Château Vaux-le-Vicomte a top destination not just for Belcanto travelers

The long anticipated 2014 Enchanting Europe Tour with Belcanto directed by Mr. Bruce Koliha came to an end.

The group arrived safely back home in California, visited vibrant European capital cities such as London, Paris and Rome and made wonderful experiences along the way.

One of their top destinations during their tour with Incantato Tour was the privately owned legendary Château Vaux-le-Vicomte located in Maincy, France where they had a wonderful concert on Saturday July 5, 2014 in the stunning Grand Hall. This surely was a royal experience. If you are interested in the wonderful acoustics the château has to offer, please have a look at one of the Belcanto performances here on our Facebook page.

The baroque château was built from 1658 to 1661 for Nicolas Fouquet, Marquis de Belle Île, Viscount of Melun and Vaux, the superintendent of finances of Louis XIV. It was an influential work of architecture in mid-17th-century Europe. 

At Vaux-le-Vicomte, the architect Louis Le Vau, the landscape architect André le Nôtre, and the painter-decorator Charles Le Brun worked together on a large-scale project for the first time. Their collaboration marked the beginning of the "Louis XIV style" combining architecture, interior and landscape design. 

It is no wonder why every year many visitors travel to the château, which is located 1.5 hours outside of Paris, or why celebrities travel here for their destination weddings. When you step onto its grounds, you get an immediate royal feeling. It is almost like you are the living character of a fairytale. Where ever you look there is something interesting and incredibly beautiful to discover.
Even high-end magazines such as the Jetset Magazine, which is the number one affluent lifestyle print and online resource writes an article about this magnificent place as you can see here.

Incantato Tours recommends everyone who is traveling France to take the time and visit Château Vaux-le-Vicomte. You will not regret it!

How to display travel mementos?

It is summer time and vacation time and it always seems like a great idea to purchase souvenirs on your vacation, until you are home and do not know how to display them properly.
Unpacking from a trip often includes trying to find places to store or display random keepsakes you have picked up along the way. If you are a sentimental traveler, you may be trying to find a way to keep your trip memories alive in your home with the ideas below:

A shadow box is a great way to show off those mementos in an clean and classy way. All you need is a 12x12 Shadow box which you can purchase at Ikea, Hobby Lobby, Target etc., a selection of keepsakes, double sided tape, craft supplies such as clothespins, masking tape, decorative labels, hot glue gun etc. Source: Design Aglow

Or put your favorite souvenirs into pretty glass jars. Display these memory jars on your mantel and treat it as a living arrangement — continue to update or rearrange items as you see fit. Source: Martha Stewart

If you are interested in other ways to display your holiday keepsakes, please have a look here. 

Travel Tip: Frequently asked questions and answers

What is the size limit and number of items for a carry-on?
You may have 1 carry-on bag - it must be able to fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. We highly recommend something simple and easier to use such as a backpack. 

What are the airline carry-on container regulations?
No containers holding more that 3ozs of liquid are allowed in the carry-on luggage. They also must be in a plastic zip-lock or another transparent bag. Please also have a close look at the 311 rules by TSA (Transportation Security Administration).

Do I need to carry my passport with me all the time?
Ideally, your passport should be with you at all times because you are generally required to have some form of identity with you at all times. Please be “street-smart” and take care of pickpockets. Photocopies of the passport should be packed in your suitcase, available in your e-mail and Incantato Tours should also have a copy.

Do you have recommendations or suggestions on the type of power adapter needed and what voltage?
Electricity in Europe comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but the sockets themselves are different. Adapters and converters may be found at Target, Walmart and radio shack etc. Please also have a look at our blog entry regarding this matter.

Is tap water safe to drink in Europe?
Most European Union countries have implemented the EU Drinking Water Directive which makes it among the safest drinking water in the world. If you are unsure and want to be real safe, we would recommend to buy bottled water.

What is the average meal cost? How much money should you bring? 

As long as you are wise about your choices, meals can easily be 15 EUR or less. You don’t have to go to sit down at restaurants to find good food. But when you do want to sit down, you should check the menu outside to see if they have a "menu special" - you can get an entrée, dessert and a drink for a set price. 

What has the best exchange rate, using a debit card to pull money out or exchanging US currency?
By far, the best way to deal with money abroad is to use your debit or credit card. Most banks only charge around $2 per withdraw and they also take care of the exchange rate for you. Keep in mind that you need a 4 digit pin and also let your bank know in advance that you are travelling abroad. 
We do not recommend to bring Traveler's Checks with you. Please also have a look at our blog entry regarding money matters here. 

Do you know what the transaction fee is for withdrawing euros on my debit card at the ATM's?
This varies by debit card and cash machine used. Therefore we recommend to talk to your bank in advance.

What is the approximate exchange rate right now? 

It’s about $1.35 to 1 EUR (June 2014) 

Should I use a major credit card for all purchases in London or do I need a separate debit card for pounds?
You can withdraw pounds in England and Euro in France and Italy, so just one debit card will be fine. For major purchases a credit card will be best. Please note that you will be charged foreign transaction fees unless you have a card that covers those fees. Have a look at our blog entry regarding money matters here.

What happens if someone gets injured while in tour? Medical care and cost wise?Do they need a medical consent form for treatment?
It is mandatory to purchase travel insurance as indicated on your registration form. You can select any insurance provider you may like. However, due to good experiences in the past we recommend Travel Guard. Please find our blog entry regarding travel insurance here. 

Is there a dress code for non-singers/members of the tour for entrance into Notre Dame and the Vatican? 
A conservative dress code is just fine. We recommend to cover shoulders and knees and modest cleavage. We also dissuade to wear flip-flops.

What is your shoe recommendation for the tour?
We recommend no flip flops, closed toe is our personal recommendation, some light weight sneakers even or good sturdy sandals. Please have a look at our blog entry regarding packing tips here. 

Travel Tip: Luggage Size

Since the 2014 Enchanting Europe Tour starts this month, many of our travelers asked about the suitcase dimensions and how heavy it is allowed to be. Please find the regulations for the two airlines below:

Air Canada:

• Check one bag at no charge
• Max. weight per bag: 50lb, maximum linear dimensions per bag: 62 inches 
• Plus one small/normal size carry-on (measurements: 9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in, maximum weight 22 lb, including handles and wheels)

Here is an interesting link to double check the information provided above.

United Airlines:

• Check one bag at no charge
• Up to 62 linear inches L + W + H and 50lbs per bag
• Plus one small/normal size carry-on (measurements: 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches, including handles and wheels)

Here is an interesting link to double check the information provided above.

Please keep in mind that if you max this allowance out already on the way over, then there is no room for souvenirs on the way back.

Travel Tip: Electricity and Cell Phones in Europe

Dear Belcanto Monte Vista HS travelers, family and friends,

To charge your digital cameras, laptops, etc. in Europe during your 2014 Enchanting Europe Performance Tour, you will need an adapter.
The U.S. plug (2 or 3 prong here in the U.S.) will not fit in an European socket. In most cases the European socket takes a plug with 2 round prongs. The adapters allow an U.S. plug to plug in to the back of the adapter and the front of the adapter plugs into the European socket. You'll find adapters at stores like Radio Shack, Walmart or even online at amazon.com etc.

Please click here for a detailed overview of all sockets types, here for a global map showing the spread of the different plug types used around the world and finally here for a detailed list of the countries of the world with their respective plug and outlet types, voltage and frequency.

_______________________________________________________________________

Incantato Tours discourages their travelers to bring their cell phones to Europe because of the high costs for calls ($1/minute or more), text messages (50 cents and up) and data charges for online services.
Therefore Incantato Tours will supply a free local cell phone for the tour director to use with free incoming calls and allowance for emergency outgoing calls only.
If you would like to have more information on this subject, please check the "international section" of the website of your cell phone provider:

• For T-Mobile
• For Verizon
• For Sprint
• For AT&T

Your Incantato Tours Team

Travel Tip: What to pack for your Incantato performance tour?

Dear Belcanto Monte Vista HS travelers, family and friends,

Time for another travel tip. As your departure for your Enchanting Europe Tour 2014 gets closer and closer, Incantato Tours would like to provide you with some travel tips to make it easier for you to get ready for your upcoming tour.

Do you know anyone who absolutely loves to pack? Neither do we. We understand that for most people, packing for a vacation is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it:

"You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back 

from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" 

Her advice:

"Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is

 to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

Two favorite ways to pack are the roll-up-squeeze (coiling your clothes for maximum space) and the layer-cake-technique of stacking your clothing items between sheets of tissue to prevent wrinkling.
The video below shows you how to pack like a pro:

Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for ladies and gents).

Below are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag. Please remember, airlines allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on.

A sample packing list (just a suggestion!):

• Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert (it is summer in Europe but it can sometimes get a little bit cold in the evenings)
• Umbrella just in case it rains
• An adapter plug and/ or converter (if you are bringing electronic devices, please check if they are compatible, most new devices are)
• Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
• At least two pair of jeans or pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses, too
• A sweater or two (or three, if you tend to feel chilly)
• Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
• Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
• A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables at all times)
• Choir music and attire
• Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
• Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules by TSA | Transportation Security Administration
• All scissors, fingernail clippers etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounces. Bring enough contact lens solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.

If you forget anything, do not worry, there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Enjoy your packing and we are looking forward to start the tour with you.

Your Incantato Tours Team

Incantato's Travel Tip: Money Matters

Dear Belcanto Monte Vista HS travelers, family and friends,

We all know money is a delicate subject. The best way to use your money during your upcoming Enchanting Europe Tour 2014 with Incantato Tours is to have a debit or credit card.
Paying with these cards allows you to minimize cash needs and also allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account.
The debit cards given by the bank have the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard. However, Visa is the most widely accepted card worldwide.

If you bring cash, you can exchange it but be aware that you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Please also keep in mind that most places in Europe will not accept traveler's checks anymore.
Also, be prepared to pay for water in restaurants and/or bars and sometimes a little fee for restroom use (usually 0,50 EUR).
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 20 US-Dollar (15 EUR) per day for meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs etc. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money, it is just a recommendation from our end and depends how much you plan on spending.

There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:

• Most restaurants abroad have menus outside, so you can check their price range before you enter it.
• Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and also better prices.
• Bring your own water bottle because most places have safe tap water to fill it up with.
• Buy food from the "convenient" stores (supermarkets). You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal. It can also be very interesting to see the different products offered in a foreign convenient store.
• Hop around for souvenirs if you plan on purchasing some because many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices. You just need to compare the prices. 

Please also keep in mind that there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.

Last but not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Managers are with you pretty much 24/7. They are there to help you make the right choices abroad and answer all the questions you may have.

We hope you are looking forward to your upcoming performance tour with us.

Your Incantato Tours Team

Did You Know? Incantato's Fun Facts about England

London is the largest city in Europe. There are over twelve million people living within the greater London area. 

London is one of the cities with the highest cultural diversity in the world. About 25% of the  inhabitants of London were born outside of England.

Windsor Castle is the oldest royal residence in the world still being used by a royal family.

The famous Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower, but is actually the name of the bell inside the tower of St. Stephen's. 

The world's first public zoo first opened in 1829 in London. 

There are over 300 languages spoken in England. From 1066 to 1362, French was actually the official language in England.

The English drink more tea than any other nation (over twenty times more than Americans)

England's first Fish'n'Chips restaurant was started in 1860.

London's tube system is the first and the largest underground system in the world.

The 409 escalators in the London subway cover a distance every week which is approximately equivalent to several trips around the globe.

The river Thames, which flows through London, has over 200 bridges and 20 tunnels. 

Electricity in the United Kingdom

Electricity in Ireland is supplied at standard European voltage, 230V 50Hz, but the plugs used are not the same as continental Europe. Ireland uses IS401 (BS1363) plugs which are identical to those used in the United Kingdom. Visitors from the US using 110 volt supplies need to purchase voltage adaptors, or ensure that their equipment can be used on 230V 50Hz. Adapters and converters may be found at Target, Walmart and Radio Shack etc.

Travel Tip: What to pack?

For most people, packing is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents). Incantato also plans a farewell dinner for the tour groups, so bring something comfortable and dressy.
Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel. Yes Ladies, you may have a small purse in addition, gents a camera case is fine too, but again, you will be the one carrying it all from the bus to the hotel and vice versa, so better test if you can move all your travel belongings without needing to make two trips or help from someone else.
A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)
* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices)
* Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
* At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
* a sweater or two
* Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
* Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
* A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables)
* Choir music and attire
* Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
* Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules.http://www.tsa.gov/311/
* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounces. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.

If you forget anything there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Travel Tip: Money matters

Dear Travelers, Money is a delicate subject.
The best way to use your money is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a little fee for restroom use. Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 20 Dollar per day for the meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. The guide is there to help you make the right choices.