Travel Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

For most countries, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return. Within the EU, a national ID is often enough – but it must remain valid until the end of your trip. For Turkey, a German national ID is currently sufficient for stays up to 90 days; with a passport, 6 months of remaining validity are recommended. We're happy to check the requirements before booking.

It depends on destination, length of stay and nationality. Many countries offer eVisa online; others require a visa beforehand or grant it on arrival. Some visas need 2–4 weeks of processing time – ask us early. We're happy to handle the application for you.

Standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, polio) should be up to date. For tropical destinations, hepatitis A and possibly typhoid, rabies or yellow fever are recommended. Get advice from a tropical medicine institute or your doctor. Start 6–8 weeks before departure, as some vaccinations only take effect after several weeks.

Passport, ID card, driver's licence, insurance cards, hotel and flight bookings. Keep copies separate from the originals and email scans to yourself or store them in a cloud (e.g. Google Drive). If anything is lost, replacements are issued much faster.

Within the EU, the EU licence is sufficient. Outside the EU (USA, Turkey for longer stays, many Asian countries), an international driver's licence is recommended or required – apply early at your local authority. It's only valid together with the national licence.

Personal medication in sufficient quantity, English-language doctor's note, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea and anti-nausea medication, plasters, disinfectant, insect repellent, sunscreen. Always carry prescription medication in the original packaging with the leaflet.

Intra-European flights: 2 hours before departure. Long-haul: 3 hours. During peak travel times (summer holidays, public holidays) plan an extra 30 minutes. Security and passport control can take a long time – Stuttgart regularly has waiting times.

Almost always yes. You save time, often choose your seat, and some airlines charge fees for airport check-in. Online check-in is usually possible 24–48 hours before departure. With checked baggage, head straight to the bag-drop counter at the airport.

Liquids in containers up to 100 ml each, all together in a transparent 1-litre bag. Baby food and necessary medication are exempt. No knives, sharp objects or sprays. Power banks and lithium batteries ALWAYS go in carry-on – never in checked baggage. Size and weight limits vary by airline – check before packing.

Power banks, e-cigarettes, lithium batteries, loose batteries – these belong only in carry-on. Valuables, jewellery, medication, travel documents, laptops and expensive electronics should also stay with you: lost or damaged checked baggage is only partly compensated.

It depends on your fare. Package tours usually include 1 bag of 20–23 kg per person. Pure flight tickets often have no checked bag in the basic fare (especially low-cost) – buying baggage in advance is much cheaper than at the airport. When in doubt, check your booking confirmation or ask us.

Your own food yes – but liquids cannot pass security in containers larger than 100 ml. Buy water or drinks after the security check. Avoid strong-smelling food out of consideration for fellow passengers. Some domestic flights have additional rules – ask the airline if unsure.

Never in checked baggage. Wear jewellery on your body or carry it in carry-on close to you. In hotels, use the room safe. A small list with photos of valuables helps with insurance claims if anything is lost.

Yes, in carry-on. For prescription medication, always carry an English-language doctor's note. Bring extra in case of travel delays. Syringes (e.g. insulin for diabetics) also need a doctor's note.

Drink lots of water, avoid coffee. Get up regularly and walk in the aisle, do leg exercises in your seat – this prevents thrombosis. For at-risk passengers, compression stockings are useful. A sleep mask, ear plugs and a change of clothes make the trip more pleasant.

Most airlines let you take a pram free of charge to the aircraft. It's handed over at the gate and returned at the gate or baggage belt after landing. Important: register in advance with the airline. Foldable buggies are usually easier than large models.

Register the wheelchair service at least 48 hours before departure – best directly through us, then we'll handle it. The service is free. A staff member meets you at the agreed point, accompanies you through security and boarding, takes you to your seat and at arrival back to the exit. Your own wheelchair is transported free of charge and returned at the gate or baggage belt.

Yes, most airlines offer a UMNR service (Unaccompanied Minors). Children from age 5 are personally cared for by cabin crew. At check-in you hand the child over; at the destination, the child is only released to the pre-defined pick-up person after ID verification. The service costs around €50–150 per leg and MUST be booked in advance. We'd be happy to arrange it.

Babies under 2 usually travel on the lap and at lower cost. Baby food in normal quantities is allowed in carry-on (even over 100 ml). At take-off and landing, give the child a drink or pacifier – this helps with ear pressure. Some airlines offer bassinets, but they must be booked in advance.

Up to week 28 of pregnancy usually no problem. Between weeks 28 and 36, many airlines require a doctor's note. From week 36 (week 32 for multiple pregnancies), most airlines refuse carriage. When in doubt, ask the airline and your doctor. Travel cancellation insurance with pregnancy coverage is recommended.

With many airlines yes – small animals under approx. 8 kg in a suitable carrier in the cabin, larger ones in the cargo hold. EU pet passport and rabies vaccination are usually required. Some countries demand additional tests or quarantine. Register early with the airline and with us – spaces are limited.

Report the loss IMMEDIATELY at the airport's lost-and-found counter, BEFORE you leave the secure area. You'll receive a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with a reference number to track the status online. In most cases, baggage arrives within 24–72 hours. Keep all receipts for necessary replacements (toiletries, clothing) – these are usually reimbursed.

Again, report it at the airport before leaving the secure area. Take photos of the damage. Late claims are often rejected. With the PIR you can claim damage from the airline and your travel-baggage insurance.

Address tags inside AND outside the suitcase. Allow plenty of time between connecting flights (at least 90–120 minutes for international connections). Valuables, medication and a change of clothes go in carry-on. A tracker (e.g. AirTag) in the suitcase adds peace of mind and helps in case of loss.

Standard check-in is usually from 2–3 PM. Important: many hotels only hold the room until 6 PM – after that, it can be sold as a no-show. If you arrive later, always notify the hotel by phone or email. Then your booking remains intact even on overnight arrivals.

A no-show without notice is charged the full amount – usually the entire stay. If you can't travel, please notify the hotel and us immediately. We'll help with cancellation under the applicable cancellation conditions.

Passport and booking confirmation. Some hotels require a credit card as a deposit (pre-authorisation) – the amount is reserved but not charged. All-inclusive bracelets are issued at arrival – don't lose them! Check the room: AC works, safe opens, note the minibar level if not included.

Standard is flight + hotel + transfer plus your chosen meal plan (breakfast, half board, all-inclusive). The price legally includes only the operator's insolvency protection – cancellation insurance is separate. Excursions, tipping and sometimes the local tourist tax are not included.

Yes, usually for a rebooking fee. The earlier, the cheaper. Close to departure, rebooking equals a cancellation. Talk to us – we'll check the options and conditions for you.

Leaving early is usually not refunded. To stay longer, we may be able to rebook the return (extra cost, subject to availability). IMPORTANT: if you don't take the outbound flight, the return often expires too! Talk to us before departure so we can find the best solution.

Notify the local representative immediately and document the issue: photos and a written complaint dated and signed by the representative. After the trip, complaints are much harder to enforce. We also support you by phone from Germany.

Take your time and inspect the car THOROUGHLY in daylight: bodywork, rims, tyres, windscreen. Note EVERY damage – even small ones – on the handover protocol AND film/photograph the entire car including interior, fuel level and odometer. At return you'll have evidence. Pay particular attention to: rims (curb scratches), bumpers, underbody, front and rear windscreen. Better to spend 5 extra minutes than pay hundreds for alleged damages later.

NO if you've already booked full insurance with zero excess through us. Counter staff often work on commission and can be very persuasive – stay polite but firm and explain that you already have full coverage. With broker insurance you pay first in case of damage, and get reimbursed after returning home (keep receipts!).

Common is full/full: pick up with a full tank, return with a full tank. Refuel just before returning and keep the receipt. Avoid full/empty or smart-refuel options – usually much more expensive than refuelling yourself.

Call us early or contact the rental company directly. Extension via us as broker is usually cheaper than at the counter. IMPORTANT: extend BEFORE the original rental period ends – otherwise the car counts as not returned, leading to high fees or even theft charges.

1. With personal injury, call police and emergency services immediately. 2. Even for body damage, many countries (e.g. Turkey, Italy, Spain) require a police report – otherwise insurance won't pay. 3. Photograph the damage, the other vehicle, plates, accident scene. 4. Exchange information: name, address, insurance, plates. 5. Call the rental company immediately (number in the contract). 6. Keep the police report – it's the basis for the insurance claim.

Call the rental hotline (number in the contract). NEVER drive to a workshop yourself without prior approval – costs won't be reimbursed otherwise. In most cases a replacement vehicle or roadside assistance is sent.

Only drivers listed in the contract. Additional drivers must be added, often for a fee (around €5–10 per day). In an accident with an unlisted driver, insurance coverage lapses – which can be very costly. The main driver's credit card and licence are mandatory at pick-up.

It covers treatment costs abroad – including in countries where the German health insurance doesn't pay or only partially (e.g. USA, Turkey). In case of illness: 1. Call the 24/7 hotline of your insurance (on the card) – they often arrange treatment. 2. In many countries you pay first (cash or card) and claim back later. 3. Keep ALL receipts, prescriptions and diagnoses – submit originals.

Highly recommended. It pays out if you can't take the trip due to illness, accident or other covered reasons. For expensive package tours or trips booked far in advance, almost essential. IMPORTANT: take out insurance within a few days of booking, otherwise pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Limited usefulness: coverage often has gaps (no jewellery, no electronics, high excess). Valuable items may be covered by your home insurance outside the home – ask your insurer about external coverage conditions.

It kicks in if you have to cut a trip short (e.g. illness or family bereavement). It refunds unused services and additional return costs. Often useful as a combined package with cancellation insurance.

1. Report it to local police immediately (theft report!). 2. Contact the nearest German consulate or embassy – they'll issue an emergency travel document for the way home (for a fee). 3. Always keep a copy of your passport (also digital) – it speeds up the process significantly.

Across Europe: 112 (police, fire, ambulance). In Turkey since 2021 also unified 112. Note the emergency number for other countries before travel. Also save the nearest German embassy/consulate number and your insurance hotline.

Contact the airline immediately. With illness, get a doctor's certificate. If you booked through us, call us as well – we'll help with rebooking or cancellation and often know an available alternative faster.

Call us immediately – even at night or on weekends. We know which flights still have seats and find the fastest way back. With a death in the family, some airlines offer special fares or rebookings.

Enough for the first 1–2 days and tips. In most countries you can pay by card or withdraw at ATMs. Don't keep all cash in one place – split between wallet, hotel safe and a hidden spot.

DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) offers conversion to euros at ATMs or card terminals. Sounds convenient but usually carries hefty markups (3–10%). Refuse it and always pay in the LOCAL CURRENCY – your bank will convert at a better rate.

International block hotline: +49 116 116 (for German cards and ID documents). Or directly with your bank. Reachable 24/7.

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is ideal. With it you can pay and withdraw worldwide for free. Take a second card as a backup, kept separately.

Yes, thanks to EU roaming you use your German SIM in the entire EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein at domestic rates. Outside the EU (Turkey, Switzerland, UK since Brexit) high roaming fees apply – check before travel or turn off data roaming.

For stays over 1 week outside the EU usually cheaper. An eSIM (e.g. Yesim or Holafly) is purchased online before departure, no local shop needed, and your German SIM stays active – so family and your doctor can still reach you on your usual number.

Public WiFi (hotel, café, airport) is not eavesdropping-proof. Use a VPN or mobile data for banking, email and sensitive input. Make important apps offline-capable: download Google Maps offline maps, translator language packs.

Set streaming apps (Netflix, Spotify) to WiFi only. Disable auto-updates and cloud backup on mobile networks. Download offline maps and translator language packs before travelling. WhatsApp and iMessage also work over WiFi.