St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School - - Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Salzburg & Munich: May 9-18, 2024

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.

Situated on the Baltic Sea, Poland is a living history museum showcasing a captivating past. This charming Eastern European country is renowned for its spectacular medieval architecture, cultural heritage and turbulent yet triumphant history. First and Second World War enthusiasts can explore the various Holocaust memorials, monuments, museums, and restored synagogues commemorating Poland’s remarkable survival. The country’s remote and unspoilt landscape features lush woodlands, broad rivers, glistening lakes and rolling hills. A visit to Poland will no doubt include the trendy medieval city of Krakow as well as the bustling city of Warsaw. Visitors can look forward to many activities including: hiking through scenic mountain terrain in the south of the country, sampling regional culinary specialities, discovering rural villages and wooden churches tucked away in the Carpathian hills and exploring the many ancient castles dotting the hills of Poland.

Currency

The currency of Poland is the Złoty (PLN; symbol zł) = 100 groszy. Notes are in denominations of zł200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. The coins are in denominations of zł5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszy. Poland is required under the terms of its accession to the European Union in 2004 to adopt the Euro as its national currency sometime in the future.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 09h00-13h00 in main cities. In smaller towns, banking hours are more limited.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa cards are accepted in larger establishments. You can obtain cash from Visa credit and debit cards at banks and from ATMs. Most ATMs also accept MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro cards.

Traveller's cheques can be exchanged, but are usually more expensive and troublesome than ATM withdrawals. Also, exchanging traveller’s cheques in Poland has been reported to be problematic; most Bureaux de change won’t change them and the banks that do, usually charge a commission on top of the one you’ve already paid when buying the traveller’s cheques.

Poland’s national airline is LOT Polish Airlines. Other airlines operating flights to Poland include easyJet, Ryanair and Wizzair.

Road quality ranges from smooth brand-new motorways to narrow, pot-holed single lanes, with horse-drawn carts, tractors and other agricultural machinery in abundance. Self-drive cars are available at the airport or through various car-hire offices in town centres. All major firms are available. Taxis are easily available and not too expensive in towns and cities. Hail them on the street or go to a taxi stand. Avoid unlicensed taxis in Poland.

Poland has a comprehensive bus network run mostly by Polonus that links up even the smallest village connected by road. But buses are useful on short routes only; trains are always quicker and more comfortable.

A wide range of ingredients populate the kitchen here, including dill, marjoram, caraway seeds, wild mushrooms and sour cream, which is frequently added to soups, sauces and braised meats.

Mains and well water are safe to drink, but don’t drink water from rivers or lakes even if it looks pristine – it may contain bacteria or viruses that can bring on diarrhoea and vomiting. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

A tip of 10% to 15% is customary in restaurants and cafes. Add in your tip and communicate with the waiter. Do not just hand the waiter a note and say ‘thank you’ at the same time, which here means ‘keep the change’.

Poland’s climate is temperate with warm summers, crisp, sunny autumns and cold winters. Snow covers the mountainous area in the south of Poland (mid-December to April). Rain falls throughout the year.

The most pleasant times to visit Poland are late spring and early summer (May-June) and late summer and early autumn (September-October), when it’s still warm and the crowds of tourists have either not yet arrived or have already gone home. The added advantages of these shoulder seasons are that you’ll hit the asparagus season in spring and enjoy the best hiking conditions in early autumn.

Light to medium weight clothing is worn during warmer months. Medium to heavyweight clothing is needed during winter. Rainwear is advisable all year-round. You might also want to bring good walking shoes/hiking boots for urban/rural exploration. In general, Poles dress casually. If you expect to attend a wedding or red-letter party, bring something dressy.

Electrical sockets in the Republic of Poland 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 in the Republic of Poland 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 your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

During its brief 22 year history, Czechia has managed to become the darling of the European tourism industry. Visitors flock here year-round to explore the country's diverse landscape of magnificent mountains, glorious forested uplands, unique rock formations, and astonishing cave systems. However, many of this small landlocked republic’s greatest assets are man-made - its historic bounty includes an enviable assortment of cobbled-stoned medieval towns strewn with Baroque monasteries, Bohemian castles, and formidable fortresses. Throw in a phenomenal capital city brimming with quaint old breweries, bustling markets, scenic national parks, and lively jazz clubs and it is easy to see why Czechia is fast becoming Europe’s most popular tourist destination.

Currency

The Czech Republic’s currency is the Czech Crown (Koruna) and is abbreviated CZK. The Crown is divided into 100 Haler but coins with a value of less than one Crown are no longer used. Coins come in denominations ranging from one CZK to 50 CZK and notes from 100 CZK to 5,000 CZK.

Some restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions in large cities like Prague will accept Euros as a form of payment, but expats should be aware that the exchange rate in restaurants and hotels is poor.

Banking

Bank opening hours are Monday - Friday, 8h00 to 17h00.

Travellers will be able to use their foreign debit and credit cards in the Czech Republic; however, some smaller shops only accept cash. Travellers who need to make transfers from their home country should use a foreign exchange centre such as Aktiv Change, as banks do not offer good rates for large transfers.

ATMs are common in most parts of the Czech Republic are known as bankomats and many will have a language option, allowing travellers to operate them in whichever language they choose. You should be aware that most ATMs will charge a fee, especially when withdrawing from a foreign bank account.

The Czech Republic is still very much a cash economy but credit cards are becoming more widely used. Inquire whether restaurants and hotels do in fact accept credit cards before making a purchase.

Czech Airlines (www.csa.cz) operates an extensive domestic service. There are regular domestic flights from Prague to Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Brno. However, as this is a small country, taking a bus, train or driving is generally the easier and cheaper alternative.

Cars can be hired at airports, railway stations and at other city locations throughout Prague and elsewhere in the Czech Republic. Reliable and trusted hire operators include Europcar (www.europcar.com) and Sixt (www.sixt.com), who have offices throughout the country. You must be aged over 21 and have held a driving licence for at least one year to rent a vehicle.

It is easy and safe to flag down a taxi in the Czech Republic, and rates are very affordable by Western standards. It is also easy to hire a taxi in advance. Most taxi offices in Prague, Brno or other major cities will speak English. Fares are higher at night.

Student Agency (tel: 841 101 101; www.studentagency.eu) offers a range of domestic bus routes between Prague and most major Czech cities and towns – and they are all very affordable. Popular routes include Prague to Plzen (Pilsen), Prague to Brno, and Brno to Ostrava.The rail network is operated mainly by Czech Railways (tel: 840 112 113; www.cd.cz) but there are also limited services by Regio Jet (tel: 841 101 101; www.regiojet.cz) and Leo Express (tel: 840 842 844;www.le.cz). There are several daily express trains between Prague and the main cities and resorts. Reservations should be made in advance on major routes; see timetables at http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz. Fares are low, but supplements are payable for travel by express trains.

Also available is the InterRail One Country Pass, which offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within the Czech Republic.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in the Czech Republic are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots.

The national dishes of the country are based on domestically grown ingredients, such as cereals, potatoes and leguminous plants. These are usually served with beef, fish, pork or poultry. On the whole, a strong emphasis is put on meat dishes. Knedlíky (boiled and sliced dumplings) are the most common side dish of Czech cuisine. They can be wheat or potato based.

In general, the water is safe to drink in the Czech Republic. The water is chlorinated and locals drink it from the tap with no problems. However, some strains of E. coli which you may not have immunity for, could be present in small concentrations causing possible diarrhea. Bottled water is recommended for the first few weeks while your body develops immunity.

The Czech Republic generally experiences cold winters and mild summers. Spring and summer have the highest rainfall. July is the hottest month everywhere, January the coldest. From December through February, temperatures push below freezing even in the lowlands, and are bitter in the mountains. There is no real ‘dry season’, and the long, sunny hot spells of summer tend to be broken by sudden, heavy thunderstorms. Winter brings 40 to 100 days of snow on the ground (about 130 in the mountains), plus fog in the lowlands.

Prague is the most popular destination in the Czech Republic. It is very much a tourist city with many visitors from around the world, so you will see all sorts of clothing and there are no real restrictions - although locals tend to be smart casual.  A very comfortable pair of walking shoes is recommended.

Jeans and t-shirts are popular. In general there is no strict code for bars and restaurants, and smart-casual wear will usually be fine. The churches are spectacular and often have concerts open to the public but do bear in mind that you need to wear modest attire.

Prague has a very lively street cafe culture - so carry a jacket or sweater to keep warm whilst sitting outside.

As in most other European countries, Internet connections are commonplace in the Czech Republic. You can either connect to the web at your hotel or visit an Internet café. Information centers and public libraries have recently also in many cases installed PCs connected to the Internet.

The Czech Republic has 220 volt electricity, meaning unless your computer or appliance is dual voltage or designed for 220 volts, you will need a converter or transformer. The cycles (Hz) are 50 per second. The socket types used are type C, type E and type F. Buying a universal adapter will be necessary if your appliance plugs are not compatible and a voltage converter will be required if your appliances are not compatible with 220 volt electrical output.

Set in central Europe, Austria conjures up images of the picturesque Central Eastern Alps dotted with glamourous Alpine ski resorts surrounded by pristine pistes and aquamarine lakes. However, the country’s breathtaking nature only tells a small part of the story. With residents like Mozart, Freud, and other legendary figures playing an important role in developing the world we know today, the country is also blessed with a rich heritage. From the quaint, cobbled streets of timeless Innsbruck with its famous Golden Roof, to the enthralling Vienna Staatsoper, one of the most famous opera and ballet venues in the world, the historical choices are as diverse as they are seductive. The longstanding 'Kaffeehaus kultur' and the country’s delectable strudels, schnitzels and beer are enough reason to visit, alone. Chic, world-class cities are packed with spectacular modern and contemporary art galleries and a multitude of entertainment opportunities.

Currency

Austria 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.

Banking

Bank opening times differ from one bank to the next, with most open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Some banks close for lunch from 1 to 2.30 pm especially in more rural areas. Most bank branches have cash machines (ATMs) that allow you to withdraw cash, transfer money and get bank statements 24 hours/day.

The ATMs in Austria will accept all major cards: Maestro, Mastercard, VISA and Cirrus so you can also draw money from your foreign account. However, you will be charged an extra fee for withdrawing from a foreign bank account.

Austria boasts an excellent road network. However, almost all of the bigger cities suffer from severe parking availability problems. Spaces are scarce and prohibitively expensive. If you do find a space, the time you are allowed to park for is usually around 90 minutes in central districts. One way streets and traffic jams also take enjoyment out of the journey.

If you do decide to drive your own car here to Austria you will need to purchase a Vignette which is a form of toll that allows you to drive on Austria's motorways. These vignettes can be purchased at gas stations, border crossings etc.

Drivers in Austria are also required to carry safety warning equipment, namely a reflective warning triangle to place on the road in the event of an accident, a first aid kit and a reflective vest. Failure to carry these items in your car will leave you liable to a fine.

Most large cities and towns feature some form of public transport, including underground systems, buses, tramlines and suburban railways which means getting around without a car is generally not a problem.

The public transport system in Austria is excellent. Austria's rail network is comfortable, reliable and fast. The main rail website offers excellent information on timetables, services and discounts. The quality of service offered by the rail network makes it far more appealing than bus links.

All of Austria's major cities including have their own international airports. Austrian Airlines, Austria's national carrier, serves all of these cities and connects Austria with many international destinations. There are now a range of low cost carriers which connect Vienna, Linz and Bratislava to a number of European destinations e.g. AirBerlin, FlyNiki, Ryanair, Sky Europe and German Wings.

Many Austrian cities and towns encourage cyclists through designated cycle lanes. There are many beautifully tended cycling routes throughout the country especially in areas of natural beauty such as along the Danube river.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in Austria are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots.

Austrian food is distinctive and delicious, and is traditionally of the stodgy, hearty "meat and dumplings" variety. Wiener Schnitzel (a bread-crumbed and fried veal escalope) is something of a national dish, and Knödel are a kind of dumpling which can be made either sweet or savory according to taste. In Vienna the Tafelspitz (boiled beef with potatoes and horseradish) is traditionally served on Sundays, and is normally accompanied by clear broth with dumplings and herbs. Apart from these, Austria is renowned for its pastries and desserts, the most well-known of which is probably the Apfelstrudel.

Austria is famous for it's clean water so you can definitely drink it directly out of the tap. There are a few public taps in parks, etc. where they specifically mention 'No drinking water' on an attached signboard.

Austria is located in a temperate climatic zone with a Central European climate influenced by the Atlantic climate. The four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) each have typical temperature and climatic characteristics. Due to the topographical diversity and the relatively large west-east expanse, there are three quite different climatic regions:

East: Pannonian climate with a continental influence – low precipitation, hot summers but only moderately cold winters.

Alpine Region: Alpine climate - high precipitation (except inner Alpine valley regions such as the upper Inntal), short summers, long winters.

Remainder of the country: transient climate influenced by the Atlantic (in the West) and a continental influence in the South-east. Before starting your walk or hike in the mountains please research the weather conditions, danger of avalanches or route conditions. Warnings by locals should not be disregarded!

Austrians tend to wear clothing that is quite formal and stylish. Smart casual clothes are appropriate for sightseeing and for eating out.

Austrian women generally don't wear jeans, except perhaps in the evenings at an outside venue. By far the majority of women wear dresses and skirts. Cobbled streets abound, so avoid high heels in favor of comfortable stylish shoes or sandals.

Younger Austrian men do wear jeans and sneakers now and again but most other ages do not, so take some smarter pants and you will fit in. Opt for comfortable stylish shoes.

As in most other European countries, Internet connections are commonplace in Austria. You can either connect to the web at your hotel or visit an Internet café. Information centers and public libraries have recently also in many cases installed PCs connected to the Internet.

Electrical sockets in Austria are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The 'Type F'German style Schuko and the 'Type C' Europlug. Almost all sockets are Schuko, and while the Europlug socket may be found, it's rare. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter.

Electrical sockets in Austria 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.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts and will need a voltage converter to be used in Austria.