Bus Travel
The Deluxe Motor Coaches in which you will be travelling feature toilet facilities, reclining seats, air-conditioning, mini bar and video and wifi (if available).
Assorted beers, wines, sodas and mineral water are available at modest prices. For your additional comfort you may want to bring along:
- A light blanket and small pillow
- Tidy snacks that don't drip, crumble or stain in the event of delayed meal stops.
As in all modes of travel, courtesy to fellow passengers is essential and care should be taken that one's own fun does not disturb others. Most tour operators and bus companies adhere to these requirements.
- Personal music players be used only with earphones.
- All coolers be stored in the under-carriage.
- No hard liquor permitted on the bus.
- No smoking on the bus.
- Use the toilet sparingly.
- Keep the area around you clean and orderly
Travel Documents
You should have a valid BLUE U.S. Tourist Passport ( with “status of forces agreement” SOFA certificate). Check with your Orderly Room for necessary documents.
Civilian employees and dependents must be in possession of a valid BLUE U.S. Tourist Passport. Civilians with official (RED) passports require visas for many countries and it is suggested that they obtain the BLUE Tourist Passport. Non-US-citizen dependents also require visas for entry into most countries. You should check with your respective Consulate for Visa requirements, as they are always changing.
Everybody can participate on our tours. In reference to the required documents please check with the appropriate embassies.
Luggage & Valuables
Please limit yourself to one (1) suitcase per person and a small carry-on bag that will fit under the seat or can be stored above. Label all luggage inside and out with your name, European address (not APO) and civilian phone number. For your convenience and comfort, it is suggested that you include the following:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A fold-up umbrella -weather can be very unpredictable in Europe.
- A sweater/light jacket during summer travel.
- A battery powered alarm clock and/or a smart phone as some hotels do not have wake-up capabilities.
- Necessary electrical adapters for small appliances (f.e. UK).
- Your TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
Children
Discounts are offered for children and are explained in each travel brochures. Infants are required to be seated individually and in their own safety seat. Be advised that drivers can refuse entry if appropriate safety seat is not with infant children.
General Suggestions:
- Bring a sufficient supply of formula and diapers for children - they tend to be pricey in Europe.
- Disposable bags for soiled diapers.
- Small strollers can usually be stored in the under-carriage
- As a safety precaution, hotels, ferries and cruise ships normally require that a child under 12 share a room/cabin with an adult.
- A single parent travelling with an infant may have to pay the single room supplement in that it is inappropriate to request that another client share the same room.
- Triple rooms, if available, may sometimes be quite small compared to U.S. standards.
- Local hotel and baby-sitting services can be quite expensive, when available.
- Many hotels are equipped with mini-bars, pay TV videos, in addition to telephones with usually high rates. It is your responsibility to settle these accounts prior to departing the hotel.
- Cribs or cots can be requested from hotel receptions and the usually minimal cost is paid directly to the hotel.
- Store all valuable items in the hotel safe; some hotels provide an in-room safe.
Currency
Normally, you will obtain the best exchange rate for the appropriate currency at your community banking service. Consult your local banking facility for the latest rates, requirements or restrictions.
- Credit cards are more widespread, but are not accepted everywhere in Europe. Prior to dining, shopping, etc., inquire if payment can be made with credit cards.
- Personal checks cannot usually be accepted. Travelers cheques are the safest, but the local exchange rate may be lower than at your banking facility.
- To estimate a budget for your trip, read all itineraries carefully as to the included / not included features - and establish a fund for souvenirs and personal expenses.
Departure Points / Times & Transfers
Once you establish a place and time with INTERRA REISEN, it cannot be changed without first notifying the tour operator INTERRA REISEN. Arrive at the departure point 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure ~ with your receipt(s) printed or downloaded.
- Weather conditions and peak travel seasons often cause traffic delays throughout Europe. If the bus is more than 20 minutes late, contact the emergency number: 0172-6834510. NEVER leave the area without contacting the company.
- There might be transfers by mini bus/van/taxi from your pickup point to the next closest location, from where the regular tour bus is departing from. This is saving your time and is for your convenience!
- Make sure that you collect all your belongings before leaving the bus
- Finally - and you may chuckle - make sure that you are at the pick-up point on the right departure day
Cancellation Insurance / Payments / Bookings
The cancellation policy is stated on each tour brochure and in the terms and conditions.
Cancellation and travel insurance can be obtained at a minimal cost with our Insurance partner USAA.
Bookings can be made directly with INTERRA REISEN on our website using the “book this tour” button.
Payments can be done with major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
For bus tour packages: credit cards will be charged 45-30 days prior to departure. Within 30 days prior to departure, credit cards will be charged immediate!
For flight tour packages: credit cards will be charged 90-65 days prior to departure. Within 65 days prior to departure, credit cards will be charged immediate!
E-Mails
Email providers have become more aggressive about filtering emails. That can cause legitimate emails to be flagged as spam. In case you cannot find your travel ticket in your normal inbox, it is worth to check your spam or junk folder.