What I've Been Telling Clients All Week

It has been one of those weeks where I feel like I have been having the same conversations over and over again.

So, I figured I would share a few of them here because if my clients are asking, you might be wondering the same things.

First up…

No, you should not exchange money before you go to Europe.

It feels like the “responsible” thing to do, but it is not the smart thing to do.

You will almost always get a better rate by using a local ATM once you arrive, you won't be charged exorbitant change fees,  and you can take out only what you actually need instead of guessing ahead of time and coming home with a pile of foreign currency you cannot use.

Quick tip while we are here. If you are asjed whether you want to be charged in U.S. dollars or the local currency, always choose the local currency. Your bank will give you a better exchange rate.  This is true both at ATMs and when using your credit card for purchases.

Next…

A one-hour layover when you are returning from an international trip is not enough.

Yes, the airline will sell it. No, that does not mean it is realistic.

You have to get off the plane, go through customs and immigration, pick up your bag, recheck it, go back through security, and then get to your next gate.

That is a lot of steps, and an hour disappears very quickly.

Could you make it? Maybe in an ideal world where everything runs perfectly down to the second.

Would I ever recommend it? Absolutely not.

Missing that connection is not worth the stress.

Another one that came up more than once this week…

No, you do not need a visa to visit most of Europe right now.

There has been talk about an electronic visa requirement for U.S. travelers, but there is no confirmed start date yet.  All we've gotten is, "Maybe in the fourth quarter."

At the moment, a valid passport is all American citizens need for most European destinations.

The exception to this is the UK. They do require an electronic authorization, so that is something to plan for if your trip includes London or anywhere else in the UK.

And finally…

No, airfare has not suddenly skyrocketed because of the situation in the Middle East.

I have had a LOT of people ask about this.

While fuel prices are expected to impact airfare at some point, what we are seeing right now is largely business as usual.

If that changes, I will absolutely let you know, but there is no need to panic-book flights because of headlines.

So if you have been wondering about any of these, you are not alone.

These are exactly the kinds of details that can make or break a trip, and they are also the things that tend to get overlooked until the last minute.

This is the kind of behind-the-scenes stuff I am handling every day for my clients so they do not have to think about it.

If you are already working with me, you know you're taken care of.

If you are not, this is exactly why you should be.

Meet Christine

christine@moderntravelpros.com

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