When traveling overseas the rules for gratuities change. Americans are used to tipping 15-25% in restaurants. We also tip cab drivers, bell hops, housekeepers, etc. Tipping is different in other parts of the world. Here is just a little bit of info about tipping in other countries. If you travel to Japan, China, or South Korea, tipping is not usually done and may even be construed as insulting. In most of mainland Europe, 10% is considered the norm but you should look at your check to see if the service fee has already been added. Also, don’t leave the tip on the table. Give it directly to your waiter. If you want to show some appreciation for your hotel housekeeper, leave 2-3 eros per night. Taxi drivers do not need to be tipped but rounding up is acceptable. If you want to see the rest of the info, it is contained in this week’s Insider Travel Report.com
Precheck is a nice alternative when going through TSA and well worth the cost. Most of the time it has a shorter line, and you don’t need to take shoes off or take your laptop out of your carry on. Sometimes, though, even if you have Precheck , your boarding pass may not include TSA PreCheck. Most of the times that happens because it hasn’t been added to your profile. You can ask the airline employee to add it and reprint your boarding pass when you drop off luggage.
This summer has seen record numbers of people flying. Go to the airport early, pack your patience and know that you will most likely see longer lines so have a plan and factor in the time it will take to drop luggage, get through security, and get to your gate.
In previous blogs, I mentioned the wait times for getting or renewing passports right now is lengthy. Although some people have received their passports in a reasonable time, this week the State Department site states that routine wait times are 10-13 weeks and expedited passports are taking 7-9 weeks. This does not include the time it takes to get your submission to the passport office or the time it takes to mail it back to you.
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
September. 10-18, 2023 Painted Canyons of the West Highlights… Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah’s Scenic Byway 24, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1131375 Collette Vacations. Call for availability.
September 30- October 14, 2023 Spain’s Classics and Portugal Highlights include Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, the Alhambra, Seville,Cordoba, Madrid, Prada Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Belem Obidos and much more. Call me for availability! Collette Vacations https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103746
2024
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
New July 10,20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour. This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park. Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise. Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Princess
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 22- October 1,2024:Lourdes and Fatima with Barcelona. Travel to two of the world’s most revered pilgrimage centers and experience the wonderful cultures and beauty of Portugal, France, and Spain. Stay a leisurely 2 nights in Fatima and spend time reflecting and exploring the famous Basilica and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta. Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. During a 2-night stay in Burgos, visit the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes and a 2-night stay there. Visit the moving Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. End in vibrant Barcelona, and view Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.-Collette
NewDecember 1-9, 2024 Budapest to Passau Christmas Markets River Cruise! Join us as we embark our ship in Budapest, where Christmas has been celebrated for a 1000 years. Wander through the market on Vorosmarty Square, admiring the porcelain, and the pastries baked over an open fire. In Bratislava, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as spiced ginger cookies and figurines made from corn husks. We will enjoy a special “Taste of Christmas” in Vienna. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and amazing scenery will make the Christmas season unforgettable. I only have 10 rooms on a “soft” hold which means if the cruise line needs the rooms, they will take them back so if you are interested please let me know asap.-Uniworld
Spring 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. Dates will be announced soon.
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