FAQ
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| What do I need to do to reserve a space in one of your vacations? |
Either call us at 1.203.732.0771 or send an email through the
website. We will check availability for the program and dates in which you are interested. If it is available, you can submit the reservation form along with your deposit to secure your space.
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| Where can I find out the current dates and prices for the schools? |
Most programs have the dates and prices listed on its own page. For those programs that don't have dates, please inquire, as they are more flexible in accommodating your requested time of travel.
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| Are the cooking classes taught in English? |
Yes. All of our cooking classes are taught in English.
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| What if my traveling partner doesn't want to learn to cook but still wants to participate in the other activities? |
Most programs offer a reduced price for those not interested in the cooking aspect of the trip. Inquire about specific programs.
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| Are the day to day itineraries described on each page inscribed in stone, or are the operators flexible if we want to do something else? |
The operators have specially designed each tour to include the best of the region, whether it be visits to chateaux, food producers, local markets, museums, cooking lessons, etc. Remember, the operators want you to have an experience of a lifetime
so will always listen to each request, but any changes would have to come down to a "group vote". Also, you are never required to partake in anything - you may enjoy more leisurely time if you so choose.
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| What should I pack? |
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For hiking/biking/walking: Appropriate sportswear, cycling wear, hiking shoes, sneakers, light jacket, etc. Inquire about cycling - most operators provide helmets, water bottles, etc. For cooking classes: Classes are casual (jeans, pants, shorts, comfortable shirts
- avoid long sleeves) For excursions: In case you end up in a nice restaurant at the end of the day, you might want to dress up a bit more than casual (no jeans or shorts).
I have found that in Tuscany, Provence and the smaller villages of Portugal and Spain, casual dress is widely accepted. I would suggest casual slacks, skirts, comfortable dresses, capris, and
"nice" jeans; as opposed to shorts, Levis and dressy slacks. People tend to really dress up in Rome, Madrid,
Paris and the bigger cities.
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| In which countries does Active Gourmet Holidays offer vacations? |
We currently have programs in Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal.
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Where do I find out the current exchange rate for the country
I'm traveling in? |
Click on our online Currency Converter Link for the current exchange rates of 164 different world currencies.
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| What is included in the price? |
At the bottom of each vacation page, you will find a paragraph detailing what is and is not included in the vacation (i.e. airfare).
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| What is the cancellation policy? |
Each program has its own cancellation policy. Please inquire about specific programs. Travel insurance is
very affordable and is highly recommended.
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| Do you offer one day cooking classes? |
Yes - most of our cooking programs offer one day classes. Please contact us for more details.
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| What forms of payment do you accept? |
We accept payment by credit card (MC,
Visa, AmEx), check, money order or wire transfer. *All bank charges must be included in your payment if you use wire transfer.
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| Are you a travel agent? |
| No, I do not book airfare, train, rental cars, cell phones or travel insurance but
work with RailEurope, AutoEurope and Travel Insured International since these are the companies I personally use when I travel. Please click on the icons at the bottom of any page
of the site to visit these websites to reserve or you may inquire within. |
| Do I need to tip? |
| In general, tips and
gratuities are included in the package, unless otherwise noted.
When on your own before or after the program, in Italy for
example, you don’t need to leave tips but can leave an extra 5%
to 10%; small tips to hotel staff are appreciated – 1 Euro per
day for chambermaids, a few Euros for bellhops, doormen calling
a cab, 50 cents. Taxis are happy with 5%-10%. |
Travel Tips
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Packing/Luggage:
*When at all possible, FLY DIRECT - less chance of your
luggage getting lost and of course a lot faster.*If
checking bags, ALWAYS bring a spare change of clothes (or
two) in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost. You
will thank me for this hint one day!
*Bring all valuables (jewelry, MEDICINE, etc.) in your
carry on - if your luggage gets lost you will be in trouble
if you don't have your prescription!
*Pack lightly!!!! To avoid over packing, check with your
accommodation to see if they have a hairdryer, iron,
shampoo, soap, etc. Ladies, do you really need 8 pairs of
shoes???
*If you have allergies/sinus problems, don't forget
medicine/spray for the plane since the air pressure when
descending can be very painful.
*Check the weather forecast of the country to which
you are traveling on weather.com prior to leaving. Also, bring a light jacket and a small umbrella.
**Make sure to bring complete addresses and phone
numbers of the place(s) you are staying so in case your
luggage gets lost you can provide the driver who is
delivering your luggage to you with the correct information.
Did I happen to mention that my luggage
has been lost in the past??
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If you are wearing open
toed shoes on the plane, bring a pair of socks.
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Bring your passport - and make sure it hasn't expired.
Also, make a copy or two of your passport and airline tickets and
keep in a separate place.
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Always bring your ATM card with you. You will be charged a transaction fee by your bank each time you withdraw cash from an ATM machine, but this is your best bet. Just remember to withdraw a few larger amounts as opposed to daily, smaller amounts to avoid numerous bank charges. Most banks charge $1.50 - $5.00 per transaction. Also, depending on the kind of ATM card you have, you may be able to use it in restaurants/stores if that place of business accepts Visa/MC. It will automatically come out of your checking account. In this case, you won't be charged the bank's normal transaction fee... Warning - many small villages do not have ATM machines, so plan accordingly. Never go to the exchange store fronts on the street - you will be charged a hefty fee.
*Very Important: Call your bank to tell them you
are going abroad so you will be able to use your ATM card
and also bring the name and phone number (the direct line)
of your banker just in case you need funds made available
while abroad.
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Credit cards are another good option since you will get that current day's exchange rate when you receive your bill upon your return home.
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and
shops. It is a good idea to bring two different types (Visa
or MasterCard and American Express) in case one is not
accepted. Most credit card companies charge an additional
international transaction fee for
using credit cards abroad, usually between 2-3%! Check with
your credit card company prior to your departure.
*Very
Important: Remember to call your credit card companies
before you leave for Europe (usually the fraud department)
to make them aware that there will be charges on your card
from a different country so they won't put a hold on your
card. Also, bring their international phone number with you
so if you need to call them you will have it ready. (800
numbers don't work!).
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I do not advise bringing traveler's checks.
I have found that many restaurants and stores do not
accept them because of currency fluctuation but you can
exchange them at hotel front desks and banks.
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In Italy, you can also change money in the Italian Post Office. They often have better exchange rates and are open Saturday mornings.
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Driving/Rental Car: *Make sure to
confirm rental car reservation prior to your departure.
There is nothing worse than getting to the counter after a long
journey and finding they don't have a car for you!
*Don't forget your driver's license - check with your
insurance company to see if you are covered for collision
while traveling abroad. In most cases you will be and the
extra, very expensive coverage that the car rental companies
try to talk you into are unnecessary.
*Most foreign countries have a lower tolerance for drunk
driving so use your discretion when drinking and driving.
*Rent diesel/manual when possible since diesel fuel is
more economical as is renting a manual transmission.
*Bring a regional and country map of where you will be
visiting (i.e. Tuscany and Italy).
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Make sure you bring an extra pair of sunglasses.
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Bring more film than you
think you will need since film is usually more expensive
overseas. Always check the expiration of any film bought
overseas.
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Always bring comfortable, "already-broken in" footwear. Don't make the mistake of bringing brand new shoes!
Ladies - never bring high heels - they will certainly get stuck in the cobblestones in the small villages. Remember, many of these European villages are very hilly with rocky textures.
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Always pack a swimsuit - even if it's winter, you'll never know if there might be a heated pool or
Jacuzzi!
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For those die hard shoppers, always bring an extra, collapsible suitcase for those precious purchases!
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Expanding on the previous note, if you wish to purchase art/home decor while away, always bring the measurements of that area of your home (i.e. table measurements for tablecloths, bed measurements for linens, etc.)
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Don't forget your laptop hardware, chargers (for cell phone, digital camera, etc.) and
a CONVERTOR set (hairdryer, electric shaver, etc.).
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Calling home: If you don't have a cell phone, remember to bring your home telephone company's Access Codes to be sure you get the best rate in calling home. (Each country has a different access code - call your phone company).
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If you want to check your email while away and don't have a laptop
or blackberry, remember to bring your email access website information (i.e. www.mail2web.com - you will need your username and password).
I always bring my Blackberry to Europe since the service
provider has international access.
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Bring your address book - you may want to send postcards!
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Laundry services are very expensive
overseas so if you want to pack lightly, bring some Woolite
to rinse out clothes in the sink.
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Use village names as landmarks as opposed to route numbers.
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