I have just received my Rick Steves Europe through the back door 2012 tour catalog. My question is this: How do air flights fit into these trips? Do we make our own flight arrangements and just meet the group in the right place or is there an organized flight for the group departing from the US?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
It is my understanding, that you schedule your own flights and get to the meeting point at the right time.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
You do your own flights, its better that way, most people like to fly in at least a day ahead if not more, that way you can relax and deal with jet lag, and if a suitcase doesn't appear it gives it a day or two to get to you.
Plus many people like to stay a day or two after, depending on which tour you take, they sometimes end in cities where you really would like a few extra days, like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London etc. After the tour most people , even if they have never travelled indendently feel alot more confident to be on their own as the guides just don't lead you around, they teach you how to take public transportation, they discuss other sites you may want to visit on your free time, they give you the low down on local specialities in restarants etc . That said, I believe the Rick Steves travel office can help you arrange a flight ( for a fee).. but most people either do it themselves online, or go to their local travel agent.
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Brenda, you make your own travel arrangements. I've taken several RS tours and always plan to arrive a day or two in advance to get over the jet lag. The tour kicks off with a 5 p.m. meeting (sort of a casual cocktail party) at the hotel or a nearby location followed by a group dinner. The tour office will send the info to you a couple of months before the tour date. RS tours attract a really nice group of people and are a good value for your money. You will have a great time!
Posted by
OP
Carterville, Illinois, United States
120 posts
Thank you all so much for your help. A day or two to get over jet lag sounds like a good idea.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Brenda, As the others have mentioned, you'll have to arrange your own flights. You can either book online using one of the "travel" websites (Expedia, Priceline) or use a Travel Agent. The tour info package will indicate which Hotel the tour will be starting from. If you arrive a few days early, you'll have to make your own arrangements for a room until the "official" start of the tour. IMO, this is a a much better way to structure the tours. I usually like to travel on my own before or after the RS tours, and this gives me the flexibility to choose not only the time frame but also which city I'll be flying into and departing from. Again as mentioned, the tour will start at 15:00-17:00 on the first day with an informal meeting, which generally includes drinks and an "introduction session". After that there will be a short familiarization walkabout in the neighborhood and then a group dinner. I'll hopefully be booking my sixth RS tour within a week or so, and really looking forward to it! Happy travels!