Understanding Escorted Tour Itineraries

Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2012

Thinking about taking an escorted tour?  Here is a glossary of some common terms used in our itineraries:

Visit - Your coach will stop and you'll get to visit a specific site.
View - A brief stop and an opportunity to take photos.
See - Your Insight coach will drive by the site so that you can see it.
Sightseeing tour - A local city guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site.
Orientation tour - Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own.
'Why not see' or 'perhaps enjoy' - These phrases refer to optional excursions not included in the tour package, but are available for an additional fee.
Time to explore and discover - Free time on your own.
A day to relax - No planned activities; time for optional excursions or other independent activities.

Our tour specialists are always available to help you understand what is included on a tour vacation, so that you can plan how much money to budget on your European vacation.

Aston Martin Driving School Nurburgring, Germany

Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Oktoberest Germany

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Oktoberfest is a festival that is held every year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, and lasts between 16 and 18 days. Traditionally, the festival takes place over the 16 days leading up to, and including, the first Sunday in October. If the first Sunday of October is on the 1st or 2nd day of the month, then it will continue until October 3rd.

The first Oktoberfest was on October 12th, 1810. It was held as a public celebration for the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and his bride Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghhausen that had taken place only five days earlier. Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese decided to hold a great horse race. It was such a successful public event that they decided to hold it again in 1811, and from then on. In 1960 the horse races were discontinued. As a way of honoring the marriage of the Crown Prince and Princess, a parade was held in 1835, and became a yearly thing in 1850.

In 1811, in order to boost the Bavarian agriculture industry, an agricultural show was brought to the festival. The agricultural show is still held to this day, and is done every four years in the southern area of the festival grounds. In 1816, carnival booths appeared, and prizes of jewelry, porcelain, and silver were given. In 1819, it was officially announced that Oktoberfest would become an annual event. Later, the date of the festival was moved forward and lengthened, because days were longer and warmer towards the end of September. In 1880, electric lighting came to the festival and lit nearly 500 tents and booths. A year later, booths that sold bratwursts opened, and they quickly became an Oktoberfest staple. The first time beer was sold in a glass mug was in 1892.

In 1887, another staple event took place for the first time: the Entry of the Oktoberfest Staff and Breweries. This gives the people a chance to showcase the bands that play in the tents, as well as the decorated horse teams of the breweries. This event takes place the first Saturday of Oktoberfest, and symbolizes the official introduction to the celebration. Oktoberfest celebrated its 100th birthday in 1910. Over 120,000 liters of beer were poured on that day.

In 2011, Oktoberfest will take place from September 17th to October 3rd. Make sure to visit the Schottenhamel tent on Saturday, September 18th, if you want to catch to opening ceremonies and watch the first keg be tapped by the lord mayor. The first keg of Oktoberfest beer is tapped at noon, and afterwards all the festivities begin, including the drinking!

Opening hours are 10 am to 11:30 pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, it’s from 9 am to 12 am. On Sundays, it’s from 9 am to 11:30 pm. Every Tuesday from 12 pm to 6 pm is Family Day at the carnival, and has discounted prices for entrance, rides, and even sales. Entry to Oktoberfest and all of the beer tents is completely free.

Language Issues When Traveling Abroad

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011

If you are planning to travel to a foreign country, why not "dive" into the culture a bit and learn some of the language. 

English is spoken by many in Europe, but to be a real traveler, you should learn a few words of that foreign language... no need to purchase a language program (unless you want to,) but learning some key phrases will make it fun, and foreigners appreciate when you try to speak their language.  Learn hello, good-bye, please and thank you at the very least.  It's just polite to do that. 

Also learn how to ask (in their language) if they speak English... or try to ask your question in the local language.  They will appreciate the effort.  Often they will volunteer, "Would you like to speak English?"  And if they don't speak English, they will probably try to find someone who does.  Other useful phrases are how much is it? Where is a bathroom? What time is it?

Carry a phrase book.  It will help to be able to point out a phrase if the local person you're asking doesn't seem to understand you.  Don't just speak louder... that isn't going to help.  Remember English is a foreign language to them!  Even if you're trying, your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads or blushing as you've said something you didn't want to.  To be a traveler, you need a sense of humor... especially about yourself.  If they don’t understand you, don't be embarrassed.  Point to the word in the phrase book. 

Take a chance.  People are forgiving of tourists.... even the French who have an undeserved reputation for not being helpful.  The key is to be GRATEFUL that they speak a little English to help you... not to expect it.  When you're speaking English, speak slowly and avoid slang. 

Don't be intimidated by signs in a foreign language, as you can usually figure things out without asking.  Does it look similar to a word you're familiar with?  If it says "farmacia" instead of "pharmacy", take a guess... you're probably looking at that pharmacy.  Is there a sign with a picture that might help solve the mystery?  A green cross or a pharmacist's scale would be a good clue. 

Remember, you went on this trip to experience something different... so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words and enjoy yourself!  If traveling in a tour group, of course your guide will help you get around and can give you language tips as well.

Dining Out in Berlin, Germany

Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011