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Howe Hockey Tours Useful Information
European Hockey Tour
Trip Expectations & Useful Information
Luggage
Each player will be able to check-in their hockey bag and one additional piece of luggage on the flight (NO MORE). Players will be able to bring a small travel bag or backpack as a carry-on item for the flights. The weight limit per bag is 50 lbs. Bags weighing in excess of 50 lbs. will be subject to additional fees.
A team stick bag will be available to accommodate all players’ sticks on the flights. Players should bring their sticks to the airport taped together to facilitate this process.
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 65 F during the day to lows of 32 F at night.
Families should be prepared to dress for cold arena conditions.
Dress Code
Dress code shall be dictated by your 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 American people, your dress and behavior may shape peoples opinion of Americans and Canadians.
Hockey Equipment & Supplies
Pro shops in Western European rinks are 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. Each player should bring 3 sticks overseas with them.
Players should also have enough tape to last them the duration of the trip. Spare sets of laces, helmet hardware, etc. are advised.
Airline Tickets
Tickets will be distributed by the coaching staff upon arrival at the Airline check-in counter.
All participants are expected to be at the Airline check-in counter a minimum of 2 hours prior to your scheduled flight. International check in can take much longer than traditional domestic check-ins. Players that will not be able to make this timeframe should contact their team leader immediately.
With the new security measures taking place, I would urge all people to make sure they arrive plenty early in advance. And to check with their local airport for any recommendations. ESPECIALLY Canadian passengers who must clear customs
Player Rooming lists
Player rooming lists are at the discretion of the coaching staff. Players will be roomed in groups of 2 or 3 while overseas.
Room assignments will be given out upon arrival at the European city and at the cruise terminal. Rooming changes will not be honored except in extenuating circumstances.
Currency & Exchange
Current exchange estimates as of 12/17/2008 are as follows:
Sweden currency – Krona
1.00 USD
United States Dollars |
= |
8.05 SEK
Swedish Krona |
Finland currency – Euro
1.00 USD
United States Dollars |
= |
0.73 EUR
Euro |
Switzerland currency – Swiss Franc
1.00 USD
United States Dollars |
= |
1.15 CHF Swiss Franc |
Latvian currency – Latvian Lats
1.00 USD United States Dollars |
= |
0.52 LVL Latvian Lats |
German currency – Euro
1.00 USD United States Dollars |
= |
0.73 EUR Euro |
Czech currency – Czech Koruna
1.00 USD United States Dollars |
= |
19.12 CZK Czech Koruna |
Iceland currency – Iceland Krona
1.00 USD United States Dollars |
= |
115.55 ISK Iceland Krona |
It is recommended that you bring travelers checks, some US or CDN money and an ATM card. Currency exchange will be available at the arrival airport.
There are ATM machines and currency exchange places throughout Stockholm and there is also a currency exchange on the cruise ship heading to Helsinki. Money can be withdrawn at ATM machines in local currency with reasonable fees. This is the safest and easiest method of obtaining local currency.
We recommend that travelers use these means for currency exchange.
VERY IMPORTANT – Due to fraud controls in place at most banks, travelers should notify their bank or credit card companies of their intention to travel to Europe. In most cases they can temporarily lift these security controls.
Hotel Safe Use
There will be a safe at the hotel to store all plane tickets and passports as a group to ensure the safety and security of any valuable item. Please contact your team manager to facilitate safe storage of your travel documents.
Electric Converters
Normal electric devices like blow-dryers, radios, curling irons, laptop power cords, etc will not fit into any of the Western Euopean cities' electric outlets. You will need to purchase the following international adaptors. You can find them on the internet at http://international-electrical-supplies.com/electricguide.html or at local electronics stores. 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:
plug adapters: the grounded plug adapter WA-9 and the ungrounded plug adapters #1 & #6.
These are the recommended wall outlet plug adapters for all European cities we will be visitng.
Hotel Website and Contact Information
See the hotel link for hotel information.
Overnight Flight
For those of you that have never flied on a flight to Europe or overseas the flights are long and at some times uncomfortable. We recommend wear the most comfortable clothes possible and packing a package for the morning (toothbrush, comb, etc). Meals are served on the planes and lights are turned out to facilitate sleeping although it is hard to do. The flight times are approximately 8 hours to Sweden and 9 hours back. The time differences between the East Coast of the US and the countries to be visited are as follows:
- US Eastern Time Zone to Stockholm, Sweden = 6 hours
- US Eastern Time Zone to Helsinki, Finland = 7 hours
- US Eastern Time Zone to Zurich, Switzerland = 6 hours
- US Eastern Time Zone to Riga, Latvia = 7 hours
- US Eastern Time Zone to Munich, Germany = 6 hours
- US Eastern Time Zone to Prague, Czech Republic = 6 hours
- US Eastern Time Zone to Reykjavik, Iceland = 5 hours
Metro Systems:
Tourism Guides in Various Cities
Stockholm, Sweden:
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Helsinki, Finland:
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Zurich, Switzerland:
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Riga, Latvia:
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Munich, Germany:
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Prague, Czech Republic:
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Reykjavik, Iceland:
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