Euro Tours

Important Travel Information

The details and resources herein are to assist you and are for information purposes only. Pro Hockey Travel Inc. does not make any product/service recommendations or endorse any companies. Regarding government rules and regulations, it is the responsibility of individuals and teams to ensure they are abreast of up-to-date information.

Topics:

  • Travel Insurance & Supplementary Health Coverage
  • Passports & Traveling Out-Of-Country
  • Flight Checking
  • Safety & Security
  • Communications
  • Food Allergies
  • Currency & Credit Cards
  • Luggage & Hockey Equipment
  • Electric Converters EURO
  • Weather & Deportment

Travel Insurance & Supplementary Health Coverage

US Citizens travelling out of region, out of state, out of country or overseas

U.S. citizens travelling out of region, out of state, out of country or overseas should strongly consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans may include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you up to 100% for money you lose in prepaid deposits that are non-refundable. To make a trip cancellation claim you must be canceling for a reason listed in the policy.

To help you find travel insurance we consulted with Forbes. Here is what they recommend: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/insurance/best-health-insurance-companies/

Canadian Citizens travelling out of region, out of province, out of country or overseas

Canadian citizens travelling out of region, out of state, out of province or overseas should strongly consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans may include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more.

Below is a list of resources for you and your family to consider when evaluating trip cancellation and supplementary health insurance coverage:

Passports & Traveling Out-Of-Country

6 Month Passport Rule

Introducing Europe's new ETIAS travel authorization program. Non-U.S. citizens flying into the USA: it is up to you and your family/travel members to carry with you all required and valid documents when travelling abroad.

All airlines require full passport name, date of birth, and gender for every passenger on international flights. Failure to provide correct information will result in you being denied boarding at the airport. You may also be refused entry into a country if your passport will expire within 6 months. Passports expiring within 3 months of departure will most likely be refused at the airport for international travel.

All participants are expected to be at the airline check-in counter a minimum of 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. International check-in typically takes much longer than traditional domestic check-ins. Players that will not be able to make this timeframe should contact their team leader in advance of the departure date.

Depending on your country of origin and/or destination, you may also require proof of COVID vaccination certificates based on nationality or age of traveller (or both).

For all: hotels in Europe REQUIRE information on rooming lists, registration pages and rosters to match exactly the name on the passport (no nicknames or abbreviations).

USA Passport and International Travel

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) — Europe's new ETIAS travel authorization program applies to USA and Canadian citizens travelling to Europe. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

US Children Travelling Without Parent

If a child (under the age of 18) is traveling with only one parent or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that the accompanying adult have a note from the non-traveling parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with neither parent, a note signed by both parents) stating "I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my/our permission to do so." For details: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-449?language=en_US

Consider using the Canadian "Consent Letter" in MS-Word format as an editable template (remove Canadian references). American government websites recommend getting the letter notarized. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter

U.S. and Canadian Citizens Travelling Abroad

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) — for rollout updates. Applies to USA and Canadian citizens travelling to Europe.

Canadians Travelling Abroad: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/emergency-card

  • Travel Advice and Advisories for Canadians Travelling Abroad
  • Documents for Entering USA (for Canadians Travelling to the USA)
  • Ontario OHIP — Out of Country (for other provinces, please search for your provincial health plan out-of-country insurance coverage information)
  • Recommended Consent Letter For Children Travelling Abroad (and returning to Canada)

Flight Checking

We strongly advise that you frequently check your flight for updates the day before and day of your departure. Sometimes changes include an earlier departure time. Also, for connecting flights, account for the time it will take to get to your connecting flight gate — there can be significant walking involved and you may also need to travel from one terminal to another.

Besides your travel provider, there are numerous apps you can use to check flight status. Flight Stats is a free real-time flight status and airport tracking application that is airline independent. Quickly access worldwide flight status by flight number, airport or route (Android/Google and Apple iOS).

Safety & Security

Pickpocketing

In case of emergency, in the European Union use "112" phone dial ("911" equivalent).

Overview

Pro Hockey Development Group is dedicated to providing once-in-a-lifetime sports experiences to all our athletes and passengers. We are equally committed to ensuring that all of our travellers are well informed with regards to safety & security when travelling abroad. Travel advisories, alerts, and warnings are routinely monitored on all government websites. We encourage you to visit the following links and to enrol in the Canadian or US Government Traveller programs listed on this page.

US Citizens

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals travelling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To register: https://step.state.gov/step/

Additional important FREE services:

For emergency U.S. Embassy contact information, please see the original site. In case of emergency, in the European Union, use "112" phone dial ("911" equivalent).

Canadian Citizens

Registration of Canadians Abroad is a free service to keep you connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or at home. To register: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

Additional important FREE services:

For emergency Canadian Embassy contact information, please see the original site.

Securing & Remembering Belongings

Forgetting to secure the locker or dressing room door, or forgetting your jerseys or skates or sticks at the hotel — these are recipes for disaster. It doesn't just hurt you, it hurts your team. It is in everyone's best interests to look out for each other. It's called "The Buddy System." Don't feel pushy to ask your buddies if they have remembered to bring everything or to "lock up." Don't feel ashamed if you are spending another 2 minutes to make sure you have every piece of your equipment and sticks loaded on the bus, including a fresh towel and change of clothes.

Although there will be a team representative assigned to lock up equipment, there may be times when you are "the last one out the door," or assigned to retrieve or put something in a lock-up room. Be responsible. Take charge. Ask for help, if you need it.

Travel Documents, Money & Electronics

If your hotel room does not have a safe, there will be lock boxes available at the front desk. It is recommended to secure your valuables when not on your person.

Communications

eSIM Team Communications

While abroad, please ensure to stay in the loop with team communications. Although you will be provided in advance with an itinerary, time changes to activities and bus schedules do occur. You can rely on your team representative, manager or coach for communications — that person is most likely travelling with you on a daily basis. Beyond that, included in your itinerary will be a list of additional personnel, their telephone numbers and email addresses, so keep that list handy. You may also want to exchange email and phone numbers with teammate families at your discretion.

What has evolved into the de facto standard communications tool for Pro Hockey staff, team families, and coaches is the mobile app WhatsApp.

WIFI & Mobile Apps

There are many WIFI-based apps you can use while out-of-country or overseas to keep your budget in check, and they are usually quite good. Pro Hockey Development Group recommends that you become familiar with a number of these apps, as certain apps may work better or may be more applicable for specific people you plan to communicate with, such as your Euro team, family and friends at home, and work associates at home. These apps may be Apple iOS, Google Android, or platform independent. This is by no means a complete list, however these apps tend to be very popular:

  • WhatsApp
  • Facebook Messenger
  • FaceTime
  • Skype
  • Viber
  • Google Hangouts
  • IMO (Google Play)
  • Tango (Google Play)
  • Zoom
  • Google Meet

Use Your Own Phone?

Mobile phone companies have recognized that they are losing revenue/profit opportunities and have been extending more reasonable out-of-country and overseas plans. Consider as a first option to consult with your mobile provider to determine what they offer. Perhaps you use a combination of options such as your own phone (mobile out-of-country plan) plus WIFI zone apps. Consult with your service provider.

To use your mobile/smart phone out-of-country for Voice/Text (SMS) and/or Data communications, consult with your service provider in advance for a cost-effective plan. Beware of roaming charges. If using a smart phone, there are also data roaming charges that may apply. A help desk person can assist to change your phone settings to protect you from incurring exorbitant roaming charges overseas.

Phone Rental?

Another alternative is to rent a phone while in Europe by contracting either after arrival at your location, or before you leave to have ready upon landing. Minutes can be purchased for a prepaid SIM card. For US travellers to Europe, our partner World Selects Hockey recommends Cello Mobile. Enter the promo code SELECTS at checkout, and receive a 10% discount on your total order.

Food Allergies

Taking a trip to another area in your country or elsewhere gives children the chance to learn about their world. Start your planning as far in advance as possible. You should choose somewhere to stay that best suits your family's needs. For example, having a kitchenette will be useful for preparing some of your meals and keeping fresh food on hand. Keep in mind that laws and policies are different in different countries, including laws and policies for airlines, restaurants and food labeling. Please visit this link for details and recommendations: https://foodallergycanada.ca/allergy-safety/travelling/

Currency & Credit Cards

Access a universal currency converter (link on the original site). It is recommended that you bring Visa or Mastercard, some US or CDN money and an ATM or debit card. Currency exchange will be available at the arrival airport. There are ATM machines and currency exchange places throughout Europe, and there is also a currency exchange on the cruise ship between Helsinki & Stockholm. Money can be withdrawn at ATMs in local currency with reasonable fees — this is the safest and easiest method of obtaining local currency.

VERY IMPORTANT — Due to fraud controls in place at most banks, travelers should notify their bank and/or credit card companies of their intention to travel out-of-country. In most cases, they will temporarily lift these security controls.

Luggage & Hockey Equipment

Luggage

Baggage fees are not included in tour cost and will be each traveler's responsibility. Each airline has different baggage restrictions. Typically for overseas travel, but not in all cases, you may check one piece of luggage with a weight limit of 50 lbs. and linear dimensions no more than 62" at no additional cost. Additional checked bags are usually around $50 per flight (one way). Most airlines may allow a carry-on piece as well for the overhead bin and a small knapsack/purse for under the seat. Consider luggage organizers to separate shoes, etc. from hockey equipment in the hockey bag.

Hockey Equipment, Tape, Sticks & Pucks, Blades

Pro shops in Western European rinks are typically not as well equipped as the rinks we are used to in the US and Canada. Equipment and stick selections are often limited and prices can be high. Players should also have enough tape to last them the duration of the trip. Spare sets of laces, blades, helmet hardware, etc. are advised.

Hockey Bag

It will be considered a second piece of luggage, which will mean extra costs. You may want to try and keep the contents of the bag under 50 lbs by limiting unnecessary items which tend to accumulate.

3 Sticks & 3 Pucks

We advise bringing 3 sticks and, to help out your team, please bring 3 pucks (for practices and pre-game warm-ups). Players should bring their sticks to the airport taped together to facilitate this process. That said, we recommend using a stick bag. Remember: lots of tape!

Extra Blades

It is also recommended that you bring a sharpened pair of replacement blades to accompany your son's or daughter's sharpened skates. Most hockey specialty stores in the US and Canada will carry replacement blades. Make sure they are sharpened and you learn how to replace them. You should also bring along the tools required (if necessary) for replacement. Remember that extra set of laces! (Travel packing tips on the original site.)

Electric Converters EURO

Normal electric devices like blow-dryers, radios, curling irons, laptop power cords, etc. will not fit into any of the Western European cities' electric outlets. You will need to purchase international adaptors. You can find them on the internet at http://international-electrical-supplies.com/electricguide.html, Amazon, etc., or at your local electronics stores.

Plug Adapters

For laptops, you can purchase special plugs that will enable your existing power source to work and charge your batteries. Below are the adapters that will be needed to use any of the Western European cities' electric outlets: the grounded plug adapter WA-9 and the ungrounded plug adapters #1 & #6.

Weather & Deportment

Weather

Springtime in Western Europe is very similar to the weather you have in upper parts of Canada for this time of year. Temperatures on past trips this time of year ranged from highs of 65F / 18C during the day to lows of 32F / 0C at night. Families should also be prepared to dress for cold arena conditions.

Deportment

Player dress code and evening wear shall be dictated by your coach or team manager. Try to remember that in addition to representing yourself, you also represent your team, your family and your country. As people in Europe may have limited exposure to North Americans, your dress and behavior may shape their opinion of Americans and Canadians.

Contact

Pro Hockey Development Group