Q: Where do the Europe tours depart from?
All European coach tours depart from outside Canada Water Tube station (on the Jubilee Line, Zone 2, London). However, most Paris Weekend tours depart from Victoria Coach station. You will receive full departure and return details after we've received your booking.
Q. What time does the tours depart and when will I be back in London
Check-in for European coach tours are 07:00 and departure is at 08:00. You'll be back in London at around 19:00 on the last day of your tour, depending on ferry crossing times and local traffic. Paris Budget tour check-in is 19:00 and Paris Grand check in is 06:15. Return in London 06:00 early on the last morning
Q. What is the average age of your groups?
We do not have an age limit* on our tours, but the average age of groups are between 20 to 45 years of age. Although our tours are focused on younger budget travelers, we do welcome "older travelers" who are still young at heart! (*We do set a minimum age for our longer European Coach tours, but not for European Weekends or Egypt tours)
Q. What kind of accommodation do you use on your tours?
We use a mix of 2 and 3 star tourist hotels, top rated youth hotels/hostels & bungalows within superb camping resorts. Clean linen is always included, so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag. En-suite bathrooms available in all accommodation types on tour*.
People usually think that accommodation on budget tours will be in cheap hotels or hostels outside city centres or that you need to camp in tents. However, we have searched and invested in excellent budget options, mostly centrally located in cities or well placed within public transport connections. (*En-suite not always available in Switzerland)
Q. What about room sharing?
If you are a single traveler, we will place you with other same sex and "like minded" travelers. You can also request any room placements if your are traveling with friends. We do have a private room upgrade for married or long-term couples on all tours at a small upgrade fee.
Accommodation in France is in 2 or 3 star hotels with mostly twin/double bedded rooms ( 2 or 3 persons sharing). Switzerland mountain hostel has 2 to 6 person sharing; In Italy we use bungalow houses with 2 persons per room and mostly self catering; Germany is a 3 star riverside hotel with 2 - 4 persons sharing; Amsterdam and Munich are central top city hostel accommodation with 2 to 4 persons sharing. In Spain we use 2 or 3 star tourist hotels.
Q: What are the group sizes on the tours?
A: The average size of our groups are between 25 to 35 persons.
Q: Do you cater for all dietary requirements?
A: Yes, the tour guide will collect this information on the first day of your tour and inform all hotels in advance.
Q. Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?
Certain nationalities need a Schengen visa. Expat Explore is an official agency with the French embassy in London and can assist you if you have a UK resident permit. For full requirements click on the French Schengen Visa Requirements link.
Q. How much spending money do I need for the Europe tours?
Well how much do you want to "indulge" in local culture? This is up to you, but as a rough indication we can tell you that most travelers budget for about 15-20 Euro per day.
Q: Do I need to change money before the tour start?
There are many cash machines and most of our hotels and resorts have on-site or nearby cash machines. So make sure that your card issuer is aware that you will be traveling around Europe.
