DESTINATION INFORMATION
TIPS ON TRAVEL AND DESTINATION INFORMATION — **NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS**
THE ADVENTURE...
...but it can also be a bit overwhelming. I understand. That's why I am here to take care of your every need, making your trip stress-free & amazing. Surf And Turf Cruises is not just about cruising! I offer travel information on a wide range of destinations. Learn about your destination today and contact me for a quote.
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BEST TIPS
Plan Early, Book Early, LET YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR DO THE WORK!! Take Lots of Pictures - Make Memories, HAVE FUN!
**NEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS**
United Kingdom — Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), effective January 8, 2025
U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism or business — including those just passing through UK airports — need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. This applies to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories. The ETA is similar to the U.S. ESTA system and acts as a pre-clearance for travel as part of the UK's move to a digital border.
- May take up to three working days to process
- Costs £10 (about $12.75)
- Required for travelers of all ages
- Valid for two years or the remaining validity of your passport, whichever is shorter
- Does not require travel details; not needed if you already hold a UK visa or a British or Irish passport
- Apply at gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Europe — Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS
The European Union launched its new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), on October 12, 2025 — a digital border check that replaces passport stamps; your entry, exit or refusal is recorded electronically. It applies to non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area, whether you need a short-stay visa or travel visa-free, and means faster border checks and stronger security. The European Commission confirmed the phased introduction concludes on April 9, 2026; from April 10 onward all 29 Schengen countries apply EES at their external borders. The EES does not apply to EU nationals, holders of EU residence cards or permits and long-stay visas, nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, and certain exempt travelers.
ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorization System — will require pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers once EES is fully deployed, and is expected to launch in late 2026. More than 50 eligible countries (including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom) will be required to submit an online ETIAS application before boarding a plane; the authorization is valid for short-term stays for business, leisure or study up to 90 days, and lasts 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE — how to apply for ETIAS
- Step 1: Travel information — gather your passport and travel itinerary (if available).
- Step 2: Complete the application form — personal details, passport information, contact info, travel plans and a few security questions.
- Step 3: Pay the fee — €20, paid online. Travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt.
- Step 4: Submit and wait — most applications are approved within minutes, though some take longer if additional checks are required.
- Step 5: Receive and use your authorization — your approved ETIAS is linked electronically to your passport; no printing needed.
Important to remember: ETIAS approval does not guarantee entry — border officers make the final decision. If your passport expires, your ETIAS becomes invalid and you must apply again.
Countries whose citizens require ETIAS: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
ETIAS countries (destinations): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
YOU WON'T FLY WITHOUT THE "STAR" — REAL ID required for U.S. travel since May 7, 2025
Make sure you're ready to fly with a REAL ID. Look for the star in the upper right corner of your driver's license or ID, or visit your local DMV to learn more. Get your REAL ID now and stay prepared for your travels!
"NEED TO KNOW" FOR TRAVELING BY RAIL
Four tips to get you on the right track!
- Eurail Pass or single tickets? A Eurail Pass can save ticketing costs when there are 4 or more days of rail travel in a single booking.
- Paper tickets or digital? Eurail Passes are used electronically via the Eurail app; any seat reservations required with a pass are purchased in the app after activating.
- 1st or 2nd class? Most passengers prefer the comfort and amenities of 1st Class — larger seats and often a meal or snack. Some routes offer Premium 1st or Business Class.
- Reservation or no reservation? Depending on route and train type, seat reservations are optional, required or not offered. They're included automatically when required, and recommended where optional.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
EUROPE
From the warm waters of the Mediterranean to the snowy caps of the Swiss Alps. Travel by Rail or by Cruise to explore new lands.
CARIBBEAN
Tropical islands with amazing coral reefs for diving. Experience the wonders of the sea and unique cultures and foods.
ALASKA
Wondrous glaciers and awe-inspiring whale watching. Enjoy spectacular views and exhilarating excursions whether you Cruise or go by Rail.
ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS
Relax, refresh and enjoy in a tropical paradise for adults only or a family retreat. Perfect destinations for a Fabulous Wedding or Honeymoon!!
DISNEY
A magical place for kids and adults where Imagination becomes Reality. Enjoy the private island on a cruise or stay at an all-inclusive Resort.
BEST TIMES TO GET THE BEST EXPERIENCES..... the best cruises to sail at any time of year
- WINTER — Egypt: explore monuments to Ancient Egypt while the heat is more manageable. Through January and February the desert climate sees comfortable temperatures in the 60s°F and 70s°F.
- SPRING — The Netherlands: Europe blooms with color, and there's no better place to appreciate it than Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time.
- SUMMER — Bordeaux: soak in the sunshine in the southwest of France when the vineyards are at their greenest — a wine tasting on a beautiful summer day.
- FALL — Austria: the Danube is especially eye-catching in autumn; watch the Wachau Valley come alive in shades of red, orange and yellow on Enchanting Danube.
- HOLIDAYS — Germany: Germany is utterly transformed in the weeks leading up to Christmas — join a Classic Christmas Markets cruise for festive decorations, handcrafted gifts, hot mulled wine and seasonal treats.
** FYI ** LADIES, IF YOU LOVE WEARING DRESSES, PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GLASS STAIRCASES AND RAILINGS AS WELL AS THE GLASS ELEVATORS.... YOU MIGHT SHOW OFF MORE THAN YOUR LOVELY DRESS!!
WHEN AND HOW MUCH TO TIP?
| Country | Restaurant | Hotel maid (per night) | Hotel porter (per bag) | Taxi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 10 percent | €1–1.50 | €0.50–1.00 | 10 percent |
| Spain | 10 percent | €2–5 | €1–2 | 10 percent |
| United States | 10–25 percent | $2–$3 | $1–$2 | 10–15 percent |
| China | No tip | No tip | No tip | No tip |
| Italy | No tip | €0.75–1.50 | up to €5 | Round up |
| Turkey | 5–10 percent | 5–10 lira | 4–5 lira | Round up |
| Mexico | 10 percent | 20–50 pesos | 10–20 pesos | No tip |
| Thailand | 10 percent | 20–50 baht | 20–50 baht | No tip |
| Germany | 10 percent | €3–5 | €1–3 | Round up |
| United Kingdom | 10 percent | £1–2 | £1–2 | Round up |
| Japan | No tip | No tip | No tip | No tip |
| Austria | 10 percent | €1–2 | €1–2 | 10 percent |
| Greece | 5–10 percent | €1 | €1 | 5–10 percent |
| Malaysia | No tip | 2–10 RM | 2–10 RM | No tip |
| Portugal | No tip | €1–2 | €1–2 | No tip |
In Europe, tipping varies from country to country; on average, the standard is 10% for restaurants and €1–€2 for hotels. For taxis it is less customary to tip, although rounding up the fare is common. Tipping isn't as customary in Asia, and in some countries it can be taken as an insult — it's not customary to tip hotel porters in China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia or the Philippines, and there's even less obligation to tip taxi drivers. Most Americans are big on tipping, as workers often rely on tips, so expect to spend more in the U.S. Across Peru, Argentina and Brazil a 10 percent restaurant tip is standard and you'll only need to round up a taxi fare; for porters and maids pay around 3 soles in Peru, 1–3 pesos in Argentina and R$5–R$6 in Brazil. Across Africa, 10 percent is standard in Egypt, Kenya and Tunisia, up to 15 percent in South Africa and Morocco; South Africa is the only country where it's common to tip taxi drivers (about 10 percent). There's no obligation to tip in Australia or New Zealand.
Always carry cash
Even where it's easy to pay by card, you can't tip hotel porters and maids without cash — change some currency before you travel.
Do your research beforehand
In the U.S., leave a dollar or two at the bar after your first drink if you want to get served again; coffee-shop tip jars are optional.
Tipping can be seen as an insult
In certain countries in Asia tipping can be seen as insulting — don't automatically reach for the cash unless you know it will be appreciated.
BEST EUROPEAN COUNTRY PAIRINGS FOR A MULTI-COUNTRY ADVENTURE
The dos and don'ts of country pairing
- Do pair neighboring or well-connected countries — short travel times by train or plane mean more time exploring.
- Do match cultures, climates, travel styles and currencies for a cohesive, balanced experience.
- Do plan at least two to three nights in each destination to settle in and avoid constant packing.
- Don't combine countries that are far apart or poorly connected — lengthy travel means fatigue and higher costs.
- Don't overlook visa requirements or currency differences (see the Schengen rules above).
- Don't add too many countries to one itinerary — that leads to rushed sightseeing and burnout.
Why Britain and France works: London and Paris remain one of Europe's most iconic pairings — the high-speed Eurostar connects the two cities in just 2.5 hours with no airport hassle: culture-rich, walkable cities and two top-tier destinations in one seamless trip.
Other top pairings that work: France + Netherlands • Germany + Austria • Spain + Portugal • Netherlands + Belgium • Italy + Switzerland • United Kingdom + Netherlands + France • Italy + France.
A GUIDE TO PLANNING A MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY TRIP TO EUROPE
Multi-generational travel is not just about seeing famous sights — it's about creating unforgettable memories together. Whether it's sharing gelato under the Roman sun, laughing through a family bike ride in Amsterdam or discovering a shared love of history in Prague, Europe offers the perfect backdrop for families to reconnect, celebrate and explore together.
Getting everyone involved
Everyone — regardless of age — should participate in the planning. Which destinations top everyone's wish lists? Big cities, beach retreats, the countryside or a combination? Art, history, cuisine, adventure sports? Is summer the only viable time, or does a shoulder-season trip work? Grandparents might want to trek up Mount Etna while children reveal a deeper interest in Michelangelo than in Super Mario.
Choosing a destination
First-time visitors often gravitate to the "Trifecta" of London, Paris and Rome — for peak summer, "fast pass" experiences such as a private London tour with a driver-guide or a private tour in the heart of Rome make the crowds easier. We recommend one country, or two easily connected countries, so travelers with varying mobility and energy get the most from the trip. Beyond the big three: the Netherlands (museums, bike rides and tulips), Spain (Barcelona architecture, flamenco, cooking classes and beaches), Italy beyond Rome (Tuscany, a Venice gondola, pizza-making in Naples), Ireland (castles, national parks and pub storytelling) and Eastern Europe (Prague, Budapest and Krakow with fewer crowds).
Tips for a smooth journey
- Balance group time and personal time — build in free time.
- Plan for different energy levels with a mix of activities.
- Choose accommodations wisely — rental homes, connecting rooms or family suites.
- Keep communication open with regular check-ins.
- Capture the memories — rotate the role of trip photographer.
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