The coaches will depart at 8.00 am sharp from Park Lane, London (By the Speaker's corner in Hyde Park). Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before that for loading and seat arrangement purposes. 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.

PICK UP POINT

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

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, compass, prayer mat, pen and notebook, toilet paper and slippers.

Sleeping kit: You MUST bring a sleeping bag. An air bed is provided! We suggest a clever way of making a travelling pillow - put your winter jacket inside a pillow case.

Luggage: Your allowance is a medium back-pack or suitcase, a cabin bag and your sleeping bag. Remember this is not a month long journey - you do not need to bring your whole wardrobe!

Photos: Films and batteries are available in all European countries, but you might find it cheaper and easier to stock up before your departure. On average 3-6 rolls of film will be necessary - there are plenty of wonderful sights to photograph!

All participants MUST take out insurance to cover medical expenses, accidents, lost or theft of personal belongings. Travel insurance is not included in your payment but residence of the UK and Ireland can purchase the travel insurance from us for £20 (adults) and £15 (children). Residence of outside The UK/Ireland should get their travel insurance from their respective country which should work out cheaper.

You need a valid passport. Malaysian citizens do not have to obtain a visa for this particular trip. Other nationalities need to make sure of their position regarding visas. You must check personally if you require visas for the tour (see www.ambafrance-uk.org) Whilst we will of course assist in this matter, the final responsibility is yours. Keep your passport with you and not in your suitcase which goes inside the underneath compartment of the coach. You will need it for cross-border checks when the coach enters another country.

FOR NATIONALITIES NEEDING VISAS - Malaysian passport holders do not need visa to join the tour.

Two types of visas are required for SOME NATIONALITIES:

1. Visa for Switzerland and
2. Visa for Schengen countries (includes all the other countries).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 steps to apply for the Schengen visa if you are joining 'Highlights of Europe':

1. Book the holiday by paying the deposit and travel insurance to get a supporting letter from us.
2. Call 090 6554 0700 as soon as possible to get the appointment date to go to the French Embassy in South Kensington, London. Do not go to the embassy without getting the appointment first. They will then send you the appointment confirmation letter through the post. The visa can only be applied from the French Embassy because we enter France more than once in the trip.
3. Go to the French embassy website www.ambafrance-uk.org to get the relevant information and to print out the visa application form.
4. Bring the appointment confirmation letter and other necessary documents to the French embassy. The documents you need to bring to the appointment are (see www.ambafrance-uk.org):
• your passport valid for at least 6 full months after the date the tour ends. Otherwise you need to renew your passport first!
• Completed Visa application form including the passport photos.
• id like student letter from universities etc or prove of employment if you are working, salary slips, bank statements.
• Visa Support letter from us - The letter will prove your purpose of visiting (tourist). The letter will also say that you have booked a return holiday package which includes accommodation etc and travel insurance has been paid.
• Holiday Itinerary - bring printout from the website.

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.