Christmas Market Magic in Austria

These trips include walking tours and exploring Christmas Markets, which means lots of cobblestone streets and light activity. You don’t need to be an athlete just comfortable being on your feet for a few hours each day.

Since we’ll be travelling in early December, here’s what to expect and pack:

Think cozy layers, warm footwear, and a good travel umbrella. December in Europe is chilly (expect temperatures between 0–10°C / 32–50°F), so pack scarves, gloves, and a winter coat. You’ll want to feel comfortable outdoors while wandering the markets with a mug of Glühwein in hand!

Should I bring checked luggage or carry-on?
This is completely up to you. For ease of travel, especially if you are planning to visit other locations, we suggest travelling with a carry-on.
This makes flight transfers and getting around much easier. There are great packing containers you can order via Amazon that compress your items, etc. Check out this link for our most recommend travel buys:
https://a.co/aLpjOF1

You’re in luck because this is Richelle's specialty! She offers personalized travel planning services to help with everything from flights and pre/post-stay hotels to curated Google Maps and suggested itineraries. She can even help you plan extra time before or after the trip if you’d like to extend your holiday adventure.

For our Christmas Market trip, here’s what you need to know:

• most tourists from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa for a short stay (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Schengen Area, which includes Austria. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen zone. 

• Currency in Austria is the Euro (€). Make sure you bring a credit card (notify your bank you’ll be abroad)

• Make sure to have cash for market vendors or cozy cafés where cards may not always be accepted.

We recommend to book travel insurance. This is to cover unforeseen emergencies and cancellations that might come up. 

Our choice for travel insurance is via Safety Wing. Their Nomad Insurance covers all the basics you might experience one your travels.

To reserve your spot and room, a non-refundable 600usd deposit or full payment must be made at time of booking.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Credit Card
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Bank transfer via wise or your bank
Direct deposit - Canada

*All CC and PayPal payments are subject to a 6% processing fee

Upon registration, information will be sent for your payment choice if you do not choose CC or PayPal.

Payment policies:
Your spot and room will be reserved with a non-refundable deposit of $600usd or payment-in-full. Please read our cancellation and booking policies so you are fully informed.

If you require alternative payment dates or a scheduled payment plan, please feel free to get in touch with regards

CANCELLATION POLICY

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
Reservations are initiated on receipt of either a full payment or non-refundable deposit of US$600 per client.
If a reservation is made within 45 days of the trip departure the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.
All reservations are automatically canceled if all payments are not received by the due date, with full loss of trip deposit, unless otherwise organized with yoru retreat hosts.

RESERVATION AMENDMENTS
All reservation amendments will be subject to changes in cost of the original itinerary and will be subject to the same cancellation penalties described below.

CANCELLATION AND PENALTIES
All cancellations must be made in writing, signed by the client, and sent to hello@richelletakesyou.com.  All trips are subject to the following, per person cancellation charges based on the number of days before trip departure that we receive your written cancellation request.

• More than 90 days from scheduled start date: full refund minus non-refundable deposit and processing fee of 100usd
• From 90 to 45 days: 50% refund of the total costs minus non-refundable deposit
• Less than 45 days: No refund of trip cost
• No refunds for unused tours or services during your trip

REFUNDS
All refunds will be processed within 30 days after we receive your letter of cancellation and are calculated as of the day we receive your written request. In the unlikely event that the trip itself is canceled prior to commencement of the trip due to circumstances beyond our control, and you are unable to schedule for another time, all moneys are refundable with the exception of your personal trip expenses (e.g. non-refundable "advance purchase" tour tickets, deposit). There is no refund for any unused portions of a trip once it has commenced.

INSURANCE
Basic travel insurance that includes medical benefits is advised for each passenger. A comprehensive travel insurance policy including trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, accident, emergency assistance and medical assistance is advised due to the uncertain nature of travel. Please see the tab "travel insurance" for recommended travel insurance companies.

RESCUE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
In the unlikely event of rescue and medical assistance being needed, the participant shall be liable for the entire cost thereof, unless covered by insurance.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
By forwarding the trip deposit or full payment, the client certifies that he/she does not knowingly have any physical or other condition of disability that would create a risk for himself/herself or other trip participants. Any required vaccinations must be recorded by the client's health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate which the client must carry in his/her possession during the trip.