Time to start planning that 2015 Europe trip

MWRocamadour STUNNING: Rocamadour Castle on a hill, Dorgogne River Valley, Perigord Region, France. PICTURE: THINKSTOCK

As the summer weather draws nearer (hopefully), the travel industry is concentrating its thoughts on the European summer of 2015. This is the time of year when many airlines are offering "earlybird" discounts for travel to many European destinations. Some of the deals are really good value but remember with most of these offers you have to pay the full fare at the time of booking and there are often restrictions on the ticket, so it is wise to consult a travel professional before you book. The same applies to the numerous excellent offers that are available from coach tour and river cruise companies.
Many clients ask me the best places to visit in Europe, particularly if it is their one trip of a lifetime. My advice is not to try to include too many countries, but rather to concentrate on particular areas such as United Kingdom, central Europe, Scandinavia or Italy. This way you will get a much better taste of Europe in a more relaxed way.
If you do wish to savour more countries there are many better quality coach tours and river cruises that will enable you to do so in a relaxed manner.
Coming from the UK, I have travelled to many European countries and one of my favourites is France. The attractions of Paris are well known but, if you can get out into areas such as Brittany, Aquitane or the Dordogne, you will find the real France. Visiting the smaller French towns will give you the delights of small cafes, patisseries and boulangeries, as well as trying some of the superb French wines and cheeses. Again forward planning is vital.
Speaking of France, with 2014 being the 70th anniversary of D Day and 100 years since the start of World War I, many Kiwis are interested in visiting the Historic areas of Normandy, Northern France and Belgium where many New Zealanders served during both world conflicts. There are a number of tour companies who offer battlefield tours for those who may be keen to see where parents or grandparents may have fought.
A final thought from a client who arrived at Paris airport with no Euros. He had trouble locating an ATM and, as he was hiring a car, had no money for the motorway tolls. After much form filling at the toll booth he ended up paying €97 for the toll instead of €27.
Moral of this story is to always have some local cash when you arrive ready for unexpected circumstances.
¦ Colin is a broker with New ZealandTravel Brokers
colin@nztravelbrokers.co.nz