EXPLORER
Pre-departure
information
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
Hi, thanks for choosing to holiday with
Topdeck! We really appreciate your
decision to travel with us, and rest
assured that the entire Topdeck team
will be pulling out all the stops to make
your trip an unforgettable one.
It’s time to get excited! Get ready for
a fantastic holiday!
From all the crew at Topdeck Travel
About this document
Awesome, so you’ve booked your Topdeck
trip. We’ve prepared the following
pre-departure information which we
hope you’ll find useful when it comes to
preparing for your trip.
This document has everything you need
to know before your trip departs including
where to meet, what to bring and what
you can expect on your trip of a lifetime!
You may even want to print out pages to
check off the lists or bring with you when
you travel. We hope you’re getting excited!
Interactive
document
within.
There are links
to explore,
so get clicking!
Remember though, some points should be
taken as a guide only - after all, everyone’s
different! For example daily spending
money and clothing lists can vary greatly
from one person to the next, so please
bear this in mind. However, we’re sure
you’ll find the information in general to be
very useful.
Insurance
It is compulsory for all passengers to
take out comprehensive travel insurance
before the trip departs covering
cancellation, medical expenses including
repatriation, loss or damage to baggage
and personal belongings, money and
public liability. World Nomads provide
travel insurance, for people from over
140 countries, which is designed for
adventurous travellers with cover for
overseas medical, evacuation, baggage
and a range of adventure sports and
activities. For more information go to
www.topdeck.travel/travel-insurance
You must bring a copy of your travel
insurance policy with you on the trip.
Your Trip Leader will make a record of
your travel insurance details at the start of
your trip, e.g. the name of the insurance
company, the 24 hour emergency
telephone number, and your policy number.
These will be sent to our operations team
to ensure that if you lose your policy
details, they can be easily retrieved.
Health & vaccinations
If you suffer from any kind of medical
condition you must advise Topdeck at the
time of booking, or at least six weeks prior to
the departure of your trip. No vaccinations
are currently compulsory for entry into
European countries. Please reconfirm this
before you leave as conditions could change.
If you require regular medication, you must
have an ample supply of medication before
your trip departs, as it can be difficult to
obtain in some countries. You must be able to
administer your own medication, as Topdeck
Road Crew will not be able to administer it,
and there are no guarantees that there will be
anyone with first aid training on board.
Topdeck Top Tip: If you have more than
one credit card, separate them. Perhaps
store one in your wallet and the other in
your luggage. That way if you lose it you’ll
still have access to cash.
Visas & passports
Please make sure your passport is valid
for at least 6 months after the last day of
your trip. Some countries will refuse entry
if there is not at least 6 months validity on
your passport after your departure date
from their country. Depending on your
nationality, you may require a visa to enter
certain countries. It is your responsibility
to obtain these prior to the departure of
the trip. Consult your travel agent or your
national Government website to determine
which visas you will require.
We also have a visa chart on our website
listing the visas required by some
nationalities travelling on our trips. To go
to our website www.topdeck.travel/visas.
Remember that some visas can take up
to six weeks to acquire, so don’t leave it
until the last minute. Also bear in mind
that the validity of the visa often runs from
the date of issue rather than date of entry
into the country. Please check with the
appropriate embassies prior to departure
as requirements do change periodically.
Topdeck Top Tip: If you're planning busy
days and late nights, maybe grab some
vitamin supplements to keep your immune
system nicely stocked!
Email: info@topdeck.travel
EXPLORER
Pre-departure
information
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
Schengen Agreement
Meals
France, Italy, Austria, Germany, The
Netherlands, Portugal, Luxembourg,
Greece, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway and Sweden are all part
of the Schengen Agreement, which means
that one visa can be used to cover all of
these countries. If you need a visa for any
of these countries that your trip visits, you
will require a multi-entry Schengen visa.
The country you will be spending the most
time in usually issues the Schengen Visa.
Your included meals are detailed in the
‘What’s Included’ section on the trip pages
in our brochure and on your detailed Trip
Itinerary.
Note that all trips departing and returning
to London; under normal circumstances,
enter and exit continental Europe and the
Schengen area through Calais in France.
Please check your itinerary for the correct
port of entry/exit for your trip.
Time on the coach
We try to spend as little time on the coach
as possible so that you have more time to
enjoy the places you visit. Please remember
though that Europe is a large continent
and it takes time to get around! On driving
days between cities you will be on the
coach during the day, stopping off to visit
places of interest where possible. Strict
driving rules apply in Europe that limit the
maximum number of hours your Driver can
drive each day. They also limit the maximum
number of days that can be driven before
a day off must be taken. We have worked
hard to make sure this does not affect your
trip, but in some cities it means we will use
public transport. The cost for this is included
in your trip price and your Trip Leader will
show you how to get around like the locals.
Breakfasts are included every day in the
hotel (except on the first morning). They
are usually ‘continental breakfasts’, which
are typical in most European countries. A
typical breakfast may consist of cereals
with milk or yoghurt, bread, croissants,
cold meats, cheese and a range of spreads,
with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is
rare to get a hot breakfast in continental
Europe, though on some occasions there
may be some hot food available as well.
Included evening meals are in local
restaurants or accommodation places, and
are either 2 or 3 courses. In most cases
table water is provided with the meals, and
if you wish to purchase additional drinks
you can do so at your own expense.
If you have special dietary requirements
e.g. vegetarian or wheat intolerance,
we will make every endeavour to cater
to your specific needs as long as you
advise your travel agent or Topdeck trip
consultant when you book. Please be
aware that in some countries, particularly
in Eastern Europe, the restaurants we use
for included meals may not be able to
cater for every single dietary requirement,
but we will always try our best to arrange
it. However, we cannot cater for tastes or
dislikes, as most of our included evening
meals feature a set menu.
Topdeck Top Tip: A good book is always
a great thing to have - but why not look
for a novel which is based somewhere
your trip visits? It adds an interesting
perspective when you explore these
destinations.
Festivals and Short Break
Packages
Did you know Topdeck also run a great
range of festival and short break packages
all year round? These include:
•Oktoberfest
Accommodation
Your Explorer trip will stay in a range
of European hotels of mostly 3 star
quality. We have endeavoured to select a
combination of good quality hotels that
reflect the character of the local area, as
centrally located as possible, whilst still
striving to keep the cost affordable. Please
be aware that European hotel rooms,
especially those in major urban centres
or older cities, may be smaller than what
you are used to in other parts of the
world. Standards and ratings may also be
different to your home country.
• ANZAC Trips
• Pamplona – Running of the Bulls
• La Tomatina
• Las Fallas
• Edinburgh Fringe Festival
• St Patrick’s Day
• Venice Carnival
• Easter Trips
• Christmas and New Year Trips
For further details, dates and prices, or
to book, please visit our website
www.topdeck.travel
Rooms are en-suite and either twin or
triple share, depending on what you have
booked. If you are a solo traveller, you will
always be sharing a room with someone of
the same sex.
If you are travelling as a couple and
would prefer to have a double bed,
please officially request a double room
with your travel agent or Topdeck trip
consultant. We never presume that two
people travelling together are a couple,
even if you share the same surname, unless
informed otherwise.
Topdeck Top Tip: Try out a few local
phrases in each place. It's great fun
speaking with locals and making an effort
wins friends.
Email: info@topdeck.travel
EXPLORER
Pre-departure
information
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
Baggage
Suggested clothing list
We recommend soft bags, suitcases or
frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or
carry bag. No external framed bags please,
as they damage other bags on the coach.
As a general rule, pack light! People
invariably bring more than they need, and
you will have to transport it around before
and after the trip, as well as in and out of
the accommodation during the trip!
Please limit your luggage to a maximum
of 20kg. Maximum allowable size for all
backpacks must not exceed 70cm x 50cm
x 25cm. Please note that due to space
and weight restrictions on our coaches,
passengers with too much luggage on
departure morning may be told that they
cannot take their entire luggage with them.
Luggage storage facilities are usually
available at the departure point, if they
are not available you will have to make
your own arrangements to have it stored
or shipped home. Any luggage left behind
will be at your own risk and you will be
required to pay any cost that is incurred.
Sleeping bags
On Explorer trips full bedding is always
provided. Sleeping bags are not necessary.
Max Weight = 20kg/44lbs
height 70cm
depth 25cm
Remember also that during your trip you are
bound to find items that you may wish to buy,
so leave room in your luggage for additional
purchases. A full coach of passengers with
heavy bags may render it overweight, which
will result in severe disruption to our schedules
and potentially affect our itinerary, so please
pack so that your baggage will be less than
20kg by the end of the trip, not just at the start!
Whilst towels are provided in all hotels,
they can sometimes be small in certain
countries, so it is useful to bring your own.
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of smart casual shoes
1 pair thongs/jandals/flip-flops
2 pairs jeans/trousers
2 pairs shorts/skirts
4 shirts/t-shirts
2 sweaters/jumpers
Smart casual evening wear
1 rainproof jacket
1 warm jacket
Underwear and socks!
General things to pack:
Swimming costume
Electricity & voltage
The voltage throughout Europe is 220v, if
the voltage in your home country is the same
or similar to the voltage in the country you
will be travelling to, then you won’t need a
voltage transformer. Many modern electrical
devices are built to be able to handle a range
of different volts, usually from 110 to 240v. It
is recommended that you check the voltage
of your appliance before plugging it in, as the
appliance may be damaged if the incoming
voltage is higher than the appliance is
manufactured for.
Once you have established the voltage
of your appliance all you will need is an
adapter to ensure your plug will fit the
European sockets. Most European countries
utilise a two pronged round pinned plug.
width 45cm
The following clothing list is suggested,
based on our experience:
Towel
Toiletries
Hat & Sunscreen
Basic medical kit
(including plasters, aspirin etc.)
Washing powder
Insect repellent
Conversion plug
Optional:
Sewing kit
Log in, Hook Up
There’s no need to wait until your trip starts
to get involved! Did you know you can link up
with Topdeck on a variety of social media? Meet
travel buddies, get questions answered and
share your experiences with others!
Facebook
Facebook.com/TopdeckTravel
Become a fan on Facebook and you can put a
shout out to other travellers on your trip, get
travel advice and share photos, videos and tips
from your past adventures.
Twitter
Twitter.com/TopdeckTravel
Follow @TopdeckTravel for a direct link
to our helpful staff and tweet about your
#TopdeckTravel adventures for all to see!
Forum
Forum.topdeck.travel
The Topdeck forum is a place for travellers past
and present to exchange stories, find friends and
get advice.
Blogs
Topdecknews.com
There’s no better way to find out about the
Topdeck experience than from our team of
passionate travellers. Head to our blogs page
and get inspired for your next trip.
YouTube
YouTube.com/TopdeckTravel
Our Topdeck YouTube channel has videos to
whet your appetite, including our latest TV
commercial and fantastic clips submitted by our
passengers.
Pillow case
Torch
Travel pillow
Please note: entry into some religious sites, such as
cathedrals and mosques, requires clothing to cover
knees, chest and shoulders.
Topdeck Top Tip: If you’re a light sleeper or
fancy catching some shut-eye on the coach,
a pair of foam earplugs won’t cost much but
they may become your new best friend.
Email: info@topdeck.travel
EXPLORER
Pre-departure
information
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
Currency per country
Spending money
European currencies
Past Passenger Discount
Countries that your trip may visit and the
currencies they currently use are listed
below:
Albania - Lek (ALL)
Austria - Euro
Belgium - Euro
Bosnia & Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM)
Bulgaria - Leva (BGN)
Croatia - Kuna (HRK)
Czech Republic - Koruny (Crown) (CZK)
Denmark - Danish Kroner (DKK)
Estonia - Euro
Finland - Euro
France - Euro
Germany - Euro
Greece - Euro
Hungary - Forint (FOR)
Iceland - Icelandic Kroner (ISK)
Italy - Euro
Ireland (Republic of Ireland) - Euro
Lativa - Lati (LVL)
Lithuania - Litai (LTL)
Monaco - Euro
Montenegro - Euro
Morocco - Dirham (MAD)
Netherlands - Euro
Norway - Norwegian Kroner (NOK)
Poland - Zlotych (PLN)
Portugal - Euro
Russia - Rubles (RUB)
Serbia - Dinars (RSD)
Slovakia - Euro
Slovenia - Euro
Spain - Euro
Sweden - Swedish Kronor (SEK)
Switzerland - Franc (CHF)
Turkey - Lira (TRY)
United Kingdom - Pound Sterling (GBP)
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are
available all over Europe and are the safest
and easiest way to access cash. Travellers’
cheques are also accepted in Europe and
are an alternative to using ATMs.
The main currency in Western Europe is the
Euro (€). Euros may also be accepted as
payment in some countries outside of the
‘Eurozone’ area, otherwise you will need
to use local currency or credit/debit cards.
It is generally always possible to exchange
money in to local currency after arriving in
the country, and the easiest way is to make a
withdrawal from a local ATM.
Thinking about booking another trip,
festival or short break with us? As a thank
you for being a loyal Topdeck customer, you
can claim the following discount on your
next trip!
We recommend that you change
approximately €100 in cash before
departure and approximately €30 into
Swiss Francs (if your trip goes through
Switzerland). This will cover you for
spending money until you have the chance
to change more or find an ATM.
Most well known credit cards are accepted
in Europe. We recommend that you bring
yours along in case you see something
special, which you haven’t budgeted for.
Credit cards CANNOT be used to pay for
optional excursions.
Based on past experience, we recommend
at least €50 – €60 per day to cover your
normal expenses including sightseeing,
small souvenir shopping and non-included
meals. If you wish to purchase expensive
souvenirs, you will need to budget for
more, or use your credit cards for these
purchases. Remember, this is a guideline
figure and can vary greatly between
individuals according to your overall
personal budget and spending habits!
Topdeck Top Tip: For up to date exchange
rates on all foreign currencies,
visit www.xe.com
Changing money
We recommend that you change
approximately €100 in cash before departure
and approximately €30 into Swiss Francs (if
your trip goes through Switzerland). This will
cover you for spending money until you have
the chance to change more or find an ATM.
5%*
OFF
your next
Topdeck trip
Save 5% off
the trip price if
you’ve travelled
with Topdeck
or Connections
Adventures
(Australia & New
Zealand) before.
*Terms & Conditions apply. Please see the website for full details.
Tipping
Although you may not be accustomed to
tipping at home, in many European countries
it is customary. In some countries a service
charge may be added to your bill, in other
countries it is usual to round the bill up to
the nearest Euro or to leave an additional
amount of between 5% and 10%. Your Trip
Leader will be able to advise you further on
the tipping customs in the countries you visit.
Remember tipping is not compulsory and
should only be given if you think you have
received exemplary service. At Topdeck
we know how much tipping can cost you,
so our road crew don’t expect a thing.
Spend your money on yourself.
Topdeck Top Tip: Why not hide away
a €50 note somewhere? It might be
useful in the case of a lost wallet or other
emergencies.
Email: info@topdeck.travel
EXPLORER
Pre-departure
information
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
Starting your trip
Please see the check-in details on
your Trip Itinerary for where your trip
starts. This should contain a meeting
time and place (usually the reception
of the accommodation) where you can
meet your Topdeck Trip Leader for a
welcome meeting and to find out further
information on your trip. Please ensure you
bring your passport and travel insurance
details to this meeting.
Finishing your trip
Trips generally finish after breakfast on
the final day. You will have stayed in that
destination the night before, making it
easier to arrange onward travel plans for
that day. Some Explorer trips finish in the
afternoon or evening. Further information
can be found in your detailed Trip Itinerary.
Missed your departure or
welcome meeting?
Please be aware that the trip may be
arriving from a different city on that day. If
you are at the correct accommodation on
time and there is no sign of your Topdeck
Trip Leader, the trip may have encountered
bad traffic or unforeseen circumstances
and the group may be running late.
In this case please check with the
accommodation reception to see if your
Topdeck Trip Leader has left a message
and an estimated time of arrival for you.
If you arrive late at your accommodation
and miss the check-in time given in your
detailed Trip Itinerary, please check with
the accommodation reception to see if
they have any information or messages
from your Topdeck Trip Leader.
Greek Island Hopper
This trip is operated by local operator
Bellair Travel.
If you should experience difficulties of any
kind in Greece prior to your trip starting
please contact our local operator directly.
Bellair Travel
40 Voulis Street
105 57 Athens
MEET!
Get in touch with
'Topdeck Meet'
Download ‘Topdeck Meet’, our free iPhone app and
meet other Topdeck travellers before you go! Topdeck
Meet is super-easy to use: just choose your Topdeck
trip and travel month from the list and connect
instantly with your new trip buddies. First to sign up?
Get the ball rolling and create the first entry to start
your Topdeck adventure with your new friends.
Topdeck Meet is currently available for iPhones,
iPads and iPod Touch, requires iOS 4.3 or later Android version coming soon!
Tel: +30 210 323 9261 / 62
Email: bellair@otenet.gr
Or try the following mobile phone
numbers:
Jenny Menenakou (Manager)
+30 6944 436562,
Tina Dimitriou
+30 6932 275354
Turkey Explored
This trip is operated by local operator
Indigo Tourism.
If you should experience difficulties of any
kind in Turkey prior to your trip starting
please contact our local operator directly.
Indigo Tourism & Travel Agency
Nakilbent Cad. No:41/A
34122 Sultanahmet
Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 517 72 66 / 517 7548
Email: red@indigotour.com
Email: info@topdeck.travel
EXPLORER
Pre-departure
information
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
Optional activities
Keep in touch & stay secure
For more information visit the previous URL or
phone our dedicated 24/7 Customer Service on:
On all trips we have arranged extra
activities that we think will enhance your
travel experience, but you have a choice
as to whether or not you will participate.
These are called Optional Excursions and
are not included in the cost of your trip.
They are usually organised on a group
participation basis and should be taken
into consideration when budgeting your
spending money. See the section called
Optional Excursions on your trip itinerary
to help you assess any extra personal
expenses you may incur.
Claim your free Topdeck global sim card
before you leave for your trip.
Australia: 1800 795 252
None of the optional excursions on your
trip are operated by Topdeck, and nor
do they form part of your contract with
Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges
optional excursions as an Agent of the
local supplier. Should you participate in
any optional excursions your contract will
be with the local supplier of the excursion,
and their conditions will apply. We have
selected all of these operators based on
recommendations from past passengers
and Topdeck Road Crew.
Just follow this link to claim yours: www.topdeck.
ekit.com/freesim - use your Topdeck “Booking
Reference” and purchase a minimum of $20 calling
credit.
UK: 0800 376 2370
USA: 1-888-513-8804
Topdeck Top Tip: Topdeck can book
accommodation and transfers for you for
before or after your trip. Contact your travel
agent or friendly Topdeck trip consultant
for more information or to book.
Canada: 1888-513-8804
Global sims must be pre-ordered.
The Topdeck SIM is roaming free” and designed
just for travellers. Drop it into your mobile or
smartphone and enjoy huge savings on roaming
data, calls and SMS when travelling throughout
Europe.
Final checklist
Have you packed everything? Here are a
few things to tick off...
Passport
(with visas if required!)
Every SIM card also includes the ekit Travel Journal.
The Travel Journal automatically updates your
location to Google maps on a daily basis. This allows
you to keep track of where you’ve been, and with
the option to publish this on Facebook and twitter
you can easily show-off your travels to friends
and family. Not only does this provide a hassle
free way of keeping in contact, but you can text in
your own journal updates or photos and receive
free notifications when people comment on your
Facebook timeline.
Airline tickets
(where applicable)
Insurance Policy
(you must bring this with you)
Camera, batteries & chargers
Conversion plug
• Free SIM card and $10 bonus call credit, when you
purchase $20 of call credit
• Coverage in over 180 countries
Topdeck eKit global phone
card, SIM card or phone
• Free shipping to Australia, UK, Europe, USA and
Canada
Sense of excitement!
• Save up to 70% on international calls
• Data from $0.39/MB
Toilets
In most European countries you will have
to pay a small amount to use public toilets
at service stations and in city centres. It is
a common practice in Europe and should
be regarded as a form of ‘tipping’, as the
money goes to the people who clean and/
or maintain the facilities. It is very rare that
public toilets do not supply toilet paper,
but it may be useful to carry a pack of
tissues with you.
• Pre-paid so no worry about bill shock!
To redeem your FREE SIM card and $10 credit
before you travel visit:
www.topdeck.ekit.com/freesim
Then quote your Topdeck “Booking Reference”.
Security
Use eKit’s travel vault and avoid hassles
along the way. You can securely store all
your important documents online, passport
number, insurance and visa information and
travellers cheques details. Refer to the eKit
brochure or visit www.topdeck.ekit.com
We trust you have found this
information useful, and we sincerely
hope that you have a fantastic holiday
with Topdeck! Thanks again for
choosing to travel with us.
From all the crew at Topdeck Travel
Email: info@topdeck.travel