-
Main Menu
- 2013 Best Square Dance Tour Ever
- Brochure SD 2013
- Short Itinerary 2013
- Long Itinerary 2013
- Registration 2013
- 2014 Cornet Chop Suey Jazz Tour!
- Brochure Jazz 2014
- Short Itinerary 2014
- Long Itinerary 2014
- Registration 2014
Protect your travel investments with Allianz Global Assistance
Can we use credit cards to pay for the trip? Do the rooms all have private showers? What is the fee for checked luggage and carryon bags per person for International flights? |
|
Will my luggage be checked all the way to Munich? |
|
Is it advisable to pay in full to lock cost of the Euro to the USD at its current rate? |
|
Do the hotels have single and double beds? How about showers? What about smoking in the rooms? |
|
Answers
Can we use credit cards to pay for the trip?
Sorry, we’re not set up for credit cards. We considered offering credit card payments, but found we would only have to charge more for the trip to cover the extra expense. We are trying to keep your tour price as low as possible. As you know, when it comes to credit cards, there are really no free lunches even if you get frequent fliers miles or rebate checks. Someone has to pay and it always ends up the consumer when it’s said and done.
Do the rooms all have private showers? - YES!
What is the fee for checked luggage and carryon bags per person for International flights?
Your first checked bag for international flights is normally free. The second is bag to Europe the baggage fee for most airlines is usually $60 and $100 per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bag. If it feels too heavy, it probably is. Don’t over pack. You will be charged extra for bags over 50 lbs. For a CHECK LIST of what to bring, click here.
For PACING TIPS (flat method) click here.
More PACING TIPS (roll method) for ladies click here.
And even more PACING TIPS for the ladies click here.
Most airlines allow one small carryon bag that will fit in the overhead compartments and one small item such as a purse or briefcase per person. If it's too big, it will have to be checked.
Will my luggage be checked all the way to Munich?
Yes. You will clear customs when you arrive in Munich and again at the first airport when you land in the US. Your luggage will then be rechecked to your final destination on your return home.
Should I buy Euros before leaving?
It’s convenient to have some Euros for spending money the first day of arrival, but not essential. You may want to buy a snack at the airport before the busses leave for Grassau or a drink with your evening meal at the hotel. You can buy Euros at the airport or order Euros at your bank before traveling, however, the exchange rate is better in the German banks and ATMs. Cash is preferred when exchanging money at the bank. Money orders require an additional exchange fee. You’ll have a chance to exchange money the day after arrival.
Is it advisable to pay in full to lock cost of the Euro to the USD at its current rate?
No one knows the future cost of the Euro to the USD. If you pay for your trip in full, we can move your money into Euros and your trip cost will not change if the Euro increases (or decreases) to the USD.
You are responsible for your lunches and a few dinners, gifts, souvenirs, your beverages and personal items. Cash is king so $500 - $800 cash per person should suffice for most travelers. Major items, i.e., that coo-coo clock that you may want to have shipped home right from the store can all be paid for by credit card. Check your credit card PIN number by using an ATM with your credit card before leaving home to verify it will work at ATMs in Germany.
Both hotels have safes in the rooms for valuables, extra cash, passports etc. We have never had any report of anything being stolen from the hotel rooms.
How expensive are things in Germany?
The dollar has obviously dropped in value to the Euro; however, prices are still comparable to costs in the US. Groceries are cheaper while clothing is more expensive, but usually a better value. Beverages cost more, but dining is still comparability the same. You are on vacation – enjoy yourself. If you want it, buy it.
What about tipping – how much?
In Europe tips for service is usually included in the price. When service is rendered. It is common practice to “round up” allowing the waiter/waitress to keep the change. When the service is outstanding, 10% additional is an expectable practice. For our hotel wait staff, the bus drivers, etc, we “pass the hat” the last day for the entire two weeks. Gratuities are strictly volunteer and not mandatory. However, if you find the service was outstanding, make a contribution. Your bus and hotel staff will sincerely appreciate it.
How should I pack for the weather in Germany?
Fall weather is similar to Washington State. Indian summers – cool in the morning and evening and usually pleasant during the day. The weather can be unpredictable, so bring an umbrella or you can pick one up in town. Pack for layers, sweater and light jacket or windbreaker. Consider polo and short sleeve shirts - no shorts. Ladies - slacks and lose fitting dresses and comfortable walking shoes. Dress in layers. No heavy coats – pack a light windbreaker. It’s usually pleasant in September, but no guarantees. Dress casual and comfortable - no dressy outfits. Even the Mozart Dinner Concert does not require coat and tie. We will be spending the day touring the city of Salzburg with no chance to change for the Mozart Dinner Concert as the bus goes back to Grassau.
For the square dancers: Casual dress is acceptable for all square dancing. We suggest long sleeve shirts for the guys and a squaw dress (prairie skirt) for the gals. Petty coats take up too much room in your suitcase and are not necessary. Jeans, slacks or a dress is also okay. Gals may wish to take a dress along and change before the dance when visiting a club on the road. Most of the German square dancers do dress in SD attire.
What about hair dryers, razors and curling irons?
European voltage is 220 volts at 50 hertz - not good for 110 volt clocks. Use a battery alarm clock instead. Plug a unit designed for 110 volts into 220 volts and the results will be maximum smoke. You can bring converters for your camera, razor or battery chargers, recharge camera packs and razors. Most new electric razors, battery chargers and even your laptop computer can be charged using 220 volts with no problem, but it is suggested you read the manufacture's specifications first. You will need an adaptor plug for your 110 cord to allow you to plug into the 220 outlet. Appliances that have both 110/220 volt can also be found in the US stores or online before traveling. You can buy in Germany an inexpensive 220v curling iron, hair dryer or iron for about the same cost and use it during your two week stay.
How long will we have to wait for the bus in Munich?
For those arriving on earlier flights please be patient. We realize it's a long day after experiencing an overnight flight. Time passes by fast at the airport. There are snack bars and stores to browse or just enjoy the time with new friends. Our busses will arrive about the same time as our last flights arrive. All flights for our group will be arriving before 12 noon and we should be on our way to Grassau shortly after we round up our last passenger.
We try to have someone to meet each passenger after coming through customs. If you don't find any of our people, check with the information booth right when you come out of the secure area. Our busses have Kreuz Reisen (Kreuz Tours) on the side and will park just outside of Terminal Two.
When will I know what room or hotel I am assigned?
You will receive luggage tags for your rooms at Munich airport. Your bags will be delivered directly to your room.
Do the hotels have single and double beds? How about showers? What about smoking in the rooms?
In Europe, all double rooms have two beds together with one headboard and footboard. Each bed has its own pillow and feather covers. Single rooms have one bed. The covers are feather covers that are warm and cozy. Most Germans sleep with their windows open for fresh air. There is no top sheet. The feather cover has a slip cover that serves as the top sheet. The bed is made by folding the feather cover in half.
All rooms have showers – some with bath tubs. Washcloths are not provided. Soap bars are very small. There are no shampoos or conditioners. Not all European hotels supply these. Bringing a washcloth and your own personal soap, shampoo and conditioner makes things easier. Because of the liquid restrictions when flying, these items can also be bought at the local grocery store in town.
The hotel is totally non-smoking. There are designated smoking areas in the restaurant. However, there is no smoking in the area where we dine for dinner. Smoking is forbidden in the dance hall or on the bus.
How do I open and close those windows and doors?
The European windows and balcony doors open and close using a lever type handle. Place the lever parallel position to open and close. To lock it, put it in the down position. It will tilt towards the room in the upward position. Your room key can be double locked with a dead bolt action.
What happens if I get sick or have to see a doctor?
There are paramedics at the fire station near both hotels with a doctor on call 24-7. The doctors will come directly to your room if need be. There is a larger clinic at Prien on the Chiemsee Lake, about 16 km and a huge heart hospital in Rosenheim between Munich and Grassau. If there is an emergency, call on any staff member and we will get help.
What is the seating arrangement on the bus?
We move up one row each day allowing most everyone to gets a chance to sit in the front row seats. You will be responsible to know who is in the seats front of you so we know each time if someone is missing before the bus departs.
Do they have Internet wireless capability for my laptop?
Yes. Both hotels have wireless capability. There is a small fee by the day or by the month. Ask about this service at the hotel desk. You may also be able to check your e-mail at the town information center and at the bank.
How do we know what’s going on the next day?
Information will be announced at dinner or on the bus for the next day's activities. Daily activities and bus departure times will also be posted at each hotel. You can also download the tentative short or detailed itinerary from: http://crisptours.com/
What if I don’t like what’s on the menu?
The food is always excellent! For the vegetarian, there is a variety of salad choices daily. One can always order off the restaurant menu at their own expense.
Are there any Laundromats in town?
Unfortunately - there are none. Pack accordantly.
I do not totally understand the no shorts rule. Is it a dress code, cultural, or weather type thing? I would like to take at least one pair of Bermuda shorts and a couple pair of caprice as long as it's not a faux pas to do so. I usually wear them around here until the end of October at least.
There are no dress codes. You can wear anything you like. However, you will not find any of the Germans wearing shorts. They are just not worn. Blue jeans, - yes. Just be aware so you wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. We Americans stand out pretty much already without wearing something that no one else is wearing. No, not a dress code and no shorts rule. You will find it does start getting a bit chilly this time of year and you can probably get by without the shorts. For the most part, the Germans are well dressed, especially on Sundays. They like to dress up and often put on their traditional Bavarian outfits. Now, if you have a pair of Bavarian leather shorts, (Lederhosen) with the traditional suspenders, Bavarian hat, you will be right in style.
What should I do if I can’t find my insurance documents before leaving on the trip?
If you want to take a hard copy with you, simply call Access America and they can send a copy directly to your e-mail. Their number is 1-800-284-8300. You really don’t need a need to take your confirmation with you. If you have a problem, missed connection, health, etc., you will submit a claim when you return. If something does come up, keep records of your mishap.
What happens if I miss my connection then miss the bus in Munich the first day of arrival?
This is why it’s good to have the insurance. If no fault of yours, you can make a claim to cover your loss of a taxicab ride to the hotel. This is also essential information to have if you miss the bus on tour and for your family and friends to contact you.
Hotel Sperrer, Ortenburger Str. 5, 83224 Grassau, Germany http://www.hotel-sperrer.de/ Telephone from USA: 011-49-8641-2011 or Fax: 011-49-8641-1881. Hotel Sperrer from inside Germany and Austria: 08641-2011.
I am planning to bring my IPad on the trip. Is our hotel wireless? Will we find wireless locations at our tour locations?
Both hotels have wireless Internet. There is a small cost by day or month. You can also find other places to access the Internet. There could be a computer set up for public use in the information office or at the bank.
Where is my e-ticket?
Your e-ticket is the itinerary with a six digit airline locator that you received from the airline, Orbitz, Expedia, or what have you. The truth of the matter is, you don’t need to bring a thing except two government issued IDs (one being your passport) to get your boarding passes and they will print an itinerary for your trip. It’s suggested you show up 2 hours before your flight.
What's with the “no shorts rule”. Is it a dress code, cultural, or weather type thing?
There is no such rule. Wear anything you like. However, you will not find any of the Germans wearing shorts like the Americans. Blue jeans - yes. Just be aware. You may feel uncomfortable wearing Bermuda shorts. You will discover it does start getting a bit chilly this time of year and you can probably get by without the shorts. For the most part, the Germans are well dressed, especially on Sundays. They like to dress up and often put on their traditional Bavarian outfits. Now, if you have a pair of Bavarian leather shorts, (Lederhosen) with the traditional suspenders, Bavarian hat, you will be right in style.
Will we be staying at any hotels in Germany that have indoor heated pools?
No hotel swimming pools. Lake Chiemsee is about 16 km and there is a river on the far east side of town. You might bring something to break the ice.
What happens if the Euro rate goes down? Could we get a refund for the difference?
No. Most of the risk with the Euro is on the tour company. The biggest risk in a tour business is most the expenses in Euros. All the lodging, ground transportation, meals, entrance fees and even airfare is affected by the cost of the Euro. When the Euro goes up, the tour company loses. If the Euro goes down and US dollars have already been moved into Euros, the tour company loses again. Tour companies needs to estimate what the Euro will be two to three years ahead of time and calculate a fair price for the tour brochure. There is no intention to gain on the exchange rate. It becomes too complicated to start with refunds should the Euro drop to the USD. Tour companies are not in the futures business for others to profit with no risk. The price of the tour is based on a fair price for services received. There is a built in surcharge just in case the Euro goes above a certain amount because a tour company cannot afford to pay for ones vacation if the Euro goes much higher than predicted. If that should happen, billing everyone that has not paid in full before that time becomes a real headache. No one likes an added on cost once the price is set. If someone wants to win with the cost of the Euro, then they can speculate by buying Euros when they think it is low and they will save when they use them in Germany. But if the Euro goes up to the USD, they lose. If we knew what the Euro was going to do in the future, we’d all become rich.
I was asked a questions why bring a washcloth and soap.
Washcloths are not provided - at least not like the ones we are use to. Soap bars are very small. There are no shampoos or conditioners. These items are considered personal items the same as shaving creams and skin creams. Bringing a washcloth and your own personal soap, shampoo and conditioner makes things easier. Because of the liquid restrictions when flying these items need to be in a sealed plastic container. Also, these items can be bought in the local stores in town.
When you say ladies should wear slacks – are a nice pair of jeans ok? Also, when we are on the day trips, will we have time to come back to change clothes before we dance in the evening or will we be dancing with a group from that area. If so, may we wear jeans to the dance?
Jeans, slacks or a dress is just fine. For the square dancers, we could be visiting the Dip-n-Diver’s in Munich, the Flying Dandelions nearby and the Zugspitz Promenaders near Oberammergau. For the ladies, you can take a dress along and change before the dance if you like. You can wear a dress when we visit the Flying Dandelions because we will be coming from Grassau after dinner and of course for our special dance in town. Most of the German dancers do dress in square dance attire. All other dancing opportunities are casual.
Will there be a place to store our passports for safe-keeping at our hotel?
Yes, both hotels has a personal safe in each room.
Now that it is the E.U. will we need to present passports when traveling between Germany and Austria!
Normally - no. However, you are traveling over an international boarder and it is possible to have your passports checked during security crackdowns.
We were wondering what the average temperature will be so we can decide on the type of clothing to take.
No one can predict the temperature during this time of year. Usually it’s an Indian summer with warm average temperatures into the 70’s. It can get chilly during the evening and during the night. Dress in layers. No heavy coats – pack a light windbreaker. It’s usually pleasant this time of the year, but no guarantees. Short sleeves okay, shorts okay, but not recommended. The German don’t wear shorts much unless they are leather. Wear your lederhosen and you will be right in style. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Do our rooms have hair dryers & irons?
No. I suggest you see if you can find a hair dryer that uses both 110 and 220 volts. You will also need a plug adaptor to plug into 220 volts. Plugging in a dryer or iron into 220 volts rated for 110 volts will cause maximum smoke. You can buy a 220 volt hair dryer in town for about the same cost as the 110 volt state side and use it for the two weeks.
Are there Laundromats nearby we will be able to walk to?
None. We had a single guy have some stuff sent out for cleaning and it came back dry-cleaned and expensive.
What about clothes hangers? Will they have enough of them in the rooms for all our clothes that hang?
Usually there are hangers in the closets. However, it doesn’t take much room to bring a few wire clothes hangers just in case.
Does everyone take petty coats or are prairie skirts expectable.
No Petty Coats. Pack a squaw dress or prairie skirt. These can also be used during the day. Anyone caught wearing a petty coat at a casual dance will be thrown into the town fountain.
What type of clothing we will need for the 2 weeks. Dressy? Mostly casual? What type of weather can we expect?
Casual, dressy outfits are not required. Even the Mozart Dinner Concert does not require coat and tie. The Germans will dress up. We will be spending the day touring the city with no chance to change that day.
Do we need to take adapters for the difference in electrical power?
Electrical plug adapters will be needed to plug your 110v cord into the 220v outlet socket. Be sure your battery charger, razor, iron, hairdryer or laptop is adapted for both 110 and 220 volts.
Will we be able to get boarding passes ahead of time for our International flight?
In some cases, yes. We suggest you arrive in plenty of time to get your boarding passes at the airline ticket counter and check your seating assignments for the entire trip. You can also request updated flight itinerary.
Where do we meet in Munich? At the gate or at the baggage claim?
We will meet in Terminal Two the nearest information booth just as you come out of customs with your luggage. We ask for your patience the first day as we gather everyone together. If you are arriving on an earlier flight, just relax around the airport. There are shops to stroll around and coffee shops to get a lunch with time to get acquainted with others coming in. We will meet most of you as you come out of customs where we will give you your badges and your luggage tags with your room numbers and hotel assignments. Most of you will be arriving at Terminal Two. If you are arriving at Terminal One, make your way over to Terminal two and meet at the information booth just outside of where one comes out of customs. The busses will be waiting just outside Terminal Two with plenty of time to get all the bags loaded. Our busses will have “Kreuz Reisen” (Kreuz Tours) written on the side. Our last flight arrives at Terminal Two around 11:30 am. We will be departing as soon as we have everyone on board or accounted for. Once we arrive in Grassau, we will have a chance to gather at the Hotel Sperrer for a welcome drink and orientation while the bags are delivered to your room. (If you have more than one drink, you are responsible to pay for it with the waitress.) We will give everyone a chance to get freshened up before dinner. And for you diehards, we will even take a little time to dance after dinner. We don’t want you go to bed too early as this will help you get accustomed to your new time change – also known as jetlag.
I received the itinerary for our travel. It all looks good to us. You refer to it as "our tickets. I am assuming the "actual" tickets will arrive with the rest of our travel materials. Please confirm this.
I know – we all remember when you were issued paper tickets with the travel agency and you had to guard them as if they were cash! Not anymore. The copy of your itinerary ARE your actual tickets. They are called e-tickets. If fact, you can go up to the counter a couple of hours before your flight, show them your required ID and they will issue you a boarding pass. I do recommend you bring a copy your itinerary so they can check your names and find you in the computer easier. Anyway, they already have your name and the six digit locator code in the computer. You just won’t find any paper tickets anymore.
For international travel you will need to check in – especially if you have checked bags. For most domestic flights with carry-on bags only, you can already get your boarding passes on line, or get them from the automatic ticket dispenser at the ticket counter by simply scanning your credit card and after a few selections on the screen; your boarding pass will appear. Walla - No paper ticket is needed.