Trip Notes
Details
Bring
- Passport - needs to be valid for 6 months after exiting
- UK ETA: https://www.gov.uk/check-eta
- Headphones/earbuds that have a jack and headphones to use on your phone for an audio guide
- Electrical adapters for both the UK (Type G) and Paris (Type C)
- Plan for chilly weather in Scotland including rain - think layers, rain jacket or umbrella - it could be windy along the coastal areas
- A day bag or sling bag
- Reusable water bottle (avoid a metal reusable bottle if you plan to walk around with it as they are restricted in many attraction areas, such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower)
- Keep a photo of your passport on your phone or in the cloud that you can access
- Have your travel insurance information handy (policy number and phone number)
- Only one checked bag per person is allowed. All bags will be checked on the EasyJet flight to Paris and one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you is allowed onboard.
- DO NOT check any lithium batteries. Power banks must be in your carry on and accessible.
Tipping Guidelines
Tour Director: £60.00 per person
Driver: £35.00 per person
Restaurants: Look to see if a service charge was added. If so, round up by a few dollars. Otherwise, it's generally 10% and is usually left as cash and not included when paying by credit card (sometime it can be added, usually not).
Hotels: £1-2 per night
In Paris
Restaurants: By law, a service charge is already included. For amazing service, a tip of 10% is generous.
Bars & Cafes: One euro per drink, a couple of euros at cafes is sufficient.
Tour guides: €5-10 per person
Using ATMs Abroad — Read This Before You Go
You do not need to bring local currency with you.
ATM machines are everywhere, and they’re usually the cheapest and safest way to get cash abroad.
Here’s how to do it the smart way:
1. Bring at least 2 credit cards
From different banks, and ideally with no foreign transaction fees.
This alone can save you about 3% on every purchase.
2. Know your bank’s ATM fees
Your bank may charge:
- A foreign ATM fee
- A foreign transaction fee
- Or both
Still, it’s usually cheaper than exchanging cash at home or at airport kiosks.
⚠️ The Most Important Rule When Using ATMs
When the ATM asks:
“Do you want to be charged in USD or local currency?”
👉 Always choose LOCAL CURRENCY.
👉 Never accept the conversion to USD.
This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — and it is a total rip-off.
The ATM’s exchange rate is terrible and includes hidden fees.
If you let the machine convert for you, you can overpay by 10–15% or more.
Real Example
If you want £200 in British Pounds:
❌ Do NOT accept the USD conversion
✅ Select “Charge in GBP”
Let your bank do the conversion behind the scenes — their rate will always be better.
The same is true anytime you use your credit card to make a payment, say at a restaurant, and the services asks if you wish to pay in USD or local currency. Always select local currency. This applies anywhere you travel outside the US.
Apps to Download
Rick Steve Audio Europe - lots of useful information and history behind the countries, cities and attractions we'll be visiting. Downloadable to listen to at any time.
IDF Mobilites - app for Paris train/metro tickets
Notre Dame app for audio guide of exterior and interior
Google Translate - Text, photo & voice translator
GlobusGo - Login with your confirmation number and first & last name. Great information on the destinations we'll be visiting on tour, along with recommended sights and dining options.
WhatsApp - setup an account with your existing phone number. This is how most of Europe communicates, especially with hotel, transfer and tour partners.
EasyJet - grab your boarding pass using your confirmation number and save the pass to your digital wallet.
Flush - Bathroom, Loo and WC finder
