Europe 08 Frequently Asked Questions
As more people become interested about our trip they are flooding our office with questions. We thought posting answers here would be helpful. This page will “grow” as more questions come up. So, check back often.

Q: What is the name of the tour operator?
A:  Globus Journeys.

Q: Is the airfare included in the price on the brochure? If not, why?
A: The airfare is not included. We felt that to include it in the price would be restrictive since so many of our people have airline “miles” to redeem or get to fly at a discount because of their job. However, if you choose, Globus can include the flights and transfers to and from the hotels. It should be at a discount from normal airfare.

Q: Will you host an information meeting where I can get more questions answered?
A: Yes, there is a meeting scheduled for September 25, 2007. We hope to have a representative from Globus present at that meeting.

Q: Can I add extra days onto my trip?
A: Yes, but you are on your own to make the travel arrangements. Since you are spending all the money to get to Europe, you ought to consider extending the trip.

Q: Can I bring people who don’t attend our church?
A: Yes, but it is best to bring them only if you think they are potential members. The group will grow very close over the time we spend together. We don’t want to steal folks from other churches.

Q: I’ve heard that French people don’t like Americans. Is that true of the rest of Europe as well?
A: The French are very polite people and treat Americans like anyone else. Everywhere you go in Europe they speak English, especially in the cities. You will have very few problems renting cars, ordering food and asking directions.

Q: Is it difficult to travel on your own in Europe? How about driving on the “wrong-side” of the road?
A: Driving is only difficult in England. Everyone else drives on the same side as us. Also, you can read maps though you may not understand the meaning of the names. The characters are the same as our alphabet in all Western European countries.

Q: How about train travel? Is it dangerous to try it on your own?
A: The trains are very easy to master. You can get a rail guide before you leave at a bookstore or just by checking around the internet.

Q: I’ve heard that some people are planning to visit the Normandy Landing beaches before traveling to Amsterdam. How can I be part of that?
A: Ralph and Ruby will lead “car caravans” to the Normandy sites. There are a limited number of spaces so our office is collecting names on a first-come first served basis. We don’t really know how many we can handle and are awaiting hotel information. The idea will be to arrive in Caen, France on or before August 27, 2008. We will cruise Normandy and then take the train to Amsterdam on Sunday, August 31.

Q: If I want to visit Normandy, how do I get there?
A: You fly into Paris. Take the train into the city and from there another train to Caen. The hotel will be within a couple of blocks from the station. You can walk. Also, the car rentals are just across the street from the Caen train station. For more info, see below…

From Paris (Gare St Lazare) to Caen: A frequent service taking about 2.5 hours. For timetables and further information please click on the SNCF website.
Travel from Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) to Gare St Lazare: Transfer across Paris to Gare St Lazare by either bus or train. Bus and train information counters at the airport can advise you of current timetables. In either case it is best to allow around 2.5 hours from the airport to Gare St Lazare. Visit www. ratp.fr for the main public transport operator in Paris for further information (in French and English). Take the RER train line B from CDG to Gare du Nord which leaves every 15 minutes. Then take the RER line E for the one stop journey from Gare du Nord/Magenta to Haussmann St Lazare.

Q: Is Europe dangerous for Americans? What about the pickpockets?
A: Europe is one of the safest places on earth for Americans. The pickpockets can be a problem—particularly in Venice and at the Eiffel Tower. The best advice is to wear a money-belt. Carry only a small amount of cash in your wallet and a single credit card if you need it. Ralph and Ruby spent four weeks in Europe last summer with no problems. Nor did anyone on their tour have a problem. They did, however, see a woman who stole a wallet being chased by police at the Eiffel Tower.

Q: Where can I get the best information about extending my trip?
A: For great information about all aspects of travel, go to www.ricksteves.com. Rick’s tours are expensive, but his information is free. His advice covers everything from how to pack light to the best inexpensive hotels (in safe neighborhoods). His books are worth every penny, as are his DVDs.

Keep checking this site. As more questions come in, we will post the answers.