Riding the extensive rail system in Europe is a great experience, but navigating how, when and where to purchase your tickets can be confusing. Not all trains are created equal, and they vary from country to country. If traveling during summer months, a train with air conditioning is a must and if traveling during high season (May – October), tickets for high speed and long distance trips should be purchased well in advance to save money and ensure a seat for your preferred date and train. Seat reservations are required (and helpful!) on high speed trains. If possible, non-stop trains or ones with the fewest changes of train should be selected.

If in need of medical assistance while traveling abroad, there is a referral service for English-speaking doctors and clinics available in 90 countries. You  pay the doctor directly for service provided. Go to http://www.iamat.org/index.cfm to register for one year at a time - membership is free. They also offer medical-related travel planning advice such as immunization requirements.  Don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance before you leave.

If you travel abroad frequently or for an extended period of time, you may want to apply for a credit card that has a lower transaction fee. Capital One credit card is the only that currently does not charge this fee. Most Visa and MasterCard issuers charge 3%. American Express charges 2.7%. Discover Card charges 2%, however, their card is not commonly accepted worldwide. If you qualify for a card issued by USAA, they currently charge 1%. Fees for the use of a debit card in ATMs abroad vary considerably as well, ranging from a zero to 3% conversion fee and zero to $5.00 flat fee, or combination of both.

Make extended airport stays more comfortable by using airline airport lounges. Formerly reserved for First or Business Class travelers, they are now available to all airline travelers on a daily pass or annual membership basis through several sources. Cost and benefits vary but information is available on each airline’s website or membership websites such as Priority Pass, American Express or Delta Reserve Card by American Express. Lounge benefits include comfortable seating, business services, food and beverage, and often times shower facilities.

When buying gifts for a traveler, I have found these ideas helpful; airline gift cards, Baggallini travel bag, travel hair dryer, TSA luggage lock, luggage scale, small foreign dictionary or phrase book, language DVD or CD’s, GPS, sound canceling headphones, and electronic books. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!