Frequently Asked Questions
We’d like
to answer a few common questions ahead of time.
What will the hotels be like?
What if I come alone?
When should I book my flight
if I only purchase the land package?
What if I need to cancel?
What if I arrive a day
early or want to extend my stay?
What is the food like?
Who do I need to tip and
how much?
How
much do things really cost, and how much money should I plan on bringing?
What will the hotels be
like?
We stay in clean two
to three star hotels (mainly three stars). Rooms are typically double occupancy. All hotel rooms have private bathroom with
toilet and shower; most come equipped with hair dyer.
What if I come alone?
Most of the folks who travel with us come with
friends or family members. If you
travel solo we can match you with another solo traveler. We will never charge you a single
supplement unless you request a private room.
When
should I book my flight if I only purchase the land package?
Check with us 90 days prior to departure to see
if your particular trip is still on the schedule. If you’re using frequent flyer miles, the sooner you get your
tickets, the better your chances of obtaining a seat. If your trip happens to
be cancelled because of lack of participants, political unrest or disaster,
your miles can be re-banked any time before the scheduled departure date.
What if I need to
cancel?
Our policy regarding cancellations are outlined
in our Contract.
What if I
arrive a day early or want to extend my stay?
We will assist you in making arrangements for
accommodations before and after the trip. For travelers taking advantage of
the land plus air package, note that the airlines charge an additional
$100-$150 per person for extended return dates depending on the season of
travel.
What is the food like?
We eat local foods, which can be simple
sandwiches on crispy bread to gourmet meals, it all depends on your
budget. Since we’re outdoors a lot
during the day, we take advantage of open markets with fruit stands, fresh
pastry and yummy sandwiches. In the
evening we leisurely end the day with a three-course meal typical of the area
where we’re staying.
All breakfasts are included with the room. They can be taken in your room (just turn
in your beverage choice on the breakfast card the night before) or eat in the
dining area with your traveling companions or strike up a conversation with
one of the locals. Buffet breakfast
is served in most of the hotels we visit.
We need to define “breakfast buffet” since it’s quite different from
here in the US. You will be offered a selection of fresh
fruit, juice, pastries, yogurt, crispy fresh bread, butter, jam, cheese,
sometimes meat slices and of course delicious coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Sometimes cereal is an option too. This is all self-serve, so you may want to
go back for seconds. Don’t skip
breakfast, it is a sensation your taste buds won’t want to miss.
Who do I
need to tip and how much?
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Hotel maids – 1 euro per person per night.
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Bus drivers - 1 euro per person per day trip is encouraged.
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Bicycle tour guide - 1 euro per person.
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Hair dresser - It's fun to be pampered once on the trip,
a haircut or a pedicure are very enjoyable. Please leave your
beautician 10% if you are satisfied.
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Waiters & Waitresses - It depends on whether the service is
included or not. Check the fine prints on the menu and if it says
"service compris", leave an additional 5-10%. If service is
not included, please leave 10-15%.
How much do things
cost?
- Subway
tickets: 10 euros for a pack of 10.
- Museum entry
fees 7-8 euros per museum, unless you’re under 18 years of age…in this
case you will benefit from greatly reduced rates or free entry with
your passport.
- Night cruise on
the Seine river: 10 euros.
- Pastries range
from .60 euro to 4 euros a piece.
- Fruit is
expensive, expect 1 euro per piece of fruit, so get your fruit at
breakfast time…enjoy the fruit salad on the breakfast bar.
- Coffee is
expensive…small cups, big prices…Up to 5 euros a cup, as much as a
glass of wine.
- Bottled water
ranges from .40 euros to 1.50 euros…Buying it at the grocery store is
the cheapest route. Cheaper
yet…water from the faucet.
It’s free and safe.
- Phone cards
range from 7.50 -15 euros depending on the number of units. Do not
bring phone cards or cell phones from home as they cannot be used
abroad.
- Postcard and a
stamp or prepaid envelope for the US
will cost 1.50 euro.
- Don’t forget
that public restrooms are not free in France…you
need to keep 40 cents ready just in case. Your guide knows where all
the free restrooms are, so don’t worry…this won’t be a burden on your
budget. J
- Pizza: about 10 euros
for a plate size pizza (thin crust)
- Gyro
sandwich/fries/beverage run 5 euros, a great bargain for people on a
budget…even if you’re not, these are tasty and very filling meals.
- Dinner at the Eiffel
Tower starts at 50 euros at
Altitude 95. reservations are
needed well ahead of time.
- Late show at
Moulin Rouge: 85 euros plus transportation (you’ll need to take a taxi
at that time of night as subways stop running between midnight and one
in the morning depending on the station. Taxi to Moulin Rouge from our hotel is 15 euros, more on
the return because of the time of night…expect 18 euros.
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