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As you explore the possibility
of a canal cruise on board Maria, or as you prepare for the cruise
you have booked, you may have some questions. We have tried to anticipate
your questions and concerns, and we have listed some frequently asked
questions and their respective answers, or suggestions:
Q:
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
A:
A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. A valid passport
is required.
Q:
What clothes should I bring? And what may we expect from the
weather?
A:
Bring a few of your favorite "go everywhere" and "sports-casual"
clothes because they are comfortable, versatile, and you'll look
great. Even in the smaller villages, the French dress in simple
slacks or skirts, often with a trademark scarf, sweater, or jacket.
Yes, jeans are acceptable, as are shorts - it's up to you and the
weather. If you are planning to spend time in Paris before or after
your barge trip, you may want to step it up a notch and (men) bring
a shirt, tie, blazer and slacks, and (women) some snappier, but
comfortable shoes, slacks, dress or skirt and the obligatory scarf
or two. Shoes on board should be of the non-skid variety (i.e.,
topsider type). Rubber soled flat heel shoes, tennis and running
shoes certainly work, too, particularly if you want to scamper up
and down lock ladders or walk or jog along the tow paths.
The weather in the Burgundy area is generally temperate (i.e.
beautiful) May through September, but the weather is unpredictable
with a chance of rain any time during that period. It can get quite
warm from mid-July through mid-August. Our best advice is to prepare
as you would for any vacation to Europe and dress in layers so you
can peel off for warm, sunny days and add a layer or two for rain
showers or the occasional cool evening. Bring a sun hat and plenty
of sun block; a rain hat, rain jacket, and yes, an umbrella.
We recommend that you pack light to ease your travel through airports,
train stations and the Metro. Porters are not usually available.
Q:
What will a typical day look like?
A:
We will be cruising through beautiful countryside for 3-5 hours
a day leaving ample daylight to see the sites. At our "Welcome
A-barge" dinner your first evening on board, we'll talk about
day trips, and local points of interest and historical sites. There
is much to see and we'll set aside the time as well as arrange excursions
to see places we think you will enjoy.
Q:
What personal things should I bring?
A:
Your toiletries and personal items. There will be a 220 volt hair
drier in each cabin, so there is no need to bring one for the barge.
If you bring anything electrical, it will have to be 220 volt compatible.
We will have wall plug adapters/converters for the standard French
wall plugs on board, but it is wise to bring an adapter with you,
especially if you will be traveling in Europe before or after your
barge trip. We have very limited 110 voltage capability for such
things as electric shaver recharging, but it is not suitable for
high wattage 110 volt items. If you forget to pack something, there
will be opportunities to stop and shop in one of the many villages
or towns we will visit. You will find everything from open air markets,
specialty shops and the "Intermarché", France's
version of Wal-Mart, Costco and Safeway.
Q:
What can I do for exercise while on and off Maria?
A:
Good question. A lot. You can walk, jog or run along the canal tow
paths and keep pace with Maria as she maintains the maximum canal
speed limit of 3 to 4 miles per hour. We will also have bicycles
on board which you can use along the canals and to explore towns,
villages and the occasional chateau. If you want upper-body exercise,
lend a hand with the lines as we enter and exit locks and pitch
in with the lock-keepers to open and close the older manual locks.
If you choose to do the latter, at the end of the day you will feel
as if you've been to the gym. You will also have the opportunity
to sightsee and shop on foot.
Q:
What do about cash and credit cards?
A:
France and most of continental Europe (with the primary exception
of Switzerland), uses the Euro. The US Dollar and the Euro are roughly
equal, although the US Dollar has recently slipped in value relative
to the Euro. Please see the "Links" page for access to
foreign exchange conversion web sites. Credit cards are accepted
anywhere in France, and you can use your credit cards at readily
available ATM machines to access Euros. A word of caution: it is
often difficult to exchange Dollars for Euros in the smaller village
banks, and it is almost impossible to change a $100 Dollar bill
due to the number of counterfeit bills in circulation. If you are
accustomed to using Traveler's Checks, they can be difficult to
cash in smaller villages, especially if they are US Dollar denominated.
Traveler's Checks are now available in Euro denominations, so you
might want to look into that option. Keep in mind, however, that
cashing a Traveler's Check, regardless of what currency, can be
a difficult proposition in a place other than a large metropolitan
city. Our advice? Carry a reasonable amount of cash in Euros and
use your credit card either for purchases or to withdraw Euros from
ATM's.
Q:
What can I expect from the French people in these difficult times?
A:
The French people are charming and very gracious, especially the
people you will find in the countryside where we will be cruising.
If you make an earnest attempt to communicate in French, your efforts
will be rewarded. In spite of existing relations between governments,
the French people we have encountered will react or respond to you
on an individual basis, not based on your nationality. The French,
like us, regard their political leaders with healthy cynicism.
Q:
How do I deal with jet lag?
A:
People generally feel more jet lagged when they travel from west
to east, and the more time zones crossed, the more "lag"
you may feel. This is especially true if you travel from the U.S.
West Coast to France, where you will be crossing nine time zones.
To minimize the effects of jet lag, we have had success with the
homeopathic "No-Jet-Lag" remedy for travel fatigue. It
is available at most health food stores and you can get additional
information at their web site - www.mierslabs.co.nz . We suggest
that you spend at least one night in Paris or a city within easy
train or driving distance from the barge to acclimate yourself to
the time difference and be ready to enjoy your holiday from day
one on the barge.
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