Other Useful Information

DEPARTURE DETAILS (ONLY for Treasures/Conquest/Highlight of Europe tours) & The importance of being in London the night before departure

The departure time can vary so please refer to the joining instruction communicated directly to you regarding your tour. In most cases, participarts are required to be at the departure point by 7:30am for loading and seat arrangement purposes. The coach usually departs at 8.00am sharp from Park Lane, London (By the Speaker's corner in Hyde Park). You have to be on time as we do not practice ‘Janji Melayu’ in regards to punctuality. It is therefore a very good idea to be in London the night before.

Please inform us about your accommodation in London and preferably
mobile telephone number so that we can keep in touch if any problem arises.

PICK UP POINT

Missed the coach? You better get on your bike!

I’VE MISSED THE COACH!!! Call our mobile phone on +44 (0) 7767-686301 as soon as you know that you cannot make it on time. If you do miss the coach you can make your own way to join the coach at either Dover Eastern Docks if we get the Ferry across to France or Folkstone if we get the Channel Tunnel. Both departs around 12.00pm. Call on our mobile and we will let you know the type of coach and coach company in due time. May God be with you! If you cannot catch us before we cross the English Channel, you have to make your own way to the first campsite.

LENDING A HAND

This is the spirit of the Tours. We believe that the best way to make the trip as enjoyable as possible and to meet new friends or learn new skills (like how to chop onions) is by getting involved as a true team member. We hope that everyone on the trip will "lend a hand" and be part of a team. It could be anything from helping to set up the cook tent to packing the coach to meal preparation and of course cleaning up afterwards - you will enjoy it. It’s all part of the fun package!!!

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

Paris boat cruise

Clothing: You will need mainly modest casual clothing and a swimsuit. Bear in mind that Europe does experience bad weather even in the summer. Be prepared for the worst by bringing along some warm and waterproof clothing. So bring along your winter jacket! A raincoat or umbrella might be envied by some wet macho individuals…you’ve been warned!

Useful items: Take a suitable supply of toiletries and personal medical items as these can be both expensive and scarce in some countries. They include your medicine, sun protection cream, sewing kit, soap or shower gel, torch, alarm clock, European socket adapter, compass, prayer mat, pen and notebook, toilet paper and slippers (for the shower).

Sleeping kit: You MUST bring a sleeping bag even if you choose to stay in cabins. We suggest a clever way of making a travelling pillow - put your winter jacket inside a pillow case. You can rent one from us for only £5 for the whole duration of a tour. If you want to buy a new sleeping bag then you should get one of good quality and suitable for 3/4 seasons (min 300gsm).
Argos stocks a good selection of sleeping bags at reasonable prices (UK only).

Luggage: The luggage allowance is a small/medium suitcase/backpack – preferably not an expensive one as they may suffer a few bumps and scratches, a cabin bag and your sleeping bag. Laundry facilities are available at all campsites so please pack light as space on the coach is limited.

Photos: Power points are available in various at the campsites for you to recharge your camera batteries but you will need a adapter - there are plenty of wonderful sights to photograph!

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We strongly recommend all participants take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses, accidents, lost or theft of personal belongings. For further information and quotation please click on the link: Travel Insurance

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

The Schengen countries visa will cover all the countries on our tour. Apply at The FRENCH Embassy for 9 days 'Highlights of Europe' or the ITALIAN Embassy for 15 days 'Conquest of Europe'. For 'Andalusia', the SPANISH Embassy.

If you live in England, here are the links to the various embassies for instructions on how to apply for the Schengen visa:

FRENCH EMBASSY (for 9 days 'Highlights of Europe'): www.ambafrance-uk.org/How-to-apply-at-the-French-Visa

ITALIAN EMBASSY (for 16 days 'Conquest of Europe'): http://italy.embassyhomepage.com/.

SPAIN EMBASSY (for Andalusia tour ): www.spain.embassyhomepage.com/

Some General Guidelines (please check with the appropriate embassy on their exact requirements) :

• Apply at least 2-3 months before the tour. The embassies are particular busy in the summer months so ensure you book the appointment well in advance.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 full months after the date the tour ends. Otherwise you need to renew your passport first!
• Gather the required documents such as student letter from universities etc or proof of employment if you are working, salary slips, bank statements.
• Visa Support letter from us - The letter will prove your purpose of visiting (tourist) and evidence of transportation and lodgings. Some embassies now require any tour packages booked to be paid in full before the visa application is accepted.
• Purchase travel insurance with sufficient medical and repatration cover (usually 30k euros)
• Holiday itinerary - bring printout from the website.
• Read carefully the information provided by the embassies and if you have any questions then do contact them to clarify matters. It is your responsibility to ensure you have met all the requirements and have the documents in order before your interview at the embassy.

It is a very good idea to sort out the visa as soon as possible. If the process does not go through smoothly, you’ll have plenty of time to follow up the matter. Participants should apply the visa from the relevant embassies in their country of residence.

SPENDING GUIDE

This is only an estimate based on last year’s prices and should only be taken as a guide. The list below are some attractions which the tour manager feels you should not miss out.

DURING THE TRIP

• Please be punctual at group meeting places. If you do go off on your own please inform the tour organisers so that we know where you are and save time by not having to wait for you.
• Remember that this is a camping tour, you will be expected to pitch your own tent (in June, July, August and September) - even on the first night! However you soon be used to this and be able to pitch in a very short time.
• For camping tours to be successful and fun, everyone is expected to "lend a hand" from time to time. This is not a luxury holiday so do not expect the organisers to cook and clean up after you. Helping each other is part of the culture on a camping holiday. It is also the best way to get to know your fellow travellers and make new friends.

Please check carefully every time we change campsites that you have all your belongings with you, especially at the end of the tour. The coach may be used on another tour as soon as you leave it and we may not be able to return any items that you have left behind. We will not be responsible for any losses in these circumstances.

MUSLIM TRAVEL GUIDE

CHILDREN JOINING THE TRIP We welcome children joining the trip. We have had children in the past and they all had a great time. Before deciding upon joining the trip, it is very important that parents get the full picture of how the trip would be like so as to know what to expect from the trip. Some relevant information to consider is:

See Europe in 3-d

For information on prices for children please click here.

STAYING IN LONDON

We have compiled some information to help you organise your stay in London before/after the tour. Please click here for details.