How difficult are Next Step walking trips? (Do I have to be an athlete?)
How many miles does one walk on any given day?
What is a typical day like?
What is included in the cost of your trip?
What are meals like?
Can special dietary requests be accommodated?
May I pay by credit card?
What is the Single Supplement?
How do I sign-up for a trip?
What is the payment schedule?
What is the Next Step cancellation policy?
How much money should I bring with me?
What is the best way to acquire Euros?
What type of clothing should I pack?
What type of footwear is most appropriate?
What type of special equipment might be helpful on a trip?
Do I carry my own luggage?
How can I contact Next Step European Travel?
How difficult are Next Step walking trips? (Do I have to be an athlete?)
Next Step itineraries are designed to be accessible to any fit person. No special training or technical equipment is required to enjoy our journeys. Walks may be tailored to your desires. Should you choose to shorten or lengthen a day’s outing, this is always an option. (back to top)
How many miles does one walk on any given day?
In general, between six and ten miles depending on terrain though each day’s walk may be shortened or lengthened if you wish. (back to top)
What is a typical day like?
We depart from the hotel most mornings at 9:00. After our morning ramble, we usually stop for a tantalizing lunch between 12:30 - 1:00. Afternoon walks are optional and are usually shorter and easier than in the morning. We arrive back at the hotel between 4:00 and 5:00. There is plenty of time to explore or enjoy a little down time before we meet for dinner between 7:00 and 8:00. (back to top)
What is included in the cost of your trip?
Next Step trips are all-inclusive. From the time that you first check in to the time of your departure on the last day the only money that you may require will be for personal shopping or spa treatments. All accommodations, all meals including fine wines, all admission fees, tips and transportation are included. (back to top)
What are meals like?
Meals are a celebration of each area’s rich culinary history. We choose only the finest and most authentic restaurants, the ones we would not want to miss! Full menu choice is almost always available (sometimes we enjoy meals with friends in farmhouses where many plates are presented family style.) Each meal is complimented by unique vintage wines to further enhance Europe’s exquisite culinary traditions. (back to top)
Can special dietary requests be accommodated?
Yes. There are always options available for vegetarian diets or allergies. Because most dishes are prepared to order, chefs are happy to prepare a dish excluding specific ingredients. (back to top)
May I pay by credit card?
We are happy to accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. This is often a more convenient method of payment and can allow you to accumulate frequent flyer miles for your next travel adventure. (back to top)
What is the Single Supplement?
The single supplement is the additional cost for a single participant who is not sharing a room. You may have noticed that in many European hotels, single rooms are uncommonly cramped. On a Next Step trip, all participants enjoy double rooms. Participants traveling alone may avoid paying the single supplement charge by sharing hotel accommodations with another participant, if available. (back to top)
How do I sign-up for a trip?
To sign up for a specific trip simply click on “Sign Up” in the menu bar and fill out the application form here on our website or give us a call at (800) 293-1117. (back to top)
What is the payment schedule?
To reserve your space on a Next Step walking tour, simply fill out the Sign Up form here on our website or call us at 800-293-1117. You may also email us at info@nextstepwalks.com Due to the limited size of our groups, we recommend that you book as early as possible. A $500 deposit per participant is due upon sign up. Final payment is due 60 days prior to your trip departure date. (back to top)
What is the Next Step cancellation policy?
If we receive your written cancellation prior to 60 days before your tour departure date, we will refund all payments received less a $150 administrative fee. Should cancellation occur between 60 and 30 days prior to your departure, a penalty fee of $250 per person will be incurred. Cancellations received within 30 days but no less than 15 days before departure will result in a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price. If you cancel within 15 days of your tour departure date, there can be no refund payment. However, we will credit you with 50% of the tour price, which may be applied to any other tour. You may avoid all of these fees by securing a replacement participant for your trip. In this instance, we will issue a 100% refund to you as soon as we have received full payment from your replacement. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your journey. (back to top)
How much money should I bring with me?
Next Step trips are all-inclusive. From the time that you first check in. to the time of your departure on the last day the only money that you may require will be for personal shopping or spa treatments. (back to top)
What is the best way to acquire Euros?
Throughout Europe, automatic teller machines are plentiful. These will accept bank-cards which run on the Cirrus and Access systems, and any debit or credit card with the VISA or Mastercard symbol. A debit card is a very convenient way of obtaining foreign currency at the best exchange rate. Travelers checks receive a less favorable exchange rate and some banks will not accept them. Also, banking hours in Europe are often very limited, especially in small towns, so it can sometimes be difficult to cash your checks. (back to top)
What type of clothing should I pack?
As with all outdoor activities, you should be prepared for weather changes. For the trail, we suggest “layering”; a simple short-sleeve shirt under a warmer long-sleeve shirt that can be removed or replaced as desired. One good sweater or fleece jacket should handle most temperature fluctuations. A light-weight rain slicker or a collapsible umbrella are also recommended. Loose fitting pants or shorts are fine for the trail. For the evenings, attire is casual, though our hotels would appreciate no shorts or T-shirts at dinner. Men may want to bring a sports coat. (back to top)
What type of footwear is most appropriate?
We recommend a light-weight hiking shoe with skid-resistant sole and some ankle support. Sneakers and other street shoes are not sufficient. We also suggest that your footwear is well broken-in. (back to top)
What type of special equipment might be helpful on a trip?
We have found that a small day pack for the trail is very useful. This allows you to carry an additional shirt, your rain gear and other personal items such as cameras, water bottles, etc. Many people also find a collapsible walking stick helpful. (back to top)
Do I carry my own luggage?
Your luggage will be transported for you on the days we have a hotel change and will be waiting for you in your room when you arrive from your walk. (back to top)
How can I contact Next Step European Travel?
Simply give us a call at (914) 255-3733 or email us at info@nextstepwalks.com. (back to top)
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