Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe
P. 22
20 VISITING EUROPE
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Millions of visitors travel to Europe for of Europe is more accessible. This section
reasons many Europeans take for granted – gives information on practical matters,
the rich diversity of history, architecture, such as passport formalities and how to
art, and landscape. In Western Europe, get around. Many countries are members
tourist facil ities are generally of a high of the European Union, with certain laws
stan dard, while in the former Communist in common, but there are also notable
countries of Eastern Europe their scope differences. In each country chapter a
and quality have improved significantly Practical Information section gives
over the past decade. As a result, the whole specific details for visitors.
When to Go two hours ahead (+2). In Europe Information sections in each
The best time to visit Europe the clocks go forward by one chapter for full details.
depends on your itinerary, but hour in March (Daylight Saving),
most people prefer the summer and go back usually in October. Student Cards
months, between May and
September. Due to the diverse Passports and Visas As well as various bus and rail
geography of Europe, the tickets that offer discounts on
weather has wide variations. Most western European European travel (see p26), students
Summers in northwestern countries belong to the Euro with a recognized student card
Europe can be cool and rainy, pean Union. Based in Brussels, may be eligible for a wider range
while in the east they can be this European authority has the of discounts. The best card is the
unbearably hot. The Mediterr power to pass certain laws International Student Identity
anean, with its hot, dry summers affecting all member states. Card (ISIC), which gives dis
and mild winters, has the There are currently 28 member counts on all kinds of goods and
balmiest climate, but crowds are states, with five more on the transport, as well as reduced
a major drawback, parti cularly in road to EU membership. admission to many museums,
July and August, making May There are no passport controls galleries, and other sights. Most
and June better times to visit. between the following EU students can obtain this card
August is the busiest month members: Germany, France, from their educational esta blish
because this is when most Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, ment at home, but it can also be
French, Italian, and Spanish Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, obtained abroad from an ISIC
citizens take their vacations. and Austria. In theory, it is issuing office or from branches
The climate of parts of sufficient to carry an identity of STA Travel (see p25). For US
Scandinavia is extreme: in winter card when traveling between students, this card also includes
in the north the sun rises only these countries, but it is worth some medical cover.
for a few hours and the roads carrying your passport just in
can be blocked by snow, while case. The other EU countries have
summertime attracts many yet to sign up to this agree ment, Customs and Duty-Free
visitors, drawn by the prospect and so passports are needed by Dutyfree goods are not
of enjoying the “midnight sun”. everyone entering or leaving. available for purchase when
The mountainous areas of If you are arriving in Europe traveling between EU countries;
Europe have unique climates. from a nonEU country, a pass these goods can only be bought
The Pyrenees, Alps, and port is required. However, on entry to, or exit from, the
Apennines all have short visitors from the United States, European Union as a whole.
summers and long winters with Canada, Japan, Australia, New The allowances are as follows:
heavy snowfall. Consequently, Zealand, Norway, and Switzer tobacco (200 cigar ettes, 50 cigars,
these regions offer wonderful land, amongst others, no longer or 250g of loose tobacco); alcohol
opportunities for skiing. require visas for visits under (1 liter of strong spirits, 2 liters of
three months to countries in the alcohol under 22 percent proof,
EU. Check this with the embassy and 4 liters of wine); coffee
European Time Zones of the country you plan to visit. If (500g), and perfume (60ml).
The 20 countries covered in this you have a visa for one of the When entering a country, you
guide fall across three time zones. Schengen countries, you are will be asked to declare certain
Great Britain, Ireland, and Portugal permitted to visit all of the items from abroad and pay duty
are on GMT (Greenwich Mean countries in the agreement. on any amount that exceeds
Time), while the other European Some countries require a visa that country’s allowance; the
countries are one hour ahead regardless of length of stay; refer nature of these goods will vary
(+1), except for Greece, which is to the individual Practical from country to country. This
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