Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

What about a passport?
If you already have a passport, it must be valid for a minimum of six months after the return date of your tour. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. It usually takes six weeks to obtain a passport, but they are valid for ten years. We request a copy of the photo page of your passport at least sixty days prior to your tour. You should also keep a copy of your passport in a separate place while traveling outside the US.

How do I obtain a passport?
You may visit your local passport office or post office for instructions. Additional information regarding passports can be found at the Department of State Travel website.

Will I need other travel documents?
US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for Germany. Non US citizens should contact the German Consulate for information regarding entry requirements.

Will I need any shots?
No shots are required, but you may wish to discuss your travel plans with your family physician.

What if I am traveling alone but would like a roommate?
Ideal Travel and Tours will try and match you with a roommate, if you so desire, but we cannot guarantee a compatible roommate will be available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be invoiced 30 days prior to departure for the single room supplement as listed on the Registration Form.

How do I register for the tour?
Your place is secured once we receive your registration form and deposit of $300. The final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. If you register inside 60 days, full payment is due with your registration. All registrations are taken on a space-available basis.

What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you find it necessary to cancel your tour for any reason, there will be a fifty-dollar ($50) fee to cover administrative costs. For cancellations at 90-60 days an additional $200 is charged by the airline for a total cancellation cost of $250. For cancellations received inside 60 days of departure, the above fees plus any cancellation fees imposed by the land operator or additional fees by the airline will be charged. Airline tickets are nonrefundable after they have been issued, generally 30 days prior to departure. Ideal Travel and Tours must receive all cancellations in writing.

Airport and Arrival

What about my flight to the departure city?
We recommend that you schedule your domestic flight to arrive in the gateway city at least 3 hours prior to the international flight. Keep in mind that all flight schedules are subject to change by the airlines without advance notice, and Ideal Travel and Tours is not responsible for changes or delays in airline schedules. We recommend Travel Leaders/United World Travel at 1.800.233.6889 to help with your domestic flight to the departure city.

What if I miss my flight?
If you miss your domestic flight or international connection, go to the airline counter and ask them for help. Once you know the options, please inform Ideal Travel and Tours by phone (972.490.8573) so that we will know the status of your travel.

What about luggage?
We recommend that you travel with only one check-in bag and one carry-on bag. Your checked luggage should be a maximum of 62 combined inches (length + width + depth) and weigh no more than 50 lbs. Please check with the scheduled airline for their latest luggage guidelines, including carry-on bags.

What about lost or damaged luggage?
Upon arrival, file a claim at the airport. Our land agent will help you locate the proper counter for help with your claim. The airline will be responsible to deliver your lost luggage or compensate you for damaged luggage.

Will someone meet the group at our final destination?
After passing through passport control, a representative from our partner office in Germany will meet and assist you in the airport at Frankfurt. They will inform you which carousel your luggage will be on and escort you outside the airport to your bus.

Hotels and Itinerary

What can I expect in the hotels?
The hotels chosen for this tour will have two twin beds, a private bath, TV and phone. They will be very quaint hotels, most of them historical properties that have been redesigned. If you decide to bring electronic items (e.g. hairdryer), you will need a converter for the 220 voltage and an adapter for the wall plug. These can be purchased at most stores that sell luggage.

What meals are included?
Breakfast daily and 8 dinners are included. Beverages at breakfast include coffee, tea, and juice. Beverages other than water at dinner will be an additional expense.

What about our daily travel?
We will follow the noted itinerary, however, the Tour Host reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary depending on circumstances at the time. A typical touring day will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Daily transportation is by deluxe air-conditioned motor coach, especially designed for touring.

How do I pay?
Euros are the currency used in Germany, and you will find that many places will not accept US currency. We recommend a major credit card for large purchases (be sure and contact your credit card company to inform them of your travels).

Miscellaneous

What is suggested for spending money?
We suggest $25 per day, per-person for spending money. This should be enough for lunch, bottled water and a couple of snacks during the day. Additional cash should be taken for shopping and souvenirs.

Will I be responsible for any tips?
Tips to the guide, driver and hotel staff are included in the total cost of your tour package. Ideal Travel and Tours will distribute the tips to all service providers. You are not obligated to provide any additional tips.

How do I pack for the trip?
Casual dress is the recommendation. You should plan your wardrobe with layered clothing in mind. The weather in Germany can be very cool with a few showers, even in June. Comfort is the key, since there will be some long rides on the bus and some days with long walks. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes.

How do I handle my prescription medicines?
Keep your medicine in the original bottle, if possible, and be certain to pack your daily medications in your CARRY-ON luggage. If you are carrying any special medical devices, such as a CPAP machine, please inform your Tour Host or the Ideal Travel and Tours office at least 60 days prior to the tour.

What about medical and trip cancellation insurance?
You should check with your medical insurance to see if they provide coverage outside of the US. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage outside the US. We will provide an insurance brochure when you register. The insurance is optional, but you should seriously consider protecting your travel investment in the case you must cancel last minute.

How physically demanding is the tour?
This is an active tour with an average amount of walking, climbing stairs, and getting on and off the bus during the day. If you are in reasonable good health, you should be able to enjoy the entire tour program. If you have health concerns, please consult your physician.

How do I communicate with the US while in Germany?
If you have a cell phone, you should check with your service provider to determine if you have international service. You can use room phones, but keep in mind the calls will be expensive.

Will we have any free time during the tour?
We understand that most people will experience Oberammergau and Germany only once in their lifetime. Therefore, we plan the itinerary to include as much of Germany as possible. There will be some scheduled “free time”, but not excessive.

What if I have other questions?
If you think of a question that has not been answered here, please feel free to contact Ideal Travel and Tours. Contact information is located in the box to the left.