Weather Forecast
Although most of Europe lies in latitudes more northerly than New York, warm Atlantic currents act to moderate temperatures, even in Iceland.
The Alps can be used as a rough dividing line for the continent's climate. To the north, summers are mild, while winters can be cool and damp. To the south, from Portugal to Turkey, winters are mild and summers are hot (much like southern California), with rain most common in autumn and spring. As always, temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes. Take a raincoat or sweater, even in summer.
European countries measure temperature in Centigrade rather than Fahrenheit.
For five-day forecasts for any of 66 European cities, go to the Met Office,
http://www.met-office.gov.uk/weather...eforecast.html
Britain's national weather service or check
www.weather.com for more detailed forecasts.
You can also check U.S. newspapers for Europe weather information or call 900-WEATHER, a Weather Channel service that offers updated reports for 95 cents a minute.
Car & Rail
Most motorists rent a car. It is highly recommended that you reserve rental cars in advance, before leaving the U.S. Check around for good values, extra service and possible discounts and promotions, and you can save a significant amount of money.
Another option is to consider buying a railpass. These can cover many countries or just a single country, but most must be purchased before you leave the U.S. Check Eurail.com for current details.
Packages that combine car rental with airfare, rail passes and/or hotel accommodations are another way to save.
Paperwork
Leave a copy of your itinerary, with phone numbers, at your home and/or office.
Make a copy of the opening page of your passport with the number and date of issue (this will speed the replacement process, if necessary). If you lose your passport, report it to the local police and then take a copy of the report to the U.S. consulate for a replacement, usually issued within 24 hours.
Record charge-card numbers (and phone numbers for reporting any loss of cards). The same for traveler's checks and airline tickets. Leave a copy at home.
Jet Lag
Although it's difficult to avoid, a few precautions are worth taking. "Reset" your sleep patterns by going to bed early a few nights before you leave. On the plane, sleep as much as you can, and walk and stretch when awake. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and drink plenty of water in flight. On arrival in a new time zone, take a short nap, have a light meal at the appropriate local hour, and perhaps a brief stroll afterward. Eat lightly for two or three days, keep the first day's itinerary relaxed and allow about 24 hours to adjust.
Generally speaking, eastbound night flights are more fatiguing than return flights to the U.S.
Heading Home U.S. Customs
Visitors who have been abroad at least 48 hours, and have not made a claim for exemption in the past 30 days, can now return home with $800 per person in purchases without paying any duty. The limit was doubled from $400 as of November 2002.
One liter of alcohol, and 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars (per resident 21 years or older) are allowed in duty-free.
Plants, fresh fruit, vegetables and meats from overseas are not allowed into the U.S. Nor are products made from endangered animal or plant species.
The next $1,000 worth above the base sum is subject to a straight 10-percent levy. After that, the levies vary according to the article. Articles at least 100 years old and original works of art may be exempt.
Keep a complete record of your purchases (with receipts attached) and have it accessible.
For complete details, see "Traveler Information / Know Before You Go" on the U.S. Customs Service site,
www.customs.ustreas.gov.
Gifts From Abroad
A gift mailed from abroad, if less than $100 in value, is exempt from duty if the same person does not receive more than $100 in gift shipments in a single day. However, there is no limit on the number of persons to whom gifts may be sent in a day, or on the number of days in which additional gifts can be sent to the same person