Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
countries, including Russia and cen-
tral and Eastern European nations.
•
Vega International Travel Service
(
&
800/FLY-THERE;
www.vega
travel.net) specializes in travel to
Eastern Europe for individuals and
corporations. Vega also arranges pil-
grimage tours to such popular Catholic
shrines as Me
d
ugorje in Bosnia and
Czestochowa in Poland.
You can also get recommendations for
reputable tour operators with expertise in
the area you want to visit from the
Amer-
ican Society of Travel Agents
(
&
859/
226-4444;
www.ntaonline.com).
13 Special-Interest Trips
Here are a couple of companies offering
activity-specific opportunities in Eastern
Europe.
•
Globus
(
&
866/755-8581;
www.
globus.com) offers vacations to East-
ern Europe in a variety of styles.
Choose family-oriented, religious,
culinary, or vacation styles of your
choosing from this 75-year-old
company.
•
Smithsonian Journeys
(
&
877/338-
8687;
www.smithsonianjourneys.org)
puts together meticulously researched
educational trips designed to maxi-
mize the time you spend in the places
that command the most interest.
Itineraries include “behind the scenes”
visits that enhance the cultural and
educational experience. Tour leaders
are often internationally recognized
experts in their fields. Smithsonian's
Eastern European destinations include
Slovenia, Prague, Budapest, Moscow,
and St. Petersburg.
•
The Coordinating Committee for
International Voluntary Service
(www.unesco.org/ccivs) is a good
place to look for opportunities to
immerse yourself in an Eastern Euro-
pean culture and help the people
there at the same time. CCIVS helps
match aspiring volunteers with
organizations that need their help in
a country of interest.
Ask Before You Go
Tips
Before you invest in a package deal or an escorted tour:
• Always ask about the
cancellation policy.
Can you get your money back?
Is there a deposit required?
• Ask about the
accommodations choices and prices
for each. Then look up
the hotels' reviews in a Frommer's guide and check their rates online for
your specific dates of travel. Also find out what types of rooms are
offered.
• Request a complete
schedule
(escorted tours only).
• Ask about the
size
and demographics of the group (escorted tours only).
• Discuss what is included in the
price
(transportation, meals, tips, airport
transfers, and so on) (escorted tours only).
• Finally, look for
hidden expenses.
Ask whether airport departure fees
and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost—they rarely are.
