13 days until Europe Woah, Batman!
June 2019 (Pt 1)
CALL YOUR CELL PHONE COMPANY NOW! ALSO....DOWNLOAD WHAT'S APP FOR PEOPLE AT HOME AND TO TALK TO ONE ANOTHER OVER THERE AS NEEDED
When Eliana went to Spain, I asked Verizon to remove international capability. This meant that all texts did not come through, she was unable to use the Internet or anything else Instagram, Snapchat, etc. on the data plan. She still had access to Wi-Fi.
I highly recommend downloading What's App. This is a great way to communicate with loved ones at home when you are near Wi-Fi. Have them do the same and play with it before you leave.
This will give you phone call and texting capability - plus ability to send photos when we are with WiFi area such as the hostels, some trains, etc.
Who's on What's App right now? Thank you Suzy for being the ONLY one that downloaded the app. Sasha & Cris have it from when Sasha was overseas and Eliana has it for the same reason.
Amy
Eliana
Suzy
Sasha
Cristina
Not Aubrey
Not Christine
Not Tammy
Not Cydney
Not Megan
Not Alexis
Not Delach Family
Not Kira, Sara or Mark
Not Julia
Not Madison, Amy or Jon
Packing List
Hopefully, I'll have a cool YouTube video made by Eliana and myself regarding packing for those of you that did not swing by on Sunday.
1. Zippered laundry bag - adults only kids given this over Christmas https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ZIPPERED+LAUNDRY+BAG&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
2. Passport neck pouch with RFID https://www.amazon.com/s?k=passport+neck+holder&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 OR around the waist: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Travel-Pouch-Passport-Holder/dp/B01N7Q3SLE
3. Clothing - 5-6 outfits, one nice outfit, way to cover shoulders and knees with nice outfit for churches, Mozart concert, etc. Adults consider pants/capris versus shorts. I'll be bringing one pair of shorts for when I absolutely cannot take it, but plan to dress appropriately for the region, 2 sets of pajamas you can walk around the youth hostel in.
What I'm packing - 2 pairs of pants/capris, 1 pair of shorts, 5-6 nice tops, 7 pairs of underwear, one extra bra, 7 sets of socks, 2 pairs of pajamas that I am comfortable walking around the youth hostel in.
4. $1 flip flops for showering
5. 1 pair comfortable shoes, 1 pair shoes for nice outfit (also comfy)
6. Waterproof jacket that you can wear for cold and if raining
7. Sanitary items
8. 1 swimsuit
9. Sunglasses
10. Toiletries including sunscreen. Travel size only! 16 days, not your lifetime.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo/soap/conditioner
- Washcloth/Shower Pouf
- Moisturizer/lotion
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush/comb
- Sunscreen
- Any medications and prescription copy
- Spare set of contact lenses/glasses - important! I got daily contacts by request at my eye doctor specific to this trip. He was kind enough to give me some samples.
11. European outlet converter for England and Europe like this: https://www.amazon.com/Limechoes-International-Travel-Universal-Converter/dp/B07F84KCL5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=european+converter&qid=1556674605&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
(Please remember that most items such as hair dryers, curling irons will likely short. Not worth taking over.)
12. Ziplock baggies for dirty underwear, wet clothing, basically they rock when needed. It's also recommended to put your toiletries in a ziplock bag as well in case something explodes - it won't be all over your items.
13. Scarf - for covering hair, blanket, shawl, etc.
14.Towel - think lightweight and quickly dries https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=travel%20towel We got a 24 x 48 (too small)
15. NO LONGER NEED SHEETS. Everyone providing but two hostels - rented them with funds. But, consider lightweight blanket for travel.
16. Small pillow https://www.amazon.com/s?k=camping+pillow&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
17. Socks - think quick-drying, wicking, short - in line with your shoes (see above) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=short+socks&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
18. Small flashlight
19. Small notebook
20. Eyemask
21. Ear Plugs
22. Photocopies of your important documents saved on your phone somewhere
23.Smallest travel umbrella https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+travel+umbrella+compact+mini&crid=1R36DW68XMPP3&sprefix=small+travel+um%2Caps%2C136&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_15
24. Melatonin, Advil, any meds that make you happy and make us also happy you're on them.
25. Does your backpack need a rain cover? https://www.amazon.com/s?k=backpack+rain+cover&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
26. Suzy suggested bringing two books and we can exchange among ourselves as we need a new book. I'm bringing my Kindle.
27. Card games, etc. for the train - suggest everyone bring one thing.
28. Charger for any of your devices
29. Headphones
30. Watch or alarm
31. ATM card/credit card
32. Spending money - I'm taking about 100 Euros. Essentially, I plan to use my credit card for most purchases.
33. Passport
34. Copy of tour itinerary given to people at home as well as my cell phone number
35. Medications should be carried in original container in case customs officials want to verify. Honestly, I opted not to do this. I have taken a picture of the medication bottle and placed them in a daily pill container.
36. BACKPACK/BAG for carry on contents - PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL HAVE A BACKPACK ON YOUR BACK. Anything you carry on the plane will also have to travel with you to the hostel. I have a very small one for Eliana and although mine is larger, I will transfer to big pack at airport.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Contact lens case/glasses
- Change of clothes
- Medication
- Reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
- Passport, money, etc.
* Make sure the credit card you bring is a chip card - not swipe. Europe had chip cards when I lived there in 1996. We were really behind the curve. I do not recommend using your debit card for purchases - only for ATM if needed, but remember the international fee might be relatively high.
Packing guidelines from the airlines
Things to consider - Troop 4134 will NOT be paying for excess baggage fees, so make sure you are packing appropriately:
VIRGIN AIRLINES:
What is Virgin America's (VX) carry-on baggage policy?
Virgin America (VX) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free.
Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:
- 50 linear inches (24 x 16 x 10 in) or 127 centimeters (61 x 41 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels
- Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Personal item should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:
- 36 linear inches (17 x 10 x 9 in) or 90 centimeters (43 x 25 x 22 cm)
- Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you
- A jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, duty free items, and assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.) do not count towards your carry-on allowance.
NOTE: Bulkhead seats do not have under seat storage, therefore, all carry-on baggage must be stowed in the overhead bin during take-off and landing.
What is Virgin America's (VX) checked baggage / hold luggage policy?
Virgin America's (VX) standard checked baggage / hold luggage policy details follow:
- Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height)
- Maximum weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms
AIR FRANCE:
SIZE LIMIT FOR CHECKED BAGGAGE ITEMS INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE
Your checked baggage item must not exceed the following dimensions: 158 cm / 62.2 in (a +
b + c), (including pockets, wheels and handles).
CHECKED BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT
WEIGHT LIMIT FOR CHECKED BAGGAGE ITEMS INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE
Checked baggage items must not exceed 23 kg / 50.7 lb in the Economy and Premium Economy cabins or 32 kg / 70.5 lb in the Business and La Première cabins. This information is indicated on your trip summary.
Amy's Schedule
However, I am totally home on Saturday, June 15th after 1:00 pm if anyone wants to get this off their plate early. We'll have ample time to make sure you got everything and repack items if you are worried about anything.
Sunday and Monday will be ridiculous as I'm trying to save Paid Time Off and will be working 12-14 hour days.
Trip Comprehensive Itinerary (Complete with Phone Numbers for family members)
AMY'S CELL PHONE NUMBER: 703-405-9316 I WILL HAVE INTERNATIONAL PLAN.
June 15, 16, 17 (preferably 15th if possible): Backpacks packed and delivered to my house by this date. (Langs come with theirs on the 18th) PASSPORTS INCLUDED!
LONDON:
June 19: Arrive Heathrow in London @ 6:45 am. Spend day exploring on foot. Have made reservation (free) for British Museum for any families that want to go there and Madison and Julia have requested the Sherlock Holmes Museum for this day. In addition, I will be sending out text soon about idea that Suzy gave me. I expect us to be dragging on this day. We will want to go to bed early. Due to the fact the exchange rate at the bank caused me to pay $550 more than anticipated, this day is on you cost-wise. British Museum = free. Sherlock Holmes museum = a little more. Suzy idea = also a little more, but pay ahead of time.
Staying at YHA London Thameside, 20 Salter Rd. London, SE16 5PR Phone: +44 345 371 9756 https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-london-thameside?utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_campaign=google-places(Breakfast on 1st day and sheets included)
June 20: London in One Day Tour https://evanevanstours.com/sightseeing-tours/london-tours/london-in-one-day-with-changing-of-the-guard-river-cruise/ I also added the London Eye for the evening. Full day of festivities! Will be picking us up at the hostel. Tour guide is Emily!
June 21: Had to cut last day in London short due to train schedules and the fact I wanted to show everyone the Red Light District in Amsterdam while not arriving there at 11:00 pm. Take Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam from 11:04-16:11. Train 9126, Coach 006 (Seats 71-95) Plus we get to see France, Belgium and Netherlands during the daylight hours from the train windows.
AMSTERDAM:
Staying at A&O Amsterdam Zuidoost, Hogehiweg 22, 1101-CD Amsterdam Phone: +49 30 80947 5110 (German main station - they will patch you through and speak English)
https://www.aohostels.com/en/amsterdam/amsterdam-zuidoost/ (breakfast included - paying for sheets)
June 22: Spend day in Amsterdam. Tour booked for Van Gogh House in the morning @ 9:30 am and Anne Frank House @2:45 pm
Train info (overnight, but not sleeper train):
ICE 221: Amsterdam Centraal to Duisburg HBF 18:38 - 20:32 Coach 39, Seats 43-46, 51-56, 61-66, 71-76
ICE 619: Duisberg HBF to Muenchen HBF 21:39 - 06:02 Coach 29, Seats 43-46, 51-56, 61-66, 71-76
MUNICH:
June 23 - June 25 Munich Staying at Jaeger's Munich Senefelderstr. 3, D-80336 Munchen Phone: +49 89 555281
https://www.jaegershotel.de/en/ (breakfast and sheets included)
June 23: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train https://www.viator.com/tours/Munich/Dachau-Concentration-Camp-Memorial-Site-Tour-from-Munich-by-Train/d487-2666CAMP
Train ride included.
June 24: Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich by Train including Bike Ride from Fuessen.
Depart train from 9:50 am from Muenchen HBF to Fuessen HBF - arrive 11:55am We will use our Eurrail day pass for this - no reservations needed.
Take later train home when we are done using a Eurrail pass day - no reservations needed.
June 25: Chill in Munich (free day as of now) and explore before train to Salzburg.
Train info:
EC 261 Muenchen HBF to Salzburg HBF 17:30 to 18:58 (reservation made - awaiting tickets in the mail)
SALZBURG:
June 25 - June 27 Salzburg This will be our catch our breath mid-point. Unable to stay at the castle as they did not have enough rooms for our group, but I decided to still give us a relatively posh 2 nights. We will be staying at The Wyndam Salzburg - bring a swimsuit. They have a pool. https://www.wyndhamgrandsalzburg.com/en Address: Fanny-von-Lehnert-Strasse 7, 5020 Salzburg, Austria Phone: +43 66 246 88 0 (Breakfast and bedding included)
June 26: We will be biking through the 20 of the Sound of Music film locations. If you have not seen the movie - please do so ahead of time to enjoy this tour that much more!
http://www.mariasbicycletours.com/ 10:00 am departure. (3 1/2 hours)
Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour takes you to over 20 of the locations which were used in your favourite movie. The tour starts at our meeting point at Mirabellplatz, where you will receive your two-wheeled friend and get a pep talk, preparing you for the next 3.5 hours of being shown our favourite things. Then we are ready to roll!
After crossing the Salzach River, we venture into the old town, where we pass the Horse pond, the Horse riding school and cycle around the cathedral. After a short stroll through St. Peter’s cemetery, we cycle, (or push) our bikes up a small, (or enormous) hill, depending on which countryside you are used to :) and visit the Nonnberg Abbey.
From there we have a fantastic view of Salzburg and its marvellous mountains. An easy descent brings us down and a short ride takes us to the “Leopoldskron Palace” and its beautiful lake.
Our path now leads us through a traditional Austrian residential area and farmland to the Hellbrunner Allee, where we stop off at the Trapp Family residence, “Frohnburg Palace”. At the end of the Allee, the Gazebo awaits, and it is time for a 20 min break for refreshments or a stroll around the beautiful Hellbrunn Gardens.
In less than an hour we are back in town and some more sights await you there. Finally we pass by the Mirabell Gardens, before the tour ends at our meeting point at Mirabellplatz.
That evening we will be dressing nicely and heading to the Salzburg Fortress for a River Cruise, fancy dinner and a Mozart concert. https://www.viator.com/tours/Salzburg/River-Cruise-and-Dinner-Experience-followed-by-a-Mozart-Concert-at-the-Salzburg-Fortress/d451-14981P5
4:00 pm departure - we might be using Uber during this done with touring and back for concert. More than likely we will walk....
COSTS for swanky hotel, Mozart concert, bike tour (train reservation paid up above): $5420.69
VENICE:
June 27 - June 29 Venice.
We are staying at A&O Venezia Mestre Via Ca Marcello 19, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy Phone: +49 30 80947 5110 (German call center that will patch you through)
https://www.aohostels.com/en/venice/venezia-mestre/
(breakfast included, sheets rented)
June 28: https://www.viator.com/tours/Venice/Small-Group-Venice-In-A-Day-With-Basilica-San-Marco-and-Doges-Palace-plus-Gondola-Ride/d522-15693P31 Start at 8:00 am. Must wear clothing that covers the knees & shoulders. Backpacks prohibited.
June 29: https://www.viator.com/tours/Venice/Murano-Burano-and-Torcello-Half-Day-Sightseeing-Tour/d522-2495ABTOUR2 Starts at 9:30 and lasts for 4.5 hours. (Awaiting confirmation from tour provider, but have paid for this...so we should be good.
Train travel - SLEEPER CAR FOR 14 HOUR JOURNEY! I DID IT!!!
Trenitalia Thello 220 Venezia Mestre 19:32 to Paris-Gare-de-Lyon 9:37 arrival
Coach 87: Sleeps 6
Coach 88: Sleeps 6
Coach 88: Sleeps 6
Coach 87: Sleeps 4
PARIS:
June 30 - July 3 Paris This is my surprise for the end on where we stay. I'm hoping it's truly as cool as it is touting itself to be! (No breakfast, but sheets included) You'll have to text via What's App where we are staying once we get there. Sorry, still a surprise!
June 30: Catacombs Guided Tour This is hard to come by for a large groups, so some of us will be going at 1:00, some at 2:00 and some at 3:00. No backpacks, small purse is okay. May see if my cousin that has been living in Paris for the past 20 years can come hang with us that day for a flamboyant (I'll let you read between the lines...) tour...
July 1: Paris in One Day Tour https://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Paris-in-One-Day-Sightseeing-Tour/d479-2050PAJ Arrive at meet up point no later than 9:00 am
July 2: Private Versailles Bike Tour https://www.fattiretours.com/paris/tours/Versailles-Bike-Tour Arrive at meet up point no later than 8:00 am
July 3: Free morning to shop and then head to airport...
July 3: Fly Air France Flight 26 from CDG at 4:20 pm and arrive at Dulles on July 3rd at 6:50 pm. LW Transportation will return us to my house.
I have set aside money each day for everyone's food depending on the day (do we have breakfast, lunch or dinner included?)
So, as of right now:
June 18: $10
June 19: 36 GBP - $40
June 20: 30 GBP - $34
June 21: 12 GBP/18 EUR - $35
June 22: 35 EUR - $40
June 23: 35 EUR - $40
June 24: 29 EUR - $33
June 25: 29 EUR - $33
June 26: 12 EUR - $13
June 27: 32 EUR - $36
June 28: 32 EUR - $36
June 29: 32 EUR - $36
June 30: 48 EUR - $54
June 1: 33 EUR - $37
June 2: 48 EUR - $54
June 3: 38 EUR - $43
Money was determined by costs per city. This is a generous plan - you can use this money to really explore wonderful European cuisine without feeling like you are on a major budget or you can use the extra for spending money. The planned total for this meal plan is $12,628 (you guys are expensive to feed for 16 days). This actually cost closer to $13,300 due to exchange rates not being as stated online since we are not a large bank ordering millions of dollars, but a small group.
Venice Education
Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/it/venice/216711/june-weather/216711
Typically mid 70s during the day in June and low 60s at night
Bathrooms: Try to go when we are at Doges Palace and places like that. Otherwise, we might be spending upwards of 1,50 Euro to pee due to Venice policies.
Money: Again, we will remain with the Euro. Visa and Mastercard accepted in most places, but in smaller restaurants.
Riposo: Midday siesta. From 1-4 pm, you can expect to find many shops and restaurants closed.
Salad has a new best friend: Olive oil (maybe vinegar) Don't expect ranch, etc.
Cappuccinos: If you like them at home, drink them like water in Italy. It's one of the few things that don't cost a lot!
WiFi: A little less accessible than the rest of western Europe. So, more time to spend with one another and enjoying a long meal.
Dinner time: Plan to eat late - most restaurants don't open back up until 7:00 pm.
Time: Half 6 means 6:30 - so if we are to be somewhere, please remember the distinction.
Ciao: Means hello and goodbye
Grazie: means thank you
Non-Capisco: means I don't understand
Train tickets: We must validate our tickets at the bus or train station at the little machines before getting on the train. It proves we are using the ticket right then and there.