The Insight Guide to the Perfect Vacation

TRIP TERMINOLOGY

This glossary will help you understand the different terms used to describe your itinerary.

Insight Vacations SightseeingSIGHTSEEING TOUR
In-depth sightseeing tours are often conducted by a specialist local guide (indicated by a ‘Flag’ symbol on itinerary maps) who will accompany the group to visit local areas of interest. Sometimes these tours will partially or wholly comprise walking tours as many cities today have restrictions for vehicular traffic.

ORIENTATION TOUR
Orientation tours are usually conducted by your Insight Tour Director and comprise an overview of the city and its key sights. Places of interest are pointed out, and then you are free to explore on your own.

VISIT
This means the coach will stop with enough time to visit a specific sight; if applicable, part or full entrance fees will be included.

VIEW
A photo opportunity or brief stop of about 15 minutes, with explanations on historical or cultural background.

SEE
Your coach will drive by or near the site with an explanation and commentary provided.

Insight Vacations time to relaxTIME TO EXPLORE AND DISCOVER
Free time to do as you please.

A DAY TO RELAX
No planned activities. Time for your own independent explorations or to join in some of our optional activities and tours.

COMPLIMENTARY AIRPORT TRANSFERS
These generally comprise motorcoach or shuttle transportation from the airport to your hotel or city center in UK, Europe and North America. Where the brochure details the times at which these operate they will usually be group transfers using the touring coach so cannot be altered, nor can refunds for missed transfers be given.

LOCAL GUIDE
Professional guides with specialized expertise in a specific city or region, who guide you on a visit to key attractions.

Insight Vacations Tour DirectorTOUR DIRECTOR
Insight’s appointed tour escort who manages your entire trip, and is responsible to see that your vacation runs smoothly. He or she travels with you, coordinating your day-to-day itinerary, hotel check-in and language translation; as well as giving practical advice on everything from ‘do’s and don’ts’ to the best restaurants and sights.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR VACATION

Insight Vacations HotelsINSIGHT HOTELS
All Insight hotels are carefully selected to be appropriate for your tour and for the destination. They are mainly First Class, Superior First Class and Deluxe standard, but some will be selected because they particularly reflect the region or country. Even in the more remote areas such as the Scottish Highlands and islands or countryside areas around Europe, Insight chooses from the best touring hotels available. It's worth remembering that room sizes in Europe, UK & Ireland tend to be smaller than in many areas of the world, and can vary within the same hotel, particularly in older, character hotels.
Single rooms are often exactly that, rooms that are not large enough for two beds. Triple rooms may sometimes feature a roll-away bed as the third bed.

YOUR HOTEL CHECK-IN
Hotels are aware that guests travelling from other parts of the World are tired and travel weary. That is why they make every effort to have you settled in your room as soon as possible. However, in London and other major cities where occupancy rates are high, checkout time is normally at 12:00 p.m., which may mean your room is not ready until 14.00 or even later. If you wish to ensure an earlier check in - particularly if you have had a long journey - you can reserve your room for the previous day.

Insight Vacations MealsHOTEL MEALS
Your Insight tour will feature an abundance of dining experiences. You'll enjoy included three course Table d’hôte dinners where we arrange the ideal complement of local foods such as soups and salads, pasta, paella, fish, chicken or various meats, plus appetizing desserts and coffee or tea.
In Scandinavia, Spain, Germany and elsewhere, mouth-watering buffets are often provided.
On some tours Insight features a ‘Dine-Around Evening’ with a choice of two or three restaurants. Your Tour Director will advise you of each menu so you can pre-select and make your reservation. Even if your first choice is unavailable we know you will enjoy any of the other delicious options also with wine, beer or soft-drinks.
Other tours may offer a ‘Highlight Dinner’ at a restaurant, which usually features a menu typical of the region, similarly with wine, beer or soft-drinks.
Hearty breakfasts are always included, from delicious traditional full-cooked breakfasts in Britain and Ireland to substantial buffets or continental style breakfasts as is the usual custom throughout Europe. In North America breakfast will consist of a full American breakfast.
Should you require special dietary menus your tour director can arrange these for you when informed in advance.
NOTE: Table d'hôte is a French phrase which literally means "host's table". The phrase table d'hôte originally meant literally "a common table for guests at a hotel or eating-house. It is used in restaurant terminology to indicate a menu of multi-course meals that are set, the cutlery on the table may also already be set for all of the courses, with the first course cutlery on the outside, working in towards the plate as the courses progress.

LUGGAGE
Handling is included for one suitcase per person.

GRATUITIES
On an Insight Vacation, some gratuities are included in the price of your trip: baggage handling, meal service for all meals listed in the tour itinerary, and hotel service charge. Room service, however, is not included in the tour price.

TippingTIPPING
Tipping is a widespread practice in Europe and North America and is a customary way of acknowledging service.
Here are some guidelines:

* Taxi fare, on meter 10-15%
* Restaurant, total bill 10-15%
* Tour Director €4.00 per person per day
* Motorcoach Driver €2.50 per person per day
* Local Sightseeing Guide €1.00
* When Service Charge is included, for service above average, a small extra tip is suggested.

MOTORCOACH MAGIC
Insight's coaches are safe and comfortable and our drivers are highly experienced professionals. To give each passenger an equal opportunity, we rotate seats daily. For the comfort and health of all our passengers, we enforce a non-smoking policy. We do, however, provide regular rest stops so that you can stretch your legs, and allow passengers a smoke.
PRACTICAL POINTERS

CURRENCY
You will require varying amounts of local currency in each country you visit. We strongly recommend that you buy a small amount of each currency required before arriving as this enables you to make initial purchases until you manage to get to a bank. On our Discovery European tours which depart from London, we offer a currency pack for your specific tour. These can be bought from your Tour Director on the first day of your tour.

CREDIT CARDS
The majority of better restaurants, shops, hotels, theatres, etc., in Western Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and North America accept most major credit cards. The bill you sign will be in local currency. This will be converted into your local currency and invoiced in the usual way. You can also use American Express, Diner's Club, Visa, and MasterCard to obtain cash abroad.

PASSPORTS
Carry your passport with you AT ALL TIMES to ensure against loss or theft in hotels. For added protection, keep a photocopy of your passport in your suitcase. Hotels are sometimes required to hold your passport in order to comply with local regulations.

PHONE CARDS
Almost all hotels will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room. This charge can be high, especially for international calls. It is always cheaper to use public telephones (pay phones) or an international calling service such as EKit, allowing you to save up to 70% on international calls. Information on Ekit global phonecards will be sent with your tour documentation. Your tour director will also advise you how to use the telephone if you are unsure.
HOTEL HINTS

VOLTAGE
Electrical currents vary between Britain, the European continent and North America. We suggest you carry a converter for your electric shaver, travelling iron, hair dryer, and other small appliances. Best bet is to buy a universal electrical travel adapter before you go, to help prevent accidents and damage to your appliances.

Insight Vacations Single TravellersSINGLE TRAVELLERS
If you are a single traveller and are willing to share in order to avoid paying a single supplement, Insight Vacations will try to find someone of the same sex to share your room. In the event this is not possible, you will have a room to yourself without having to pay the single room supplement. For your well-being we operate a strict "No Smoking" policy on room shares.
FOR YOUR TRAVEL COMFORT

SHARING & CARING
Travel with your own folding umbrella and you will never be half wet! When you share an umbrella with a spouse or travelling companion, it means that you keep only half dry.

DIVIDE & CONQUER
Instead of packing one suitcase for one person, couples should split their belongings between the two cases. That way, if one bag goes astray, neither person is left without a change of clothes and necessities.

Insight Vacations ClothingCLOTHING
Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and you will not only be more comfortable, you'll be more relaxed.

FOOTWEAR
When your shoes look lovely but your feet are killing you, you've made a big mistake. Make sure you have on a pair of 'broken-in' shoes for daytime walking.

FAUX BAUBLES
Junk jewellery or fabulous fakes travel beautifully. Leave items of great monetary or sentimental value at home where you know they are safe.

BLOW IT UP
Plastic hangers that inflate are a great boon to travellers. They keep the back separate from the front of your shirt or blouse and it will drip and dry faster than a conventional wooden/wire coat hanger. The blow-up hanger leaves the item wrinkle and snag-free.

THE BUZZ WORD
Wake-up calls are always given to passengers when on tour. Should the call not go through, or heavy sleepers not hear it, your own backup alarm clock provides good insurance. Choose one that is lightweight and simple to operate. Tour Directors adore passengers who are on time!
THE INSIGHT DIFFERENCE

Insight Vacations DifferenceCongratulations! You have chosen to travel with one of the finest touring companies to Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and North America. When you travel with Insight Vacations, you will enjoy these differences:

* Never having to worry about how to get there or getting lost.
* No high petrol prices, local road tolls, parking, or worries about a rental car breaking down.
* You won't have to be concerned about handling your suitcase when you check into a hotel, or finding a hotel each night.
* Your porterage and hotel service charges are taken care of.
* Many local sightseeing tours are included in the price of your tour.
* Your Tour Director can give you expert guidance on where to dine on those nights when you're on your own.
* No train delays or worries about finding the right station or platform.
* No waiting in long lines for entry to museums and other attractions.

Best of all, you'll enjoy the camaraderie of other like-minded travellers from various parts of the English-speaking world, as well as the insight of a well-trained Tour Director and local guides when you visit cities and historic monuments.

OUR VALUE AND PEACE OF MIND PROMISE

At Insight Vacations, we offer top value for your dollar, and a savings of 30% over travelling on your own.
As one of the most dependable and reliable tour operators, we enjoy the highest customer recommendation rate in the travel industry. We offer excellent savings on airfare, and offer complimentary arrival and departure transfers to and from your hotel.*
Our selection of itineraries is among the finest in the travel industry.

*Conditions apply - please see brochure for details.

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Insight Tours Information & Tips

Insight - Booking Conditions
Insight - Hotel and Dining Information
Insight - Ways to save money on your tour
Insight - Read about the Tour Insurance
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