Travel Tips
Climate / Clothing
Belgium: You're unlikely to encounter extremes in weather during an average Belgian year. April to September is the warmest time, but be prepared for gray skies and soggy streets no matter what time of year you go. Visitors may be forgiven for assuming umbrellas and raincoats are part of the Belgian national dress.
Belgium Average Temperatures: www.gutsywomentravel.com/europe-travel/europe-weather.asp#belgium.
Britain:
Spring and Fall:
40°F - 60°F; Summer: 50°F - 70°F; Winter: 35°F - 45°F.
Showers are common throughout the year. Winter is wetter than summer.
Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an umbrella and
an all-weather coat. Jacket and tie and cocktail dress are required at some
of the finer restaurants. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or
sleeveless shirts.
Great Britain Average Temperatures: www.gutsywomentravel.com/europe-travel/europe-weather.asp#england.
Holland: Mild, maritime climate. Summers are generally warm with changeable periods, but excessively hot weather is rare. Winters can be fairly cold with the possibility of some snow. Rainfall is prevalent all year.
Holland Average Temperatures: www.gutsywomentravel.com/europe-travel/europe-weather.asp#holland.
Italy: Spring and Fall: 55 - 75°F; Summer: 70 - 85°F; Winter: 40 - 55°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. On the cruises, informal dress is the general rule but there may be some occasions were formal dress is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
Italy Average Temperatures: www.gutsywomentravel.com/europe-travel/europe-weather.asp#italy.
Spain: Spring and Fall: 55°F - 75°F; Summer: 70°F - 85°F; Winter: 40°F - 55°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Language
Belgium: The official languages are Dutch, French and German. Dutch is slightly more widely spoken than French, and German is spoken the least.
Britain: English is the national language but Welsh is spoken in Wales.
France: French is the official language. English is widely understood in the larger cities.
Holland: Dutch is the official language. English, German and French are widely spoken.
Italy: Italian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken as well.
Portugal: Portuguese is the local language. English is widely spoken within the business community.
Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Raeto-Romance are the official languages, but English is widely spoken.
Spain: Spanish is the local language. English is generally spoken as well.
Passports & Visas
Belgium: Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay of up to 90 days.
Britain (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales): Passport required. Visa not required for stay of up to 6 months.
France: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days in France, Andorra, Monaco, and Corsica, and 1 month in French Polynesia.
Holland: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business visit of up to 90 days.
Italy: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days.
Portugal: (Includes travel to the Azores and Madeira Islands.) Passport required. Visa not required for visit up to 90 days.
Spain: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days.
Switzerland: Passport required. Visa not required for tourism/study stay of less than 90 days.
For more information, please see www.gutsywomentravel.com/visas.asp.
Currency
Belgium: Euro
Britain: Pound Sterling
France: Euro
Holland: Euro
Italy: Euro
Portugal: Euro
Spain: Euro
Switzerland: The Swiss Franc
Tipping
Tipping is considered by locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation" There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
For specific guidelines, please refer to www.gutsywomentravel.com/tipping.asp
Electricity
Belgium & Holland: The voltage used is 230V.
Britain: The voltage used is 240 volts.
France & Greece The voltage used is 220 volts.
Spain & Portugal: The voltage used is 220 volts.
Italy & Switzerland: The voltage used is 220 volts.
*Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
Shopping
Belgium: Special purchases include ceramics and hand-beaten copperware from Dinant; Belgian chocolates; crystal from Val Saint Lambert; diamonds; jewelry from Antwerp; lace from Bruges, Brussels and Mechelen (Malines), woodcarvings from Spa and bandes dessinées (comic-strip books) by a number of talented Belgian cartoon artists from Brussels. Main shopping centres are: Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Ostend, Namur, Mons, Liège, Ghent and Mechelen.
Britain: Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Many larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. London offers wonderful department stores and designer boutiques. The shops of Regent Street and Covent Garden are especially worth visiting. The British countryside is known for its quaint shops, handmade glassware, crafts and antiques. Licensing laws in England are varied. Pubs are allowed to open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Mon-Sat). Sunday opening hours are 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in pubs.
France: In Paris, stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. Many wonderful department stores and designer boutiques are located in Paris. The French countryside is known for its quaint shops, farm markets and vineyards. Good buys include lace, crystal, glass, and of course, wine and liqueurs. Be sure to visit the well known shopping districts of Victoires/Eienne Marcel, Les Halles, St. Honore and Le Marais.
Holland: Special purchases include Delft blue pottery and pottery from Makkum and Workum, costume dolls, silverware from Schoonhoven, glass and crystal from Leerdam and diamonds from Amsterdam.
Italy: Shops are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., with some variations in Northern Italy, where the lunch break is shorter and shops close earlier. Prices are reasonable and the quality of goods is very high. Department stores such as La Rinascente, Coin, Upim, and Standa are found in many Italian cities and towns.
Things to buy: Clothes for men & women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster; woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. It is advisable to carry merchandise purchased with you in order to avoid any inconvenience. All major credit cards are honored in Italy. A proof of purchase (receipt) must be kept.
Portugal: Items include leather goods, copper, ceramics, handcrafted silver and gold, embroidery and tapestry, woodcarving, cork products, porcelain and china, crystal and glassware. Shopping hours generally run Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 -7 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (and 3 -7 p.m. in December). Shopping centers are usually open Mon-Sun 10 a.m. - midnight.
Switzerland: Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches. Shopping hours usually run Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30 -6:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Most shops are closed on Monday mornings.
Spain: Throughout Spain, stores are open in the morning, closing at noon for siesta. They re-open around 4:00 p.m. and do a lively business late into the evening. Spain is known for its fine leather goods and porcelain.
Health Precautions
No inoculations are necessary when arriving from the U.S. but you should consult with your health care provider before traveling.
To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. *For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov
Conservation / Code of Conduct
Belgium: Belgians will often prefer to answer visitors in English rather than French, even if the visitor’s French is good. It is customary to bring flowers or a small present for the hostess, especially if invited for a meal. Dress is similar to other Western nations, depending on the formality of the occasion.
Britain: The monarchy, though now only symbolic, is a powerful and often subconscious unifying force. Members of the Royal Family are the subject of unceasing fascination, with their every move avidly followed and reported by the popular press, both in Britain and abroad. Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home and a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. It is not customary to start eating until everyone is served.
Clothing: A tie, trousers and shoes (as opposed to jeans and trainers) are necessary for entry to some nightclubs and restaurants, otherwise casual wear is widely acceptable. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, buses, and the London Underground.
France: Handshaking and, more familiarly, kissing both cheeks, are the usual form of greeting. The form of personal address is simply Monsieur or Madame without a surname and it may take time to get on first-name terms. At more formal dinners, it is the most important guest or host who gives the signal to start eating. Meal times are often a long, leisurely experience. Casual wear is common but the French are renowned for their stylish sportswear and dress sense. Social functions, some clubs, casinos and exclusive restaurants warrant more formal attire. Evening wear is normally specified where required. Topless sunbathing is tolerated on most beaches but naturism is restricted to certain beaches – local tourist offices will advise where these are. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theatres. Tobacconists display a red sign in the form of a double cone. A limited choice of brands can be found in restaurants and bars.
\Holland: It is customary to shake hands. English is spoken as a second language by many and is willingly used; many Dutch people will also speak German and French. Hospitality is very much the same as for the rest of Europe and the USA. It is customary to take a small gift if invited for a meal. Casual wear is widely acceptable. Men are expected to wear a suit for business and social functions. Formal wear may be required for smart restaurants, bars and clubs.
Italy: The social structure is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church and, generally speaking, family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Dress is casual in most places, though beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothes are expected when visiting religious buildings and smaller, traditional communities. Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, transport and cinemas. Visitors are warned to take precautions against theft, particularly in the major cities.
Portugal: The Portuguese way of life is leisurely, and old-fashioned politeness is essential. Warm, Latin hospitality is the norm. The country has a deeply individual national character, although each province has its own traditions and folklore. Casual wear is widely acceptable, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. In restaurants, it is usual to smoke only at the end of the meal. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas, theatres and on buses.
Spain: Spanish life has undergone rapid change in recent years and many of the stricter religious customs are giving way to more modern ways, particularly in the cities and among women. Nonetheless, many old customs, manners and traditions have not faded and hospitality, chivalry and courtesy remain important. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home. If invited to a private home, a small gift is appreciated. Flowers are only sent for special celebrations. Conservative casual wear is widely acceptable. Some hotels and restaurants encourage men to wear jackets. A black tie is only necessary for very formal occasions and is usually specified if required. Outside resorts, beachwear should be confined to beach or poolside. Smoking is widely accepted. The evening meal is taken late, generally 9 -10 p.m. The Spanish have two family names; in conversation only the first should be used.
Switzerland: Avoid red roses; never give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers. Informal wear is widely acceptable. First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required. It is customary to give unwrapped flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal.
Luggage
*Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece.
As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gutsywomentravel.com/destinations/luggage.htm for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
Departure Tax
There are currently no departure taxes in our European destinations, please see www.gutsywomentravel.com/departure-taxes.asp for more information.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim.
Local Emergency Phone #
Belgium:
- general emergency: 112 or 100
Britain:
- general emergency: 112 or 999
France:
- general emergency: 112 or 18
Holland:
- general emergency: 112
Italy:
- ambulance/medical: 118
- fire, disasters: 115
- police & general emergency: 112
Portugal:
- general emergency: 112
- forest fires: 115
Spain:
- general emergency: 112 or 061
Switzerland:
- general emergency: 112
Holidays
Belgium:
| January 1 | New Year's Day | Jul 21 | Independence Day | |
| Mar 28 | Easter Monday | Aug 15 | Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Sep 27 | * French Community Holiday | |
| May 5 | Ascension Day | Nov 1 | All Saints’ Day | |
| May 16 | Whit Monday | Nov 11 | Armistice Day | |
| Jul 11 | * Flemish Community Holiday | Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
Britain:
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | Aug 29 | Summer Bank Holiday | |
| Mar 25 | Good Friday | Dec 25 | Christmas | |
| Mar 28 | Easter Monday | Dec 26 | Boxing Day | |
| May 2 | May Day Bank Holiday | Dec 27 | Christmas (forwarded to Monday) | |
| May 30 | Spring Bank Holiday | Dec 28 | Boxing Day (forwarded to Tuesday). |
*Note: Public holidays are usually referred to as ‘bank holidays’ in the UK.
France:
| January 1 | New Year's Day | May 16 | Whit Monday | |
| Mar 28 | Easter Monday | Jul 14 | Bastille Day | |
| Mar 28 | Easter Monday | Aug 15 | Assumption | |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Nov 1 | All Saints’ Day. | |
| May 5 | Ascension | Nov 11 | Remembrance Day | |
| May 8 | 1945 Victory Day | Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
*Note: In France the months of July and August are traditionally when the French take their holidays. For this reason, the less touristic parts of France are quiet during these months, while coastal resorts, especially in the south, are very crowded.
Holland:
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day |
| Mar 25-28 | Easter |
| Apr 30 | Queen’s Day |
| May 5 | Ascension |
| May 16 | Whit Monday |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day |
Italy:
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Portugal
| January 1 | New Year's Day | Jun 10 | Portugal Day | |
| Feb 8 | Mardi Gras (Carnival) | Aug 15 | Assumption | |
| Mar 24 | Maundy Thursday | Oct 5 | Republic Day | |
| Mar 25 | Good Friday | Nov 1 | All Saint’s Day | |
| Apr 25 | Freedom Day | Dec 1 | Restoration of Independence Day | |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Dec 8 | Immaculate Conception | |
| May 26 | Corpus Christi | Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
*Note: Holidays falling on a Sunday are not observed on the following Monday.
Spain:
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day |
| Jan 6 | * Epiphany |
| Mar 19 | * San Jose |
| Mar 24 | * Maundy Thursday |
| Mar 25 | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| Aug 15 | Assumption |
| Oct 12 | National Day |
| Nov 1 | All Saints’ Day |
| Dec 6 | Constitution Day |
| Dec 8 | Immaculate Conception |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
Spain Regional Holidays
| Jan 29 | Dia de la Convivencia (Ceuta) |
| Feb 28 | Andalucía Day |
| Mar 1 | Balearic Isles Day |
| Apr 23 |
San Jorge (Aragon) and Day of the Region of Castilla y Leon |
| May 2 | San Segundo (Castilla y Leon) and Fiesta of the Communidad de Madrid |
| May 17 | Dia de las Letras Gallegas (Galicia) |
| May 30 | Canaries Day |
| May 31 | Day of the Region of Castilla-La Mancha |
| Jun 9 | Day of the Region of Murcia and Day of La Rioja |
| Sep 8 | Asturias Day, Day of Extremadura and Nuestra la Virgen de la Victoria (Melilla) |
| Sep 11 | National Day of Catalonia |
| Sep 15 | Nuestra Senora de la Bien Aparecida (Cantabria) |
| Sep 17 | Commemoration of the Spanish refounding of the City of Melilla |
| Dec 26 | San Esteban (Balearic Isles and Catalonia). |
Note: *These holidays may be replaced by the autonomous communities with another date. **These dates are also celebrated as regional public holidays (within these regions, there are further public holidays peculiar to the various towns and cities). Catalonia, Navarra, Pais Vasco (Basque Country) and Valenciana also celebrate Easter Monday.
Switzerland: Public Holidays:
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day |
| Jan 2 | Berchtold’s Day |
| Mar 25* | Good Friday |
| Mar 28* | Easter Monday |
| May 5* | Ascension |
| May 15* | Whit Monday |
| Aug 1 | National Day |
| Nov 1 | All Saints Day |
| Nov 7 | World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day |
| Dec 8 | Immaculate Conception |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | St Stephen’s Day |
*Note: (a) *These holidays may not be observed in certain cantons. (b) There are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain cantons only.
Driving
Belgium: There are many different brands of petrol available, and prices vary. Traffic drives on the right. Main towns (except in the Ardennes) are connected by toll-free motorways. It is compulsory for seat belts to be worn in the front and back of vehicles. Children under 12 are not permitted to travel in the front seat of a car when there is space in the back. A warning triangle must be displayed at the scene of a breakdown or accident. The speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways is 120kph (74mph), on single carriageways outside built-up areas is 90kph (56mph), and in built-up areas is 50kph (31mph)
Britain: Traffic drives on the left. There are trunk roads (‘A’ roads) linking all major towns and cities in the UK. Roads in rural areas (‘B’ roads) can be slow and winding, and in upland areas may become impassable in winter. Motorways radiate from London and there is also a good east–west and north–south network in the north and the Midlands. The M25 motorway circles London and connects at various junctions with the M1, M3, M4, M10, M11 and M40. The only motorway that leaves England is the M4 from London to south Wales. Access to Scotland is by the A1/A1(M) or the A68 to Edinburgh, or the M6 to Carlisle followed by the A74 to Glasgow. Within Scotland, motorways link Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. In Northern Ireland, motorways run from Belfast to Dungannon and from Belfast to Antrim.
France: Vehicles drive on the right in France. Unless otherwise posted, speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on the Paris ring roads (le périphérique), 90 km/h on country roads, 110 km/h on national highways, and 130 km/h on restricted access highways, or autoroutes. Driving in bus lanes is prohibited. The maximum legal concentration of blood alcohol is 0.5 grams per liter.
The French rules for priorité à droite (yield right-of-way) are the opposite of the U.S.: A vehicle entering from the right has priority in cities and towns. Outside these areas, indicated by a yellow diamond sign, traffic on the more major road has priority. U-turns are not permitted, nor is crossing a solid white line. French law requires that all vehicle occupants wear seat belts. Children in particular must be restrained in approved child seats: rear-facing infant seats for children less than nine months old; child seats for children from nine months to four years old; booster seats for children from four to ten years old. On motorcycles and scooters, helmets are required for driver and passenger.
Drivers must carry driving permits, international insurance cards, and vehicle registration cards. For drivers of rental vehicles, the last two documents are provided by the rental company. The fines for not wearing seat belts, driving through a red light, driving while intoxicated, and driving without a license are extremely high, even including confiscation of the vehicle.
Holland: Traffic drives on the right. There is an excellent road system. Visitors to Holland may use credit cards when obtaining petrol.
Italy: Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 185,500 miles of roads in Italy, including over 3700 miles of motorway (autostrada) which link all parts of the country. Tolls are charged at varying distances and scales, except for the Salerno–Reggio Calabria, Palermo–Catania and Palermo–Mazara Del Vallo stretches which are toll-free. Secondary roads are also excellent and require no tolls. Road signs are international. Many petrol stations are closed 12 -3 p.m. Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times.
Portugal: Traffic drives on the right. Every town and village can be reached by an adequate system of roads. Petrol stations generally open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. although some are open 24 hours. Travel by motorway is subject to a toll according to distance covered and type of vehicle. A small tax may be added to petrol bought with a credit card.
Spain: Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 150,000km of roads. Motorways are well-maintained and connect Spain north–south. Tolls are in operation on some sections and have to be paid in Euros. Trunk roads between major cities are generally fast and well-maintained. Rural roads are of differing quality.
Switzerland: Traffic drives on the right. Road quality is generally good. Many mountain roads are winding and narrow, and often closed in heavy winter conditions; otherwise chains and snow tires may be necessary. Rail is often more efficient than driving.
Car Regulations
Italy: Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer ( 1 km = 0.621 miles). An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries. The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory. An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from 2 to 12 years of age.
Gasoline: Almost all the service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free (95 octane) and diesel fuel. The fuel distribution network for gas-propelled vehicles is reasonably developed (ask for information at the Automobile Club d'Italia offices). Service stations are open from 7 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. Service is guaranteed 24 hours a day on the motorways. Automatic pumps, which accept 10,000 and 50,000 lire banknotes, function in the evenings and at night. Carrying gasoline in gas cans is prohibited.
Traffic Tips: On highways (autostrade) no U-turns are permitted and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes. The Italian Highway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment. In cities and towns, the speed limit is 50 km/hr.
Papal Audiences, Vatican City
General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) in Vatican City. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI, Seating 7000), and in summer in Saint Peter's Square or in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. For this audience women should dress modestly, with arms and head covered. Dark or subdued colors are requested. Men are asked to wear a tie and jacket.