David McGuffin | David McGuffin Exploring Europe: Tour Operator & Travel Information

Exploring Christmas Traditions in Bavaria & Tyrol

by David McGuffin | Dec 20, 2009 | Destinations

Charlotte and I are flying today to Zurich, Switzerland hoping to experience Christmas cheer in the foothills of the Alps. According to the forecast, it is going to be cold with snow. We can’t wait! For us Floridians, any chance to get into the chilly weather and snow is an adventure. Our itinerary is somewhat flexible, especially since I do not have a group to lead around, but here is a rough outline:

First, we will drive to Schwangau, Germany and visit King Ludwig II’s boyhood home (castle) know as Hohenschwangau. We will stay overnight with my hotelier friend Hermann Weidinger in Reutte, Austria. Then we will travel through Germany’s Black Forest and set up in Freiburg, Germany for four nights. I call this region the “Smokey Mountains” of Germany. There are a lot of Christmas markets to experience and maybe we’ll do some hiking too. Finally we will return to Zurich, explore the old town, and be home by Christmas.

Bern’s Steakhouse – Tampa, Florida

by David McGuffin | Dec 18, 2009 | Eating & Drinking, Restaurant Reviews

I’ve been dining at Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida, since 1984. On that first visit, it was Roger, a friend and gracious host, who walked my “good buddies” and me through the experience of fine dining. The service, food, wine and desert were amazing. I’ve gone to Bern’s at least once a year since that first visit.

Dining at Bern’s is a experience, one which you must make the main event of the evening. I plan for at least four hours to savor the food and ambiance. Mike was our waiter way back in 1984, and to this day I still request that he be my waiter. He won’t steer you wrong. Mike is very knowledgeable on their wine selections, as well as abreast in making menu suggestions. I’ve tried many cuts of their dry-aged steaks and have come to settle on their chateaubriand most often. Order it medium-rare and it will melt in your mouth! The steak comes with all of the fixings: soup, salad, a potato, fresh veggies and their amazing sauteed carrots all at one fixed price (about $40 per person). The price can rise steeply depending on your taste for beverages other than water, tea, soda and coffee.

Don’t forget to tour the kitchen and wine cellar after your dinner. Then, waddle your way up to the desert room and indulge on a huge selection of sweets, coffee, desert wines and digestifs.

Over the years I have taken many people to Bern’s to dine with me. The table has turned since 1984, for I am now the “wise old man” showing my friends the ins and outs of fine dining at Bern’s. Thanks Roger and Mike for making dining an experience!

Paris Restaurants heard on NPR

by David McGuffin | Oct 29, 2009 | Eating & Drinking, Experiencing Europe

This morning, I heard a NPR story featuring three restaurants in Paris. Paris is loaded with restaurants but these places seem to be a good find. All three featured restaurants are owned by the same chef and are located just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower. Next time you are in Paris, check them out and let me know what you think. Here’s the NPR link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114250336

– David

Passports: You can’t travel without one!

by David McGuffin | Oct 26, 2009 | Essential Travel Resources

,UPDATED: January 28, 2025

Obtaining your passport is one of the most important things to consider before going out of the country. You’ll not get beyond the check-in counter at the airport without a valid passport. Travelers must have a passport if visiting a country outside the United States of America. New rules require a passport even when traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Obtaining a passport, or even renewing an old one, can take some time. The average delivery time is 6 to 8 weeks. It is a good idea to always hold a valid passport, however most Americans do not consider it a necessity. Be sure to apply for a passport as soon as you know you will be traveling outside the United States.

Generally Passport must be valid for six (6) months after your travel is complete. Rules differ by country, but for European countries, this is the case. Additionally, most airlines will not allow boarding for an international flight unless your passport is valid for six (6) months beyond your travel dates. See this link for more information: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html.

How to get a passport

Before applying for a passport you’ll need a few items for the application process.

Proof of citizenship: You’ll need an original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate (a photocopy won’t work).
Two passport photos: These are special sized photos required by the passport agency. You can have them taken at many places like Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and CVS.
A valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license or official I.D. card is needed.

There are many places you can go to get a passport. Some include:

Federal, state and probate courts,
Clerk of the Court Offices,
Post offices, and
Some public libraries.

For a complete list check https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

You must apply for a passport in person. A parent cannot apply for their child unless the child is present. Cash, major credit cards, debit cards, and personal checks are accepted (payments must be for the full amount).

The application fee for a new passport is $110, plus a $25 fee added for processing. You may pay the passport application fee in the form of a check, cash, or credit card. If paying by check, make it payable to “Department of State.” However, the agency processing fee of $25 may require cash payment. This is paid to the agency where you submit the application, such as US Post Office or Clerk of the Court.

Passport validity periods vary depending on the age of the applicant.

If you are 16 years or older, a new passport is valid for ten (10) years from the date of issue.
Passports are valid for five (5) years for those under 16 years of age.

Renewing your passport

Adult passports are good for 10 years. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of your travel. This is important. You can renew your passport at the same locations listed above, you can now renew online (with some requirements) or in certain cases it can be done by mail. For complete details on how to renew your passport in person or by mail visit:

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

If you have a passport that was issued when you were age 16 or older AND it is less than 15 years old, you can renew by mail. Simply complete a renewal application, include your old passport, two new photos, and renewal fees of $100 (payable by check). Make checks payable to “Department of State.” The full name of the applicant and date of birth, must be written on the check.

Renewing online

As of 2025, you can apply for a passport renewal online in the United States if you meet specific eligibility requirements, including having a valid passport that is expiring within a year or has expired less than five years ago, not changing any personal information, and being at least 25 years old.

Follow these steps to renew your passport online and track your status:

Confirm you meet the requirements
Create your account
Start your application
Enter your most recent passport info
Enter travel plans
Upload digital photo
Sign and pay
Enroll in email updates

You can renew online if you meet all these requirements:

The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
The passport you are renewing is either expiring within one year or has expired less than five years ago.
You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application. We will only offer routine service, and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail.
You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
You live in the United States (either state or territory). You do not qualify to renew online if you live in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO), or Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) address.
You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen. Keep your most recent passport and do not mail it to us.
You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
You can upload a digital passport photo.
You are aware that we will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.

FASTER SERVICE: For a FEE, a passport renewal application can be expedited. See the application and website for details.

You have your passport, so now what?

Once you have received your passport there are a few things you should consider.

Make copies of the first couple of pages of your passport. Give one copy to someone at home and bring another copy with you on tour. I usually put it in the outside pocket of my suitcase.
When traveling, keep your passport with you at all times. The safest and best way to do this is to keep it in your moneybelt. I put mine in a small plastic sandwich bag to keep it dry. Keeping your passport safe is very important. If it is lost while out of the country you’ll be stuck for several days trying to get a replacement. Replacing lost passports requires a trip to the U.S. Embassy which will take precious time away from your tour experience.

A Practical Guide to Managing Your Money While in Europe

by David McGuffin | Oct 23, 2009 | Essential Travel Resources

Updated: November 28, 2015

Natalie LaRosa Kelly – Author of this article

There are many places where you need to use cash (bills or coins) in Europe. So, you might begin to wonder how are you going to pay for drinks, souvenirs, entrance fee, subway tickets or anything else. The next few paragraphs contain my suggestions to help you spend money in Europe with ease. I’ll discuss using credit cards in Europe as well as debit cards, ATM machines, exchanging money, traveler’s checks and more.

Debit Cards

This is the best way to get cold hard cash while traveling in Europe! There are ATM machines everywhere and you treat them just like those here in the United States. Simply insert your card, type in your PIN code, and choose the cash amount. The machine makes some noise and then spits out cash in the currency of that country. Cool right? A few years ago I traveled to Europe with my family. My Dad could not get over the fact that all he had to do was put in his debit card (the one he got from his bank in the States) and out came different currency. I’m pretty sure he’s still fascinated about it to this day.

Even though this is the best way to get cash while traveling in Europe there is one drawback to using your debit card at ATM machines… the banks that own the ATM machines are out to make a little profit and usually charge a small fee for using the ATM machine. It’s just like if you use Bank of America here in the US and got money from an ATM machine at a Wachovia Bank. To minimize the fees I suggest making a few large withdraws instead of a lot of little ones. Check with your bank to see if they have a partner bank overseas. You can often withdraw money from these ATMs at no charge. Many ATM machines in Europe don’t give you a receipt, so don’t worry too much about that. However, if it is important that you keep a record of your transactions, write down some information or check your transactions online with your bank. By the way, an ATM machine is called Bankomat in most of Europe.

Points to consider when choosing a debit card:

Make sure it has a hologram logo (Visa is best). People have had trouble with cards that don’t have the hologram. A lot of the time the cards that don’t have the hologram are only ATM cards and not debit cards. You need a debit card! Contact you bank if you’re not sure what type of card you have.
Often students under the age of eighteen are issued ATM cards by their bank. These often draw money from a savings account. Here in the USA these ATM cards work without a hitch. But in Europe they seldom work! Don’t bring such a card to Europe…it will just take up space in your money belt and get you no cash!
Make photocopies of your debit card as well as your credit card, passport and other important documents. Stick one copy in the bottom of your suitcase or moneybelt and leave another copy at home.
Try out your debit card at several ATM machines to make sure it works before leaving the country.
Notify your bank that you will be using your card abroad. Most banks will put a hold on the card until you call to make sure there are no fraudulent charges.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are a good thing to have when you are traveling in Europe. They are easy to carry and most businesses accept them. Credit cards also provide peace of mind. If for some reason you don’t have cash your credit card will serve as a back up.

Before you “charge it” there are a few things you should know.

First of all Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards in Europe. This is mostly because they have partnered with European companies. If you take another kind of credit card (such as an American Express or Discover) it is a good idea to have a Visa or MasterCard as a backup, just in case.
Second, you should call your credit card company and notify them that you will be traveling out of your “normal spending region.” Tell them how long you will be gone and in what countries you plan to visit. If your credit card shows up in their “system” as being used to make purchases out of your normal spending region the credit card company will call your home telephone. If the credit card company can’t get in touch with you they will most likely block future charges to the card until they personally speak with you. They will not take a family member’s word for it that you are somewhere in the Swiss Alps. Last summer I forgot to call my credit card company to tell them I was going to be in Paris. When they called my home to make sure it was me that had just purchased a pair of shoes (that I could not live without, of course) I was not there, I was in Paris! However they blocked future purchases on that card even though my mom told them I was indeed in Paris. Luckily, I got an email from my mom telling me what happened and I called the company to straighten everything out.
If you have never purchased anything with your credit card while traveling abroad it is a good idea to find out how your credit card company assesses fees and converts exchange rates. Most credit card companies have caught on to the fact that more people are using credit cards while traveling and are beginning to charge a fee or commission. You could call them or look for the information on your credit card company’s website.
It’s a good idea to make photocopies of your credit cards to leave with someone at home and to keep with you in Europe. If something happens, like your credit card gets stolen, then you’ll have all of the information on the photocopy of the card.
Maybe most importantly, make sure your credit card is activated and working before you leave the country. Don’t just get it in the mail and stick it in your money belt. Avoid the hassle of trying to deal with that on your tip when you should be having loads of fun.
You may also want to read David’s article: Credit Cards: What a Necessary Pain and Pre-Paid debit cards and their outrageous fees.

Changing money in Europe

Taking United States Dollars or traveler’s checks and exchanging them for local currency is a thing of the past. Don’t do it! It is time consuming and expensive! But, if you really want to do it this way be sure you go to a bank, not a currency exchange place in the airport or on the street. Rates are usually posted on the outside window or at the teller’s window. There is one rate if you are buying their money (the higher of the two posted rates) and one rate listed if you are selling them your money (the lower of the two rates). As a rule of thumb, the actual “official” exchange rate is considered to be halfway between the two figures. If you choose this method you will get the worst exchange rate and be charged a commission to boot! Don’t do it, but if you must…go to a bank. Banks usually charge flat fees or fees ranging anywhere from 2% to 10%.

Traveler’s Checks

Once upon a time, before ATM machines, traveler’s checks were probably the safest and best way to get local currency in Europe. However today they are a hassle and most people carry them only in case of an emergency. You can get them at your local bank, AAA and a few other places. Traveler’s checks have bad exchange rates along with high fees. Like I mentioned before, the ATM machine and debit card combinations are the best!

Often we are asked, “should I get some euros or local currency before I go on the tour?” It is not a necessity and I usually don’t because the dollar is weaker than the Euro, your bank at home will charge a fee and commission to order the foreign currency and the exchange rate is never good. Wait until you get to Europe, then get your cash from an ATM machine and go celebrate!

You can look up current currency exchange rates on the web at: http://www.oanda.com/.

I hope this addressed everything you need to know about spending money in Europe. If not, please send David an email at: david@davidmcguffin.com.

-Natalie LaRosa Kelly
a former Exploring Europe guide