Passport: required by 2nd class - nursing department must keep copy. Must be valid 6 months after trip - check expiration. Make 2 color copies leaving 1 at home & taking 1 copy.
Airport: Checkin at Lubbock airport 1.5-2 hours ahead. Longer time needed for international airports. Only need passport to check in for group travel. You should receive all boarding passes to destination.
Luggage: Only check 1 bag - international should be free. See airline website for size & weight limits for checked & carryon. Take a picture of your bag to identify if lost in transit. Place hotel list, flights & contact info on 1 sheet of paper in checked luggage. During transit, check flight status for gate or time changes. Be calm!
Money: Have 4-500 Euros for lunches, beverages, souvenirs, etc at start of trip. Plan tips for guide (7-10 euro/day, driver-euro/day). Master Card & Visa are usually accepted for purchases. ATMs will give local currency. Notify credit card company & bank of dates you are traveling.
Hotels & Meals: Rooms have private baths. Washcloths are seldom available - bring old to use/toss. Breakfast is provided each day and many evening meals. Meals on your own expense allow you to experience local cuisine in smaller groups. Water is safe or bottled may be purchased along the way.
Medicine: All medicine (Rx or OTC) should be in carryon bag. Bring meds for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergy, Epi-Pen.
Electricity: Universal adapter fits all Europe outlets. Only need adapter for phones & cameras. Check appliances for dual voltage.
Weather: bring umbrella or rain poncho & sunglasses. Dress in layers.
Pickpocket warnings from Rick Steves: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/dodging-sticky-fingers-how-to-outfox-europes-pickpockets
See Rick Steves for more info & packing lists https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips
These have been around for a long time, but they have lasting value. Even the most experienced traveler might find value by reviewing them occasionally.
Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou left them at home…for thou hast left home to find things different.
Thou shalt not take anything too seriously..for a carefree mind is vital to a good vacation.
Thou shall not let other travelers get on thy nerves..for thou paid good money to enjoy thyself.
Thou shalt not forget thou are a representative of your country at all times.
Thou shalt not worry..for he who worrieth hath no pleasure and few things are fatal.
Know where thy passport is at all times..for a traveler without a passport is a traveler without a country.
As a stranger in a strange land be prepared to do as its people doeth.
Thou shalt not judge all people of a country by the one person who hath given thee trouble.
Blessed is the traveler who can say thank you in any language for this and a smile doubles the value of any tip.
Remember thou are a guest in every land and those who treat their hosts with respect shall be treated likewise.