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GRAND EUROPEAN 27 - Topdeck Travel

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GRAND EUROPEAN GRAND EUROPEAN TOPDECKER, meet Australasia (TD) Spend a month travelling the fabulous European continent with Topdeck. From west to east, north to south, you'll encounter Europe's greatest cities, witness the grandeur of the Alps and discover the stunning scenery and diversity of the Mediterranean. This is one tour of Europe that is certain to treat you to a grand old time! WORTH NOTING… A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends might continue on or after you leave, or you might be joining a trip already in progress. Play & Pause 27 Nights Android/iPhone app download info This is a sector trip. TRIP CODE: EEGELL-9 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Transcript

GRAND EUROPEANGRAND EUROPEAN

TOPDECKER, meet Australasia(TD)Spend a month travelling the fabulous European continent withTopdeck. From west to east, north to south, you'll encounterEurope's greatest cities, witness the grandeur of the Alps anddiscover the stunning scenery and diversity of the Mediterranean.This is one tour of Europe that is certain to treat you to a grand oldtime!

WORTH NOTING… A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friendsmight continue on or after you leave, or you might be joining a tripalready in progress.

Play & Pause

27Nights

Android/iPhoneapp download

info

This is a sectortrip.

TRIP CODE:EEGELL-9

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED)Visit Lake BledDriving tour of BerlinVisit Pisa and the famous Leaning TowerCanal dinner cruise in AmsterdamVisit the town of OrvietoWalking tour of Florence with a local guideWalking tour of PragueVisit Pont du GardWalking tour of MonacoWalking tour of the restored city ofDresdenPag Island getawayDriving tour of BarcelonaVisit a traditional French perfumeryWalking tour of VeniceVisit former concentration campMauthausenVaporetto ride in VeniceDriving tour of Paris and gourmet picnic bythe Eiffel TowerWalking tour of AmsterdamWalking tour of Rome

MORE INCLUSIONSDriving tour of Paris and gourmet picnic bythe Eiffel TowerVisit Pont du GardDriving tour of BarcelonaVisit a traditional French perfumeryWalking tour of MonacoVisit Pisa and the famous Leaning TowerWalking tour of Florence with a local guideVisit OrvietoWalking tour of RomeWalking tour of VeniceVaporetto rideVisit Lake BledVisit former concentration campMauthausenWalking tour of PragueWalking tour of the restored city of

HI, and thanks for choosing to holiday with Topdeck

ABOUT YOUR TRIP NOTESThese Trip Notes contain everything you need to know beforeyour trip departs – including where to meet and what to bring. Werecommend that you read these notes thoroughly so you knowwhat to expect on your trip of a lifetime. Also, you can easilydownload and print this document off so you can bring it with youwhen you travel.

Please bear in mind that some points should be taken as a guideonly – after all, everyone’s different! For example, daily spendingmoney and clothing lists can vary from one person to the next, sodon't be alarmed if you don't expect to spend (or even wear) somuch!

PLEASE NOTE: We strongly urge you to refresh thisdocument as close to the time of your departure as possible toensure you have the most up-to-date accommodation list andinformation available.

You can rest assured that we’ll pull out all the stops to make your trip unforgettable.Now it’s time to get excited about your holiday...

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DresdenDriving tour of BerlinDutch cheese and clogs demonstrationWalking tour of AmsterdamCanal dinner cruise

AWESOMETRIPLEADER

Your Itinerary

DAY 1 | LONDON, ENGLAND TO PARIS, FRANCE (OR JOIN IN PARIS)All good things start with Paris. Meet the crew, grab some supplies and hit the road early in the morning as we jumpacross the English Channel. Pinch yourself and Instagram your first selfie before we kick off the trip with a driving tourand picnic next to the Eiffel Tower. Home to Coco Chanel, the Pompidou Centre and the Mona Lisa, Paris more thandeserves its reputation as the European capital for all things culture, fashion and food. Now’s your chance to find outwhy.

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MEALS:

Dinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Driving tour of Paris andgourmet picnic by the EiffelTower

DAY 2 | PARISThis morning: free time en Français. From the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay to the Arc de Triomphe and the ChampsElysées, you'll be sure to make a solid dent in your bucket list. Later on, you can stretch those legs on an optional biketour of Paris, or simply roam the streets on your own. End your day with an optional Seine River cruise or a #throwbackbohemian cabaret show.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Traditional cabaret showSeine river cruiseBike tour of Paris

DAY 3 | PARIS TO SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLANDReady for a breath of fresh air? Good! We’re off to the Swiss Alps. Get ready for OMG views.

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MEALS:

BreakfastLunchDinner

DAY 4 | SWISS ALPSScenic hikes and jaw-dropping views are high on today's agenda. Go low key with a mountain walk or hop on board theJungfraubahn railway for an optional visit to the Jungfrau Mountain summit. Expect fairytale villages en route andskydiving out of a helicopter upon arrival (if heights don't scare you).

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Scenic excursion to Jungfrau('The Top of Europe')SkydivingScenic helicopter ride

DAY 5 | SWISS ALPS TO AVIGNON, FRANCEThis afternoon we crack on to Avignon, home of the magnificent Palais des Papes (aka one of the largest and mostimportant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe). Tonight: hit up a local bistro or gather with your Topdecker brethrenfor a makeshift picnic. Either way, be sure to pair your meal with some local Rhône Valley wine, one of France's finestreds.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

DAY 6 | AVIGNON TO BARCELONA, SPAINOn our way to Barcelona, we’ll check out the Pont du Gard – a 2000-year-old Roman engineered aqueduct. When weget to the Catalonian capital, we’ll take you on a driving tour to see the likes of Montjuïc (where the 1992 Olympicswere held) and Gaudi's yet to be finished Sagrada Família. Later: let loose at an optional flamenco show.

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Visit Pont du GardDriving tour of Barcelona

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Flamenco show

DAY 7 | BARCELONAWho needs the snooze button when you’ve got a whole day in a city packed to the rafters with art nouveau, alluringaccents and (most importantly) tapas? Hit the side streets and alleyways of Las Ramblas, go boho in the Gracianeighborhood, go Gaudí at Parc Güell or give in to your inner football fanatic and kneel to the sporting gods at the NouCamp.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Tapas tour

DAY 8 | BARCELONA TO FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCEGet that selfie stick out! We’re rolling north along the coast to rub shoulders with the rich and famous at the world'smost lavish waterfront property: the French Riviera. Oh, and by the way – we’ll be making a pit stop at a traditionalFrench perfumery en route. Later, swap your patatas bravas for hearty French cooking and get ready for tomorrow'sadventures.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Visit a traditional Frenchperfumery

DAY 9 | FRENCH RIVIERA INCLUDING MONACO VISITHit the beach with the paparazzi posse, or go wild in the designer boutiques in Nice's Old Town. Later: roll with the jetset on a guided tour and see how the 1% live (hint: it involves Ferraris and bathing in caviar). Feeling lucky? Hit thetables at the Monte Carlo Casino and make it rain (or not).

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Walking tour of Monaco

DAY 10 | FRENCH RIVIERA TO FLORENCE, ITALYToday it’s up and onwards to the renaissance romance of Florence. Take THAT shot at the Leaning Tower of Pisabefore trucking on to the Tuscan hills. Ready to eat, sleep, repeat in the foodie capital of the world?

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Visit Pisa and the famousLeaning Tower

DAY 11 | FLORENCEFlorence has more stories than Bilbo Baggins, more culture than a Shoreditch hipster, over 1,800 restaurants AND itgave the world gelato. Get schooled on the Medici family, stroll the Ponte Vecchio (the only bridge not bombed inWWII) and get an in-depth tour of the city with a local guide.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Walking tour of Florence witha local guide

DAY 12 | FLORENCE TO ROMEToday we’re making tracks southward and downward, with a pit stop at the hilltop town of Orvieto. Then, it’s time togive that bucket list a workout – we’re off to Rome! Make like Caesar (the emperor, not the salad) and work up a‘colossus’ hunger as you pass by the Pantheon, throw your two cents in the Trevi Fountain, sit on the Spanish Stepsand visit ancient history's version of the Hunger Games set at the Colosseum. Tonight, you're in Disneyland forfoodies. Have fun.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Visit OrvietoWalking tour of Rome

DAY 13 | ROMECreate the ultimate Roman Holiday in one day with a whirlwind of Vespas, espresso, two-cheek kisses and pizza theway it's supposed to taste. Play ‘I-spy’ with two-and-a-half millennia worth of history. Want more? Then you couldalways shop till you drop on Via Condotti, head to Capitoline Hill for awesome views of the Roman Forum andColosseum or just kick back in Piazza Navona for some dolce far niente (delicious idleness).

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

DAY 14 | ROME TO VENICE INCLUDING VATICAN CITY VISITThis morning, there’s an optional Vatican City visit on the cards. Then: say ciao to Venice from across the lagoon aswe check into our accommodation, have an Eat Pray Love-worthy relationship with an irresistible Italian (meal) andget pumped for living out our own version of The Italian Job tomorrow.

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Guided tour of the VaticanCityGet a personalised trip T-shirtor hoodie

DAY 15 | VENICEYou know it as The Floating City, but this place is actually sinking (slowly). Today we’ll check out a who's who ofVenice's usual suspects on a guided walking tour (ticking off the likes of St Mark's Square and Accademia Bridge),then jump on a vaporetto to explore the Grand Canal. If that’s not enough, you can also hop on an optional gondolaride. Throw away your map in the afternoon and try to find the world's most epic little bookshop, Libreria Acqua Alta, orjust go on a mission to find the perfect gelato.

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Walking tour of VeniceVaporetto ride

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Gondola ride

DAY 16 | VENICE TO PAG ISLAND, CROATIA VIA POSTOJNA CAVE, SLOVENIAFirst up: an optional round of stalagmite spotting at the beautiful (not to mention huge) Postojna Cave. This all-naturalmaze of tunnels and caverns was hollowed out by the Pivka River two million years ago. True story. Later today, yourPag Island getaway awaits.

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MEALS:

BreakfastLunchDinner

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Visit Postojna Cave

DAY 17 | PAG ISLANDYou’ve got two whole days to relax and chill out in the sun. The water is warm, the food is awesome… and this islandsure knows how to party.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

DAY 18 | PAG ISLANDEat, sleep, party, repeat.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

DAY 19 | PAG ISLAND TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIAShoot one last longing look at Pag before arriving in Ljubljana (lyoob-lya-nah), the capital of Slovenia. Tonight, bandtogether with your fellow #Topdeckers and see the city come alive on an optional pub crawl.

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MEALS:

BreakfastOptional activitiesLjubljana pubcrawl

DAY 20 | LJUBLJANA TO AUSTRIAN ALPS, AUSTRIALake Bled is one of those names that keeps popping up in all those lists of amazing places. Find out why as we climbthe Austrian Alps to the Sound of Music.

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Visit Lake Bled

DAY 21 | AUSTRIAN ALPSThe snow-capped hills (Alps, really) are alive with the sound of carving. The mountains have shaped virtually allaspects of life here. Our optionals? We’re glad you asked. There’s skydiving, tandem paragliding, canyoning, mountainbiking and even a mountainside dinner to keep you occupied. Or, you could just sit and stare at the storybooklandscape like a lovesick puppy. Kirchdorf does that to people. You haven't really been there without a few sneakyselfies, right? Say edelweiss!

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MEALS:

BreakfastLunch

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

CanyoningTandem paraglidingSkydivingMountain bikingMountainside dinner

DAY 22 | AUSTRIAN ALPS TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLICFirst, a visit to former concentration camp Mauthausen for a lesson in the resilience of humanity. Then, on to Prague.Get Insta-happy and seek out the John Lennon Wall, soak up some Czech history at the National or CommunistMuseum or get a taste of the quirky local culture at a marionette puppet opera (you gotta see it to believe it).

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MEALS:

BreakfastLunchDinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Visit former concentrationcamp MauthausenWalking tour of Prague

DAY 23 | PRAGUEAnother free day for the win. Snap a selfie at Prague's own Eiffel Tower, visit a miniatures museum, eat roast porkfrom one of the street vendors lining Old Town Square and wash it all down with a beer. As in, a really good beer.Prague, we love you.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Local beer tasting

DAY 24 | PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANYGet acquainted with 800 year-old Dresden – a city virtually destroyed in WWII and then rebuilt – and check out theFrauenkirche before we make tracks to Berlin. Prep yourself for currywurst, absinthe and more hipsters per capitathan anywhere else. We'll drive you around to see (what's left of) the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the BrandenburgGate and the Reichstag building.

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Walking tour of the restoredcity of DresdenDriving tour of Berlin

DAY 25 | BERLINToday, why not step out on an optional Third Reich walking tour for a local insight into what the city was like underNazi rule during World War II? Kreuzberg is a hit for lunch. Afternoon suggestion? Have a picnic at the historicTempelhof airport-turned-public park. Tonight: explore the city after dark on an optional alternative street art andnightlife tour.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Third Reich walking tourStreet art and nightlife tour

DAY 26 | BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDSStart dreaming of cheese, clogs and cheeky café stops as we roll through tulip and windmill dotted fields toAmsterdam. DAM, it's going to be a good day! Learn how cheddar and clogs are made, then get your bearings on awalking tour of the vibrant capital. We’re talking the Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the National Monument, so getyour cameras at the ready. For the perfect end to the perfect day, give in to temptation and grab a cone of hot chipswith mayo. Mmm.

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MEALS:

BreakfastLunch

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Dutch cheese and clogsdemonstrationWalking tour of Amsterdam

DAY 27 | AMSTERDAMJoin 881,000 bikes and get your cycle on with an optional bike tour of Amsterdam's iconic canals, bridges and parks.Culture fiends, delve deeper with a visit to the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum. Still thirsty formore? Check out the Heineken Experience and indulge in a spot of beer tasting. What better way to toast the finalnight of your Europe Inspired adventure than with a cruise on the canal?

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MEALS:

BreakfastDinner

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INCLUDED TODAY:

Canal dinner cruise

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OPTIONALACTIVITIES:

Bike tour of Amsterdam

DAY 28 | AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLANDAfter all the Amster-damage has been done, it’s time to hit the road back to ol’ Blighty. Soak up all the happy groupvibes you can possibly handle – this is your last coach ride with the gang. #sadface.

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MEALS:

Breakfast

Meals

Your included meals are detailed in the 'Included Essentials' section of this document.

Breakfasts (usually continental breakfasts) are included every day, except on the first morning of your trip. A typical

Tipping

continental breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yogurt, bread, croissants, cold meats, and cheese – withfruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast in continental Europe, though on some occasionssome hot food may be available.

Included meals will be provided at local restaurants and the accommodations in which we stay. In most cases, tablewater is provided with meals. If you wish to purchase additional drinks, you can do so at your own expense.

If you have any dietary requirements, we’ll make every effort to cater to your needs – as long as you advise your travelagent or Customer Service Consultant when you book. You can also make a note of dietary requirements in theTopdeck app when you check-in. PLEASE NOTE: Although we’ll do everything in our power to cater to your needs, we cannot guarantee this will bepossible in every restaurant we visit. We also cannot cater to tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening mealsfeature a set menu.

Your Topdeck Trip Leaders and Drivers never expect tips, and they won’t ask for any either. We also know how muchtipping can cost you. So go ahead – spoil yourself with the money you save travelling with us (just don’t forget Mum’ssouvenir).

Topdeck Travel AppOur app is available to download before you travel. With a range of cool features including a currency converter,budget planner, check-in tool and group chat, it’ll help you plan your trip like a pro. Think of it as your very ownTopdeck Trip Leader in the palm of your hand. TRIP GROUP CHATConnect with your fellow Topdeckers before you depart and begin your magical friendship in the flash of a winkingface emoji. ITINERARY VIEWERGet the lowdown on where you’ll be going and what activities you’ll be doing on each day of your trip with this handylittle tool. CHECK-INPlug in all your vital deets and we’ll keep them safe for when you really need them. Making your life easier, one swipeat a time. BUDGET TRACKERKeep an eye on your holiday spending, leaving you with more FUN-ds to play with. Think: elaborate Spanish feasts (notquestionable supermarket sandwiches). MAPSNavigate your way to meeting points and lesser-known local gems using pins dropped by your Trip Leader, seek outyour own bucket list sites and take to the streets like a pro.

Passenger safety

Once the trip is over, you’ll need the app to give us feedback about your trip experience. We love to hear what youthought about your trip, as it helps to give us an idea of the things we’re doing well and the things we could be doingbetter. PLEASE NOTE: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked your trip. You will not beable to log in unless you have a Topdeck booking reference number. GET IT FOR IPHONEGET IT FOR ANDROID

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NIGHTS OUTOne of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However,amidst the fun and excitement, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before youhit the road with us, be sure to familiarise yourself with the following safety information.When you’re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches andback streets. Always stick together, take a registered taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodationdetails so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated. It’s also a good idea to getyour Topdeck trip mates’ mobile numbers in case you need to get hold of them while out and about.In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track ofwhat you’re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to youraccommodation. Never leave your drink unattended.It’s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in somecountries. Be yourself and have fun, but stay savvy – you don’t want to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. RESPECTING FELLOW PASSENGERSHere at Topdeck, we’re all about inclusivity. We want to make sure that everyone has a great time on our trips, andthat everyone feels like they’re part of one happy Topdeck family.What we’re not about is excluding people or making them feel like they don’t belong – that’s just not what families do.That’s why we always encourage Topdeckers to be kind and courteous to their fellow passengers. The golden rules?Always remember to respect each other’s space, be mindful of causing excessive noise in shared accommodationand treat others how you’d wish to be treated yourself. Easy! DRUG USETopdeck has a strict zero-tolerance drug policy. Passengers should not bring any illegal substances onto the Topdeckcoach or into any of the accommodation we stay in on our trips. This includes marijuana, even if it is legal in some ofthe states your trip passes through. If you are found in possession of drugs, you will be removed from the trip. Allinstances of drug possession will be reported to Topdeck Head Office, who may consider alerting the relevantauthorities. REMEMBER – if you are found in possession of drugs, not only could you risk getting in trouble with the local police, butour Driver will also be held responsible if drugs are found on the Topdeck coach. Trust us, you wouldn’t want that tohappen to any of our Drivers – they’re awesome. MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEINGCulture shock, homesickness, random periods of feeling down – these things happen and are totally normal. You canrest assured that if you’re feeling low, your Topdeck crew will do their utmost to cheer you up again. Measures you can take to look after your mental health and wellbeing while on the road with us are:

Call home. Sometimes it’s nice to hear a familiar voice and have a good old-fashioned catch up with your loved

OTHER INFORMATION

Insurance

Passports and Visas

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onesEat well. Never underestimate the power of a good, wholesome meal. Nobody feels at their best when they’rehungry!Drink responsibly. Not only will you swerve the dreaded hangover, but by keeping an eye on what you drink, youcould also avoid getting into any potentially uncomfortable situationsTalk to your Trip Leader. Don’t forget, they’re probably far from home, too – so they’re sure to know of some tried-and-tested ways to beat the bluesIntegrate with your fellow Topdeckers. This one is key! The more fun you’re having on your trip, the less likely youare to feel homesick (trust us).

HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLERResponsible travel isn’t difficult to achieve. With a little conscious thought and preparation, you can have an awesomeholiday AND have a positive impact on the places you visit. Sweet!Here are five things you can do to ensure you’re travelling responsibly:

Conserve water. You know the drill – reuse your hotel towels, take short showers and remember to turn off the tapwhen you’re brushing your teethReduce your waste. Ditch the plastic bag, refuse unnecessary packaging, dispose of your waste responsibly andrecycle as much as possibleGo local. Hunt down locally owned and operated restaurants and bars, shop in local markets and book tours andactivities run by local guidesConsider the wildlife. Avoid any attractions that involve closely engaging with wild animalsRespect local people and culture. Obeying local laws is a given – but also remember to dress and behave in amanner appropriate to the community. Be polite and keep an open mind!

Before your trip departs, it’s compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance coveringcancellation, medical expenses (including repatriation), loss or damage to baggage and personal belongings, moneyand personal liability.World Nomads provides comprehensive travel insurance for people from over 140 countries. For more information,visit www.topdeck.travel/travel-insurance.

Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Some countries willrefuse entry if you do not have at least six months validity remaining on your passport after your departure date.Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter certain countries.It is your responsibility to obtain visas prior to your trip departure. To determine which visas you’ll need, you canconsult either your own government’s website or the government websites of the countries in which you will betravelling.

What to bring

THAT'S IT!

PLEASE NOTE: Some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Also, bear in mindthat the validity of a visa often runs from its date of issue rather than the date of entry into the country. Please checkwith the appropriate embassy/embassies prior to departure, as requirements do change periodically.

Based on our experience, these items are key. Everyone’s different though – so if you want to bring more or less, gofor it! (As long as you don’t exceed your 20kg allowance, that is.) 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes1 pair of smart casual shoes1 pair of thongs/jandals/flip-flops2 pairs of jeans/trousers2 pairs of shorts/skirts4 shirts/T-shirts2 sweaters/jumpersSmart casual evening wear1 rainproof jacket1 warm jacketUnderwear and socksSwimwearSnow gearTowelToiletriesHat and sunscreenBasic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc)Insect repellentConversion plugReusable water bottle


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