Over winter break this year, I'll be spending 8 days in Europe. I'm traveling with a student travel group (so it'll be a crowd of 16 and 17 year olds). We arrive in Zurich, Switzerland the day after Christmas, but we stay in Engelberg. After spending two days there, we take the Eurostar to Paris, where we will stay for three days. Then, we go under the chunnel to London where we'll be ringing in the New Year for three days.

In Engelberg, we will be staying in Hotel Europe. In Paris, Hotel Lafayette Libertel. In London, we'll be at Jurys Great Russell Street. If any of you have stayed there before, feedback would be appreciated.

As I have never been out of the country before, any advice would be great, be it things to be sure to see or even general travel tips, especially about the weather.

Here is the website with the itinerary:
https://www.acis.com/trips/tripfound.asp?Code=RMR

Thanks, Katelynn

Well, its the winter so its going to be cold. London and paris are probably about the same as DC - not as cold as NYC or Boston. Have never been in Switz in the winter - assume it would be at least a little colder.

Am not familiar with any of the hotels - suggest you look them up on Tripadvisor,com to get reviews from previous guests.

Tips:

Be flexible and keep an open mind

Prepare for all potential problems - and them realize you're going to encounter others you never thought of (this is why travel is broadening)

Do a lot of research in advance so you're preared to make the most of your very limited time

Don;t try to do everything - rank what's most important and take time just to enjoy the atmospere of the places you'll be

Bring lots of money (in the form of a little cash and an ATM card linked to a checking account with a 4-digit PIN) - since all the places you're visiting are expensive (NYC or more)

If you do some reading and then come back with specific questions I'm sure peple can answer them

Hello Katelynn,

You asked about the weather, which translates into, "What should I pack?"

The best packing list I have ever found is The Universal Packing List, devised by a Swede, Mats Henricson. You fill in a questionnaire about the temperature range at your destination, what means of transportation you'll be using, the kinds of accommodation in which you'll be staying, the activities you'll be undertaking, and the degree to which you want to be prepared (do you want a few band aids for cuts, or do you want to be able to perform heart surgery?). Once you've completed the questionnaire and clicked the Submit button, the website pops up with a packing list. Here's the website:

http://upl.codeq.info/index.jsp

Some other notes:

* I assume you have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your trip. If not, getting a passport is your first order of business.

* Make two black and white (not colour!!!) photocopies of the photo page of your passport. Pack one photocopy separately from your passport, e.g., pack the photocopy in your checked luggage since your passport itself will be coming with you in your carry-on bag. Leave the other photocopy with a trusted person at home. If you lose your passport in Europe and somehow also manage to lose the photocopy, your trusted person back home can fax the photocopy to the relevant American consul in Europe, and that will expedite the issuing of a replacement passport. (The reasons not to make a colour photocopy of your passport are that (a) it's illegal and (b) it would make it easier for someone to make a forgery of your passport if they got hold of a colour photocopy of it.)

* Take a carry-on bag with your toiletries, a shirt, and a change of underwear, in case the luggage that you check into the hold of the plane does not arrive in Zurich at the same time as you do.

Hope that helps.

ACIS is the top of the line in student travel so your hotels should be fine. You won't have much free time as these type of tours are very structured. Some teachers/group leaders allow students to sightsee, go clubbing, etc. on their own while others are very strict and don't let the students out of their sight. If you do plan to go clubbing you will need to dress nicer than in the states - more like you would in any big city. Clubs don't realy get going until around midnite.
Keep a copy of the hotel addresses and phone numbers with you in case you need to call the hotel or take a taxi. I'm always amazed at the kids that don't have a clue where they are staying.

You are overestimating the time you will have in each city. It appears you will have an afternoon in Engelberg on day 2 depending on arrival time. Day 3 will be in Lucerne. You will only have 1 day in Paris(day 5) as you don't arrive until late on day 4 and leave for Versailles early on day 6 and then on to London on day 6 arriving late.

I would pick one thing in Paris and one thing in London and see if you can work them in to your schedule. Most students like to stop by the Hard Rock in London for a t-shirt and go on the London Eye. In Paris I would suggest the Eiffel Tower on you first night or a cruise on the Seine as neither are included in your tour.

Use www.mappy.com to locate your hotels if you have the addresses.

I was in Engelberg in July 2006 with a large group of students. We also stayed at the Hotel Europe. It is a gorgeous hotel, every room is different but all are fantastic. There is a little cheese factory in a monastery just down the road. There is a store in town which sells Swiss Army knives at better prices that you will find in Lucerne and the owner will personalize them with your name at no extra cost. Tell him where you are staying and your room number and he will deliver them to you the same day. The knives have Engleberg engraved on the blade. I think the managers of the hotel wil be able to tell you the name of the store, I am sorry I cannot remember. Engelberg is nestled in between mountains. Being a prairie girl it was absolutely fascinating to lie in bed and look out my window at mountain peaks.The food at the Hotel Europe was very good and the breakfast buffet was luxurious. Enjoy yourself, Engelberg was one of our students' favourite places.

Hi kate,

You have my deepest sympathies.

You might want to view "If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Belgium" before you go.

>you will have an afternoon in Engelberg on day 2 depending on arrival time. Day 3 will be in Lucerne.<

Day 4 will be spent getting to Lausanne and then to Paris - at least 6 1/2 hr.

You will have 2 nights and a day in Paris and the same in London.

May the Force be with you.

I will not comment on the pace of your itinerary since I would never presume to think you need "sympathy" because of your own decision. Some people are simply fuddy-duddies..know what I mean???

Now, I would definitely give a copy of the itinerary WITH the hotel names and phone numbers (assuming you cazn get those) to someone at home in case they need to reach you. I would advise you to put the onus on THEM to do the reaching rather than taxing yourself with feeling you have to communicate with home every day.

Secure your valuables in crowded (such as airports, busy train stations, subways/Metro/Tube situations with either a money belt or something similar. Most people are NOT pickpocketed in Europe but the thieves are VERY clever and that BS about "I'll simply hit them with my purse if they try anytyhing" is just that: BS from another unproductive, and probably non-traveling, soul.

Use ATMs with your checking account/debit card to get cash vs. banks or money exchange kiosks if you want the best rate and use a credit card if at all possible for purchases for the best exchange rate.

Switzerland is NOT the North Pole..it could be a lot more pleasant, temperature-wise, than some would think (depends a lot on where you are)...I always take a down-filled jacket when I go there in the Winter but I would NOT buy a whole bunch of new clothes...the usual wearing layers of what you already have is probably the best advice.

Have a wonderful trip.

If you carry your own luggage pack as light as possible - heavy luggage gets very old fast!
Keep track of ATM withdrawals.
Make journal notes of things you never want to forget.
Have a blast

Late December in Zurich, the average high temp is in the mid to upper 30s. The average low a bit below freezing.

In Paris, low to mid 40s for average highs, and mid 30s for average lows.

Of course, these are averages, so while it's most likely temps will be close to these numbers, it could actually be a good bit colder or warmer on the particular days you are there.

BIG MISTAKE... you and students should decide between Paris or London with such limited time..... so much to see and do in both cities.

Are you one of the students or one of the chaperones?

My advice is two-fold: First, pack very light in a small rolling suitcase since you will be moving about so much and in only 8 days certainly don't need too many clothes. Wear your bulkiest items and footwear on the plane and train.

Second and more important really, have all your paperwork, money, passport, etc. in order and a safe way to carry them. I believe people in tour groups often attract the potential pickpocket more than a single individual tourist does.

Katelynn... The negativity on this board is always a bit borish - don't take it personally. I don't think you made a mistake. This is your first time in Europe - so doing some "hit and run" can be a good way to get an overview - and a taste to return. Obviously, follow all the security procedures you would in any big city - keep your passport and money very safe (a money belt is good) and don't carry a lot of cash. I also like to keep one credit card in one place - and another in a seperate place. It's the "don't keep all your eggs in one basket" thing. Journal on the train - you won't believe how much you will forget of an unforgetable experience - but a few desriptive words to jog your memory will cause it to come back. Do your research in advance. Don't show up and then wonder what to do. Go to the library and get books. Try to see some famous sites and also do some wanderings. Watch videos - some people love Rick Steves and some hate him - but I enjoy watching his shows... I get them from our library. And make sure everyone knows you are not bringing any gifts back!... It's amazing how much time and money you can waste finding everyone a little something. On my last trip I sent a postcard home every day that really journaled what we did. My family back home kept up with me - and now I look through them and remember the trip (I did them on trains, waiting at restaurants, just before I fell asleep at night). And if you want to send postcards... buy the stamps when you buy the postcards (making sure they are for the US - I assume that's your home). Every store sells them if you buy the cards. Otherwise, I end up with a postcard and can't find a stamp! Happy travels!

Thanks all for the responses. Most were incredibly helpful, especially the site which basically says what to pack.

I am a student on the trip, so I'm pretty much no worried about the frenzied pace. I'm used to a general lack of sleep and I have plenty of time to come back.

I get the impression that I should be fine in Paris and London in terms of adjustment to the temperature as I'm from the DC area. We'll see about Engelberg...

Lucky you -- 1. you are staying in a Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed building in Great Russell Street, just down the block from 2. the British Museum and on the edge of 3. one of London's loveliest but most often overlooked areas, Bloomsbury.

I urge you to take a little bit of time away from seeing the more usual sights to visit your own neighbourhood: Coram Fields, Mecklenburgh Square, Russell Square, Doughty Street (where Dickens lived) and so on.

To the sensible advice about clothes and documentation I would add: a little map-study in advance.

You will orient yourself much faster in London and Paris if you know something about how they are laid out.

They did not have DC's (perhaps questionable) advantage of a master-planner who laid everything out in nice straight lines. On early trips at your age, I found Paris nearly manageable, London almost impossible, as no 2 streets seem to run parallel for long.

If you want to walk -- rather than relying on the metro/tube -- you will be better launched if you choose the things you want to see and then figure out how to get there.

Hi Katelynn

>I am a student on the trip,...<

In which case, have a terrific time on your European Highlights Tour.

Meet with your teacher/group leader as soon as possible and find out if you will be allowed free time on your own or with a friend. This way you can consult your friend and make plans together ahead of time. It will help if your parents let the teacher know they approve sightseeing on your own.

Most student tours have groups from several different states - not just your group. If your teacher is taking 10 students then you will be grouped with other schools to make one large tour group of 40-45 people. Some teachers make their group stay together during free time and decide as a group what they will do or see. Many teachers don't feel comfortable turning loose teenagers in a "strange/foreign city" as they are responsible for the students to their school and parents.

You will be able to catch up on sleep on the train/bus rides. Most students take cd players with headphones.

Don't exchange too much money at a time. You will be using 3 different currencies (SwissFr, Euro, GBP) so you don't want to get any more than you will actually need in each country. Print a cheat sheet/conversion sheet before you go for each one so you will know how much things are costing in USD. There are several websites for this such as www.oanda.com

If you are taking any hair appliances you will need plug adaptors. The one for England is different than the one for France/Switzerland so you will need both. If your appliances aren't dual voltage you will need a voltage regulator/converter also.

Tell your parents you will e-mail them instead of calling. You will usually not have access to phones at the time of day ( 6 hour time difference to the east coast) you would be able to reach them so it's easier to e-mail. When parents try to call their student they usually wake them and their roommates in the middle of the night. I had one parent call several times every night waking everyone.

Your teacher and ACIS will require copies of your passport but you should have an extra also. If you are traveling with a friend you may want to exchange copies with each other and each put one outfit in the others suitcase in case of lost luggage. I had one student realise at 8 pm in Milan that he left his passport in Venice that morning and we had an early morning flight to the US the next morning. The copy got him on the plane.

Take a scarf/gloves/ear warmers. It can be very windy in Paris at times and you will be outside walking most of the time.

Kyburbon: Thanks so much for your post. I had thought of some of the points you mentioned, but some never even crossed my mind.

Here's a rather dumb question I cant seem to find the answer to: Does Switzerland use the Euro?

Katelynn, No.... Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.

Katelynn: you are indeed a lucky girl to be having such a great trip. When my teenage nieces and nephews went to Europe on their first trip, they worried endlessly about loosing their passports and getting pickpocketed, and there has been numerous posts to you about it...my advice...just make those copies, giving one to the leader, and relax and have a good time. Also, if you are here on the boards trying to get advice, I'm sure you will be well prepared and have lots of knowledge of what you will be looking at. You will probably have little time on your own, but plan on going shopping and picking up something that will help you remember the trip, even if it is a stupid little junky thing. Definately, a night in the clubs in London or Paris...or both! A pair of fleece gloves and a fleece scarf will keep you quite warm, weigh almost nothing, Lands End has some great colors and they are also windproof.
Have a fabulous time and squeeze in as much as you possibly can.