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For all AIRLINE TRAVEL REGULATIONS and RESTRICTIONS,
Click on the 'R&J News' link at the bottom of the 'Home' page.
We want to ensure your vacation is as worry-free as possible,
so we've put together travel tips for each R&J tour we offer.
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Germany Oberammergau
Germany
Things to Know Before You Go
Enjoy the Flight
Flights to Germany travel through the night. To avoid jet lag, try to maintain a normal routine while traveling. To make your trip more comfortable, follow these suggestions from IcelandAir:
Wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers to allow your skin to breathe
Eat light: At altitude our bodies can become sensitive to the adverse effects of alcohol and certain types of food.
Re-hydrate: Remember that alcohol, and some light drinks, can contribute to the body’s dehydration. Alcohol helps relaxation, but should be consumed in moderation. Make sure to drink plenty of water to help avoid tiredness and headaches.
Relaxation in flight: The airline provides complimentary headphones to enjoy a variety of music, including an in-flight music channel created to enhance relaxation.
Sitting in one place for a long time can make you feel tired and stiff. Following are some suggestions of “onboard exercises” you can try during your flight. These exercises aim to improve the circulation in the legs and to minimize the tiredness and stiffness that may result from sitting in one place for a long time. They can easily be performed while seated.
Gently lean the head to one side. Rest for 3 seconds and breathe out. Repeat the other side. Repeat 3 times.
Lift hands, breathe in deeply and hold for 3 seconds. Place the arms behind your head. Breathe out. Repeat 3 times.
Bend the foot upwards, spread your toes and hold for 3 seconds. Point the foot downwards clenching toes and hold for 3 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
Passports & Visas
Don’t forget to take your passport! Make sure to check the expiration date of your passport. It should be valid for at least 3 months after your return date. If this is your first time traveling with your passport, make sure you have signed the inside data page prior to arriving at the airport. It is also a good idea to make photocopies of the data page. Leave one copy with someone at home and keep another with you, separate from your passport. In the unlikely event you lose your passport, immediately call the nearest embassy or local police; having a copy of the data page can speed replacement.
Germany, Austria & Switzerland do not require visas unless you are staying for more than 3 months.
Customs & Duties
When shopping, keep all receipts on all your purchases. When reentering the country, be prepared to show customs officials your purchases. On your return flight, you will be given a form to fill out stating your purchases, and your flight attendant will be able to assist you in filling out this form.
Packing
Each person is allowed:
One checked bag (to be handled for you at the hotels), not weighing more than 50 pounds, Baggage exceeding these restrictions are subject to additional charges.
One carry-on bag not weighing more than 13 pounds, with the total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 45 inches. You may be asked to check your carry-on if it exceeds these dimensions.
In addition to your carry-on bag, one of the following may also be taken on board free of charge, as additional cabin baggage: 1 coat or wrap, 1 handbag, 1 umbrella or cane, 1 small camera, 1 pair of binoculars, or a reasonable amount of reading material. Baggage taken into the cabin of Icelandair aircraft must be placed under the seats in front of them or in the overhead bin. The passenger is responsible for his or her own cabin baggage.
The wisest approach to packing is to wear layered outfits. Average daytime highs in September for the areas we will be in range from the upper 50’s to mid 60’s, and it can be cooler by bodies of water and in the mountains. It is wise to take a sweatshirt or light jacket that you can put on or take off as needed. Casual dress is the rule of thumb throughout this vacation. There is no need for dresses, suits, or ties. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Most hotels have laundry services, but very few have facilities for doing your own laundry (other than the bathroom sink!). It is a good idea to bring a washcloth and bar of soap.
Several hotels do have pools, either indoor or outdoor, so you may want to pack a bathing suit.
Valuables such as jewelry should always be packed in your carry-on. Moreover, pack prescription medicines in your carry-on. Don’t put prescription drugs in luggage to be checked; it might go astray. Also, make sure your medications are in their original packing. (See new airline restrictions insert)
Packing and Airport Security See separate new TSA regulation insert !
Due to heightened security, all checked bags will be screened by machine scanning, and all bags are subject to hand-searching, although not all will be. Following are some tips to make this process smooth and quick:
Skip the locks on your suitcase. Anyone who does lock their suitcase runs the risk of having the lock broken by Transportation Security Administration’s employees who need to search it.
Put your film in your carry-on, as the screening equipment for the checked baggage may damage it.
Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
Don’t over-pack your bags. Federal Security Screeners may have to open and physically search a bag as part of the screening process. Overstuffed bags are more difficult to close once opened which could result in delays for checked luggage.
Avoid packing food items in your checked baggage.
Don’t forget to place identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your bag as well.
If your bag has been opened and hand-searched, there will be a notice placed in your bag along with a phone number to call if anything is missing from your bag.
Weather
Average temperature highs and lows in Fahrenheit during the month of September:
Munich: 66/47 Frankfurt: 66/50 Salzburg: 68/50
Language
Although English is not the main language in Germany, you should have few, if any, language barriers. English is a required course of study in schools and is commonly spoken, especially among younger people.
Currency Exchange
For the best exchange rates, use your credit card or change money at major banks. Although fees charged for ATM transactions may be higher while traveling abroad, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are great, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You may not get your best rate of exchange at booths in airports, restaurants and stores.
The exchange rates as of August 31, 2006 were:
$1.00 US = .780944 Euro (Germany, Austria)
$1.00 US = 1.23073 CHF (Switzerland)
These rates are constantly changing on a daily basis.
Tipping
Many hotels and restaurants in Germany, Austria and Switzerland add 10-15% to the bill, which takes care of service charges. Taxi drivers are entitled to 5% of the fare. Tips for the one day local guides and drivers will be taken care of by R & J Tours. However the tips for the extended German guide & driver are to be handled on an individual basis; as well as your R & J Director. Suggested $4.00 to $5.00 per person per day for German guide and $3 per person for driver.
Health
The water is safe to drink throughout; however, do not drink water from lakes, rivers, streams, no matter how clear and pure it looks.
Pharmacies and drugstores, called Apotheke, are generally open regular business hours (9-5 weekdays). For cosmetics, go to a Drogerie.
Money
Currency in Germany & Austria both operate on a decimal system, and are both similar. The basic unit of currency is the Euro. There are 100 Euro cents in 1 Euro. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 Euros and coins are minted in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Euro cents and 1, 2, Euros. Switzerland currency franc (plural:francs) Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000 francs. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20 centimes, 1/2, 1, 2, 5 francs.
ATM machines operate throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland. If your credit card has been programmed with a PIN, you can probably use your card at ATMs to withdraw money as cash advances on your card. Please check with your credit card company or bank to determine frequency limits for withdrawals, special charges or higher interest rates on cash advances, and check to see if your PIN code must be reprogrammed for usage on trips abroad.
Credit cards are useful throughout, and will usually get the best rate of exchange. American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted. If you see a Eurocard or Access sign, it also means that the establishment accepts MasterCard. Please note that Discover card, though widely accepted in the U.S., is less frequently accepted.
“How much should I plan to take along or spend?” That is one of the most common questions when traveling abroad, and one of the most difficult to answer. Here’s an idea of what costs are, in US dollars, for some services: Lunch for one: $20-30 (moderate priced restaurant). Dinner for one: $25-40 (moderate priced restaurant). Cup of coffee in café: $3-5. Keep in mind that many of your meals are included in the tour price. All breakfasts are included in the tour, and although they may range from deluxe continental to full breakfasts, they are usually healthy, hearty breakfasts, so it may be a good idea to take advantage of the breakfasts and have a lighter, more inexpensive lunch.
Suggest taking a small amount of US Cash as some places will take US currency and give change back in their local change.
Of course, you will also want to plan to spend some money on great souvenirs such as a beautiful Cuckoo Clock, and of course t-shirts and other great items. Again, keep in mind that credit cards are useful in getting the best rate of exchange on purchases.
Cameras & Camcorders
Always keep your film or tape out of the sun. Also, carry an extra supply of batteries, and be prepared to turn on your camera or camcorder at airport security to prove the device is real. You may also ask for a hand inspection of film.
Film is more expensive abroad, so bring what you’ll need. Film processing can also be expensive, so wait until you are home to develop it. Generally, there are no special restrictions on taking photos, except in certain museums, where signs are usually posted. When in doubt, ask before taking pictures.
Time
Germany, Austria & Switzerland are all on Central European Time, or 7 hours ahead of Central Standard Time. When it is noon in Minnesota, it is 7 PM the same day in all 3 countries.
Electricity
To use your U.S. purchased electric powered equipment, bring a transformer and adapter. The electric current in is 220 volts. You can pick up these transformer & adapter kits at luggage and travel shops, hardware stores, and sometimes at your local Wal-Mart or Target stores. Make sure to check the package label before purchasing a kit. The label will usually state which countries with which the transformer is compatible. Of course, it is always a good idea to first inquire at your hotel before plugging in any electrical equipment.
Telephones
The international country code for Germany is 49.
The international country code for Austria is 49.
The international country code for Switzerland is 41.
When calling from the U.S. dial 011, then the country code, then the number.
Most pay phones accept pre-paid phone cards. They are available in various denominations and can be purchased at many stores, such as Wal-Mart or Target. Check the card before purchasing it to make sure you can use it internationally. You may also purchase these cards in Scandinavia.
Be careful when calling from your hotel room to the U. S., as many hotels will charge you up to 400% more than would a pre-paid calling card.
We look forward to a wonderful trip with you!
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