits plus expedited US customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Travelers interested in Global Entry must apply through the Trusted Traveler Program website. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI are programs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These programs offer travel benefits to pre-screened members. If you join Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use your membership number as a “known traveler number” in airline reservations to receive TSA Pre✓.

A: Generally speaking, we ask that you limit your luggage to 1 large suitcase and 1 day-bag or backpack-size bag per passenger. This way we can ensure all the luggage is going to fit comfortably in the coach we will be traveling in and any trains/ferries we may be taking. Remember you are responsible for carrying your luggage and checking it is loaded on and off the bus/train at each stop. We understand that some guests will be spending more time traveling before or after their tour with us and therefore may need to bring more luggage. If this is the case, please advise our office in advance so we can plan and make the necessary arrangements for this. Check with the airline we book for international travel for weight and size allowances and restrictions.

A: For Europe the associated travel adaptor is Type C, which is the plug which has two round pins. However, we recommend you check the information for the destination you're travelling to on our travel adaptors page. The type of plugs and sockets found in Turkey are Type C or Type F. For Morocco there are two associated plug types, Types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. Cyprus uses a Type G plug.

A: We understand that this is always a big worry when planning any holiday. That’s why we only ever use premium accommodations that are recommended by our travel partners abroad. Your hotels will typically not be large international chains but smaller charming, character hotels each with great locations so you can easily explore the city yourself during the free periods of your tour. You will have your own room with private en-suit bathroom, air conditioning/ heating. All breakfasts will also be included at each hotel unless otherwise noted in the full itinerary.

A: Our group tours normally include guided visits to the main cities and monuments so YES you will be doing some walking and standing around. We generally say you must be comfortable with walking around 2km (4 miles) unaided each day. As always, we are very flexible so if during the trip you feel you would rather skip any visits or tours it’s not a problem. Your tour leader will advise where and when to meet up later.

A: All our tours include some activities each day to maximize your touring time. However, on days when you are staying in the same hotel for two or more consecutive nights, if you want to take a day off from the scheduled itinerary to play golf, shop, explore or simply relax, just tell your Tour Director that you won’t be participating with the group that day. 

A: Tipping is not expected, but passengers may wish to round up or leave an extra euro or two - especially if the driver helps with bags. Rounding up is one of the most common tipping customs in Europe and its surrounds. Visitors can simply round the bill up to the next euro when a larger tip may not be warranted. Restaurant tips are more modest in Europe than in America. Servers are paid a living wage, and tips are considered a small bonus — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number. In many countries, 5 percent is adequate and 10 percent is considered a nice tip.

A: If you have dietary restrictions, please notify us at least four weeks in advance of departure by contacting Mary Weibler at mary@intertravcorp.com or at 630-377-5840.  While our chosen hotels offer a wide variety of foods, we cannot guarantee all requests and it is a good idea to double-check once you are in your tour hotel. 

A: VAT (Value Added Tax) is included in the selling price of all goods in our European destinations.  Non-European Union resident purchasing goods to take home may claim a VAT refund for goods of a certain value once the relevant forms have been completed at time of purchase. This can save you up to 20%, depending on products purchased. 

A: Most small medical devices, for example C-PAP machines, are permitted on tour. If you travel with a C-PAP machine, be aware that distilled water is not always readily available in stores. Some, but not all, pharmacies stock supplies. Bring distilled water with you or contact one of the hotels and arrange this directly with them.

A: If you need to bring insulin, please be sure to bring a box to store it in together with freezable ice packs. Hotels can store the insulin for you and can freeze the ice packs to help you keep it cold when traveling on the coach. If you take prescription drugs, ensure that you have an ample supply for the duration of your trip and always keep them with you. Any medication must be in its labeled container when going through airport security and customs. 

A: Most European countries use the Euro (EUR); Turkey: Turkish Lira (TRY); Montenegro: Euro (EUR) (although not an EU member, Montenegro uses the Euro); Croatia: Euro (EUR) (since January 2023); Morocco: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

A: We recommend ordering some locally, at home for "pocket-money" or waiting until you’re overseas to exchange money for the best rates of exchange. You can use the currency exchange at a local bank. Airport exchanges typically have poor rates of exchange in comparison.

A: Generally yes, check with your card provider to inquire about any fees or limitations on usage. Some financial institutions may ask that you notify them before traveling abroad. Check with yours for requirements. 

A: Check with your bank to be sure.

A: Most major cities will have shops and restaurants who will be able to accept major credit cards. If you’re planning to visit a smaller village or a small family run shop, they may not be able to accept credit cards. It’s always a good idea to have some cash with you. 

A: International airports generally have an exchange—but hefty fees apply. Some larger banks (We use Wells Fargo) have foreign currency services. Order it at the bank or online, and have it shipped to your bank or home address.

A: You can exchange the money back into USD at the Currency Exchange in the airport or select banks.

A: We don’t recommend using them.

A: Yes, but they would prefer Euro if possible.

A: Yes. We recommend using our partner Travelex: Group Travel Protection. Click for more information on Travelex.

A: If your bag is lost, stolen or damaged - or if your bag is delayed 12 hours or more - you can be reimbursed for personal articles and expenses. (Hint: If you’re traveling with sporting equipment, ask about Sporting Equipment Delay coverage.)

A: If you are required to work, a merger takes place, or your company is deemed unsuitable for business and you are the key employee, having Cancel for Business Reasons coverage allows you to cancel your trip and be reimbursed for unused, non-refundable trip expenses.

A: If your trip is delayed 5 hours or more, Trip Delay coverage allows you to be reimbursed for additional accommodations and meals if your departure is delayed due to inclement weather. The Trip Delay daily limit is a generous $250.

A: If your flight, cruise or other trip connection is delayed 3 hours or more due to inclement weather or a common carrier delay, Missed Connection coverage allows you to be reimbursed for additional transportation to join the departed trip, as well as any unused, non- refundable trip expenses.

A: For travel advice or help finding an English-speaking doctor in your area, call Travelex Travel Assistance Services anytime 24/7. These experts can even help with Language Interpretation Services. (Outside U.S./Canada (collect): 1-647-775-8042)