Two travel tips when traveling to Europe

Tipping

Although it varies throughout the country, a 15 percent service charge is generally added to the total in restaurants. It is customary to tack on an extra 5 to 10 percent, depending on service. In hotels, bellhops receive .50 to 1 EUR; chambermaids get .75 per day; tip a minimum of .50 for room service.

Staying Fit Along the Way

A vacation is a wonderful departure from the every day routine. But there's no rule saying you can't maintain an active and healthy lifestyle along the way. Here are some tips for staying fit during your vacation:

• Be realistic. You probably won't have the time to fully follow your weekly workout routine. Aim for 50 percent of your normal regimen.
• Be creative. You will be visiting some of the most intriguing cities and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Instead of calisthenics in your hotel room, try a stroll through the vineyards of Tuscany.
• Take advantage of every situation. Try your hand at a wide variety of seated stretches and exercises to increase flexibility and keep you agile during flights and on the motorcoach.
• Bring along a resistance band. Lightweight and easy to pack, a resistance band can provide a full upper and lower body workout on the go. 
• Replenish yourself. To maintain the energy you gain from staying fit and active while traveling drink plenty of water and never skip meals.

Overcoming Jet Lag

When traveling overseas, crossing multiple time zones may upset your body's natural biorhythms. But jet lag doesn't have to put a damper on your vacation. Here are a few tips to make the transition to a new time zone (and an enchanting new place) just a bit easier:

• Before your flight, get plenty of rest and drink a lot of water. Also, try eating light meal before you board so that hunger does not keep you from sleeping.
• As soon as you board your flight, set your watch to the time of your destination. Then act accordingly. If it is nighttime in your arrival city when you take off, try to get a few hours of sleep. If it's daytime at your final stop, try walking through the cabin to stay alert.
• On arrival, stay awake until an early local bedtime. A brisk walk will not only revive your body, but also serves as an invaluable introduction to your new surroundings.
• Wake the next day from a full night's rest, alert and able to get the most from your overseas experience.