spain starter guideA Simple Guide for Planning Your Spain Vacation

Planning a trip to Spain can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Deciding which cities to visit, where to stay, what to see, and how to get from place to place adds up to a lot of research, planning, and potential headaches. And, sometimes, the many resources, Web sites, and travel guides available can only make matters more confusing.

We, at the Globus family of brands, can help making your dream Spanish vacation all that you want it to be. At the world’s largest escorted travel company, with over 430 vacations to more than 79 countries across 6 continents, we have heard just about every question there is about planning a vacation–and we think we can help you find most of your answers here.

From selecting your ideal destinations, accommodations, and itinerary to figuring out when to travel, what to pack, and how to get where you want to go, the Spanish travel kit is your guide. Should you have any additional questions that we haven’t answered, we are just a phone call (1 800 425 3575) or email

(india@globusandcosmos.com) away; or maybe we should say, close. We are happy to answer your most simple or detailed questions.

And once you make your decision, we can offer you our array of vacations– from a fully escorted vacation to an independent adventure– and meet your style or budget, give insider knowledge, and deliver worldclass service with every journey!

We wish you happy and safe travel – enjoy the ride!

Scott Nisbet President and CEO Globus family of brands

Barcelona Madrid

TRAVELING TO SPAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME? With Spain’s vibrant history, cultures, and historic sites, deciding where to go, when to go, how long to stay, and how to get the most bang for your buck can be tough.

The first step is to ask yourself some questions…and we’re making the second step (answering them) a little simpler. Our goal is the same as yours: Stop dreaming and start going!

trip planningThere are so many places to see in Spain, how do I approach my trip planning? Start your planning by first deciding on the total time you have to get away. And are you looking at this trip as your “once in a lifetime chance” to see it all? If so, make room for at least ten days. Or is it a true starter vacation to get a taste of Spain before a return trip or two? In that case, one week is our minimum recommendation.If you only have a short amount of time to get away, plan to visit just one major destination. Choose between some of the most popular Spanish cities, or you may prefer a resort getaway.

NEED HELP DECIDING WHERE TO GO? CONSIDER WHAT INTERESTS YOU THE MOST

• History: While every Spanish city offers historical treasures, if you are interested in history but have a short time, Madrid is your best bet. Madrid has the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de Cibeles and excursions to El Escorial and Toledo.

• Romance: Seville, a charming city, is a piece of heaven with magical

narrow streets and dozens of orange trees blossoming in an eternal spring. Taste the authentic Spanish culture beautifully mixed with Muslim and Jewish art, the outstanding history and the famous tapas here!

• Relaxation: The best place to relax would be near the beaches along the beautiful coast of Spain or even the islands. Costa Del Sol or Costa Brava have some of the most spectacular beaches and resorts. Or even the islands off the country. Like Formentera , an hour’s boat trip away from Ibiza. It is a very peaceful, quiet island perfect for relaxation.

• Shopping: In Barcelona, you don’t have to choose between going shopping

or sightseeing. Wherever you go, you’ll see that shops are part of city life. And while you discover unforgettable sights, you’ll be welcomed by the window displays of leading international brands, modern designer shops and traditional shops that have been there since time immemorial. If you only have a short amount of time to get away and view this as a “starter” vacation, plan to visit atleast Madrid and Barcelona or possibly more.

WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET?How much it costs largely depends on the destination & the category of hotels you want to stay at but a good starting guideline is to allot about $150 - $170 per day for the hotels. Add an additional Rs. 45000 to Rs. 55000 for airfare, Rs. 5000 to Rs. 8000 for visas and don’t forget to budget for transfers to/from the airport, personal expenses such as meals while on tour and ofcourse, shopping!

Also, consider the costs of travel between the destinations. A trip from Madrid to Barcelona on the high-speed trains costs around Rs. 3000. If your budget/time is limited, explore packages where travel, lodging, and some sightseeing are included. Then, add on activities and excursions that fit your budget. If the idea of researching and booking transportation (from the airport, between cities, etc.) and activities is starting to panic you, don’t worry…in the next sections, we’ll give you some very simple solutions!TR

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La Mancha

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED?Taking travel time to and fro into account, the minimum amount of

time you want to spend on your Spanish getaway is four days. If well planned, this will give you enough time to experience the major sights

and visit the most popular attractions. Anything less than four to five days, and the trip won’t be worth the money you’ve spent on your flight.

Make sure to take into account the extra day needed for traveling to the destination.

If you have more time, combine destinations for a broader experience. For example, travel to Barcelona & Madrid to visit the best cities in Spain. Try and

manage more time away, to get a complete Spanish experience by travelling to the heart of Andulasia, a region known for its vibrant colors, passionate flamenco,

good food and friendly people or going up north to the Basque Country visiting San Sebastian, Bilbao and Burgos. If you have 2 weeks, you could have an indepth

experience of Spain. You could even add the neighbouring countries of Portugal and Morocco for diverse flavors.

La Mancha

TRAVELING WITH A FAMILY? Spain offers some great attractions for children including Retiro Park at Madrid, Parc Guell in Barcelona and various museums all over Spain. They also get a fun education in culture, art, and architecture. It is advisable to do only one or two stops if children are very young. Young children rarely enjoy escorted (group) travel and several companies have age restriction for this reason. With older children, it is best for you to choose your vacations from a reputed travel company which offers experiences that your family will remember for a lifetime, after all, family vacations don’t come along often enough. Book a vacation with Cosmos and you will get 10% off for children aged 8 years to 17 years!TR

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How far ahead do I need to plan and book my travel?It is best to book your getaway well in advance, especially during the peak season to get the best deals on flights and avoid availability issues. Also, keep in mind that the average visa processing time for is about 2 – 3 weeks, maybe more in peak season.

When is the best time of year to travel to Spain?Spain is truly a year-round destination. If traveling during the summer, take advantage of Spain’s bright sunshine and extended day light time to do more. However, if you want to escape the crowds and see what locals are like in their everyday lives with fewer tourists, the off-season may be the best time to go. November or January to March offer lower rates with

the same opportunities for sightseeing and museum visits. Travelling during the festival time will give you the opportunity to take advantage of local Christmas markets that pop-up.

What’s the weather like in Spain and how will it affect my plans? Spain is mostly hot and humid in the summer, colder and wetter in the winter, and more mild temperatures are found in the spring and fall. If you are going during the summer months, plan your day so you are inside museums or churches during the hottest hours. Visit outside attractions like squares, plazas in the evening. If you are travelling during winter, make sure you check attraction hours as many have reduced hours and days.

TRAV

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IPwhat’s the right time?

Marbella Toledo

Will I have a problem if I don’t speak the language? Spanish is the official language of Spain and is spoken by most Spaniards. However, Spain also has various official regional languages such as Catalan spoken in Barcelona, Aranese in Catalonia, Basque in Basque Country and Galician in Galicia. Because Spain receives so many tourists, you can find many people who can speak English in the major cities and tourist destinations. Spaniards are generally friendly and interested in helping you. However, learning a few words and phrases and attempting to speak the native language will get you much further with the locals. To get you started, here are a few words and phrases:

Hello: HolaGoodbye: AdiosPlease: Por FavorThank you: GraciasYou’re welcome: De NadaYes: Sì No: NoExcuse me: DisculpeDo you speak English?: Habla Usted ingles?

I don’t understand: No entiendoHow are you?: Como estás?Good evening: Buenas noches

Good morning: Buenas dias How much is it?: Cuánto cuesta esto?

This chart should give you a better idea of the type of temperatures you can expect.

Madrid Barcelona SevilleJanuary 10o C 38 mm 13o C 30 mm 15o C 73 mm

February 11o C 34 mm 14o C 40 mm 17o C 59 mmMarch 16o C 45 mm 16o C 53 mm 20o C 90 mmApril 19o C 44 mm 18o C 45 mm 23o C 51 mmMay 23o C 44 mm 22o C 54 mm 26o C 36 mm

June 28o C 27 mm 25o C 40 mm 32o C 9 mmJuly 33o C 11 mm 28o C 30 mm 36o C 1 mm

August 31o C 14 mm 28o C 47 mm 36o C 5 mmSeptember 27o C 31 mm 25o C 79 mm 32o C 25 mm

October 20o C 53 mm 21o C 77 mm 36o C 66 mmNovember 14o C 47 mm 16o C 54 mm 20o C 78 mmDecember 11o C 48 mm 13o C 49 mm 16o C 76 mm

Escorted Tour Vacation Want to experience the “best” parts of a destination while letting someone else be in charge? On an escorted tour (also known as coach touring), sightseeing excursions, hotel arrangements, and most meals are planned for you, with all of the details and logistics on tour handled by an expert …your Tour Director – and thus avoiding all the hassles that come with planning a vacation to Spain. You have the choice of booking affordable vacations that offer flexibility with the must-sees included or even premium vacations with more inclusions. It is also a great way for single travelers who want to see the world but avoid the dangers of travelling alone

Independent Travel PackageLike to travel on your own, but need an expert put together your trip for you? Generally, with a travel package, all travel and hotel accommodations are arranged for you, along with an itinerary that includes some pre-scheduled activities and a good amount of free time to explore on your own. This type of package provides a balance for travelers who want to take advantage of the benefits of an organized trip, but who are not interested in traveling with a group and following a set timetable. And some independent travel packages offer access to local guides, giving you a resource on the ground to help with any on-site needs, suggestions,

or recommendations. Travel packages also offer families great options and expert assistance.

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) GetawayPrefer a challenge and want to research, plan, and book everything on your own? This puts all the planning in your hands. When you choose this option, it’s important that you’re independently minded, adventurous and are willing to spend time and effort in customizing every detail of your trip – from accommodation to sightseeing to travelling between the cities. This works great for travelers who are willing to take risks and don’t mind roughing it out if things don’t go per plan.

mapping out your tripWhat type of trip do you want to take? You’ve decided on your destination(s) and you

need to fill your days with fun activities and excursions that will make your trip

memorable. But where do you start? From museums and monuments to spectacular

landscapes and culinary feasts, Spain is filled with enough attractions and “must-

dos” to fill a year’s worth of travelling.

With our experience helping travelers create vacations to remember, we can help you truly find the getaway you want. You have many options on how to travel through this region. Below are the most popular ways to experience the Spain. Use it as a guide to choose a style that fits you and your vacation needs.

Cruise For those who want just a taste of Spain, a cruise may be an option. Like an escorted tour, the benefit is that everything is packaged together; but remember that your time in the destination will be very limited and you will not really get the real destination experience. Cruise ships stop at Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga. While most European Cruises don’t overnight in Spain within their core itinerary, some offer pre- or post-cruise options at an additional cost.

ASK YOURSELF, “HOW BUSY DO I WANT TO BE?”Decide on your preferred pace of the tour and choose a vacation accordingly – if you want a busy vacation or at leisure or something in between. Some travel companies such as Cosmos, have a trip scale indicator for each vacation to show the pace of the tour – if the vacation is leisurely or on-the-go or nicely balanced. Use this to decide on the kind of getaway that’s perfect for you. While some travelers prefer late wake-up call, scheduling sightseeing early in the morning helps avoid crowds. And you could use the afternoon to relax and take in a local experience.

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what are the things i can’t miss?Do I want a trip that focuses on Spain’s “greatest hits” and must-see sites? We always recommend starting your first full day on vacation with an orientation city tour to get comfortable with the destination. Having a Local Guide show you the highlights and provide some tips on what to see and where to go is a great help, whether it’s your first or fifth trip to that destination.

You can research, book, and pay for these tours and other excursions in advance of your trip. That way, you’ll wake up on your first morning knowing exactly what you are doing, without having to waste your time looking at maps and asking for directions. City tours are included on escorted tours such as Cosmos and Globus and independent travel packages such as Monograms. Activities and excursions are generally extra, but will give you a well-rounded experience!

SPAIN’S “MUST SEES” No matter who or how well traveled you are, seeing the main sites in each city is a “must.” Here are a few standout sites that make the destination unique and present great photo ops.

MADRIDMadrid is a vibrant city filled with thousands of years of history, fascinating museums, beautiful parks, magnificent churches, amazing shopping, exciting nightlife, and sumptuous international cuisine. Madrid has an efficient public transportation system with subways — known as the Metro—and buses, making it easy to travel.

Must-see sites:• Puerto Del Sol • Plaza de Espana • Parliament• Cibeles Fountain• Paseo de Castellana• Prado Museum• REAL Madrid Stadium

BARCELONABarcelona welcomes visitors with its rich history, bustling streets, and lively atmosphere filled with its many restaurants. With attractions such as Sagrada Familia, the 1992 Olympic venue, Ramblas Boulevard and the Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona is a great place to experience Spain.

Must-see sites:• Sagrada Familia Basilica • Gaudi’s Casa Batlo• Park Guell• La Ramblas – Elegant tree-lined

shopping avenue with street artists, musicians and old style shops

• Gothic Quarter • Olympic Stadium and Montjuic

Pyrenees

Rioja Wine Country

La Mancha

Costa Blanca

Catalonia

Andalusia

Madrid

Segovia

Vitoria

Pamplona

Saragossa

Bilbao

Burgos

San Sebastian

Barcelona

Granada

GibraltarBenalmadena

Seville

Toledo

El Escorial

Costa del Sol

spain

Mediterranean Sea

Valencia

what are the things i can’t miss?

GRANADASituated in the eastern part of Andalusia, Granada’s unique history has bestowed it with the artistic grandeur embracing Moorish palaces and Christian Renaissance treasures. Visitors can’t escape the allure of Alhambra with its exquisite architecture and beautiful Generalife gardens. Granada, in its current form as a university town, is youthful with hip bars and tapas and some great clubs.

Must-see sites:• The Alhambra Complex• Water gardens of the Generalife• Granada Cathedral

SEVILLELocated in Southern Spain, Seville is an amazing city steeped in history and

beautiful architecture. A city known for its friendliness, Seville is quintessentially Andalusian. The narrow, winding, medieval lanes and quaint, charming plazas which are infused with the orange blossom fragrance makes it among of the most visited cities in Spain. It’s also the spiritual home to most popular of Spanish traditions – flamenco, bullfighting, and the tapas culture.

Must-see sites:• Plaza de España – a spectacular

building built for the Spanish-American Exhibition.

• Maria Luísa Park • Cathedral and the Giralda• Santa Cruz Quarter• Alcazar, a Moorish fortress and Palacio

de Don Pedro

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND?

Travelling by train or bus is fast, convenient and relaxing, and they travel to and from almost all Spanish cities. For long-distance domestic travel, there are also various flight options which have become competitive in the recent past. If you are nervous about figuring out how to get around, book yourself with a reputed tour company who can take care of travelling around Spain and sightseeing as well! Plus a Tour Manager/Director or a Local Host will be available at your destination to offer suggestions.

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Saragossa Segovia

What can I do to have an authentic Spain experience? Make time

to head off the beaten path to discover cafes, shops, galleries,

and neighbourhoods that form the heartbeat of that city. This

is where Tour Directors/Manager and Local Guides prove

invaluable. They are the local experts - they introduce you to the

less-travelled areas and enhance your experience like no other.

SEVILLE• Feed the pigeons in Plaza de America

in Parque Maria Luisa. These birds are so used to being fed that they will happily perch on your shoulder or in your hand just to get a quick bite to eat. It’s a great opportunity for photos.

• Stroll around the Plaza de España at night. The fountain and building are lit up which makes for some great pictures. Later, you can get a drink or try a tapa outdoors.

• Catch a bus to Italica to see the Roman ruins just outside of Seville. The site is unique in that another city wasn’t built

over it like so many other Roman cities and thus much was preserved.

MADRID• Go to Plaza de la Villa and take one of

the small alleys on the left hand side or at the back of the square. Wander aimlessly, follow your nose, change course at will, check out the churches – it’s the best way to see Madrid de las Austrias, the ancient city centre.

• Madrid is a paradise for shoe lovers. The street to tramp down is Augusto Figueroa, in the heart of Chueca, where one’ll find numerous outlets for factory samples. If it’s espadrilles your

weary feet crave, Antigua Casa Crespo has them in bucketloads in this perfectly preserved, old-fashioned store.

• If you want to see Madrid from a bird’s eye view, take the cable car (“el Teleférico”) that was originally built as part of the Parque de Atracciones amusement park. The journey starts on the Paseo del Pintor Rosales street, near the Argüelles Metro station, and takes you over the River Manzanares and into the Casa de Campo park.

• Madrid’s luscious botanical gardens – Jardín Botanico – are right by the Prado

The following are some of the most popular “local” suggestions:

what’s the best way to feel like a local?

museum, but once you’re inside, among more than 30,000 plants from around the world, you feel as if city life has been put on hold.

BARCELONA• Picasso remembered Barcelona as

beautiful and bright, a city where he spent his early years. Follow in the footsteps of the artistic genius by visiting the landmarks that shaped his youth. Stroll along the Calle Reina Christina and to 3 Carrer de la Mercè to see where his family lived, though the building was later destroyed. Visit the Museu Picasso, a gallery that records Picasso’s formative years.

• An hour by train from Barcelona is the impressive Montserrat – a Benedictine Monastery. The Church features the famous Black Madonna who became the patron saint of Barcelona, and her festivity is celebrated every April 27.

• Visit the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres. Though it takes more than two hours away to get there, it is worth it. The museum itself is a work of art and the Dali works on display are mind-blowing

COSTA DEL SOL• Travel to Mijas, also known as the

‘White Village’, due to its hundreds of

white-washed buildings. It lies on the west side of the Costa del Sol, up in the mountains, 428 metres above sea level which allows for spectacular views over the Costa del Sol.

• Visit the Arabic bath-houses in Ronda. Located in the ancient Jewish quarter, these were built in the late 13th or early 14th century. It is known to be one of the best-preserved bathhouses from that era in all of Spain.

• Bioparc Fuengirola stands out for its architectural design as an “immersion zoo”, plunging visitors into the animals’ native environment.

what’s the best way to feel like a local?

simplify your trip

This is just a sampling of the Cosmos Spain packages. And we even go beyond Spain. We apply the same skill within Europe, North America, South & Central America, Asia, and Africa. In total, there are over 430 packages to choose from. See them all at CosmosVacations.in or call us for more information.

Perfect Starter Packages by Your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be, sans the planning and logistic hassle. Cosmos is designed to make touring in Italy simple. It is less expensive, more comfortable, and far easier than traveling on your own. You travel hassle-free, knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. With a range of vacations from multi-country to regional discoveries, Cosmos offers greater choice of activities, plenty of free time to explore and longer stays in key cities for you to truly get immersed in local culture. Our Tour Directors/Managers will make you feel comfortable and confident in destinations – even if it’s your first time there.

The following are the most popular Cosmos packages for the first-time traveler to Spain & regions around Spain:

Madrid & Andaluscia • 8 DAYS

Get a delightful introduction to the history and culture of Spain and step back in time to experience the tradition and liveliness of Andalusia, marvel at the old walled city of Toledo,

then into the heart of Don Quixote’s La Mancha to Cordoba, where the Moors left an impressive mark with its fabulous Mezquita. Delve into Seville, laid back and bustling at the same time, with its Roman and Moorish heritage, elegant squares, and many gardens.

Jewels of Spain & Portugal • 9 DAYS

An exciting introduction to the fascinating major cities of the Iberian Peninsula, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour visits the Spanish capital of Madrid. Later, it passes through the fortified Avila and

pretty Salamanca, pearls of the Castile region, and travels into Portugal to reach Coimbra, a charming hillside town.

Grand Tour of Spain • 15 DAYS

Get to know multi-faceted Spain with this tour. Visit Madrid, the country’s grand capital and see the Aranjuez Royal Palace, marvel at the Cuenca “hanging houses”. Explore the ancient winding streets

of Valencia. Enjoy scenic views on the Mediterranean Coast on the way to beautiful Barcelona. Explore Pamplona, known for its running of the bulls. Carry on to Basque Country and visit San Sebastian, the port city of Bilbao, and Burgos.

simplify your trip WHY CHOOSE COSMOS FOR SPAIN?• Our famous value: complete travel packages include hotel, transportation,

sightseeing and a Professional Tour Director for as low as US$1159.

• Up to 30% cheaper than traveling on your own.

• Hassle-free touring with all the logistics looked after.

• Visits to all major and must-see sights included.

• Authentic destination experience with expert Tour Directors who belong to the region.

• Well located hotels selected with care for their standards.

• Balanced itineraries with free time to explore on your own.

• Opportunity to sample local cuisine & do what locals do.

• Cosmopolitan vacations with travel companions from different countries across the world.

• Optional excursions at unbeatable value – diverse enough for unique interest and at unbeatable value.

• A dynamic blend of transportation includes first-class motor coaches and cruises!

• Porterage is included – not handling your own bag really makes you feel you are on a vacation.

• Personalize with extra nights and value priced airport transfers.

• Choice of over 100 itineraries with departure dates throughout the year.

• Option to prepay Tour Director and driver gratuities makes tipping hassle-free for you.

• Cosmos receives a 96% satisfaction rating on our customers’ post vacation surveys

• Recommended by Budget Travel from renowned travel expert Arthur Frommer.

• We are celebrating 50 years’ experience in showing people the world!

Spain, Portugal & Morocco • 15 DAYS

Combine the highlights of the Iberian Peninsula with fascinating Morocco on this unforgettable vacation. Start in Madrid, Spain’s grand capital, then visit fortified Avila, and renaissance Salamanca. Enter Portugal and arrive in Coimbra, overlooking the Mondego River. Visit Fátima, and arrive in Lisbon

and then Seville before going to Morocco – to the old city, Fez. Next, head to Marrakesh, Casablanca and then Rabat, capital of Morocco. Back in Spain, a visit the exotic Alhambra complex, residence of Moorish kings at Granada. Travel past the windmills and castles of La Mancha!

SPAIN

MOROCCO

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Granada

Seville

Rabat

Mediterranean Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Lisbon

Costa del Sol

La Mancha

Middle Atlas Casablanca

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HERE ARE A FEW POPULAR TOURS THAT WOULD BE GREAT OPTIONS FOR YOUR EUROPEAN VACATION:

beyond spainWant to add more vacation to your vacation? Perhaps you would like to extend your stay in Spain or venture to Britain, France, Germany, Italy, or other European countries. The Globus family of brands offers hundreds of Spain and Europe vacation options—from fully escorted tours to river cruises. So, take advantage of some of these other great vacation packages and truly make this a trip of a lifetime!

* Globus tours include everything you need for a hassle-free European experience–from an expertly planned itinerary and all transportation to sightseeing and many

meals—all with the guidance and insight of the industry’s most experienced Tour Directors. Visit www.GlobusJourneys.in for a listing of all of your European options.

Multi-country Panoramas The best way to sample what this charming Old World continent has to offer. From Austria to England, France, Germany and Holland and from Hungary, Italy, to colorful Spain, and Switzerland, come away with a whole new perspective after a Cosmos vacation to Europe. Options begin from 8 days to 30 days!

• A Taste of Europe (8 days)

• Scenic Europe & Bernina Express (10 days)

Britain & Scotland Get a delightful introduction to the history and culture of England, Scotland, and Wales and step back in time to experience the tradition and pageantry of an Edinburgh Castle Military Tattoo, marvel at mysterious Stonehenge, or kiss the legendary “Blarney Stone” in Cork.

• British Panorama (6 days)

• England, Scotland & Wales (10 days)

ItalyFrom the ancient ruins of Rome to the scenic, laid-back town of Sorrento, Italy offers everything you could desire in a vacation. It has so much to explore—the vibrant cities, medieval hill towns, beautiful countryside, and scenic coastline.!

• The Splendors of Italy (9 days)• Rome, Sorrento & Capri (9 days)

beyond spain

You can also travel Europe by boat! River cruising is Europe’s fastest-growing travel segment, and Avalon Waterways is leading the way. Avalon’s style and premium standard will give you a perspective of Europe like none other, with Europe’s newest fleet,

largest staterooms, expansive views, and enriching land programs (included in your cruise price).To view it all, visit www.GlobusJourneys.in/Avalon-Cruises.aspx.

This is just a sampling of the Cosmos European packages—and we even go beyond Europe. We apply the same skill within USA and Canada. In total, there

are over 100 packages to choose from. See them all at www.CosmosVacations.in or call us 1800 425 3575 for more info.

Central & Eastern Europe Come and enjoy the Eastern and Central European experience! Just an hour or two drive away from each other you can explore diverse cities and heritage sights with more than 1100 years of unique history and experiences unlike any other. This all year round destination blends the very best of Europe in music, folklore, culture and lifestyle.

• Prague, Vienna & Budapest (9 days)• Central Europe (14 days)

Prague

Paris

You are a few weeks away from your departure date and are starting to think about packing and finalizing the last details of your trip. Here are a few additional things to remember to make sure you are ready and prepared for your adventure overseas.

you’re ready to go...almost

VISA

A Spain visa takes up to 4 to 6 weeks, on an average. We recommend that you apply for the visas as early as possible. To apply for the Spain, you need to provide tour confirmations, personal financial records, insurance, flight tickets etc. to apply for a tourist visa. Please verify with the consulate for specific documentation needed. Before you embark on your vacation also ensure that you have a visa for the countries or regions you are traveling to.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is highly recommended when traveling in general and it is mandatory when traveling to Spain. There are various companies offering it. The insurance covers loss of passports, baggage, delays in flights and medical expenses while on tour.

CONFIRMATIONS & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Have your travel documents and vouchers easily accessible. Carry a copy of important documents like a plane ticket, travel itinerary, insurance papers, passport pages, visa copies and confirmation numbers, stored in a safe place, apart from in your hand luggage.

PACKING

• A money belt – A waist pouch and a money belt provide great peace of mind when you are carrying money, passports, credit cards, and other important documents.

• Dress for comfort – Some places in Spain may involve a lot of walking around sightseeing

attractions. Carry comfortable shoes. Also, take layers of clothing to help you adjust to temperature variations during the day.

• Travel Light – It is always best to travel light, so that you can avoid unnecessary delays, and get to your destination most efficiently. You won’t have long waits for your luggage when you bring just enough. One more advantage is that you avoid excess baggage charges which can often be quite significant.

• A small daypack – A backpack will make touring around a city or taking a day trip a lot easier, as you can carry more items and still have your hands free for photo opportunities.

• Money – The currency in Spain is the euro. ATMs have become an easy way to get the type of money you need when you need it, so plan to bring a debit card! Visa, MasterCard, and other credit cards are also generally accepted forms of payment worldwide. Make sure you notify your bank before you leave for your trip so they don’t flag your account for “unusual–activity” while you are away. The last thing you need when you are in Spain is to have your account frozen, leaving you without access to cash.

FOREX

You can carry currency or travelers cheques of various denominations for convenience. Some banks offer pre-paid traveler’s card designed to give you a secure and hassle free travel experience. These also help avoid paying transaction charges for shopping abroad. They are ideal during travel since they can be hot-listed if stolen & reloaded,

while you are still vacationing. Credit cards in India don’t always offer a good rate of exchange for usage overseas. You can also exchange money at local banks and hotels, but remember that they will charge a relatively high fee for handling the exchange.

FLIGHTS

• Baggage – Check your airline’s policies and restrictions regarding checked and carry-on baggage. Most airlines allow one checked bag per person free-of-charge on international flights. Make sure you follow your airline’s weight and size guidelines to avoid paying excess baggage fees for an oversized or heavy bag.

• Arriving at the Airport – For international flights, arrive at the airport no less than two hours before your departure time. Check if your flight is on time before leaving home so you can eliminate waiting around the airport if your flight is delayed.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

When traveling anywhere with children, both young and old, we follow one rule: expect the best, but prepare for the worst-case scenario.

• Pack extras of everything in a bag. From snacks and water to toys and changes of clothes, you can never be too prepared, particularly when dealing with potential delays, rerouting, and long waits.

• Aim for a window seat for your child for a little built-in entertainment at take-off and landing.

• Beyond your flight, it’s important to plan your vacation with a mix of fun activities, rest and relaxation each day. Ensure to carry family games

you’re ready to go...almost

For 50 years, Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages. Infact, for as little as $77 per day, you can enjoy the benefits of escorted travel, a greater choice of activities, free time to explore your destination the way you want, and longer stays in key cities, so that you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture. With many European tours for less than $1,000, you’ll spend less time dreaming and more time doing.

Get started today—see your local travel agent,

call Cosmos at 1.800.425.3575 or visit us at

www.CosmosVacations.in

For a Cosmos specialist travel agent, use our handy Travel Agent Locator—

and tell them Cosmos sent you!

or books for entertainment during long journeys.

OVERCOMING JETLAG

• Minimize the impact of changing multiple time zones by staying hydrated during your flight and avoiding alcoholic drinks while on the plane.

• Remember to set your watch to the time at your destination as soon as you begin your flight to help you begin adjusting before you even arrive.

• If it’s daytime when you arrive at your destination, spend as much time as you can outside, using the sunlight to help you adjust to the new time zone. The reverse is true if you arrive in the evening. Try to get a good night sleep so you can wake up at a reasonable time the next day to start your vacation.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION

• The best way to enjoy your Italian vacation is to immerse yourself in the local destination experience – food, language and people are all part of that experience.

• Show respect to cultural differences. Maintain punctuality for sightseeing and other activities that you have enrolled for, so you can maximize on your vacation experience.

• Keep an open mind and exhibit attitudes that set a positive example of our nation outside–every citizen is a country’s ambassador, especially when traveling overseas!