Express: Departure Graf: Paris Express

Meeting point for the start of the trip
Your trip starts and finishes in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

Address: Dießfurter Str, 92655 Grafenwoehr (parking lot)
Instructions: if you are exiting McDonald’s parking lot in Grafenwoehr you will turn right on to B299 as if you are going towards Netzaberg. You will then take your very first right (as if you are going towards MegaPlay) and as soon as you cross the small bridge there is a driveway on the right side which you can enter into a parking lot. You should see several cars and the bus there. The parking lot is available during the duration of the trip for our passengers.

Passport and Visa Requirements
A tourist passport is required for all trips outside of Germany.

Important passport rules are as follows:
If you have a passport with a SOFA stamp on any page (a “No-Fee” passport), you are provided permission to reside in Germany, NOT to travel outside of Germany. You have to have a tourist passport in addition to the SOFA/”No-Fee” passport to travel outside of Germany. You cannot travel with a RED Official passport as that is used only for the purpose of a mission or deployment. If you have a passport with a detachable SOFA card clipped inside, it is acceptable to travel with as that was issued originally as a tourist passport. If you are not sure: a tourist passport will be BLUE and will be valid for 10 years for adults. It cannot contain a SOFA stamp on any page or it is not acceptable. A child’s tourist passport (under 15 years of age) is valid for 5 years, but will not have a SOFA stamp in it anywhere. All of this information has been verified to be correct with the Grafenwoehr Passport Office.

Baggage Allowance
Each adult is entitled to one luggage and one personal item. Luggage should be able to be stored below the bus and the personal item should contain whatever you might need on the bus. Pillows and blankets do not count for the personal item. If you have additional items such as strollers, carseats, etc. please send us a message to make those arrangements.

Clothing and Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable in something more formal. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to France. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates.

Cuisine
For the most casual snack or picnic, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, patés, cured meats, freshbaked bread and fruit. Sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, filled with cheese, ham, fruit or chocolate. Mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from the cafés. On the restaurant scene, the prix fixe option is popular, offering a three- or four-course set menu for a good price.

Electricity
France operates on the European standard 220 volts.

Currency
The Euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM cards, credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the Euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping
At the conclusion of your trip, it’s customary to offer your Trip Leader a gratuity. We recommend tipping €1-2 per person per day for your Trip Leader. Tips can only be paid in cash.