It’s been a wild ride these past three years – both for travellers, and those of us that work in the industry.

Today is the first day of Virtuoso Travel Week – often equated to Paris Fashion Week for the Leisure Travel Industry.  We’ll be meeting with vendors to renew and reinforce the important relationships we have in the industry, AND to learn about new products.  The week is both busy and intense, but well worth it – it would have to be worthwhile to get me anywhere near Las Vegas in the summer! 

I thought I would share a little bit about how our business has evolved in the past three years, where I see it going, and the impact macro-forces in the industry are having on both you and us.

• Supply and Demand are Not Balanced – This is the root cause of many of the problems travellers currently face.  Statistically, demand for cruises, packaged land vacations, and hotel stays is somewhere between 200% and 300% of what they were in 2019 (the last “normal” year).  In terms of supply, the biggest shortage is of qualified people to operate these travel products. 
• It’s Very Busy – After going 15 months without getting paid, this is a good problem to have, but it is a problem, regardless.  We are doing our very best to scale up quickly to manage all of your additional requests, but our response time may not be as good as we want it to be.  So thank you all for your patience – we’re working as hard as we can, and we are taking action to improve.
• Vendors are Busy – Many of you have commented about wait times of several hours for cruise vendors or tour companies.  They have the same problem we are having – we’re just better equipped to handle it because we are smaller and more agile.  This has gotten better, but many of those companies are still not fully staffed.  It is frustrating (both for you and us), but these companies are well aware they have a problem.  Fixing it is a much bigger challenge. 
• Air Travel is Not Fully Restored – This is partly a result of the forces above, and partly a regulatory failure, as legislators have betrayed the travelling public for the past 45 years.  I am hoping for improvement, but not seeing any credible signs from either the airlines or from Washington that this will occur. 
• Inflation is Real – Contrary to some media reports, this is a global problem that is much worse in other jurisdictions than it is here at home.  The bottom line is that you should expect to pay more for travel in the next few years.  We’ve already seen this with hotel pricing.  So far, cruise pricing is not seeing double-digit increases, but I make no promises for what is to come. 
• Off Season Travel – It used to be that if you went somewhere in the “quiet-season”, you would face far fewer crowds, and get a break on price.  This is now significantly muted.  It’s still possible, but the peak season has gotten longer.  Bob and I were in Rome in early May – and it was every bit as busy as we’ve seen at the peak of the summer in other years.  
• Crowds and Crowd Mitigation – We have seen more and more destinations around the world put measures in place to limit the number of visitors.  Venice has eliminated cruise ships entirely (if you’re sailing to or from Venice, you’ll actually be docked outside of the city).  West Palm Beach Florida has restricted the number of cruise ships that can visit.  Most recently, Amsterdam has put a limit on the number of ocean ships that can dock at that city (river boats are unaffected).  I would look for this trend to continue. 
• Longer Trip Duration – We are slowly catching up to our European cousins with the amount of time taken off at once.  The number of trips longer than 2 weeks that we’ve booked in the past year has increased substantially.
• Close-In and Longer Out – People are booking last minute (travel in the next 3 months), and/or further out (travel 12 months or longer from now).  This is partly by necessity for some trips:  Egypt and Portugal (for example) are mostly sold out for 2024, so people are looking into 2025.  Travellers are also booking close-in trips to take advantage of pricing that will perhaps not be quite as subject to inflationary pressures. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Northern Lights with Hurtigruten

It may be strange to be talking about the Northern Lights in the heat of the summer, but you’ll want to plan your winter escapes now.

• Travel from either London (Oct/Nov/Dec) or Amsterdam (Jan/Feb/Mar) up the Norwegian Coast and north of the Arctic Circle.

• Visit Tromso, Mount Hoven, Lofoten, Arctic Alta, Aurora City, Narvik, Bergen, Egersund.  See fishing villages, the Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta, a Viking village, the Polar Museum, and a Bergen City tour.
• 15-days round-trip from London in the fall from $5299.
• 14-days round-trip from Amsterdam in the winter from $4795.
• Hurtigruten promises you’ll see the Northern Lights or they’ll give you another cruise free. 

Uniworld Early Booking Bonus

You can save 10% off 2024 bookings on Uniworld if you choose to pay in full at the time of booking.  Here are two examples:

Venice & Northern Italy

• Visit Venice, Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia
• Here a link to our video from when Bob and I did this cruise:  https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g 
• Departures in April or May 2024 from $5699 for a French Balcony MINUS 10% early booking bonus. 

Paris and Normandy

• Visit La Roche Guyon, Vernon, Giverny (for Monet’s Gardens), Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Normandy Beaches, Versailles, Paris
• Here’s a link to our YouTube Video playlist from when Bob and I did this cruise:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVEP9ouRrZGrhocmhYp7EUPW
• Departures on April 14, 21, or July 7, 14, 21, 28 from $4999 MINUS 10% early booking bonus.

Mekong Flash Sale 

• Visit Ho Chi Minh City, Tho, Tien Loi, Vinh Long, Sa Dec, Phnom Penh, Angkor Ban, Seam Reap, Hanoi.  Optional extension to Ha Long Bay
• Depart on December 8, for 15-days for $6999 in a suite ($2000 off per person).  Must be booked before August 18.   

If you’d like to see other Uniworld Flash Sale offers, here’s the link:  https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2023-flash-sale

Remember Uniworld Fares always include private transfers, a choice of several shore excursions in every port, an open bar, and gratuities. When you book with us, you’ll also receive an additional $150 per person on board credit not available on direct bookings. 

Alaska with Seabourn

• 7-nights from Vancouver to Juneau departing September 29, 2023.
• Visit Ketchikan, Queen Charlotte Sound, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Inian Islands, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Juneau
• Veranda Suites from $5039

If you’d prefer to go round-trip from Vancouver (over 14-days):

• ALSO visit:  Glacier Bay, Wrangell, Misty Fjords National Monument, Prince Rupert, Alert Bay.
• Veranda Suites from $6749 (for the 2-week itinerary) 

Here’s a link to our YouTube playlist from when Bob and I did this cruise: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVGIkLzMGzGDOfx8xOSpC2Vt

Seabourn ships hold only 450 guests, so you’ll get to see Alaska up close.  The fare includes all taxes & fees, gratuities, specialty dining, an open bar (including a mini bar stocked and refilled with your preferences), and remember that every room is a 300 square foot Suite.  

Tauck – Canada’s Capital Cities

You’ve been asking for more domestic offers, and for such purposes, I’ll include Canada.  Normally vacation packages focus on Canada’s natural splendor in the Rocky Mountains or Maritime Provinces.  This urban itinerary from Tauck caught my eye because it’s a little different:  

• 10-days between Toronto and Quebec City:
• Toronto:  Canada’s largest city, and one of the world’s most diverse and multicultural cities in the world.  Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, or the CN Tower (the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere and previously the tallest in the world). 
• Niagara Falls:  It’s touristy, but you still have to visit
• Ottawa:  Visit the Canadian Parliament, or perhaps one of the many museums.
• Montreal:  Go for dinner in Old Montreal, and feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
• Quebec City:  wander North America’s only walled city, and bask in its French language and culture.  
• Stay at the beautiful Fairmont Hotels throughout your trip, including the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec – reportedly the world’s most photographed hotel.
• Departures from $5590 per person (double occupancy) in September 2023, or May – September 2024.

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

Much like you, we’ve been travelling a lot in the past 18 months, and after every trip, I usually make notes as to what I could have done to improve my trip.  I only note those variables that I control, and at the top of that list is usually what I have packed.

Many of you have told me that there’s a direct correlation between the amount of luggage you’re packing, and your overall level of frustration when it comes to the logistics of travel.  LESS is MORE.  But what do you pack?

Here’s crack at my list when I go to Europe.  I specify “Europe” simply because a trip to an extremely hot place, or an extremely cold place is going to necessitate some adjustments to my list:

First the general framework:

• Layers – we’re often in Europe in the shoulder season, which means it might be 85 degrees, or it could be 40 and raining.  You need to be prepared for both.
• Fabrics – Jeans and other heavy cotton garments are heavy, not good in rain, and don’t pack well.  Synthetic fabrics that will dry overnight (if you end up having to wash them in your room) are preferred.
• Laundry Soap – I pack for 7-days.  If I’m away longer than that, I plan on doing laundry.  This is where dry laundry-detergent sheets come in really handy.
• Mix & Match – some people pack for a different outfit every night over 14 days.  This is fine if you can pack that much luggage.  I prefer to travel with about 3 or 4 outfits, and then mix and match various items to make up different combinations.  For men, this might mean different shirts, pants and/or jackets.  For women it’s as easy as a scarf or other accent. 
• Packing Cubes – these will allow you fit more into a small suitcase, and to keep things organized. 

Here’s some specific things from my list:

• Rain Gear – You’ll never regret packing this.  I ALWAYS bring a rain coat, and if there more than a 50/50 chance of rain, then I also bring an umbrella and rain pants.  The nylon-type fabrics are very compact… so even if you don’t use them, it’s worth throwing them in. 
• Shoes – this is the hardest part of packing.  First, I wear my heaviest/most bulky shoes on the plane to spare the space in my luggage.  I always take one pair of comfortable walking shoes, and then one (or maybe two) pairs of shoes to wear at night.  I also throw in flip-flops or something casual for walking around the ship. 
• Base Layers – I take 7 sets of these – call it socks, underwear and undershirts.  See my note above about fabrics.
• Insulation – I’ve got my rain coat if it gets wet or windy.  I need one layer of insulation if it gets colder than I think.  It’s also good for outdoor decks at night.
• Zip-away pants – These are great for mixed weather, when you don’t know if pants or shorts are more appropriate – you’re covered for both.
• Snacks for travel days – if you’re concerned about what you eat, it’s worth throwing some healthy protein bars in your carry-on if you have a long travel day.
• Electrolyte Replacement or Rehydrating Salts – it’s really easy to get dehydrated when travelling, and you can get these tablets at any pharmacy. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA Waterways is offering 20% off river cruises on select dates and itineraries.  Here’s a couple of examples:

Rhine River from Basel to Amsterdam (7-nights)

• Depart November 21 or 23, and you catch the front end of the Christmas Markets
• Visit Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge, Lahnstein, Cologne, Amserdam.  Here’s our video from when we did that trip a couple of years ago:  https://youtu.be/UHzzsujRcDY 
• French Balconies from $3439 per person in November, or go in March 2024 from $3849.

Wine-themed cruise on Main/Moselle Rivers – from Luxembourg City to Nuremburg (7-nights)

• This itinerary is great for those that have already done the Rhine and/or the Danube, and are looking to explore something a bit different in Western Europe
• Visit Luxembourg City, Trier, Bernkastel, Alken, Cochem, Rudesheim, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Eltmann, Nuremburg.  This itinerary has it all:  wineries, Roman ruins, gothic castles, and scenic cruising in the Rhine Gorge.
• Depart October 31 or November 7, 2023.  French Balconies from $3899. 
• Depart July 31 or August 7, 2024.  French Balconies from $4499.

Croatia & Greece with SilverSea (Venice to Athens)

This cruise is perfect for those that want to immerse themselves in Croatia and the Greek Islands, AND you can explore the marquis ports of Venice and Athens pre and/or post cruise.

• Departing Venice for 11-days starting July 15, 2024. 
• Visit Venice, Zadar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Nafplion (Greece), Syros, Symi, Paros, Athens.

• Window suites at $6350, and Verandas from $6950.  Get an additional 10% off if you pay in full at the time of booking. 
• Includes all taxes & fees, a shore excursion in every port, open bar, gratuities and wifi on the ship.

National Parks and Denver

You’ve been asking for more domestic options, so here one idea:

• 14-days between Phoenix and Denver.
• Visit Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Page (AZ), Zion NP, Grand Teton, Springdale (UT), Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone NP, Sheridan (WY), Rapid City (SD), Mount Rushmore, Rocky Mountain NP, Denver.
• Depart in September 2023 for $5699, OR May/June 2024 for $5399

MIssissippi River with Viking

• 8-days round-trip from New Orleans departing December 16 or 23.
• Visit New Orleans, Darrow, St. Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg and Baton Rouge
• Prices start at $2999 per person with FREE air and Stateroom upgrade.
• Includes all taxes and fees, round-trip air, transfers, beer/wine with meals, a shore excursion in every port, and wifi on the ship.  

World Cruise with Viking 

Extended voyages are not for everyone, but Viking sure makes it easy with a package like this.

• Departing Los Angeles for 121 days on January 9, 2024.
• Visit 23 countries – sailing westward to Hawaii and the South Pacific Islands.  Then on to New Zealand and Australia, and up to Southeast Asia, and over to India, and up the Red Sea and Suez Canal into the Mediterranean before sailing up the Atlantic Coast to finish in London.
• Includes round-trip business-class air, transfers, all taxes and fees, all visas and entry permits, open bar on the ship, gratuities, luggage forward service (to ship your bags to the cruise, a shore excursion in each of 50 ports of call, specialty dining.
• Also get an additional $1000 per person shore excursion credit, $1000 per person on board credit
• Veranda suites start at $54,995 per person, with an additional 3.3% off if you pay by E-check.  

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?  

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online or by phone.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.  

We’ll check over your booking to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings. 

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.  

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).  
Also, in case you’re wondering, there is NO fee to work with us.  We get paid commission by the cruise lines after our clients travel.  So, please get in touch to let us know about your existing reservations (including those made while on board).

Have something to say about this?

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

The two most common questions many of you ask after you’ve booked a trip are about currency (see my post from a few weeks go here: https://pamperedcruiser.com/foreign-exchange-tips/), and telecom.  The internet has caused a communications revolution – remember the old days of collect calls (at $4/minute), and calling cards?

Now… we’re living like the Jetsons – video calls from the middle of the Ocean!

Some questions prevail, however, as some mobile phone providers limit your voice and data when you’re in another country, and others outright gouge you on roaming fees.

Here’s some things you can do prior to your trip abroad to minimize both your costs and your frustration:

• Understand what your cell phone company will charge you and how they might restrict you when you’re abroad.  Keep in mind that this often depends where you’re going.  US territories may not have any implications.  Mexico and Canada are often different than overseas destinations.
• “Global Roaming” – this is a phrase that has been designed by marketers… make sure you understand the fine print, and don’t assume that you can simply use your cell phone like you would at home. 
• Decide how much you need to be connected.  You’re on vacation, and while it’s nice to post the occasional photo, isn’t the purpose of spending a lot of money and going a long way away to DISCONNECT?
• Use Free WiFi.  It really is everywhere, and you may not need to turn on your phone to a cellular network. 
• Don’t count on the ship’s WiFi.  WiFi on board ships is certainly better than it was, but even the latest technology slows down significantly, at certain times when everyone is using it. 
• Foreign SIM cards.  A SIM card is a little computer chip in your device that assigns your phone number to the piece of hardware you’re using.  People often ask if they need a SIM card for the country they are visiting.  They are cheap (normally under $10), so the stakes are low, but it’s probably not necessary if you’re only visiting for a short time, and you don’t need to be connected at all times.  If you’re staying longer, OR you can’t live without permanent real-time connectivity, then you might want to look at it.
• E-SIM.  As the name would imply (“E” stand for “electronic”), this is an APP that makes your phone act as though you went and bought a foreign SIM card, without going to the trouble of buying one.  It will be some version of this that we will all use in the not too distant future.  For now, make sure you understand any subscription costs and limitations. 
• Download in advance.  Maybe you need some maps, a guide book, or a certain APP when you’re away.  These might be really large files, so download them before you leave, so you’re not consuming data on a foreign network.  
• Google Translate.  This is the APP I don’t leave home without.  It’s free, and it goes a long way to bridging the language barrier in other countries.  You also don’t have to be THAT traveller that assumes everyone speaks English. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Oceania’s New Fare Structure

The folks at Oceania introduced their new simply MORE fare structure on July 1^st, and really does live up to its name.  It’s definitely easier to understand than the previous structure, and you do get more.  Here’s a short video we produced that explains it:  https://youtu.be/0115RvMoa6M 

Here’s one example:

Oceania Marina – Iceland

• 9-days from Reykjavik to London departing August 20, 2024
• Visit 4 ports in Iceland, the Faroe Islands (Denmark), the Hebrides, Glasgow, Dublin, London.
• Veranda rooms start at $5249.  Air Add-on $1200.  Includes $300 per person Shore Excursion wallet, Beer/wine with meals, all specialty dining, and WiFi on the ship. 

Douro River with Uniworld

• 8-days round-trip from Porto
• Visit Porto, Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Pocinho, Vega de Terron, Salamanca (Spain), Barca d’Alva.  See the steep hillside wineries, quaint villages, medieval castles, and go hiking in the vineyards, or perhaps just do a wine tasting.  
• Includes all meals and beverages on board, wifi, gratuities, and transfers.
• $4699 per person for departures on March 31, April 7, June 30, or July 7, 14, 21, or 28.
• ALL these dates are eligible for the 10% off early booking discount.  

The Douro River is one of the European destinations that was largely sold out for 2023, and 2024 is booking quickly. 

Michigan & Macinac Island with Tauck

People have been asking about domestic options, so If you’d rather stay a bit closer to home, here’s a land-tour that caught my eye: 

• Traverse City (Michigan) to Detroit.  
• Visit Traverse City (2 nights at Traverse City Resort & Spa), sand dunes on Lake Michigan, Mackinac Island, Bay City, Frankenmuth (Bavarian Village), Dearborn (for Ford Museum), and finish in Detroit.  
• Depart on September 9 or 30, for $4490 per person. 
• Includes a private Motown band performance, wine-pairing dinner at a winery, horse-drawn carriage ride at Mackinac Island, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Tall ship sailing expedition on Grand Traverse Bay, City tour of Detroit, 17 meals, gratuities, service charges, taxes, admission fees. 

Panama Canal with Viking Ocean

Viking is throwing in Free Air on this one, but only if it’s booked by July 31.  

• Fort Lauderdale to Panama City (with a full transit of the canal) for 11-days departing November 30.  
• Visit Cozumel, Belize City, Roatan, Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Colon, Full Transit of the Canal, and Panama City.  
• If you want to see the locks from land, you can extend in Panama City for 2 days for $549 per person.  
• Past Viking guests will also get their past passenger discount doubled. 

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

Many of you have been to Budapest on your river cruises, and a common comment is the collision of cultures you experience when visiting there.  A Soviet-era train station straight out of the movies, is connected to a brand new shopping mall with all the same designer stores we see in the United States.

It’s worth remembering that only a generation ago Hungary, and all those countries between there are the Black Sea were behind the iron curtain.  Thirty (ish) years later, all these countries are catching up with their own history.

And THAT is why it’s worth sailing the Lower Danube.  

The Lower Danube refers to that area from Hungary to where the river drains into the Black Sea in Romania.  If you catch a river boat in Budapest, and ride it to the Black Sea, you get to see parts of Hungary few people see, as well as Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

A river cruise is a great way to see these countries, because between the language barriers and the infrastructure, it’s not as easy to travel here as in Western Europe.  Cruises through this region offers a bit of something for everyone:

• Roman ruins and archeological sites – Europe’s first settlement dating back to the stone age is here. 
• Farm to table cuisine.
• Visits to vineyards and wineries – we were in Croatia earlier this year, and were blown away by the wineries there.  Some of these wineries have been producing since the Roman era. 
• Scenic Cruising – most notably the Iron Gate (the 83 mile long narrow gorge with enormous limestone cliffs.
• Medieval fortresses and historical sites.
• Centuries old churches and cathedrals (because you are in Europe, after all)
• The modern history of the break-up of Yugoslavia, and the peace that has endured in the region. 
• Transylvania – go visit the castle that inspired the legend of Dracula.
• Nicola Tesla museum – We’ve heard lots about this fellow in the past few years – why not learn about him on his home turf?

There is no doubt that the history we learn and are familiar with is that of our own country, and of Western Europe.  The history and culture of Eastern Europe is every bit as interesting, and it is not as completely overrun with tourists as Western Europe has been this past year. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Several River Cruise Companies have itineraries on the Lower Danube:

AMA Waterways — Gems of Southeast Europe

• 7-nights between Budapest to Guirgiu (Romania)
• Depart June 17, 2024 from $3249 per person.  Includes a $150 per person on board credit. 
• Available escorted extensions to:
  • Vienna, Austria for 2 nights.
  • Bucharest, Romania for 2 nights
  • Istanbul for 3 -nights

Uniworld’s Highlights of Eastern Europe

• 10 days between Budapest to Bucharest (Romania)
• Depart in April from $4499.  September from $4999.  Includes a $150 per person on board credit.
• 10% pay in full discount available on new bookings
• Available extensions to Budapest for 2-nights.

Viking Passage to Eastern Europe

• 11-days between Budapest and Bucharest
• Depart in June from $4499.  November from $3599.  Includes a $100 per person on board credit.
• Available extensions to
  • Bucharest/Transylvania for 3 nights from $899.
  • Istanbul for 3 nights from $1399
  • Prague for 3 nights from $1199
  • Vienna for 3 nights from $899

Viking Capitals of Eastern Europe

• This is a great option if you’ve got a bit more time, and includes 3-nights aboard the ship in Vienna.
• 17-days between Vienna and Bucharest
• Depart in June from $5499.  November from $5299. Includes a $100 per person on board credit.

If you’d rather explore this region by small-ship Ocean cruise, here’s one option:

Oceania Vista Aegean & Adriatic Cruise

• 10-nights between Istanbul and Venice departing June 19, 2024
• Visit Istanbul (overnight), Izmir (Turkey), Santorini, Argostoli (Greece), Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Hvar (Croatia), Koper (Slovenia), Trieste (for Venice).  
• Veranda rooms start at $4999.  Includes beer/wine with meals, wifi, a $400 per person shore excursion credit, and all specialty dining.  We can also get you Free Gratuities on this sailing

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?  

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online or by phone.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.  

We’ll check over your booking to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings. 

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.  

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).  
Also, in case you’re wondering, there is NO fee to work with us.  We get paid commission by the cruise lines after our clients travel.  So, please get in touch to let us know about your existing reservations (including those made while on board).

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0Qxn7EyDG2tXHmDV5FGrjDsx34XS4F6nwXYwytZTP2ef3Bi8HxkEPTdjpqLzs2PG2l

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

Do you remember Karl Malden advising us all about American Express Traveller’s Checks: “Don’t leave home without them”?!

We were asked recently what type of Travellers’ Checks are best for use in Europe.  I can only assume that this person hadn’t done much international travel in the past couple of decades.  I’m not sure if travellers’ checks still exist, but I know for sure there are much more convenient ways to take money abroad.  

Here are a few ideas if you see yourself travelling overseas in the next year or two:

• Internationally, Euros and US Dollars are well recognized.  You should check where you’re going as to which of these currencies is going to serve you the best.  For the purposes of this conversation, we’ll talk about Europe (but most of these suggestions largely apply to Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and most of the Caribbean Islands).
• In Europe, quite obviously, the Euro is preferred over the US dollar.
• You have two choices for paying for things in Europe (travellers’ checks notwithstanding):  credit cards, or cash.

Cash

• Cash is not all that necessary – Credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, and you can use them just about anywhere.  More on that below.
• Too much cash – The biggest mistake most people make is taking too much currency.  I normally buy about 100 Euros of currency before I leave home, and then top up at ATMs if needed when I’m abroad.  Even though public safety in Europe is excellent, it’s not a good idea to be carrying huge wads of cash anywhere – and it’s not necessary. 
• Plan ahead – Here at home, at some smaller banks you may need to call ahead to get Euros (especially small denominations), so don’t leave it until the last minute. 
• Get small bills – Most often, I find I use cash for tips, so small bills (€5.00) are preferable.  I use my credit card for everything else.
• Get used to coins – the smallest printed currency note in Europe is 5 Euros so you need to get used to carrying more change.  I take a small zippered coin purse so I don’t lose coins (Bob takes a small plastic container – remember the ones we used to use for camera film)?.  And yes… it feels strange at first to tip a tour guide 3 Euros using coins but remember that is our bias – they don’t care.
• Multiple currencies? — The Euro is in use in 20 countries in Europe, but if you find yourself in Switzerland, Hungary, or the Czech Republic (for example), these countries have their own currencies.  Do you need cash for each of them?  It really depends how long you’re staying.  If you’re just there for a day or two, you can get away without it – they will take Euros, you just won’t get the best exchange rate, and they’ll make change in the local currency.  You can use your credit card quite easily in any of the three countries I mentioned above.  If I’m finishing a cruise in Switzerland, for example, and am staying on for a couple of days, I don’t usually bother buying Swiss Francs.  
• Excess foreign currency – If you’re flying home tomorrow, and you look in your wallet and find way too much currency, there’s a few things you can do:
  • Pay part of your hotel bill with local cash, and the balance on your credit card.
  • Buy something at the airport (although that can sometimes be a gouge)
  • Sell local currency for US dollars to a local exchange bureau (maybe at the airport).  You won’t get a great rate, but it will still be far better than what you’ll get if you sell Euros back to the bank at home in the US.
  • Save it for your next trip
  • If you just have a handful of lower value coins left, most international airlines will take them from you, and donate to a charity.
• ATMs – Cash machines are everywhere in Europe.  I look for the ones that are affiliated with my bank at home in the hope that it will minimize the fees.  This is an example of why you’ll want to talk to your bank before you leave.  I also prefer to use an ATM that is in-branch at the larger European banks, and avoid those private kiosk machines that you find at convenience stores.

Credit Cards

• ForEx Fees – Different credit cards have different fees for foreign transactions, so make sure you understand that prior to departure.  You’ll want to skim the 80-page document that accompanied your new credit card.  Or maybe you’ll just want to call them and ask.
• Notify Your Credit Card Provider – Make sure you inform your credit card company in advance of your trip that you’re going to be overseas.  There is nothing worse than getting to a foreign country and having your only credit card declined.
• Leave your Diner’s Club card at home:  In Europe the two most commonly accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard.  I take one of each (in case I have trouble with one).  Amex is accepted in some places, but not near as many as the other two.
• Know your credit card PIN – In the US, we lag other advanced economies in the adoption of chip card readers with PIN (personal identification number).  Make sure you know your PIN – many vendors overseas no longer have outdated swiping technology at their point of sale. 

Pay in Local Currency — In Europe, you sometimes have a choice when paying by credit card to pay in US dollars or the local currency.  ALWAYS pick the local currency.  If you choose US dollars, you end up paying the exchange differential twice.

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Regent Seven Seas is an all-inclusive small-ship cruise line that is currently offering a 2-category suite upgrade, AND a $1000 on board credit on select departures.  The catch is it has to be booked by July 21.  Here are two examples:

Athens to Istanbul for 12-nights departing October 29

• Visit Santorini, Rhodes, Alanya (Turkey), Cyprus, Antalya (Turkey), Kos (Greece), Crete, Bodrum (Turkey), Ephesus, Pergamum (Turkey).  
• Fares from $11,699 including round-trip business class air.
• Get a $1000 on board credit, and a 2-category upgrade

Miami round-trip for 7-nights departing November 25.

• Visit Roatan, Harvest Caye (Belize), Costa Maya, Cozumel, Key West
• Fares from $4499 for a Veranda, including round-trip domestic air.
• Get a $1000 on board credit, and a 2-category upgrade

Regent includes round-trip business-class air (on international flights), unlimited shore excursions, open bar, gratuities, speciality dining, transfers, valet laundry service, and wifi on the ship. 

Tauck Scotland Tour from Glasgow to Edinburgh for 8 days

• Visit Stirling Castle and Glenturret Distillery in Glasgow; Inverness and the Highlands; Blair and Cawdor Castles, Edinburgh Castle and a private visit to Holyroodhouse (if the King is not in residence), St. Andrews.
• Fares from $5990 for departures May through September

Tauck Family Tour to Costa Rica for 8-days

 – take the grandchildren.  San Jose to Liberia

• Visit Tortuguero NP, a toucan rescue center, a chocolate making demonstration, river rafting in Arenal, see monkeys, sloths, and turtles on a jungle cruise, a pineapple farm, a zip line ride (or nature walk)  at the Arenal volcano, visit Guanacaste for dolphin spotting and snorkelling. 
• Fares from $4390 for departures March through August.  Take the grandchildren for spring break!

Viking Rome to Athens with Israel

• Departures November 14, 16, 22, 28 or December 6 for 15-days
• Includes round-trip air, Double past-guest discount, all taxes & fees, transfers, shore excursion in every port, beer/wine with meals, and wifi on the ship.
• Visit Rome (overnight), Naples, Heraklion, Jerusalem, Haifa (overnight), Cyprus, Rhodes, Mykonos, Athens (overnight).
• Fares start at $4699 for a veranda room.

Viking Caribbean & Amazon for 13-days between Puerto Rica and Brazil

• Departures on November 26 (from San Juan), or December 8 (from Manaus)
• Includes round-trip air, all taxes & fees, transfers, shore excursion in every port, beer/wine with meals, and wifi on the ship
• Visit San Juan (overnight), Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, French Guiana, Scenic Sailing in the Amazon, Santarem, Parintins, Manaus (overnight)
• Veranda rooms starting at $5599 (including air).

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley