OETKER Collection - Masterpiece hotels

The southernmost country of the United Kingdom, set in the Atlantic Sea just off the coast of western Europe, England typically conjures up images of quaint village pubs, red double-decker buses, and of course, copious amounts of tea. While England offers all of these, the country's real attraction is in its diverse variety of cultural and historical attractions. Marvel at the mystery of Stonehenge, walk the battlements of a medieval fortress, explore grand manors and royal castles, or visit London’s magnificent reconstruction of Shakespeare’s historical Globe Theatre. While preserving this rich heritage, modern English cities bustle with some of the finest shops, galleries, and museums in the world. Lively nightclubs, theatres, and world-famous music venues provide an endless array of captivating diversions.

Currency

Britain’s unit of currency is the Great British Pound (sterling) – abbreviated to GBP. The symbol for the pound sterling is £. British money is based on the decimal system – there are one hundred pence to each pound. Coins have the values of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. Notes have the values of £5, £10, £20 and £50.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, post offices, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.

Banking

Banks are generally open from 09:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday. However, opening hours are can differ considerably from branch to branch. All banks are closed on public holidays. Many banks have 24-hour banking lobbies where you can access a range of services via machines. Visitors from overseas should check with their own bank whether they will be able to gain access to these facilities.

You’ll find ATMs at most banks, high streets and shopping centres. You can use international credit cards, debit cards and bank cards at ATMs providing they have a four-digit PIN encoded. As a general rule, any cash machine that displays the Visa badge can be used by Plus cardholders and those displaying the MasterCard badge can be used by Cirrus cardholders.

All credit cards that bear the Visa, MasterCard or American Express logo are widely accepted in Britain. If your card does not bear one of these logos, you should ask the retailer in advance if you can use it.

London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world with many flights arriving daily from all corners of the globe. Travel to England is easy!  And, once you're there, there are plenty of transport options to get you around.

If you want to get around England fast then you’ll find all the main cities are covered by a range of airlines.  However, because England is a reasonably small country many people rent a car or take a train or bus to different regions. There are plenty of discount rail passes available to overseas travelers offering unlimited travel on the network.

All towns and cities have bus services, and many cities have rail as well as taxi services.  London transport options are excellent and you can choose from the underground (tube), overground trains, buses, taxis, even boats and trams.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in England are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Restaurants are subject to food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and to put ice in your drinks. England's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

The most recognizable meal is the traditional English breakfast, which includes: eggs, bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, tea, and toast with marmalade. You cannot talk about food in the United Kingdom without mentioning tea, as the average Brit drinks three cups of tea per day. Fish and chips have been a traditional meal since 1865. Lightly battered and then fried until crispy, cod and haddock are the most common types of fish used.

Tap water throughout England is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

Spring is from March to May and is cool and dry. Noonday highs can become quite warm, particularly as summer approaches. However, snow is still possible, right up until the middle of April. Temperatures range between about 0 and 10 degrees Celsius during the English spring time.

Between June and August, England experiences its highest temperatures. While this is the driest season, localised thunderstorms can occur - usually in the southern, eastern and central parts of the country. The south eastern parts of England generally experience higher noonday temperatures, which reach around 30 degrees Celsius at the hottest, while most days average around 17 to 20 degrees.

Autumn occurs between September and November and produces unstable weather conditions throughout England. Different pressure systems and cold air creates an increased amount of precipitation. Autumn temperatures range between about 1 and 13 degrees Celsius.

The cold winter lasts from December until February. This is a very wet and windy season and snowfall is common in many parts of England. Temperatures can range from as low as 0 degrees Celsius to about 10 degrees Celsius, with very chilly winds.

Like most of Western Europe there is no dress code as such and really anything is acceptable. Smart casual clothes will help you fit right in. In the UK jeans are worn by everyone - young and old alike - and, unless you are visiting more upscale restaurants, they are perfectly acceptable to wear everywhere. But a few upmarket London venues and country hotels do still have a 'smart' dress code which is enforced (no jeans or sneakers, jacket and tie for men) so check if you plan to dine in these places. Unless you are staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, or intend visiting a spa, or the beach in high summer - leave your swimsuit at home as you're unlikely to need it. If you are hitting the beaches, regular swimwear / a bikini is fine for swimming on the hottest days (July and August), but in spring and Fall wetsuits are popular (short or full length) to keep out the chill. From October to March it will be just too cold to swim, except for the very hardy! When out in the countryside you may be some distance from shelter if the weather turns bad; at all times of year go prepared with a sweater, waterproof, snacks and drinking water.

Most types of accommodation offer Wifi (free or paid) in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some restaurants offer WiFi access (free or paid).

In England the standard voltage is 230 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are type G which is compatible with three flat pronged plugs. You can use your electric appliances in England if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220V - 240V (as in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If not, a voltage converter will be necessary. 

France has long been the world’s favourite tourist destination, and it doesn’t take a much imagination to understand why. It has some of the highest mountains, the most dynamic cities, the best beaches and a treasure trove of the some of the world’s most famous artistic, cultural and historical artifacts. The wide open spaces and impressive mountain ranges of the French countryside allow for a vast scope of outdoor activities to thrill even the most adventurous traveller. Those seeking more of an urban adventure won’t be disappointed by the vast range of clubs, shops, fashion and music provided by France’s cities in abundance. Combine all of these riches with the most sumptuous culinary scene in the world, and you may be planning your next trip to France before you even head back home.

Currency

France uses the European monetary unit, the euro (€).

Euro bills come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500; coins are worth 1 cent of a euro, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro, and 2 euros. Local merchants may refuse to accept €200 and €500 bills due to the prevalence of counterfeit bills.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Banking

Banking hours in Paris are usually from 10h00-17h00, Monday through Friday. Throughout the rest of France, banks are usually open from 10h00-13h00 and 15h00-17h00, Tuesday to Saturday. Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday. 

ATMs are by far the best way to get money in France. They all take CB, Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Plus and are ubiquitous throughout France. It is possible that some machines do not handle 6-digit PIN codes (only 4-digit ones), or that they do not offer the choice between different accounts (defaulting on the checking account).

Some first class hotels are authorised to exchange foreign currency. Traveller's cheques are difficult to use.  Note that the postal service doubles as a bank, so often post offices will have an ATM. As a result, even minor towns will have ATMs which accept foreign cards.

The main airline connecting towns and cities within France is Air France (www.airfrance.com). Easyjet (www.easyjet.com), Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and Air Corsica (www.aircorsica.com) are among the other options.

Air France’s Metropolitan France Discount Pass offers up to a 35% reduction on more than 100 domestic routes.

Car hire is widely available from international and domestic companies. Most of these require you to be over 21 years old and in possession of a license for at least a year. You may have to pay a surcharge if you’re under 25.

The French drive on the right. France has a well-developed system of highways. Most of the motorway links are toll roads. All toll stations accept major credit cards although may not accept foreign credit cards, or you can use the automatic booth, but only if your card is equipped with a chip.

Roads range from the narrow single-lane roads in the countryside to major highways. Most towns and cities were built before the general availability of the automobile and thus city centres tend to be unwieldy for cars. Keep this in mind when renting: large cars can be very impractical. It often makes sense to just park and then use public transportation.

France's excellent train service means that long-distance bus routes within France are rare; regional buses are found mainly where train service is spotty. The service can be unreliable in rural areas, and schedules can be incomprehensible for those who don't speak French. Your best bet is to contact local tourism offices.

All major cities in France have an excellent public transport system. In Lille there is the world’s first automated driverless train.

In Paris, the metro is the best way to get around town. It is cheaper to buy a carnet of ten tickets rather than buying them individually. The first train leaves at 5.00am and the last train at 12.30am. A ‘Paris Visite’ allows unlimited travel on most forms of public transport in Paris for a period of three to five consecutive days.

Trains are a great way to get around in France. You can get pretty much from anywhere to anywhere else by train. For long distances, use the TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse - High-Speed Train) on which reservations are obligatory. But, if you have time, take the slow train and enjoy the scenery. Booking is available in two classes: première classe (first class) is less crowded and more comfortable but can also be about 50% more expensive than deuxième classe (second class).

Almost all regions are served by a bus network, although these tend to operate over relatively short distances and services can sometimes be infrequent.

In France, taxis carry up to 9 passengers and are clearly marked with a 'TAXI' panel on top of the vehicle. The 'TAXI' panel will be green if the taxi is available and red if occupied or enroute to pick up a passenger. You can take a taxi either by hailing one on the street, going to a taxi stand/rank (station de taxi) or booking one through a taxi operator (central de radio taxi). If you book a taxi, when it arrives at the pick-up point, the taximeter may already be running. This is legally permitted as the taxi driver is allowed to turn on the meter as soon as he/she receives the request from the operator to pick you up. All taxis are obliged to have a taximeter which determines the fare.

In addition to the fare indicated on the metre, the taxi driver is permitted to add certain fare supplements (e.g. 4th passenger supplement; baggage supplement; pet animal supplement; supplement for picking up from a railway station or airport). However, all fare supplements must be clearly stated on the taxi fare information sheet displayed inside the taxi. If there are any road tolls, the taxi driver can only add the cost of the road toll to the fare if the passenger has agreed in advance, otherwise the fare includes the cost of the road toll.

France is passionate about cycling and much of the country lends itself well to exploration by bike. There’s a good number of urban and rural bike paths, as well as an extensive network of minor roads with little traffic. Most cities and towns have at least one outlet hiring bikes – some, such as Marseille and Paris, have a large-scale public bicycle sharing system.

Tap water is safe to drink (although you’ll find a huge amount of bottled water for sale too) and cooked food, assuming it’s come from a hygienic kitchen, is certainly no more risky to consume than that of any developed country. Some travellers steer clear of unpasteurised dairy products due to a perceived risk of disease, while others laud the same products for their perceived health benefits. If you’re at all unsure, it’s probably best to stick to what you’re used to.

France has a more varied and developed cuisine than any other country in Europe. All establishments must post their menus outside, so take a look before you enter. Almost all restaurants offer two types of menu; a la carte (offering a wide choice for each course and is usually more expensive) and Le Menu (a set menu at a fixed price). Breakfast is usually served from 7.30 am to 10 am, lunch from noon to 2 pm, and dinner from 7:30 or 8 pm to 10 pm. Restaurants in Paris usually serve dinner until 10:30 pm. Many restaurants close on Sunday.

A 12 to 15% service charge is normally added to the bill in hotels, restaurants and bars, but it is customary to leave small change with the payment.

France enjoys fairly mild temperatures throughout the year with a mix of rainfall and sunshine. Each region has its own particular climate: cooler and wetter to the north and west and warmer and drier in the Mediterranean. In winter, there is plenty of snow in mountainous areas. More rarely, snow falls on the plains, mainly north of the Loire, and extremely rarely in Paris. In spring, temperatures quickly rise above 20°C in the south. Summers are hot with temperatures often reaching 30°C in Ajaccio and Marseille, 25°C in Brest and Deauville.  Autumn marks the return of the rain, with the weather turning cooler.

From November to March the weather in France can get very cold so dress warmly, with layers, and take a warm smart coat, gloves, warm hat and scarf. If travelling from July through to August, light breathable clothing is recommended and sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat are essential. Durning the Spring (April and May) and Fall (September and October) the weather becomes cooler and dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes. Waterproof winter gear is advised for the mountains all year round. In winter even the Mediterranean resorts often require a sweater or jacket for the evenings.

Internet access is available at internet cafes in large and medium-sized cities all over France. Service is usually around €4 per hour. You'll also find Wi-Fi access in a lot of cafés, public parks and libraries. There will be a sign on the door or on the wall. Also look for the @ symbol prominently displayed, which indicates internet availability.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in France are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in France usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If you appliance is not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary. 

Stretching from the Alps to the Baltic and North Seas, Germany makes for inspiring, fascinating and invigorating travel. Spend one day exploring half-timbered medieval towns and spectacular baroque palaces in Bavaria, and the next immersing yourself in fast-paced cosmopolitan cities. Metropolises such as Berlin provide a world of variety, with renowned historic attractions Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin wall right next to the top techno clubs on earth. Art and design explode in continual evolution, with Weimar providing the mecca for fans of Goethe, Schiller, and the Bauhaus Movement, and forward-thinking galleries dotted all over the country. Nature lovers have a paradise to explore, including pristine Alpine pistes, huge glimmering lakes, and thousands of miles of dense forest dotted with curative thermal springs. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in Germany's world-famous beer, sausage, and 'stollen'.

Currency

Germany uses the European monetary unit, the euro (€). Euro bills come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500; coins are worth 1 cent of a euro, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro, and 2 euros. Local merchants may refuse to accept €200 and €500 bills due to the prevalence of counterfeit bills.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, post offices, airports, railway stations, ports and major hotels at the official exchange rates.

Banking

Banking hours are generally Mon-Fri 08h30-13h00 and 14h00-16h00, Thurs 08h30-13h00 and 14h30-17h30 in main cities. Main branches do not close for lunch. Bureaux de change in airports and main railway stations are open 06h00-22h00.

Shopping in Germany is still very cash-based and you'll need to have a supply of Euro notes and coins on you all the time. The banking system in Germany is a little different to the ones in English-speaking countries. Most purchases are made with cash. Checks (cheques) are virtually unknown and credit cards are mainly used for special transactions such as car hire.

Travelers should bear this in mind and plan to carry some cash with them. Your hotel will very likely accept credit cards, but most shops and restaurants which don't specifically cater to tourists won't. Fortunately ATMs are ubiquitous in Germany but most are contained inside the bank itself, and outside of opening hours you'll have to insert your card into a slot in the door to gain access. It's very rare to find a "hole-in-the-wall" type of ATM directly on the street. Most ATMs accept credit cards such as Mastercard, American Express, Visa, Diners' Club International as well as normal debit cards with Plus and Cirrus marks.

Virtually all ATMs will allow you to withdraw cash from a foreign bank or financial institution, either by credit card or using a bank card which is compatible with the Plus, Maestro and / or Cirrus networks. Fees may be applied; ask your bank or credit card issuer for details.

Internal services are operated by Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com), Air Berlin (www.airberlin.com), Germanwings (www.germanwings.com) and several other regional airlines. Frankfurt is the main air travel hub, and all other German airports can be reached in an hour or less from here. Given the breadth and general efficiency of the public transport network, however, internal flights should not be seen as essential. Their main benefit is to save time.

Germany's cities and larger towns have efficient public-transport systems. Bigger cities integrate buses, trams, U-Bahn (underground, subway) trains and S-Bahn (suburban) trains into a single network.

Fares are determined by zones or time travelled, sometimes by both. A multi-ticket strip (Streifenkarte or 4-Fahrtenkarte) or day pass (Tageskarte) generally offers better value than a single-ride ticket. Normally, tickets must be stamped upon boarding in order to be valid. Fines are levied if you’re caught without a valid ticket.

Germans love to cycle, be it for errands, commuting, fitness or pleasure. Many cities have dedicated bicycle lanes, which must be used unless obstructed. There’s no helmet law, not even for children, although using one is recommended, for obvious reasons. Bicycles must be equipped with a white light at the front, a red one at the back and yellow reflectors on the wheels and pedals.

Buses are a ubiquitous form of public transport and practically all towns have their own comprehensive network. Buses run at regular intervals, with restricted services in the evenings and at weekends. Some cities operate night buses along popular routes to get night owls safely home.

Occasionally, buses are supplemented by trams (Strassenbahn), which are usually faster because they travel on their own tracks, largely independent of other traffic. In city centres they sometimes run underground. Bus and tram drivers generally sell single tickets and day passes only.

Metropolitan areas, such as Berlin and Munich, have a system of suburban trains called the S-Bahn. They are faster and cover a wider area than buses or trams but tend to be less frequent. S-Bahn lines are often linked to the national rail network and sometimes connect urban centres. Rail passes are generally valid on these services. Specific S-Bahn lines are abbreviated with ‘S’ followed by the number (eg S1, S7).

Taxis are expensive and, given the excellent public-transport systems, not recommended unless you’re in a real hurry. (They can actually be slower than trains or trams if you’re stuck in traffic.)

Underground (subway) trains are known as U-Bahn in Germany and are the fastest form of travel in big cities. Route maps are posted in all stations, and at many you’ll be able to pick up a printed copy from the stationmaster or ticket office. The frequency of trains usually fluctuates with demand, meaning there are more trains during commuter rush hours than in the middle of the day.

Standards of hygiene, in relation to food health and safety in Germany,are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Restaurants are subject to food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.  

Tap water in Germany has a higher quality control standard and more frequent tests of the tap water than bottled water. The upper level of contaminants in tap water in Germany is lower than the permissible levels in bottled water. 

Meat and potatoes: these ingredients are staples in almost every meal. While not world famous for its haute cuisine, German food is hearty and filling. Sausages, sausages, and more sausages. There are many must-eat meats in Germany, ranging from the Frankfurter, the Thüringer, the Nüremberger and the Weisswurst, to the bockwurst and currywurst, to name but a few.

Visitors should note that most restaurants in Germany close around or before midnight, which means last call is taken around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.

Tips are generally not included so visitors should look to pay an average of 10% on top of the check/bill.

Germany's climate is almost as varied as its country but it is mostly temperate. Extreme temperature lows and highs are rare. Winter temperatures vary from west to east, with around freezing temperatures in the west and well below freezing in the east of Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between 20°C and 30°C, with more rainfall during the summer months.

Light- to mediumweight clothing is recommended in summer while medium- to heavyweight clothing is advised in winter. If you’re intending to visit the mountains – and particularly if you’re planning a long-distance hike – it’s best to take waterproof gear and extra layers with you, no matter what the time of year.

Germans dress quite formally and stylishly. Smart casual clothing will be appropriate for sightseeing and for eating out. In many German towns there are cobbled streets, so it's best to avoid high heels.

Frequent changes of weather make forecasting difficult. To be on the safe side, be sure to bring a sweater and wet weather clothing with you no matter the season.

Internet cafes are ubiquitous in Germany. With the widespread availability of Wi-Fi in traditional cafes and restaurants, the distinction between an Internet and a regular cafe is blurring, but an Internet cafe offers computer terminals, while most traditional cafes offer only wireless Internet access for your own laptop or smartphone.

Web cafe access rates can vary considerably, but range from free (for paying customers) to as little as 50 eurocents per half hour to three euros per hour, depending on the location and the services offered. In large cities, there is an Internet cafe on almost every corner in high-traffic areas. Many serve food and drink, while others are just a room full of computers with a snack or beverage vending machine.

Wi-Fi (called W-LAN in German, pron. VAY-lahn) internet access in Germany and Europe is increasingly widespread. Most German business hotels offer Ethernet or Wi-Fi high-speed internet access for either an hourly or a daily charge. Smaller hotels and pensions can be more problematic. Sometimes there are problems even getting a dial-up connection (hard-wiring, different jacks, etc.) It’s wise to ask before booking if you will need internet access from your hotel.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Germany (Deutschland) are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Germany (Deutschland) usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If you appliance is not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Wedged between Germany, France, Italy, and Austria, this small, efficient country is famous for its chocolate, its watches, and most of all, its remarkably beautiful natural landscapes. The towering snow-capped Swiss Alps make up sixty percent of the country, providing visitors with limitless outdoor activities, while the numerous star-studded, glitzy ski resort towns allow them to experience the high life too. A refreshing counterpoint to this winter wonderland is a slew of incredible cities including the capital Bern, with its quaint medieval old town and cutting-edge art; the chic city of Geneva, a sophisticated shopping haven located alongside Europe’s largest lake; and, of course, uber-cool Zurich with its funky rooftop bars and atypical Swiss street grit. Whatever your preference, Switzerland is the ultimate destination for both outdoor adventure and relaxed self-indulgence.

Currency

Switzerland's official currency is the Swiss Franc (abbreviations CHF, sFr, Fr.), and is divided into 100 Rappen [Rp] / Centimes [cts], but the smallest coin in use is 5 Rp. 

Banking

Banks open Monday -- Friday 8h30 to 16h30 in bigger cities. These hours are extended once per week. In rural areas, banks are open Monday-- Friday 08h30-12h00 and 14h00-17h00

Credit and debit cards are accepted at most places throughout Switzerland, including American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa. ATMs are widely available throughout Switzerland, especially in the major cities.

In terms of travellers’ cheques, pound Sterling, US Dollar or Euro cheques are accepted at airports, railway stations and banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars. As of 2013, American Express has discontinued traveller’s cheque distribution in Switzerland. 

Switzerland's public transport system is known to be one of the finest in the world. A dense network of railroad, bus and tramway lines and a systematic timetable allow to reach almost any point in the country once per hour. In most cases one ticket is enough for one journey even if numerous railway, bus and ship operators are involved.

Almost any village in Switzerland can be reached by a regional bus line several times a day, most of them even once per hour. Swiss post operates many of these bus lines with their famous yellow post buses. Schedules and tickets of all cross-country buses are integrated into Switzerland's unique system of integrated public transports.

Standards of hygiene in relation tofood health and safety in Switzerland are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Restaurants are subject tofood safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and to put ice in your drinks. Switzerland's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

In Switzerland, breakfast typically includes bread, butter or margarine, marmalade or honey, maybe some cheese or cereals, plus milk, cold or hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Lunch may be as simple as a sandwich or a birchermüesli or it could be a complete meal. Depending on what people had for lunch, dinner can be a full main course or just some bread, cheese, maybe some dried meat or any other light meal.

Tap water throughout Switzerland is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

Generally speaking, spring is wet and cool, April is well known for fast and often changing weather conditions. Summer is typically warm and dry with maximum temperature up to 35°C (95°F). The temperature depends primarily on the elevation, the zero line (0°C or 32°F) may raise as high as 4000 meters above sea level (13125 feet). Fall is usually dry, but cool. The temperature will drop significantly in September or October, with the zero line around 2000 meter above sea level (6560 feet). Winter is typically cold and dry. The temperature may drop below 0°C everywhere in Switzerland, especially at night. In the alps, they usually get a lot of snow, but even at lower elevations, there is a good chance that they will get a foot of snow every now and then.

Smart casual clothing will be appropriate for sightseeing and for eating out. A light raincoat and travel umbrella are useful all year round. The sun can be deceptively strong even if the temperature feels cool. This is especially so at altitude and on the lakes, so we suggest that you use a good quality sunscreen and sunhat. Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime.

Most accommodation offer Wifi (free or paid) in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some restaurants offer WiFi access (free or paid).

Electrical sockets in in the Swiss Confederation are Type J (SEV 1011) and Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Switzerland usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC/ 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230-volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Het is gemakkelijk te begrijpen waarom Italië een van 's werelds meest gevierde toeristische bestemmingen is. Dit is een land dat werkelijk alles heeft: prachtige landschappen, een overvloed aan kunst- en architectonische schatten, wereldberoemde musea en een nationale obsessie met decadent eten en goede wijn. Om nog maar te zwijgen van de zonovergoten olijfgaarden, gletsjermeren, vurige vulkanen en met sneeuw bedekte toppen. Duik in het heldergroene water van de Middellandse Zee, struin langs de marktkraampjes in Napels of ervaar de gevarieerde flora en fauna die de nationale parken van het land bevolken. En als u het enorme aanbod aan keuzes overweldigend vindt, neem dan wat advies van de lokale bevolking: leun achterover, ontspan en neem een ​​moment om te genieten van de "bella vita" (het goede leven). Zoals ze zeggen: wanneer in Rome!

Munteenheid Italië gebruikt de Europese munteenheid, de euro (€). Eurobiljetten zijn er in coupures van 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 en 500; munten zijn 1 cent van een euro, 2 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, 1 euro en 2 euro waard. Lokale handelaars kunnen biljetten van € 200 en € 500 weigeren vanwege de prevalentie van valse biljetten. Travellercheques, cheques en buitenlands geld kunnen worden ingewisseld bij banken, treinstations en luchthavens en heel vaak bij grote hotels (zij het meestal tegen een minder voordelige wisselkoers). Het is duur om vreemde valuta te wisselen in Italië, de kosten van wisselkantoren zijn hoog. Banken wisselen alleen valuta om voor hun eigen klanten. Er zijn geen beperkingen op de invoer of uitvoer van lokale of buitenlandse valuta. Bij reizen van of naar een land buiten de Europese Unie moeten echter bedragen hoger dan € 10.000 of het equivalent daarvan worden aangegeven. bankieren De openingstijden van de banken zijn wettelijk geregeld, ze openen om 08.30 uur en sluiten om 13.30 uur voor de lunch. Ze gaan 's middags om 15.00 uur weer open en sluiten van maandag tot en met vrijdag om 16.00 uur. Er zijn banken die op zaterdag open zijn. Geldautomaten in Italië staan ​​bekend als Bancomat en zijn zowel in grote steden als in kleine steden te vinden. Het gebruik van een creditcard, of beter nog, een debetkaart of uw lokale bankkaart (ATM) is heel eenvoudig. Men moet eerst het Cirrus-, Plus-, VPay- of BankMate-symbool (op de Bancomat en op uw kaart) lokaliseren om er zeker van te zijn dat de kaart bruikbaar is bij die specifieke eenheid. Neem contact op met uw creditcardmaatschappij of lokale bank als u twijfelt over de compatibiliteit of de banksystemen.

Alitalia (AZ) (www.alitalia.com) is de belangrijkste binnenlandse luchtvaartmaatschappij. Andere lokale budgetoperators zijn Meridiana (www.meridiana.it), Air One (www.flyairone.it), Windjet (www.volawindjet.it) en AirAlps (www.airalps.at). Voor de beste deals voor vluchten naar Italië reist u buiten het seizoen. Anders boekt u vooruit tijdens piekuren zoals de paasweek, de zomervakantieperiode van juli en augustus en Kerstmis. Italië heeft veel regionale luchthavens met een goede dekking van het hele schiereiland. Hoewel vliegen misschien de beste optie is als je door de lengte en breedte van het land reist, zijn kortere routes beter bereikbaar door het hogesnelheidstreinnetwerk. Italië heeft goed ontwikkelde opties voor openbaar en particulier vervoer. Het Italiaanse spoorwegnet is uitgebreid, vooral in het noorden, waardoor de behoefte aan een alternatief zoals de bus of de lucht over het algemeen overschaduwd wordt (beide zijn er echter tot op zekere hoogte). Hoewel er een aantal particuliere spoorwegen bestaan ​​die voornamelijk diensten van het type woon-werkverkeer bieden, biedt de nationale spoorweg, Ferrovie dello Stato, ook een geavanceerde hogesnelheidstrein die de grote steden van Italië verbindt van Napels via noordelijke steden zoals Milaan en Turijn Zelfrijdende autoverhuurdiensten zijn beschikbaar in de meeste steden, luchthavens en resorts. Veel internationale en Italiaanse bedrijven bieden deze service aan. Vooraf online boeken levert over het algemeen de beste prijzen op. De minimumleeftijd om te rijden is 18. Snelheidslimieten zijn 50 km/u (31 mph) in stedelijke gebieden, 90 km/u (55 mph) op gewone wegen, 110 km/u (68 mph) op vierbaanswegen en 130 km/u (80 mph) op snelwegen. Buiten de bebouwde kom zijn dimlichten overdag verplicht. Alle voertuigen moeten een rode gevarendriehoek dragen. Veiligheidsgordels zijn verplicht. Opmerking: boetes voor verkeersovertredingen zijn ter plaatse en bijzonder zwaar. De rijbewijzen van alle EU-lidstaten worden in Italië erkend. In de praktijk accepteren veel autoverhuurbedrijven ook veel niet-EU-licenties, zoals die uit Australië, Canada, Nieuw-Zeeland en de VS. Chauffeurs uit andere landen hebben een internationaal rijbewijs nodig. Bezoekers moeten hun logboek bij zich hebben, dat op hun naam als eigenaar moet staan, of schriftelijke toestemming van de eigenaar hebben om het voertuig te besturen. Voor motoren van meer dan 49cc is een rijbewijs of een motorrijbewijs vereist. Er is een zeer efficiënte intercitybusdienst. De bussen zijn modern, comfortabel, snel en goed uitgerust. Ze bieden ook een zeer voordelige manier om door het land te reizen. Er zijn veel eilanden voor de kust van Italië, waaronder de belangrijkste van Sardinië en Sicilië, dus natuurlijk zijn er veel veerboten die heen en weer reizen.

De hygiënenormen met betrekking tot de gezondheid en veiligheid van voedsel in Italië zijn over het algemeen hoog in hotels, restaurants, pubs en uitgaansgelegenheden. Restaurants zijn onderworpen aan de wetgeving inzake voedselveiligheid, die wordt uitgevoerd door de lokale overheid. Regelgeving omvat certificering en regelmatige inspecties door gezondheidsinspecteurs om ervoor te zorgen dat de hygiënische normen worden gehandhaafd. Het is veilig om vers fruit, groenten en salades te eten en om ijs in je drankjes te doen. De Italiaanse vis, vlees en kip zijn van uitstekende kwaliteit, dus u hoeft zich niet te beperken bij het genieten van de lokale keuken. Er zijn twee hoofdregels van de Italiaanse keuken - eet lokaal en eet seizoensgebonden. Geïmporteerd voedsel verandert dit beeld, maar trouwe Italiaanse koks zouden nooit asperges, tomaten of artisjokken buiten het seizoen eten. Eten maakt deel uit van het ritme van het leven, en daarom wachten Italianen reikhalzend uit naar de komst van seizoensingrediënten van paddenstoelen in de herfst tot wilde aardbeien in de lente. Kraanwater in heel Italië is veilig om te drinken en om mee te koken als het uit de kraan in stedelijke gebieden wordt gehaald. Niet al het kraanwater in landelijke gebieden is veilig voor consumptie, dus neem indien nodig voorzorgsmaatregelen.

Het klimaat varieert aanzienlijk van het noorden tot het zuiden van Italië. In het noorden van het land - het gebied tussen de Alpen en de Toscaans-Emiliaanse Apennijnen - is het klimaat streng, met zeer koude winters en zeer hete, vooral vochtige zomers. In Midden-Italië is het klimaat milder, met een kleiner temperatuurverschil tussen zomer en winter en een korter en minder intens koud seizoen dan in het noorden; de zomers zijn langer, maar de zwoelheid van de noordelijke steden wordt verzacht door de zee. In Zuid-Italië en de eilanden zijn de winters nooit bijzonder streng, en de lente- en herfsttemperaturen zijn vergelijkbaar met die in de zomer in andere delen van Italië.

De zomers kunnen heet zijn, maar korte broeken worden door de meeste Italianen nog steeds beschouwd als vakantiekleding. Een katoenen broek of capribroek voor dames is een stijlvol alternatief. De aantrekkingskracht van jeans is universeel, en een kwaliteitspaar gecombineerd met een sportshirt of blouse is acceptabele vrijetijdskleding in Italië. Neem een ​​trui of lichte jas mee voor op reis in de lente of vroege herfst. De winters, zelfs in het zuiden, kunnen koud zijn, en een wollen jas of jas is een verstandige keuze. Italianen beschouwen donsjacks en -vesten vaak als skikleding. Een kleine regenjas of reisparaplu is een slimme accessoire om het hele jaar door te hebben. Vrouwen moeten zich in Italië bescheiden kleden, kerken en sommige musea vereisen dit vaak. Borden buiten veel kerken geven kleding aan die niet is toegestaan: meestal korte broeken, blote armen, laag uitgesneden jurken en korte rokjes voor vrouwen; en shorts, blote armen en tanktops voor mannen.

Internettoegang heeft zich de laatste jaren langzaam ontwikkeld in Italië en de toegang is sterk afhankelijk van de locatie. Breedband is vooral beschikbaar in stedelijke gebieden en grote steden. Kleinere dorpen hebben mogelijk alleen inbel- of ISDN-toegang, hoewel sommige gemeenten gratis internet hebben in het historische centrum. De meeste soorten accommodatie bieden wifi (gratis of betaald) aan in hun zakencentra, kamers of restaurants. Internetcafés zijn te vinden in de meeste zakenwijken en winkelcentra. Daarnaast bieden sommige restaurants wifi (gratis of betaald) aan.

Voor het grootste deel zijn stopcontacten in Italië (Repubblica Italiana) hun eigen standaard, de "Type L" Italiaanse CEI 23-16/VII. Ook gemeld in gebruik is de "Type C" Europese CEE 7/16 Europlug. Als de stekker van uw apparaat niet overeenkomt met de vorm van deze stopcontacten, hebt u een reisstekkeradapter nodig om de stekker in het stopcontact te steken. Reisstekkeradapters veranderen gewoon de vorm van de stekker van uw apparaat zodat deze past bij het type stopcontact waarop u moet aansluiten. Als het cruciaal is om te kunnen aansluiten, wat er ook gebeurt, neem dan een adapter voor beide typen mee. Stopcontacten (stopcontacten) in Italië (Repubblica Italiana) leveren meestal elektriciteit tussen 220 en 240 volt wisselstroom. Als je een apparaat aansluit dat is gebouwd voor 220-240 volt elektrische invoer, of een apparaat dat compatibel is met meerdere spanningen, dan is een adapter alles wat je nodig hebt. Als uw apparaat niet compatibel is met 220-240 elektrische output, is een spanningsomvormer nodig.